Root Pruning - Solutions For Vigorous Roots

Whether the plants are left in their pots or planted directly in soil, avoid placing them so close together that they will be overcrowded when mature. A few plants growing and flowering profusely are far more attractive than many that must fight each other for their very life.

Root Pruning

Vigorous vines will eventually fill their containers with a solid ball of roots. Instead of supplying a larger container, you can cut off some of the outer roots, shake loose some of the old soil, and replant in the same container. The proportion of roots that can be safely removed is something less than one-fourth of the whole, depending on the size and maturity of the vine. At the same time, prune woody vines at the top so the balance between growing parts and roots is maintained. Root-prune herbaceous vines at the start of a new growing season.

Grooming

To keep container-grown vines fresh, attractive, and healthy, remove dead leaves and debris promptly. To prolong flowering, pick off fading flowers before they form seeds. Pull small weeds before they grow large enough to rob the plants of food. Mist or spray plants regularly to wash off accumulated dust and soot.

To encourage edging vines to branch fully, pinch out growing tips several times when they are still young. Check these danglers occasionally to make sure they are growing out and over the edge, not back to cover or crowd the plants behind them. Keep climbers neatly tied to their supports, and prune when necessary to keep them in scale with their containers and their surroundings.

Perennials in Tubs

Nonhardy summer-flowering deciduous vines and tender herbaceous perennials can be planted in tubs or boxes to brighten your garden or terrace. In winter, simply move the container to a cool, light cellar or garage, or to a well-built cold frame. This is a wonderful way to enjoy any number of exotic vines, like asarina, less hardy aristolochia, bougainvillea, large-flowered clematis, humulus, some of the jasmines, Southern loniceras, passiflora, plumbago, and even climbing roses.