Pruning the planted tree

How to grow trees in a pot

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Tuesday, 28 May 2019 at 2:24 pm

A large pot can be suitable for a variety of trees – we show you how to plant them.

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Many lovely trees will grow well in a large container, enabling you to add height and structure to the smallest of spaces.

The ideal types of tree to grow in pots are slow-growing or dwarf varieties. Fruit trees are often sold grafted on to a rootstock that controls how big they eventually grow. For growing in containers, look for varieties described as ‘dwarfing’ – a ‘vigorous’ tree will grow too quickly to be happy in a pot, while an ‘extremely dwarfing’ tree will be too weak to cope in the confines of a pot.

You could also look for a multi-stemmed tree. Rather than a standard lollipop tree shape, these have several trunks growing from near the base, which reduces the overall height the tree will grow to.

After four or five years, most trees will need to be re-potted, either into a slightly larger pot or you can snip off some of the outer roots and replant into the same pot with fresh compost.

Find out how to plant a tree in a pot, below.

You Will Need

Large, heavy and frost-proof pot
Equal mix of multi-purpose compost and John Innes No.3
Bucket
Mycorrhizal fungi granules
Gravel or pebbles
Slow-release granular fertiliser

Step 1

Half-filling the container with the compost mix

Choose a frost-proof pot that is large and heavy, for stability. Part-fill with an equal mix of multi-purpose compost and John Innes No.3. Lightly firm the compost into the base of the pot.

Step 2

Removing the tree from its plastic container

Dunk the tree into a bucket of water to ensure the rootball is thoroughly soaked all the way through. Then take it out of the bucket, let it drain and remove the tree from its pot.

Step 3

Teasing apart the roots and sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi

Tease apart some of the roots around the edges and base of the rootball with your fingers. Sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi granules over the damp roots, so that they stick to the surface.

Step 4

Placing the tree in the container

Put the tree into the pot, so the top of the rootball is 2-3cm below the rim. Make sure it's in contact with the compost underneath. Fill in around the sides with the compost mix, firming in well.

Step 5

Mulch the surface of the container

Cover the surface with a mulch of gravel or cobbles to help retain moisture in the compost and prevent weeds germinating.

Step 6

Watering in the planted tree

Water well using an entire can – go slowly so it can soak into the compost. Repeat weekly from March to October, increasing to at least twice a week in very hot, dry weather.

Step 7

Pruning the planted tree

Cut out any dead twigs with sharp secateurs. In spring or summer, thin out any stems that are growing close together. Most trees in pots benefit from soft growth being pruned by 10cm in July.

Step 8

Applying slow-release fertiliser

Feed with slow-release fertiliser granules once a year as it comes into growth in spring. Remove the mulch and sprinkle half a handful on top of the compost. Reapply the mulch. Water in well.

Magnolia stellata

Magnolia stellata

Apple (Malus domestica) – Spring blossom, followed by fruit in the autumn. M26 (dwarfing) rootstock is ideal
Apricot (Prunus ‘Aprigold’) – This small, slow-growing apricot is covered in blossom in spring and produces lots of fruits in summer
Chinese red bud (Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’) – This compact variety has masses of pink flowers in spring, before the heart-shaped leaves emerge
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida f. rubra) – Slow-growing with long-lasting, pink bracts in spring and purple autumn leaves. The conical shape adds architectural interest
Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) – Although this evergreen grows very tall, it can be clipped to keep it in check. Create a formal look with a matching pair
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) – Slow-growing with a huge variety of colours. Keep in a sheltered position, out of strong winds and midday sun
Juneberry (Amelanchier lamarckii) – This delicate, small tree boasts spring blossom and vibrant autumn colour. It is often grown multi-stemmed
Olive (Olea europaea) – Ideal for sheltered urban plots, it should be moved into a greenhouse or porch when the weather gets very cold
Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) – Finely divided, mimosa-like leaves and flowers that resemble pink shaving-brushes give this hardy, shrubby tree an exotic look. Copes well with full sun and heat
Starry magnolia (Magnolia stellata) – Most magnolias grow too large for pot, but this is a compact, multi-stemmed type, with star-like flowers

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