Containerised

What is a Containerised Plant?

A containerised plant is a plant, tree or shrub that has been grown and maintained in a pot or other suitable growing container. The plant develops its root system within the container, allowing it to be supplied, transported and planted out at a suitable time of year. Container-grown plants can generally be planted throughout a much longer period than bare-root plants, provided the ground conditions are suitable and the plant is properly watered after planting.

Pot-Grown Trees and Shrubs

A pot-grown tree or shrub is one that has been cultivated in a container from an early stage of its development. The container provides a controlled environment in which the plant can establish a healthy, well-developed root system while continuing to grow above ground.

When supplied, the tree or shrub is removed from its pot and planted with the established root ball intact. This helps minimise disturbance to the roots and allows the plant to establish in its new location. It is important that the root ball does not dry out before or after planting, and newly planted specimens should be watered regularly until they are fully established.

Why Can’t All Plants Be Supplied Bare Root?

Not every plant or tree is suitable for bare-root production. Bare-root plants are lifted from the ground during their dormant period and supplied without soil around their roots. This method works particularly well for many deciduous trees, shrubs and hedging plants because they naturally tolerate being lifted and having their roots exposed for a limited period while dormant.

However, some plants are much more sensitive to root disturbance or drying out. Evergreen trees and shrubs, plants with delicate or fibrous root systems, and species that do not tolerate being lifted successfully may suffer significant damage if supplied bare root. Some plants also need to retain their root ball and growing medium to protect the roots and maintain the moisture and conditions they require.

For these plants, growing them in containers or pots is essential. The container allows the root system to remain protected and undisturbed, with access to moisture and nutrients throughout the growing season. It also means the plant can continue to grow and develop without the stress associated with lifting and storing bare-root specimens.

Containerisation therefore provides a safer and more reliable way of producing, transporting and establishing plants that are unsuitable for bare-root production. While container-grown plants are generally available for planting over a longer season, they still require careful handling and adequate watering to ensure successful establishment.