Key Takeaways
- Select eco-friendly pots and replant when necessary to provide space for roots to expand and flourish.
- Choose plants that have similar lighting and watering requirements, then group the potted plants at different elevations to add visual appeal and enhance ecological advantages.
- Give preference to indigenous flora and nourish them using compost or natural organic substances to aid pollinators and enhance soil health organically.
Container gardens can
boost curb appeal
Offer a vibrant touch of seasonality exactly where needed, and establish an inviting environment to attract pollinators to your outdoor space. However, these benefits hold valid solely when adhering to the guidelines for cultivating cheerful, thriving container gardens. Linda Vater, a specialist in garden design, emphasizes this point.
Southern Living® Plant Collection
and Mary Phillips, who leads the Native Plant Habitat Strategy/Certifications at the
National Wildlife Federation
There are numerous pitfalls to avoid when dealing with your containers, but fortunately, each issue has a simple solution. In this section, plant specialists share their insights into common mistakes made with container plants along with effective strategies to address these widespread issues.
Meet the Experts
-
Linda Vater, the garden design specialist from
Southern Living® Plant Collection
-
Mary Phillips, who leads the Native Plant Habitat Strategy/Certifications as the head at the
National Wildlife Federation
Error #1: Selecting inappropriate containers.
Phillips cautions against choosing containers made solely from non-recyclable plastics or ones with a significant carbon impact. She suggests instead going for eco-friendly alternatives such as wood, terracotta, or similar materials known for their durability and reusable qualities.
After selecting the appropriate container, your task remains unfinished. It’s crucial to reassess the dimensions of your pot as your plants develop, ensuring they maintain adequate space to flourish. As Vater points out, “If the pot is too small, the plant may dry out rapidly, become root-bound, and experience restricted growth.” Do not hesitate to repot into a bigger container when your plants start appearing cramped.
Error #2: Overlooking your plant’s requirements for light exposure.
A container full of
sun-loving plants
Under a shaded porch? Not happening. “Treat your pots and containers just like your garden beds,” suggests Vater. According to this gardening specialist, when deciding where to place your container, consider whether it will get morning or afternoon sunlight, how close it might be to a wall that radiates extra warmth during the day, or if it’s beneath an overhang—each factor significantly influences what type of plants would thrive best within those conditions. To create a simple setup with shade-tolerant species, Vater proposes using a planting mix including
‘Tapestry’ Heucherella
,
‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia
, and
‘Angyo Star’ Fatshedera
.
Error #3: Failing to water your container plants frequently enough.
If you’ve observed that your potted plants become limp far more quickly than those planted directly into the ground, know this isn’t just an illusion. Pots tend to lose moisture faster; thus, choose species known for their ability to withstand arid conditions and require less water, advises Vater. She adds, “When scorching temperatures arrive with clouds of mosquitoes during summertime, one would prefer avoiding the never-ending task of outdoor watering.” To minimize how often you must hydrate pots, look for low-maintenance options like certain plant types that thrive with minimal irrigation.
Ever Sapphire™ Agapanthus
and
Suntastic™ Pink Abelia
.
Error #4: Overlooking the long-term implications of your plant choices.
To develop containers that flourish throughout the year, Vater emphasizes the importance of choosing plants that are resilient across two zones.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
For example, if you reside in USDA Zone 7, choose plants for your outdoor containers that can tolerate temperatures as low as those found in USDA Zone 5,” she clarifies. “Plants growing in pots outdoors tend to be more susceptible to extreme temperatures, especially cold, compared to those planted directly into the ground.
This guideline isn’t as crucial for warm-season annuals, yet it remains significant to consider if you intend to maintain shrubs in containers through the winter or year-round. According to Vater, insulated pots can offer additional safeguarding for root systems prone to severe temperature fluctuations.
Error #5: Considering every container as a separate entity.
Avoid thinking of your containers merely as single-dimensional objects. Instead, they should accommodate various plant species and add visual appeal through their placement at differing elevations. Grouping these containers so that they utilize an array of plant types and sizes, reflecting the upward growth seen in nature, serves more than just aesthetic purposes. As Phillips notes, “Lower-growing plants can serve as cover for beetles and certain ground-dwelling insects,” whereas taller ones act as resting places for tiny birds and flying creatures such as dragonflies.”
Error #6: Putting plants with varied maintenance needs into the same container.
Imagine containers as a unified space; thus, the plants placed inside the same container should share similar needs. “Take into account aspects such as their preference for certain soils, ability to tolerate sunlight or shade, and watering demands,” advises Vater. “If these conditions vary significantly among plants sharing the same pot, they may become ‘poor companions,’ leading to the deterioration of one or more of them.”
To create a successful blend that will flourish all season long, choose
‘Lemon-Lime’ Nandina
,
Saucy™ Red Salvia
, and
Purple Pixie® Dwarf Weeping Loropetalum
All three of these plants need moderate to low amounts of water and soil that drains well. For more recipes, Vater suggests visiting the website of your specific plant brand or looking at the
National Garden Bureau
.
Error #7: Incorporating non-native species into your potted gardens.
“Give preference to native species in pots to establish tiny habitats and promote diversity, particularly in limited areas,” suggests Phillips. “These container gardens featuring local flora can serve as connectors within cityscapes, offering essential provisions for animals navigating through various green zones.” The specialist recommends choosing vegetation that will
attract pollinators
Like salvia for attracting hummingbirds and milkweed for monarch butterflies. Take a look at the National Wildlife Federation’s recommendations.
Native Plant Finder
To assist in selecting the appropriate plants for your region.
Phillips suggests considering a long-term approach by incorporating plants that will produce late-season flowers for migrating creatures. This can easily be done by keeping plant debris in pots instead of removing all the withered blooms, thereby offering a home for helpful insects.
Error #8: Frequently using artificial fertilizers for potted plants.
Although fertilizers can be beneficial for your plants, opting for a synthetic version might lead to potential issues.
accumulation of salts within the soil
Phillips suggests taking a more natural approach instead. She recommends adding compost, worm castings, or other organic matter as required to supply nutrients slowly and foster a thriving soil ecosystem in pots.
Read the initial article on
Southern Living
