Planting and Care of Your Evergreen Container

Evergreens will last anywhere from one to three years in a container and will then need to be planted in the ground, as they become root bound. As with planting any shrub, the first thing that should be done is make sure that your plant is being placed in a spot where it will succeed. Make sure sun plants are going to get some sun and shade plants are going to be sheltered from the sun. Carefully remove the shrub from the container and remove any excess potting soil. The potting soil from the pot is usually not the ideal amendment to use in our clay soils here in Wake County. Dig a hole that is three times the width of the rootball but not quite as deep as the rootball is tall. Amend the native soil with planting mix. I like to use about 1/2 to 2/3 planting mix to native soil; this allows for good drainage and aeration for the root system. Place your shrub in the ground and backfill around the rootball. I see many people make the mistake of planting too deep. Make sure that an inch or two of the rootball is above grade. Use some of the remaining soil and planting mix to cover up the remainder of the rootball, leaving the top of the rootball exposed. Water your plant in thoroughly and follow a regular watering schedule and you should be set.

General Guidelines & Tips for Planting in a Container

- One gallon evergreen plants should be in at least a 14” container.
- Three gallon evergreen plants should be in at least a 18” container.
- Fill bottom half of container with planting mix.
- Fill top half of container with potting soil.
- Fertilize with Osmocote (a slow release fertilizer) every four months.
- It is also important to make sure you use a container with really good drainage.
- Make sure the container is made of a material that won’t crack if it is wet during winter weather (freezing).
- Do not use saucers in winter as you do not want your plants setting in water.
- Make sure containers are light enough to transport or are on plant caddies with wheels. You will appreciate this during inclement weather (so will your back!).

Watering Your Evergreen Container

One of the biggest problems with evergreen container plantings is that either the evergreen gets over watered or the plants surrounding the evergreen get under watered. To avoid this problem, you simply need to follow a couple of guidelines. For the evergreen part of your container, water generously until water begins to flow out of the bottom of the container; you should do this once a week as these are generally larger plants with a more vigorous root system, therefore they need more water. For the flowering or foliage plants around your evergreen plant, lightly water every two to three days during warm weather. Once it gets cold,  you will only need to water once a week. For a complete list of plants that are great options for fall containers, see our MUM ALTERNATIVES ARTICLE.

Happy Fall!
Brad Rollins & Pegi, Greenhouse
Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center

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