The use of containerized woody ornamentals for patios and
specialized areas has become an important feature in residential landscape
design. To ensure vigorous, healthy plants in these containers, a growing medium
composed primarily of organic materials (pine bark, peat moss, etc.) mixed with
coarse builder sand or perlite to ensure adequate drainage is recommended.
Plants growing in these media require frequent irrigation and additions of
nutrients. Before potting, the medium should be amended with 2 oz. of dolomitic
limestone per cu. ft. This will raise the pH to about 4.5, a level conducive to
vigorous growth of the plants in the organic medium, but lower than is
recommended for growing plants in mineral soils. Plants should be fertilized
every two weeks in the irrigation water with a complete fertilizer with an
approximate formulation ratio of 2:1:2. While the exact ratio is not critical,
higher levels of phosphorus relative to nitrogen and potassium may reduce plant
growth and vigor. Manufacturer's directions for application should be followed.
Fertilizer products that release nutrients over a number of
months are also desirable and reduce labor associated with frequent
applications. Two types are currently available; one in which the nutrients are
contained inside a resin bead and another where the nutrients are coated with
sulfur. Both will supply nutrients at satisfactory levels throughout the growing
season. The 2:1:2 ratio mentioned above should also be considered when
purchasing these fertilizers. One example would be Osmocote 18-6-12. Directions
on the container should be followed and will vary depending upon the container
size.
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