planting pot underground

[topshelf12]

  Hello everyone,
I will be growing my hibiscus in pots. Most of them will be on the patio but I wanted to put some of them into the landscape. I dont like the look of pots mixed in with other plants in the dirt. Could I plant the entire container under the dirt and then dig it up in November? This way seems less stressful to the plant than putting it in the ground and digging it up each year. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
thanks
Norm

[Doll]

When you dig them up in November the roots will have grown out through the drainage holes. Since you will be losing part of the root system you will need to prune back the plants a bit.

[davidwood]

No problem at all Norm, in fact I do it all the time, allthough I do mine for cosmetic reasons,  I dont need to bring them in from the cold. Also with the pot submerged it keeps the roots cooler which is important for me here with the heat.
I am not so sure it would be a good idea to totally submerge the pot as you need to be in control of what goes in it [food pesticides water etc], I have mine with just the lip sticking up .

At the moment I am preparing an area where the pots will be sunk for Pineapple Sundae, Samba Dancer and there cuttings, I cover the surrounding are of the top soil with sand, but it will look ok when I have finished, in fact once the Andeniums come into bloom and those cuttings become flowers I will send another picture.

[Charlie]

Thanks for those photos, David. Great idea to protect the roots from heat and beautify your already gorgeous garden.

Norm, when I had my house and greenhouse in Valley Center, with 10 nights a year down in the mid-20's, I couldn't grow hibiscus in the ground either. I did exactly what you are talking about and it worked out very well. As Doll said, sometimes roots will grow out of the holes in the pot and into the ground but if you are moving them every winter that growth won't be too extensive and the plants will survive being uprooted. If they wilt afterwards you can do some pruning or just keep them in shade and mist them for a few days until they get back in balance. It's a good way to go and I expect I will be doing some of this in future years also.

Charlie