If you ’ve ever tried to arise a plant in a pot and watched it struggle , you ’re not alone . Some plant just are n’t made for the container life sentence and will not thrive when limit to a small space . Choosing the wrong type of flora for a flock can lead to stunted development , miserable health , or even last , no matter how much care you give it . Understanding which works need more elbow room to grow or more specific condition is key to keep your garden flourishing .

While pots can work wonder for many plant , certain species favor to spread their roots in heart-to-heart dirt and need place to stretch out out . Whether it ’s due to their size of it , growth form , or environmental needs , some plant will never feel at dwelling in a confined space . If you ’re looking to keep your garden thrive , it ’s indispensable to have it off which plants to avoid growing in pots . have ’s take a feel at which one will sincerely struggle in containers and why .

Oak Tree

Oak trees are lofty giants known for their predominate height and sprawling canopies . When confined to a pot , their wide root systems become severely limit .

This can contribute to stunted increase and a want of stableness .

Additionally , potted oak tree Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree often miss the food and distance they need to thrive . The limited land capability in pots means these Tree ca n’t get to the deep sources of body of water and minerals they require .

18 Plants You Should Never Grow in Pots—They’ll Really Struggle

If you ’re look at an oak tree , it ’s good to plant it directly into the primer coat , where it can fully get on .

Willow Tree

willow tree tree diagram are known for their elegant , weeping leg and love for water . Planted in a weed , they struggle due to their rapidly growing ascendant .

These rootage demand space to pass around and seek out moisture .

In a pot , willows can become root word - bound , leading to miserable health and special increase . Their subdivision may seem sagging and less vibrant .

Oak Tree

© Gardener’s Path

For the best results , plant willow tree tree diagram near a water generator in your cubic yard . This provides them with the environment they need to boom .

Bamboo

Bamboo is pop for its fast growth and exotic appearance , but it ’s not suit for hatful . Bamboo ’s rhizomes spread quickly , realise it difficult for sens to contain them .

When produce in a pot , bamboo can suffer from qualified emergence and become unhealthy . The limited blank can do the plant to become tooth root - bound , bear on its muscularity .

To maintain a healthy bamboo plant , it ’s practiced to plant it in the ground , where it can spread naturally and grow robustly .

Oak Tree

Japanese Maple

Nipponese maples are admire for their delicate foliation and vibrant colors . However , pot restrict their root word development , which can conduct to stress and poor wellness .

These Tree postulate well - drain soil and consistent wet , conditions difficult to maintain in pots . Leaf singe is a unwashed take due to inadequate water provision .

For a thriving Japanese maple , plant it in a garden setting where it can receive rich blank space and nutrient .

Willow Tree

© Wikipedia

Wisteria

Wisteria is renowned for its beautiful , cascading flowers and vigorous growth . In pots , wisteria struggles to reach its full potential difference .

The special quad stifle its encompassing solution system .

Wisteria ’s aggressive development can conduce to the works becoming root - bound cursorily , touch on its bloom and overall health .

Willow Tree

For arresting floral displays , works wisteria in the flat coat , leave it to mount and spread naturally .

Magnolia Tree

Magnolia tree are beloved for their large , fragrant blossom , but they do n’t get along well in pots . Their roots demand plenteous blank to spread and dependable nutrients .

In a dope , magnolia often confront restricted growth and limited flowering . The soil ca n’t retain enough moisture or food to support these tree diagram adequately .

To savour a boom magnolia , plant it in a spacious garden region where it can access what it needs .

Bamboo

© House & Garden

Lilac Bush

Lilac George Herbert Walker Bush are care for for their fragrant flush , but pots can hinder their ontogenesis . Their root system necessitate enough distance to spread and stick out their blossoming capableness .

In pots , lilacs may produce fewer flowers , and growth can become stunted . The ground intensity is often inadequate for their nutritionary needs .

For lush blooms , works lilacs in the footing where they have room to thrive and flourish .

Bamboo

Fruit Trees (e.g., Apple)

Fruit trees , like orchard apple tree trees , require expansive root zones to plump for yield production . In pots , these trees face challenges in get at nutrients and water .

The circumscribed soil volume can result in smaller yield and nutrient deficiencies . The tree may also scramble to underpin its own weighting .

For a bounteous harvest time , plant fruit trees now into the earth , render them the environment they need to grow .

Japanese Maple

© Gardening Know How

Rhododendron

rhododendron are treasured for their beautiful prime , yet peck are not ideal for their growth . Their roots prefer acidic , well - drained filth , which is hard to maintain in container .

In wad , rhododendron may endure from accent , leading to droop flowers and curled leave-taking . The confined infinite limits their access code to crucial nutrients .

For thriving rhododendrons , plant them in garden bed where they can enjoy their preferred soil conditions .

Japanese Maple

Gardenia

Gardenias are known for their fragrant blooms , but pots can pose challenge for their growth . They require consistent moisture and specific soil conditions to thrive .

In a pot , gardenias often struggle with yellow leaves and blossom pearl due to inconsistent lacrimation and alimentary provision .

For respectable gardenia , consider planting them in the background where they can enjoy stable condition and rich space .

Wisteria

© The Sill

Hibiscus

Hibiscus plant boast vivacious efflorescence , but gage can hinder their full potential . These plants thrive in nutrient - productive , well - drain soil , which is challenging to maintain in batch .

In a pot , hibiscus may see ascendent constriction , leading to pale leave-taking and few blooms . Consistent lachrymation becomes more unmanageable as well .

For flourishing hibiscus works , conceive set them in the garden where they can spread and get at the nutrients they need .

Wisteria

Azalea

azalea are known for their vibrant blooms , but they do n’t fare well in pot . The limited quad restricts root maturation and wet retention .

In a pot , azalea may shinny with wilting flower and dry territory . These conditions lead to strain and inadequate works wellness .

For healthy azaleas , plant them in garden bed where they can enjoy the productive , acidic land they love .

Magnolia Tree

© Crazy for Gardening

Clematis

Clematis vines are admire for their colourful flush and mounting power . peck , however , set their maturation and flowering electric potential .

The circumscribe root space can go to fewer blooms and weak vines . Clematis prefers well - drain soil and a stable environment .

For the honorable results , plant clematis in the earth , where it can climb and expand naturally .

Magnolia Tree

Hydrangea

hydrangea are democratic for their large , colourful blooms , but potted animation is n’t ideal . These plant need consistent wet and nourishing - rich filth .

In pots , hydrangeas may have droop flower and punctuate leaves due to short water memory . The special soil also affects their nutrient uptake .

To relish plush hydrangeas , imbed them in a garden bed where they have room to thrive .

Lilac Bush

© Backyard Boss

Tree Peony

Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree peonies are cherished for their large , fragrant blooms , but can can inhibit their growth . They ask deep , productive soil and ample space .

In sess , Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree peony may have buds that fail to open and brittle stems due to restricted conditions .

For a flourishing tree peony , plant it in a spacious garden area where it can full develop .

Lilac Bush

Ficus Tree

Ficus trees are pop indoor flora , but pots can limit their growth . They require space for their roots to spread and absorb nutrients .

In a pot , ficus trees may suffer from foliage drop and restricted root growth , leading to pathetic wellness . The soil in throne often dries out too quickly .

For a healthy genus Ficus , consider plant it in a larger space or using a larger pot to accommodate its needs .

Fruit Trees (e.g., Apple)

© The Martha Stewart Blog

Palm Trees

Palm tree are alien and attractive , but they ask space to grow . In pots , their tooth root ca n’t dilate , top to faded frond and a flimsy trunk .

The limited soil does n’t leave the necessary nutrient or wet retentivity for brandish palms .

To enjoy healthy ribbon trees , plant them in the ground or in very large container that can support their ontogenesis .

Fruit Trees (e.g., Apple)

Cypress Tree

Cypress trees are known for their refined silhouette , but pots can cumber their development . They involve thick soil to accommodate their extensive root organization .

In a pot , cypress Tree may have sparse leaf and visible root surfaces , suggest stress and limited ontogeny .

For a rich cypress , plant it in a garden setting where it can reach the space and imagination it needs .

Rhododendron

© Van den Berk Nurseries

Rhododendron

Gardenia

© Upstate Flower Market

Gardenia

Hibiscus

© Britannica

Hibiscus

Azalea

© Brighter Blooms

Azalea

Clematis

© White Flower Farm

Clematis

Hydrangea

© Brighter Blooms

Hydrangea

Tree Peony

© Sylvan Gardens Landscape Contractors

Ficus Tree

© Cinema Greens

Palm Trees

© Southern Living

Cypress Tree

© Greenwood Nursery