Planting flowers should be fun and rewarding, not stressful. When selecting annuals it is really hard to go wrong when picking colors. Don’t be afraid and choose the plants and colors you like. There really are no rules.
For the best containers and beds, keep taller plants to the back or center depending on the shape or position of your garden bed or container. Let the shorter and trailing or spreading plants fill in the edges and everything else can go in between. Choose one or more plants from the three types below and you can’t go wrong.
Flower Container Combinations
Thriller, the centerpiece or focal point. These are the tall, upright plants with eye- catching foliage or color planted at the back or center. Dahlia, coleus, cordyline, salvia, angelonia and grasses are examples of perfect “thrillers”.
Filler, mounded plants that fill out the container. These plants should provide contrast in texture and/or color. Great plants in this group include lantana, nemesia, ostespermum and Diamond Frost.
Spiller plants soften the edges of the container or planting by spilling over the edge. Choices include sweet potato vine, bacopa, million bells, fuchsia, vinca and more.
Beautiful Flowing Window Boxes
Other tips for great results…
- If you only have morning sun, stick to shade and part sun plants.
- Don’t forget to water your plantings, especially right after planting and on those hot, windy days.
- Fertilizing is very important and what nutrients are in the soil aren’t enough to keep your annuals blooming all summer. Sargent’s has selection of Miracle Gro, Osmocote and other fertilizers depending on your needs.
- Don’t be afraid to prune and cut back your annuals. A good “hair cut” in mid to late June can extend the life of your plantings.