The Tall and Short of It: Eye Catching Containers

When planting a container, determine first where it will go and how it will be seen. Here are some guidelines for choosing and arranging annuals, perennials, and succulents for successful container gardening.

Origanum x ‘Amethyst Falls’
Item # 73051 		Origanum 'Amethyst Falls'
Amethyst Falls Hybrid Oregano

each $7.99
3 to 6 plants $7.79
7 or more $7.59
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Irene'
Item # 82674 		Rosmarinus officinalis 'Irene'™ PP#9124
Irene Rosemary

each $7.99
3 to 6 plants $7.79
7 or more $7.59
Agastache cana
Item # 11820 		Agastache cana
Texas Hummingbird Mint

each $7.99
3 to 6 plants $7.79
7 or more $7.59
Lavandula angustifolia 'Buena Vista'
Item # 63109 		Lavandula angustifolia 'Buena Vista'
Buena Vista English Lavender

each $7.99
3 or more $7.79
Diascia integerrima
Item # 42410 		Diascia integerrima 'Coral Canyon'®
Coral Canyon® Twinspur

each $5.49
3 to 6 plants $5.29
7 or more $4.99
Salvia greggii 'Wild Thing'
Item # 84738 		Salvia greggii 'Wild Thing'
'Wild Thing' Bush Sage

each $7.99
3 to 6 plants $7.79
7 or more $7.59
Vinca major
Item # 98250 		Vinca major
Big Leaf Periwinkle

each $5.49
3 or more $5.29
Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies'
Item # 53555 		Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies'
Apple Blossom Grass

each $7.99
3 to 6 plants $7.79
7 or more $7.59
Helianthemum nummularium 'Single Yellow'
Item # 55068 		Helianthemum nummularium 'Single Yellow'
Yellow Rockrose

each $5.49
3 to 6 plants $5.29
7 or more $4.99
Cold Hardy South African Succulent Sampler
Item # 99532 		Cold Hardy South African Succulent Sampler

Sampler $30.44

Item # 99533 		Cold Hardy Succulent Sampler

Sampler $35.45

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Container gardening is for everyone, whether you have a small balcony or an extensive landscape. Large pots, small pots, window boxes and shallow dishes—they all add to any home’s outdoor décor.

The reason for container interest lately is they do many things in a landscape:

  • Create focal points
  • Add a colorful welcome at the entrance to a home
  • Create temporary interest in an area that’s past its primeor hasn’t yet reached it
  • Test new plants before introducing them into the landscape
  • Grow plants that are not hardy in your area so they can be moved indoors or to a protected area during winter months.

When planning a container or buying one already created, determine first where it will go and how it will be seen. Following are some guidelines:

  • Pots viewed from one side should have taller plants in back
  • Pots viewed from all sides should have taller plants in the center
  • Vary leaf shapes color, and size for textural contrast and interest

    *Make sure all the foliage works together; not all plants may bloom at the same time

  • When using multiple containers, have some unifying features. Use similar pots, repeat the type of plants, or have a related color scheme.

Containers Make Perfect Solutions

For those plants that you can’t be without, but have no room your garden, put them in containers. My zone 4 garden is too cold for many perennials so I use them as annuals in pots. Last year I combined Diascia integerrima ‘Coral Canyon’, Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote Superior’, and trailing Vinca major ‘Big Leaf Periwinkle.’ In a favorite cobalt blue pot, it was stunning.

I also combine a variety of succulents. Some years I plant various succulents in strawberry pots. Other years, I use hypertufa troughs to make small succulent garden displays. I usually place these on my front steps so they can be observed up close.

Other combinations

A few hints

  • Use pretty rocks or pieces or driftwood to fill gaps between new plants.
  • Fill spaces with blooming annuals until the perennials are ready to bloom.
  • Use big pots if possible. They provide a more dramatic accent and they don’t need to be watered every day.
  • Add Yum Yum Mix organic fertilizer to potting soil. Use root stimulators such as Superthrive and Saltwater Farms Sea Com-PGR to help plants get established.

As your fantasies run rampant when shopping for container plants, just remember the simple guidelines of varying heights, different kinds of plants, and include several colors that coordinate nicely. And you’re on your way.