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Ask a Gardening QuestionGardening Questions & Answers: Plant ProblemsI think I bought the wrong trees

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I think I bought the wrong trees

#1 · 1st June 2023, 10:10 pm

I just went xnd bought 7 cupressus pyramid trees that are currently zbout 60cm tall. My plan was to plant them in container pots and stand them on my decking. But I have since found out that they can grow upto 20m tall. So do I return them back to the shop? Or will they remain small if kept in the planter pots? Also what type of tree should i get that won't grow huge, if these need returning? Please advise.

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#2 · 5th June 2023, 7:35 pm

Hi @mfred68

Thanks for your question.

There are a few things to bare in mind when considering the ultimate growth of a tree. Most guides list the growth after 15-20 years when the tree is mature and in perfect growing conditions.

So whilst those conifers could potentially reach that size in the ground, they certainly won't in those pots! So I wouldn't worry too much.

The biggest issue you will have is keeping them watered as they become very thirsty in the summer months!