A few years ago, I got a question from a good friend,” Can you buy a tree that is balled and burlapped and plant the tree in a pot and keep the tree in that same pot all year, outside and in front of your house?”
My instant answer was yes, but it would take some work. My friend did not want to cut trees down for her living room each year.
From personal experience, one could grow just about any evergreen in a pot for a time if you have the right plant and the right size pot.
The Dwarf Alberta Spruce, or Picea glauca “Conica,” has a compact, dense growing habit that makes it suitable for both outdoor Christmas trees and potted plants.
Nurseries have long claimed that this evergreen grows from 6 to 8 feet tall at maturity and 3 to 4 feet wide. When a homeowner purchases a Dwarf Alberta Spruce in a pot, these plants are often purchased to create spirals in the garden and serve as a focal point.
Just as with any other plant, you will need to find a site in your yard with good airflow and sunlight all day, if possible. South-facing walls will help minimize exposure to harsh elements.
If you place your container in a sunny location on wheels, you can move your tree out of heavy winds that dry out the plant and lock the wheels in place until you need to move the plant.
One of my complaints about Dwarf Alberta Spruces is that the canopy density can cause the northern portion of the plant to gradually die with that change.
Select a container with three inches of watering room above the root ball at the top, below the rim. Each pot will require a different amount soil considering the size of the root ball.
Then, if the spruce is in a pot, that is unable to endure the elements you need to remove the spruce and place it with a larger weatherized pot.
If the spruce is balled and burlapped, you can leave the burlap on the root ball, but remove all the twine. Fill the rest of the pot with potting soil. Leave the root ball surrounded by soil up to three inches from the top of the pot.
This allows the water to effectively penetrate the soil. Mulch the top of the pot with two inches of mulch to help insulate. Wrapping the pots with burlap or bubble wrap is a good insulator as well.
You don’t want the roots to freeze.
Water the pot until all of the soil and mulch feel moist, and water is coming out of the bottom drains, using tepid water during the winter. In hot weather, you’ll need to water daily.
You need to be aware that your spruce will need extra care when it comes to an all-purpose organic fertilizer, as you fertilize in late fall or early winter. Don’t fertilize during warm spells in the winter.
Fertilizing early may trigger growth during a vulnerable period in winter. Prune your spruce in late summer or early fall after your first year to maintain the spruce’s shape and control its size.
Remove dead and damaged branches to prevent the spread of disease and pests.
Terra Cotta pottery breaks and cracks when freezing temperatures start. I have lost many terra cotta pots to winter if I keep them outside. Most terra cotta doesn’t survive it two years.
Standard plastic pots do not withstand ultraviolet light well. Last year, while I was trying to move one of my heavy plastic pots that had been outside for three years, the plastic shattered in my hands.
The plant landed on the ground, damaging the hair roots of the spruce. Trees will live for a long time if we treat them with the respect and care they deserve.
Double-walled pots or insulated pots will help retain heat for the roots. Drainage for pots is critical for plant health and to prevent water-logging.
Ice and snow can cause all kinds of damage to trees that you place outside after Christmas. Heavy snow can break branches, and ice can damage the foliage.
A lightweight cover or cloche can shield your evergreens from heavy snow. Salt thrown near pots can cause root damage.
I have always loved the fragrance of a Christmas tree in the house. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy Christmas all year?
Start planning now for your indoor/outdoor Christmas tree.
I hope you have a great stroll through your garden.
If you have any questions, please e-
mail me at ericlarson546@yahoo.com.