Growing big trees but keeping them small in containers

So... I feel a bit naughty. I bought a Cornus kousa var. chinensis and I'm growing it in a pot so I can have it in ericaceous soil, which goes against other advice I received on here a couple of months ago (someone mentioned I should grow on in the pot but plant out).

But I was thinking (rarely a good thing). If a Cornus kousa var. chinensis can be grown as a bonsai, perhaps I can employ some of these techniques to keep it medium size in a container? I.e. a couple of metres tall and wide but no more.

Is this crazy talk?

 

I have had the same conversation today with a chap who seems to be a bit of a specialist on trees (can't remember what his job title is ) he has told me I can keep a Silver birch in a strong pot to keep it at medium size. He said I may need to keep an eye on the roots and cut them back if they decide to grow out the top of the pot, also do some selective cutting on the branches, but it is possible.

 

I have a Cornus Kousa in my bonsai collection. They do very well in a pot. Every couple of years you need to take them out and cut the roots back and give them new, free draining compost and they do need a lot of watering (every day) but they are quite strong and, with a good feed now and then, will serve you well for many years.

 

Hi Jack

I have mentioned before on here but "Which Magazine" ran a article many moons ago about ericaceous soil/compost and mentioned that any soil kept in a pot over the winter period if left outside all traces of lime were removed just by the winter rain washing it out , so on that advice I have successfully grown ericaceous loving plants , in John innes no 3 but I have planted up the plants in late Autumn so very little root growth if any ?
I prefer soil based compost when using in pots to grow like yourself a shrub or small tree as , doesn't dry out as fast also the weight of the soil stops it from topping over in the winter gales plus feeds the plant for longer.
I think keeping well watered at all times is the best advice that Lea has already mentioned.

 

If you keep a, normally big, plant in a pot it will restrict the root growth, and that will constrain the top growth too. Bonsai is different as that is deliberately making a stunted plant,s o somewhat different.

The only question is whether you will be disappointed by the constrained plant - it might be more vivid planted out than container grown.

 

I have trees in large containers. Haven't had them that long but I plan to root prune them every 2-3 years and plant them back in the same pot, so they will be restricted in the size they grow to, which is what I want.

I have lots of ericaceous shrubs (Rhodos, etc) in large tubs which do very well. I give them a slow release feed once a year in spring and then a dilute liquid feed once a month until the end of July.

 

Growing a bonsai tree sounds like a pretty tough task to me. I am a big fan of container growing, but one should be really patient to grow a big tree in a pot and to manage to keep it small. I personally prefer growing herbs and other edible plants, as you can get more than just a display from them. Full respect to your work and patience, though. I admire you all.

 

As the saying goes: Live like you will die tomorrow, garden like you will live forever

 

@Marley Farley that is fabulous. Gives me hope that I'm not barking up the wrong tree (pun intended).

 

Merleworld, if you have a lot in ericaceous soil spread some leaves from conifers on top of the containers. This will help keep the soil acid and boost your crop of flowers or berries.

 

Thanks Eddie - I tend to use pine needles begged from friends who have christmas trees