How and Why to Grow Shrubs in Containers

Many gardeners devote hours each spring to planting and caring for flowers in containers without considering including shrubs in their container gardens. This oversight is their loss, since container shrubs can add variety, beauty and interest to the patio or deck. Here are 6 reasons to grow shrubs in containers and some growing tips for container shrubs.

1. Shrubs, especially evergreens, can provide color and vitality to your deck or patio long after your flowered plants have died back in the fall. They can be wonderful accent pieces that will enhance the beauty of your container garden.

2. In containers, you can grow shrubs that might not survive in your garden, for example because of poor soil, inappropriate locations (too shady, too sunny, too exposed, etc.), or too severe weather conditions.

3. Containers provide a controlled environment for shrubs, enhancing the chance of success even with finicky plants. In a container, you can tailor the soil, moisture and nutrients to each variety of shrub. Also, since containers are easy to move, you can experiment to find the best location with just the right amount of sun and/or shade for any shrub, and it is easy to protect container shrubs from cold or severe weather by moving them to a sheltered location.

4. The selection of shrubs that can be grown in containers is extensive, ranging from flowering varieties like roses and camellias to evergreens like firs and spruces. Also, there are many varieties of dwarf or miniature shrubs that are ideal for growing in containers.

5. Once a shrub is well established in a container, it can provide years of pleasure.

6. If you move, you can take shrubs planted in containers with you.

Not only are shrubs in containers beautiful to look at, they are relatively are easy to care for as well. As with all container-grown plants, the keys are:

First, be sure that the container is large enough for the shrub. It should provide adequate space for the roots to grow and spread and it should have at least one large drainage hole or several small drainage holes in the bottom. For larger shrubs, consider containers (or separate bases on which to place the container) with wheels to make them easier to move when necessary.

Second, good quality, well-drained soil is critical. Loam-based compost is best.

Third, water your container shrubs frequently. Depending on the variety, a container shrub may need to be watered daily (especially in hot weather when the soil may dry out quickly).

Fourth, give shrubs in containers regular feedings with fertilizer appropriate for its variety.

Fifth, shrubs planted in containers may need to be repotted occasionally, although you can minimize this chore if you want to by choosing dwarf or slow-growing specimens. Try to disturb the roots as little as possible when repotting. Even if a shrub has not outgrown its container, it can benefit from repotting every year or two to replace depleted soil.

Sources:

Kent Gullickson, www.bbg.org, Shrubs - The New Glamour Plant

www.iloveindia.com, Shrub In Container - Container with shrub trees- containers for shrubs

www.gardenadvice.co.uk, How to grow shrubs in a container