my neighbor wants to put a tree in a large container and asked me for suggestions. i wouldn't put anything other than a cycad or maybe certain yucca into containers, so i'm at a loss as to what to suggest! we're in zone 6b, so we do can have some serious freezing in winter. and being in a container will make anything more susceptible to freezing...he's aware that he will most probably have to wrap the container for the winter. he's looking for something that, obviously, won't be too large since it'll be in a container (he plans on being able to move it as needed...as in when the sun moves and the area becomes too sunny). no preference for flowers, leaf type, etc. just something that will be pretty low maintance. i'd think something that wouldn't get more than 15 feet tall and about as wide (if even that) would be proper for a container. even some type of bush that can be let go a bit and/or pruned to be tree-like would work. he doens't think he can plant directly in the ground because he'd salted the area a few years ago (lots of weeds and some plants and he didn't want to fiddle with pulling everything up repeatedly). it's been three years and most of the area he salted is now covered by the deck area added, so i don't think putting a tree right into the ground is going to be any kind of issue...your thoughts on that? thanks for your help!
What's his purpose with the tree? Is it for decorative purposes? Most plants are pruned and cut off from its full growing potential for reasons of easy management. Putting a tree in a pot just gives a greater control over size as roots are controlled too. The negatives with regards to freezing is something he has to determine and figure out himself after choosing a tree he likes - dependent on size, maturity and species. Also depending on how much control he wants and TLC he's willing to give and the growth pattern of what he picks, he may be required to prune roots as well to keep foliage above as well as root system below happy and kicking - and staying at the desired height, contained in a pot. In pruning roots, he should be prepared that the tree will stunt and stagnate in growth for some types of trees - not putting out any new foliage/stems/leaves - so don't be alarmed. It will then recover, and bush out a little with gentle feedings. The whole point of it being in a pot is control. Some shorties - azalea bush, winter hardy. They can certainly be pruned into looking like trees. Or a banana tree (avg height ~12 '). He can take the banana tree into the house over winter as well. They probably won't ever produce bananas as us northerners just don't have the right growing conditions for them. He probably doesn't want them to produce bananas either as banana trees die after fruition. Japanese maples are very hardy as well and take awhile to mature - therefore pots are not unreasonable. The laceleaf maple or another acer p. that grows with a rather short and willowy nature. On their own they look like large red shrubs at full maturity - height 5 or 6 feet at most or someone correct me. Branches can be pruned so that the trunk is visible. Might I suggest a trip to a large nursery to have a look-see, not buy anything, and perhaps consult with the employees regarding what they have that's most appropriate. He will then be able to see an array of trees upclose since it seems a great deal also depends on aesthetics and personal opinion.If any strikes his fancy, then take down the name and research it extensively online. If it's a yay, then make a second trip and take the plunge, buy it. But everything he needs to know about that specific tree in nearly every situation should be ingrained! At least that's how I would try to do it. If he's not willing to put that much time and effort into it, he shouldn't be attempting this project. Ultimately whatever tree or plant he chooses I hope he wouldn't be leaching onto you for all the answers and will take an active approach in researching its care for all seasons.. You're a good neighbour. Good luck. :)
I have a Crimson Queen Japanese Maple in a wine barrel and has been growing beautifully for 7 years now. It is on my backyard deck and gets morning sun and/or filtered light from a Honey Locust tree. Then afternoon sun coming from the west is filtered by a lattice screen with clematis growing on it. I have tulips planted with it and Johnson's Blue Hardy geranium. I rarely ferilize, but it get fish pond water occasionally and locust leaves as mulch. PS- I live in Zone 6.
