There’s a bunch of different evergreen trees to grow in containers, but when it comes to containerizing trees, dwarf varieties really excel due to their stature. Some of our best dwarf evergreen trees for pots are dwarf blue spruce, dwarf arborvitae, dwarf mugo pine, dwarf English laurel, dwarf boxwood, and dwarf blue star juniper trees
Most of the aforementioned dwarf evergreen trees will reach size stature more appropriate for outdoor décor such as low hedges or to line garden paths, some are small enough to even be indoor plants if recommeded.
Regardless, these dwarf evergreens can thrive in containers and in many ways are adaptive to living in pots than living in the ground.
In this Article – You will learn about a range of dwarf evergreen trees that can be containerized, the qualities that make them suitable for container growth, and what are the best types of containers to plant the dwarf evergreen trees in.
Why Are Dwarf Blue Spruce Suited for Pots?
Dwarf blue spruce plants are great for container planting. They grow to around three to five feet tall, or you can prune them to have cone shapes or mound shapes, whichever you desire. Blue spruce has beautiful silver blue needles that are whimsical and would be the star of your ornamental garden.
You need to double-check your growing zone, though, because blue spruce is native to Canada, so it does not do well in warmer climates.
You have to make sure you have a wide enough container for your dwarf blue spruce, as they can grow wide and have a somewhat expansive root system.
In general, blue spruce is normally potted in whiskey barrels, or containers of equal size.
However, a dwarf blue spruce which comes small and in small containers will not grow taller than the pot it is in.
So there is an opportunity to keep it smaller than the maximum size.
What Are the Best Potting Containers for Dwarf Arborvitae?
Dwarf arborvitae usually grows best in a 20 gallon pot with a large enough root ball to house itself. Dwarf arborvitae can get to a maximum height of four feet so even the tallest should grow fine in a container.
Dwarf arborvitae here is a fairly hardy plant and it can survive the cold temperatures throughout a fairly wide range of climates.
Still, since this is a potted dwarf arborvitae plant, it is wise to prepare your dwarf arborvitae for winter by changing your potted plant to a sheltered area that is out of the wind and above the cold ground that could freeze the soil and roots.
The nice thing about keeping a dwarf arborvitae potted means that it can be moved in the winter to a warmer place.
During the summer months: The pot should be placed out in full sunlight on a porch or walkway.
Why Should I Plant My Dwarf Mugo Pine in a Pot?
Dwarf mugo pine trees are ideal for pots because they remain small enough to be controlled in height. Dwarf mugo pines are no more than three feet tall, so they won’t overgrow their pot. Dwarf mugo pine trees are also slow growing trees, so it will take several years for them to fully mature.
Dwarf mugo trees are often used as bonsai trees for ornamental use on porches or walkways.
They simply require a lot of care and pruning to keep their petite size in an orderly manner.
Since they don’t grow very fast or large, containers that are two to three gallons are more than big enough for a dwarf mugo pine tree.
Dwarf mugo pine trees, designated as bonsai trees, also make a good houseplant. That is why it is essential to pot them in containers to maintain indoors.
They require well drained soil and it is easier to maintain well drained soil in a pot, rather than in a tree, which has been planted in the ground.
What Kind of Pot Should I Plant My Dwarf English Laurel In?
Dwarf English laurel’s not your everyday evergreen because it’s broad-leafed instead of needle-leafed, but, it’s an absolutely delightful dwarf evergreen tree to cultivate in a pot.
A pot for your dwarf English laurel can be made of any material, and just like the size and shape of your pot is a reflection of how large you want your tree to get.
The dwarf English laurel can grow to be over eight feet tall, and even more impressive, prune-able sizes, so you’ll want to prune if you’re hoping to keep it dwarf.
For a two-foot bush, a 7 gallon container would work just fine.
If you’d like a slightly larger plant, you would need a container upside, or two of volume.
Dwarf English laurel can be used as a stunning ornamental plant for lining walkways, or beautifully placed in decorative pots or urns.
What Are the Advantages to Planting a Dwarf Boxwood Tree in a Pot?
Dwarf boxwoods look beautiful in the carpet but they are even more pleasing in decorative pots. Dwarf boxwoods are easier to take care of in a pot because they need properly drained soil which is done better in a pot than in the ground.
Dwarf boxwoods have many varieties but rarely grow much longer than two to three feet tall.
They can be shaped in many varieties of designs, and are often more easily moved and arranged in potted containers.
While dwarf boxwoods are quite hardy, and in fact quite hardy in the winter, when there is extreme weather’s probability a shelter can be provided for a potted boxwood, whereas a planted boxwood might sustain damage from wind or ice.
What Kind of Pot Should You Plant a Dwarf Blue Star Juniper In?
Dwarf blue star junipers are evergreen trees that make excellent companion plants with perennials. It’s best to place them in a large container or raised pots so you can surround them with other complimentary plants.
Another good reason to use raised pots is the preference these trees have for well drained soil.
If a dwarf blue star juniper tree sits in water or soggy soil, mold or rot could damage the roots. Dwarf blue star juniper trees, remain quite small and compact making them ideal for potting.
Dwarf blue star juniper trees may look more shrub-like in nature, but prefer the color and foliage patterns of dwarf blue spruce trees, making them invaluable for any ornamental garden.
Even Better! Planting your dwarf blue star juniper tree in a container also allows you to bring it into your home to brighten up the inside of your home.
Final Thoughts
It’s a perfect opportunity for dwarf evergreen trees to grow in pots because they’re the right size and the right temperament.
Sure, some reach 4’ in height, but potted trees can still be moved around a gardening space or taken to a sheltered space during winter or bad weather.
Dwarf evergreens usually require a container size that can accommodate their root ball but no more than a 20 gallon pot for any one dwarf evergreen tree.
There are many dwarf evergreen trees available for potted planting.
Some of these species are dwarf boxwood, dwarf blue star juniper, dwarf arborvitae, dwarf blue spruce, dwarf English laurel and dwarf mugo pine.
All of these are miniature versions of the larger species, and will all be a great addition to any garden, whether they are used to line a walkway, or to dress up a seated area.