Evergreen shrubs that can be grown in pots are a very good option for landscaping the terrace and balcony in every season. Hybrid varieties suitable for cultivation in our climatic conditions have been created. Here are some of them:
Berberis – an evergreen small shrub reaching a height of up to 80 cm. On the market in our country, varieties with upright and hanging stems can be found. The leaves are oval, with a dark green color. The flowers are colored yellow and appear in early May. It prefers sunny exposures, but also tolerates partial shade. The soil should be rich and kept moist during the summer months. It is fed with universal fertilizers for green plants once a month. It is transplanted in early spring using wider containers or pots. The shaping of the crown is achieved by undercutting. It is propagated by cuttings obtained during autumn pruning. The use of protective gloves is recommended as the plant is toxic. For wintering outdoors, it is necessary to provide protection from low temperatures by wrapping the container with straw.
Bay laurel (Purnus laurocerasus) - has elongated leaves with a rich green color and gloss characteristic of the species. Their length reaches 12 cm. The maximum height of the plant, under our climatic conditions, is 150 cm. The species is highly decorative due to the crown formed by pruning and the spectacular upright inflorescences that resemble candles. It grows well in shady and semi-shady places. During the April-August period, it requires monthly feeding and plenty of moisture. It is transplanted in early spring in larger containers. It is propagated by cuttings. Wintering outdoors is possible, providing good protection from low temperatures. It looks magnificent combined with container-grown bushes with a denser structure. The plant is toxic.
Pernetia (Pernettya mucronata) – a low shrub (up to 80 cm), which owes its decorative qualities to the spherical white, pink or red fruits that cover it in early autumn. The flowers are very small and almost imperceptible. They appear in late May and early June. The leaves are small, opposite and have a light green color. Likes shady and semi-shaded exposures. It is planted in rhododendron soil, which is kept constantly moist during the summer months. During the active growing season, it is fed once every two months. Does not like pruning. Only the twigs with deteriorated decorativeness are removed. It overwinters outdoors, but requires protection from the cold.
Skimmia (Skimmia japonica) – a shrub with a low and very compact crown, reaching a height of up to 60 cm. The leaves are elongated and have a rich green color. In April, it is covered with elegant white inflorescences, and in autumn it is laden with elongated or spherical red fruits. The most suitable for the plant are shaded and semi-shaded exposures. Requires rich and moist soil. From early spring to September, feed once a month. It is not pruned. It is transplanted in early spring or autumn. It winters outside, but with very good protection against the cold.
Procumbent Gaultheria (Gaultheria procumbes) – low procumbent shrub. Despite the small height (20 cm) it reaches, it is extremely attractive because of the red spherical fruits that appear at the beginning of autumn. The dark green, opposite leaves are attached by short petioles to the white or pink colored twigs. Thrives in rhododendron soils that are kept slightly moist. It is fed with fertilizers intended for rhododendron. Water for irrigation should be softened. It is not trimmed. It is transplanted in spring or autumn in containers of large volume. It winters outdoors, but with secure protection against negative temperatures.
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens "Suffruticosa") - variety up to 1 meter high. It has small dark green leaves covered with a gloss. Forms a very dense crown, which is shaped by pruning in May and August. Fragrant yellow flowers appear in April and May. It grows well in shade and partial shade. Requires maintenance of relative soil moisture. It is propagated by cuttings. It can overwinter with protection from the cold. Protective gloves should be used when transplanting and pruning, as boxwood is poisonous.
Erica - an evergreen shrub with delicate pink-red or white flowers located in the axils of the upper leaves. Their shape resembles an inverted miniature pot from which long stamens extend. The leaves are like needles, arranged alternately on the branches. In some varieties, the fresh green color acquires a bronze hue in winter. Prefers sunny places, but also tolerates semi-shade. The soil mixture should be slightly acidic. It can be planted in rhododendron soil to which a little washed river sand has been added. It is fed once with organic fertilizer or fertilizer for rhododendrons. During the warm months, the soil should be kept moist. The plant is cold-resistant and does not require protection when wintering outdoors. It is propagated by cuttings.
Planted in appropriate containers, each of the listed species can be used to landscape open spaces even during the unfavorable winter season.
