Selecting and storing plants
Selecting and Storing Shrubs Prior to Planting
Desired criteria
· Correctly named
· Vigorous
· Good shape
· Healthy (no damaged or dead wood)
· Good root system (not spiralling in the container)
· Pests and Disease free
· Good value for money
How to choose top quality plants
They should be well balanced right down to the ground, especially for spot or specimen trees or shrubs. Conifers that are have bare stems at their base will not regenerate and therefore unsuitable for hedging.
Foliage should generally look healthy and not be marked or spotted as this is a clear sign of pests and disease or neglect.
Plants for hedging should not be taller than 60cm/2ft as this will affect the rate of establishment.
Check that the compost in the pots is moist, dry compost shows neglect and this can result in leaf drop later on; especially for evergreen shrubs.
How to choose top quality plants…
Plants should be well established in their containers, with perhaps a little root showing at the bottom. They should not be pot-bound (when the pot is packed tight with roots) as this will delay establishment and may affect the development of the root system, leading to possible problems during dry spells or in stormy condition in the case of trees.
Bare-rooted plants
Although most shrubs are now sold in containers (pots or plastic sleeves) some shrubs such as roses and hedging plant can still be bought bare-rooted. But generally speaking bare-rooted stock is mostly grown to order and used for large scale planting schemes. The main advantage is that it is much cheaper. The disadvantage is that planting can only take place during the dormant season (i.e. November – March)
Root-balled plants
Once you have taken delivery of your stock, immediately water the root-ball to prevent it from drying out (transportation especially if on an open back lorry can be very stressful for most plants due to rapid transpiration caused by the wind).
Prepare the site for planting. Make sure to dig out a hole that is at least twice the size of the root-ball in both width and depth.
The root-ball will be either wrapped in Hessian, elastic or wire mesh in the case of some trees or just loose in a plastic bag.
To remove or not to remove: that is the question?
For all shrubs, you should remove all wrapping as the aerial parts of the plant will develop quite quickly once planted and will need the support of the roots (the wrap may inhibit root growth)
For trees, Hessian, elastic and even wire wraps will eventually rot away and as tree development is slower they have little or no effect.
Inspect the roots for any signs of damage, and prune back with secateurs if necessary.
Always remember to water thoroughly prior to planting.
Disturb the soil as little as possible then plant to the same depth as that of the nursery or soil mark. Planting too deep may lead to rotting and entry of Pests Diseases or have the same effect as ring-barking. Plant too shallow and roots will become exposed and dry out.
Temporary storage of plants prior to planting
If you are unable to plant soon after accepting delivery, then the plants will need to be protected from drying out. Containerised plants can simply be set out on a level piece of ground and kept well watered until needed. Root-balled and bare-rooted plants should be thoroughly watered and then kept in a plastic sack with wet straw, for a few days only if necessary.
If plants need to be stored for more than one week then they should be ‘Heeled-in’ until required. To do this, dig a shallow pit or trench; place the roots in, cover with soil and firm down with your heels, then water. In this way the plants are give far better protection against drying out and/or frost damage to the roots.
Note: if trees are to be ‘heeled-in’, they can be laid at a reclining angle in order to prevent them from being pushed over by the wind.
Ensure that plants are well labelled, and remember that they are likely to loose the few remaining leaves that they may have, and will therefore be much harder to identify at the time of planting.
Advantages and Disadvantages of container and bare rooted stock
Container grown plants
Advantages:
1. Can be bought when in flower and foliage, this allows the purchaser to see what they are buying and the plant has an instant affect on the garden.
2. Can be bought and planted all year round, providing suitable weather and soil condition prevail
Disadvantages:
1. The plants usually cost more
2. The root ball may be compacted
Bare rooted plants
Advantages:
1. Cheaper in most cases due to production methods
2. Lighter to move around and may be easier to plant due to lack of soil around the roots
Disadvantages
1. Limited planting time – Nov. to end of March
2. Plants are dormant therefore unable to see the plant in leaf or flower
3. Root disturbance/damage occur during lifting
Source/ web page etc.
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