Hi, I have had a Hornbeam, about the size of yours, for over 20 years in a 50 cm pot with no sign of distress. It doesn't grow much. It's probably quite root bound if I take it out but the roots aren't growing through the bottom. It's a good shape and perfectly healthy. I have never pruned it, though Hornbeam can of course be clipped and coppiced and is also recommended for Bonsai, so is probably tolerant of root pruning.
Keep it in the pot it's in if it's convenient unless it starts looking sad. The main benefits of a bigger pot is not blowing over in the wind. Contrary to what is, judging by this thread, a popular belief, most trees will do well in pots, though it can keep them small and some, like Birch, are very susceptible to drying out and need to go in a large planter. If you want to put it it in the ground in a few years check out air pots which control root growth, but it should live in any pot for years.
Hi, I have had a Hornbeam, about the size of yours, for over 20 years in a 50 cm pot with no sign of distress. It doesn't grow much. It's probably quite root bound if I take it out but the roots aren't growing through the bottom. It's a good shape and perfectly healthy. I have never pruned it, though Hornbeam can of course be clipped and coppiced and is also recommended for Bonsai, so is probably tolerant of root pruning.
That is really interesting. I am amazed that the roots have not grown through the holes in the pot. Please can you add a pic to this thread, would love to see how it looks.
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Keep it in the pot it's in if it's convenient unless it starts looking sad. The main benefits of a bigger pot is not blowing over in the wind. Contrary to what is, judging by this thread, a popular belief, most trees will do well in pots, though it can keep them small and some, like Birch, are very susceptible to drying out and need to go in a large planter. If you want to put it it in the ground in a few years check out air pots which control root growth, but it should live in any pot for years.
I am amazed that the roots have not grown through the holes in the pot.
Please can you add a pic to this thread, would love to see how it looks.