Influence of Winter Pruning on Ornamental Plants Grown in Two Kinds of Container

Pruning is an operation that assures adequate functional and aesthetic attributes to ornamental plants. A regular development of roots is essential for the plants grown in pot, because the root deformations can slow down plants establishment and compromise the stability of trees. The aim of this research was to investigate the performances in the nursery of Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'Limelight', Ligustrum lucidum 'Excelsum Superbum' and Malus 'Profusion' grown in two different containers (a traditional and a modified container for “air pruning” effect on roots) and pruned with increasing intensity (light, moderate and severe) compared with unpruned plants. Some differences among treatments were observed in all species. In Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'Limelight' unpruned plants had the lowest score and the best results were obtained with pruning from moderate to severe intensity because they guaranteed a regular plant architecture. In Ligustrum lucidum 'Excelsum Superbum' the unpruned control had the worst results because the plant had a weeping aspect while an uniform and round shape was obtained with light pruning. In Malus 'Profusion', unpruned plants had a worst blooming whereas severe pruning gave more vigorous and flowering shoots. In all species the modified container did not reduced root weight while it prevented roots spiraling.