trouble free plant for pots
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 2:08 pm
by nakanj
I need suggestions for trouble free plants for 2 large containers. Ones that don't involve a lot of work.
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 2:35 pm
by Kisal
The location, I.e. sun exposure, whether it gets regular rain or needs irrigation, size of the container, what it's made of, etc., all would have a bearing on how much care a plant living in it would need. Can you provide this information? Sometimes the design of the container can play into the amount of care the plant might need, as well. Plants that flower generally require more care than those that do not, IMO.
Also, "a lot of work" is rather subjective. Are we talking about simply watering the plants, or having to prune them, deadhead flowers, and so on?
Small evergreen shrubs are pretty much carefree, IMO, but they need regular watering, especially if the container is made of absorbent material like brick or cement.
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 2:46 pm
by hendi_alex
I love my container grown Japanese maples which are very low maintenance, except for lifting and trimming the root ball every few years. They do need regular water when the temperatures are up in the 90's but that could easily be accomplished with drip on a timer.
I also enjoy my wisteria, of which we have three types growing in containers. Each is very low maintenance and also quite tolerant of excessive drying between watering, when we are a way for a couple of days.
Our plants were started out in 3-5 gallon containers and are now in 15-35 gallon containers, mostly depending upon the size of the plant and how often I want to have to deal with trimming the roots.
One last suggestion is peony. We have several growing in containers, and the mature plants seem to need at least a 5 gallon container. They do appreciate getting only morning sun, or getting some shade from the afternoon sunlight. Ours have been very easy, and bloom reliably every year.
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:08 pm
by nakanj
Kisal..
sorry, I should have said.. ok, the containers are app. 4ft. high and about 6ft. around. So very large. They will get direct sunlight pretty much all day. I don't mind if I have to water them but just don't have time for deadheading.They will set in front of our town civic center so I want to give them something pretty but as little trouble as possible, as I will be responsible for their upkeep.
I have seen Japanese maples in pots before and it sounds like something they might like. Is there any special variety that does better in pots?