Why Gardeners Are Falling in Love With a 4" Pot
- Jeff Hughes
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 16
Well bless our roots—we’ve got something new at Sugar Maple Trading Company, and we couldn’t be more excited. For the very first time, we’re offering Proven Winners® ColorChoice® shrubs in 4” grower pots, and y’all… these little plants are impressive.
Don’t let the size fool you. These young shrubs arrive healthy, vigorous, and ready to thrive. We’ve tested them ourselves here on the farm, and they’ve won us over with their robust root systems and quick takeoff in the garden. Best of all? They’re easy on your back and even easier on your wallet.
Compared to full-size shrubs that can run up to $79 a pop, our 4” shrubs are just $16.95—a whopping 75% savings off the typical price of a larger container. And with flat-rate shipping of just $8.95 on any size order, you can fill a box and still keep more in your pocket for mulch or a second round of planting.
That means you can garden smarter, grow more, and still have enough left over for sweet tea and a porch sit.
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🌱 Why Start with 4” Shrubs?
🌿 1. Wider Availability
Larger shrubs tend to disappear fast in peak season—and restocking is slow. But 4” shrubs? They’re more readily available, and we can often special order exactly what you want- even an entire 18-count flat! You’re more likely to get your hands on those hard-to-find varieties.
💸 2. Lower Price, Lower Shipping
Because they’re smaller and lighter, 4” shrubs cost less to ship—which helps us keep the price down for you. Plus, we ship any size order for just $8.95 flat rate. The compact size also means more plants per box, so you can fill your cart without emptying your wallet.
🪴 3. Easier to Handle & Plant
Let’s be honest—digging big holes in red clay or around tree roots ain’t for the faint of heart. With a 4” shrub, you just dig a small hole and pop it in. It’s perfect for tight spaces, tricky spots, or gardeners who just want to get in and out before the noonday sun hits.
🏡 4. Perfect for Containers & Starter Gardens
These little powerhouses are ideal for containers, raised beds, or nursery holding zones. You can grow them in a pot their first year and transplant them into the landscape in the fall. Great for small-space gardening or for trialing a new variety before going big.
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🧑🌾 You’re the Grower Now
When you buy a 4” shrub, you’re starting at the same place the pros do. You’re getting the exact size growers use to produce those big gallon pots. That means you’ll save money, but you’ll need to give it a little extra love as it gets established.
It’s kind of like raising a good tomato—give it the right soil, sunshine, and water, and it’ll reward you all season long.
📦 What to Do When Your Shrubs Arrive
• Water them right away and set them in the shade until planting time.
• Don’t let them sit too long—plant within a week if you can.
• Can’t plant right away? Just pot them up in a 1-gallon container so the roots can stretch out.
• Keep ‘em moist, especially in summer—small pots dry out fast.
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🌼 Where to Plant
Your baby shrub needs a bit of elbow room. Make sure it’s not shaded out or overrun by older plants. You can even use a tomato cage or garden stake so it doesn’t get stepped on or swallowed by the lawn mower.
Not ready to commit to a spot in the yard? Start them in a container, especially if it’s an evergreen or a slow grower. Later in the season, transplant it where it’ll live long-term.
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✂️ Pruning & Feeding Tips
• No need to trim right away—we’ve already done that for you at the greenhouse.
• During the first year, light trims encourage branching—but don’t prune evergreens past midsummer.
• We’ve added slow-release fertilizer to each pot, so no need to feed right away.
• At planting, you can add Bio-Tone® to the hole for root support.
• In year two, feed with Plant-Tone®, Rose-Tone®, or Evergreen-Tone® depending on the variety.
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💧 Watering Wisdom
In the first season, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once your shrub is in the ground or a larger pot, it’ll settle in and become more drought-tolerant. Add a little mulch to help with moisture retention and temperature control—your roots will thank you.
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🛒 Where to Get Yours
You can shop our full lineup of 4” shrubs exclusively at:
These are top-tier Proven Winners® genetics in a more affordable, space-saving size. We’re talking premium plants, lovingly raised, shipped with care, and ready to grow wherever you put them.
Compared to the $79 price tag of a typical 3-gallon shrub, our 4” pots are just $16.95—that’s 75% off and 100% brilliant for gardeners who like a good deal and a great plant. And no matter how many you buy, shipping is just $8.95 flat. That’s it.
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🌟 Final Thought
Down here, we like to say, “Start small, dream big”—and that’s exactly what these 4” shrubs let you do. You’re not just buying a plant; you’re growing something meaningful. Whether it’s a flowering focal point or the start of a privacy hedge, this is gardening that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
We’re proud to offer these small-but-mighty shrubs here at Sugar Maple Trading Company, where gardening meets Southern hospitality. Come grow with us!
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