How to Pot an Ornamental Cherry Tree
Even if you’re short of space, you can still enjoy an ornamental cherry’s gorgeous spring blooms by planting a tree in a container.
2011, Dorling Kindersley Limited
When planting an ornamental cherry in a pot, choose a specimen grown on a dwarf rooting stock, such as M26—this will restrict its size and keep it from outgrowing its container.
- ornamental cherry trees
- weatherproof pot
- rocks or broken pieces of old clay pots
- gardening gloves
- soil- or loam-based compost
- controlled-release fertilizer
- watering can or garden hose
Step 1: Place Rocks in Bottom of Pot
You might also consider using "crocks," which are broken pieces of old clay pots, in place of the rocks. Wearing gloves, add a layer of soil- or loam-based compost, and mix in controlled-release fertilizer, following the product guidelines.
Step 2: Soak Tree Roots
Soak tree roots in a bucket before planting. Coax out any roots that are circling around the root ball, and stand the tree on the compost, ensuring it is upright.
Step 3: Plant the Tree
Plant the tree at the same level it was growing at in its original pot. Fill in with compost and firm down, leaving a 2in (5cm) gap between the rim of the pot and the compost for watering.
Step 4: Give the Tree a Good Soak
Water regularly—every couple of days in the summer—and feed annually in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Underplanting will add floral interest through the summer.