How to Landscape Tall Shrubs That Can Be Potted

Wash empty pots and containers in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly to prepare for the new shrubs. The new containers should be about 6 inches larger than the pots in which the shrubs are currently growing. Fill the clean containers about a quarter full with fresh potting soil.

Tip each tall shrub in its nursery pot until it's lying on its side, tap the sides of the pot gently to release the root ball and slide the nursery pot off the root ball. This method provides full support to the shrub as you remove the pot.

Separate the exposed roots of the shrub and use a sharp knife to trim away any roots that are soft or show signs of fungus or mold. Prune coiled roots, if necessary.

Carefully lift each shrub and place into a new container, using a small trowel to fill around the roots with potting soil. Spread the roots in the pot as you fill it, pressing the soil to avoid air pockets. Water the transplanted shrubs.

Move the potted shrubs, arranging them to create a privacy screen or living wall. When in place, shape the shrubs with hedge clippers, if necessary, to achieve the look you want. Combine a variety of hedge-type shrubs with columnar evergreens or spreading deciduous shrubs to add texture to your potted landscaping.

Trim the potted shrubs as they grow just as you would prune shrubs in your yard. Shape your potted shrubs as landscape elements. Because they're potted, you can use them as outdoor decorating accents and move them at will. For a formal look, prune tall hedge shrubs such as boxwood into topiaries.