TRANSPLANT ADAPTATION IN LANDSCAPE OF ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS IN RELATION WITH SUBSTRATE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND CONTAINER SIZE

Growing plants under different conditions could induce a series of differential characteristics that lead to a better adaptation to water shortage when shrubs are transplanted into the landscape. Viburnum tinus L. and Spiraea japonica L. were grown without limitation in water supply to obtain commercial plants according to growers standards.
Pine bark of two grades (coarse and fine) and with different water retention characteristics were used as substrates.
Plants were grown in two container sizes: 2170 cm³ and 8830 cm³. After 10 months of nursery growth, plants were transplanted in Lleida (Spain). Sixty five days after transplanting, better development was obtained in plants grown in large containers and also with coarse pine bark.
Evaluation of physiological conditions shows higher water stress hardening of plants grown with coarse pine bark, which may indicate a better adaptation to transplanting with low water addition.

International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics

J. Narciso Pastor, R. Savé, O. Marfà, S. Burés, Josep M. Pagès

pine bark, container media, particle size, Viburnum tinus L., Spiraea japonica L.

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1999.481.12