Trees that can survive in outdoor planters?

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claramorgan Durham, NC Aug 13, 2015

My brother was killed in a car accident a few months ago and my family has chosen to put a large planter at his gravesite, since the cemetery does not allow you to plant directly into the ground. I don't know much about gardening, but we're looking for a tree that can grow in an outdoor planter in North Carolina (chilly winters and hot summers) and will hopefully provide a little shade. We loved the idea of a dogwood tree, but not sure if they will work. Does anyone know if a dogwood will survive or have other suggestions for trees that could handle this?

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DaisyPlantLady Reno, NV(Zone 6b) Aug 13, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I'm sure we can find something that will survive and thrive.

How big is the planter: width x length x height.? What is the temperature high and low of the area where the cemetery is? Is there any shade at all? If so, what time of day? What is the planter made of and how thick are the walls? How will it get watered?

Daisy

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claramorgan Durham, NC Aug 13, 2015

Thank you so much! The planter is about 36x36x30". It's sunny in the morning and shaded in the afternoon. In the summer it gets up to about 95 degrees, and it the winter it gets down to freezing. We will be watering it at least once a week. We aren't sure what the planter is made of yet... Probably granite.

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DaisyPlantLady Reno, NV(Zone 6b) Aug 13, 2015

The growing conditions sound good. The tree you choose should be one that is small in stature - a full grown dogwood would not be happy in a container that small or being watered only once a week.

If you are going for color, my first thought would be a crepe myrtle. There are several varieties that stay relatively small. Perhaps a Rose of Sharon or a Butterfly Bush (one of the small ones).

My second thought would be something that stays green all winter such as a Fat Albert Spruce or a Mugo Pine.

I'm sure others will have some suggestions now that we know the parameters of your project.

Daisy

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tapla Bay City, MI(Zone 6a) Aug 18, 2015

If the planter is resting directly on the ground, you should be safe with almost all plants rated hardy to at least 1 full zone colder than you. If it's isolated from the benefit of the earth's geothermal heat (sitting on something or on legs), the plants should be hardy to 2 zones colder.

Al

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