Abstract

Shoot dry weight and relative root density of Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Compacta’ and Rhododendron obtusum (Lindl.) Planch. ‘Hino Crimson’ were greater when liners were transplanted into holes with a core removed (excavated) compared to holes formed by compression (dibbled). Growth index, relative root density, and shoot dry weight increased as the percent pine bark in the growth media increased from 50% to 80 or 90% pine bark with holly and from 50% to 90% pine bark with azalea. Bulk density decreased and air porosity and irrigation frequency increased as the percent pine bark in pine bark:sandy loam container media increased from 50% to 100%. In a second experiment, root density and shoot dry weight of Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Helleri’, but not Rhododendron × ‘Trouper’, were greater in pine bark and pine bark-sandy loam media when the planting hole was excavated rather than dibbled. Plant growth of the 2 species in peat-based media was not influenced by planting method.