Landscape Quality (LQ) vs. Retail Quality Plants (RQ)

Landscape Quality: These plants are grown for durability, with strong root systems and a focus on resilience over aesthetics. They may not always have the perfectly shaped foliage of retail plants, however they establish quickly and are ideal for large-scale projects such as streetscapes, commercial developments, and mass plantings.

Retail Quality: Grown for immediate visual appeal, retail-quality plants are pruned and maintained for a well-shaped appearance. They are typically more compact, bushier, and ideal for home gardens or decorative use where aesthetics are a priority.

Choosing the right pot or bag size is essential when selecting plants for your garden or landscaping project. The size of the container directly affects the maturity of the plant, the development of its root system, and how quickly it will establish after planting.

Smaller pots, such as 75mm and 100mm, contain younger plants that require more time to grow before reaching maturity, whereas larger pots, like 200mm and 300mm, hold well-established plants ready for immediate impact. Bag sizes from 45L to 500L represent advanced trees and shrubs with fully developed root systems, perfect for instant landscaping.

Use this guide to understand how each pot and bag size relates to the plant’s growth stage and what to expect when planting.

Standard vs. Squat Pots

Standard Pot: A traditional, deeper pot designed to encourage strong vertical root growth. These pots support plants that require deeper root systems for stability and long-term growth, such as trees and large shrubs. Due to their depth, standard pots drain water more efficiently, preventing excess moisture buildup around the roots. This makes them ideal for plants that prefer well-aerated soil and require good drainage.

Squat Pot: A wider, shallower pot compared to a standard pot. Squat pots promote broader root development, making them ideal for plants with fibrous or spreading roots. They are commonly used for species that prefer more lateral root space, such as certain native plants and groundcovers. Because squat pots hold water for longer, they help retain moisture, which can be beneficial for plants that thrive in consistently damp soil or in warmer climates where water retention is needed.

75mm Pot
Young starter plants with a small, developing root system. Ideal for propagation, tube stock planting, or growing on before transplanting into larger pots or the ground. These plants require more frequent watering and care as they establish.

100mm Pot
Slightly more developed than tube stock, these plants have a stronger root system but are still in their early growth stage. Suitable for small-scale landscaping, home gardens, or growing on before final planting.

140mm / 150mm Pot
A well-established juvenile plant with a more developed root ball. This size offers quicker establishment in gardens while remaining easy to handle and transport. It’s a popular choice for hedging, shrubs, and groundcovers.

200mm Pot / 10L Bag
A semi-mature plant with a robust root system, allowing for faster growth and adaptability after planting. Suitable for more immediate landscaping impact and requiring less frequent care than smaller pots.

300mm Pot / 25L Bag
A mature plant with a well-formed structure and a strong, established root ball. These plants provide an instant effect in gardens and landscapes, adapting well to transplantation with minimal stress.

400mm Pot / 45L Bag
Larger, more advanced plants with a strong root system that ensures a smooth transition when planting in the ground. Ideal for feature trees and advanced shrubs that require minimal establishment time.

75L Bag
A highly advanced plant with a substantial root ball, making it well-suited for projects requiring immediate impact. These trees and shrubs have strong, developed canopies and minimal transplant shock.

100L Bag
A near-mature tree or large shrub with a fully developed root system. This size is perfect for instant landscaping results and is commonly used for commercial projects, streetscapes, and large residential gardens.

200L Bag
A mature, well-established tree with a significant root ball that allows for rapid adaptation after planting. These are ideal for creating an instant canopy or focal point in a landscape.

400L Bag
An advanced specimen tree with a deep, extensive root system. Requires professional handling and planting but provides an immediate, established look in large-scale landscaping.

500L Bag
A premium-sized tree with a fully developed structure, often used for high-impact projects such as public spaces, large estates, and commercial developments. These trees offer instant shade and presence but require careful transport and installation.