I would say that JI number 3 would be OK on its own or even your mix. The shrub/tree would be a problem for me being grown in even a large container. I think that it will require very regular watering and will quickly outgrow the container. Best grown in the ground would be my advice. Sorry to be a killjoy!

Thanks for the advice however I will give it a go in a large container and see how it goes.....

Your mix sounds fine but you don’t need as much as a third of grit … a few good handfuls mixed in is always a good idea. The large pot should be fine - once the roots have filled the pot (ie are contained) the tree won’t be able to grow much more.

Sheila you are quite right in the fact that a pot of roots can stunt the growth but the roots will displace the soil; the water and feed will quickly run through and you then might have a problem in trying to prune the roots.

I wasn’t thinking of pruning the roots Jimmy … too difficult in a big pot. In my experience a potted tree just stops growing after a few years.