Pot bound plants....If that is the right phrase

[Nodrog1826]

Looking to plant some dwarf conifers, not sure if it is the right time of year, etc ,etc.

Don't want them to grow too high, two or three feet, will suit my needs, but then I don't want the roots spreading either.

Opinions please, as to if the idea of planting them pots et al, will give me the result I want, or any potential pitfalls.

 

[tramcar trev]

I have done this. Growing plants in pots that is. Basically you would be creating Bonsai, so in early spring you prune the shoots and roots to keep things how you want them, train the branches by wrapping wire around them and bending to where you want them for a season or 2. If you plant the pots in the ground the roots will escape via the drainage holes so you need to be able to "lift and twist" the pots to prevent them going wild. You would be surprised how big a tree you can grow in a very small pot, but watering is a prime consideration, pots especially crammed with roots dry out very quickly.....
Mine are going great guns; http://trevs-tramway.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/the-fat-controller-said-let-there-be.html

 

[maxi-model]

I have some in planters on my line. The proper dwarf types probably don`t need keeping in restricting pots due to their very slow growing nature. I was told by my regular source planters and pots were great at restricting the growth of more regular types of conifer. Don`t forget to feed potted conifers with the correct nutrient solutions as well as water as they are not available from the surrounding soil as a normally planted tree would have.

A pic of my station area.  The trees in shot are in planters on top of a concrete patio. There are 6 trees and they have been in for 5 years. I have only lost one and the was the only "dwarf", and Alberta Spruce. The regular conifer types in the planters are a lot smaller than identical types planted normally at the same time and seem fit and healthy.

Max.

 

[KandNWLR]

Morning all. Nice and sunny.


Shrubs etc.,

Yeah right..I was told by the local nursery man that the conifer shrubs I bought would grow no more than 5 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter, Mmmmm.
They are now about 6 feet 6 inches and five feet diameter......................................so do the right thing Bonsai them as Trev said.....because another couple of years weather such as we have had this year will probably see the things go bananas...

The banana tree / shrub / bush a doors down here in Alsace is doing nicely, but I definitely wouldn´t recommend it for garden railways

 

[tramcar trev]

The banana tree / shrub / bush a doors down here in Alsace is doing nicely, but I definitely wouldn´t recommend it for garden railways

Yeah Banana skins on th tracks will cause loss of traction....