If containers or pots are being planted up to be left outside all year round then read this tip.
When you are next either buying or planting up a container or larger pot then think carefully about the size. To protect the roots of your plants during extremely cold weather it is best not to plant directly into the chosen pot or container. If you plant your chosen tree or shrub directly into the pot then the roots are likely to freeze solid in extremely cold weather. If they remain frozen for any length of time then your plant will die of dehydration as it cannot draw up water from the roots.
A much better idea is to choose your container or decorative pot so that you can fit a cheap plastic plant pot inside it leaving a space or air gap all around. Plant your chosen plant into the plastic pot and stand it inside the decorative pot. The air gap can then be filled in with bubblewrap or polystyrene chips or broken up pieces of polystyrene to keep the plant roots from freezing solid by creating an air pocket around the roots. Covering the surface with bark or gravel can disguise the fact that you are using two pots instead of just one. Happy planting. Cath