As a result, container-grown plants have well developed root systems. The planting season for container-grown stock is the same as for balled and burlapped material. Generally, container- grown plants are smaller in size and lower in price in comparison to balled and burlapped stock. Trees and shrubs are also sold as containerized or potted plants. While potted plants and container-grown material look similar, they are quite different.
Potted plants are bare-root trees and shrubs that have been recently potted into containers.
As a result, their root systems are poorly developed and the soil often falls away from the roots during transplanting. In comparison, when the pot on a container-grown plant is removed, the root ball usually remains intact because of the well developed root system. Because of the limited root system of potted plants, proper care during and after planting is critical. Planting failures are often higher for potted plants compared to container-grown nursery stock due to their higher maintenance requirements. Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa.