Container Gardening For All Sea - Barbara Wise

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CONTAINER
GARDENING
FOR ALL SEASONS
Enjoy YEAR-ROUND Color with 101 Designs
Barbara Wise
CONTENTS
Dedication
Acknowledgments
In Memoriam
INTRODUCTION
What You Need to Know Before You Even Start Looking at Plants
Plan Before You Plant
The Right-Sized Container
The Ten Commandments of Container Gardening
What Do You Mean? How to Use This Book
Now What?
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
WINTER
Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers: Designing Your Own Containers
Containerscaping
Party Ready: Holiday Container Ideas
USDA Hardiness Zone Map
Sources
Barbara Wise, In Her Own Words
Index
Sea glass or other decorative stone is a lovely way to finish off or accessorize your plantings.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU EVEN START

LOOKING AT PLANTS
There will be a segment of the population who hears the phrase baby steps and
immediately falls into laughter, remembering the much-panned psychological therapy of
fictitious Dr. Leo Marvin in the movie What About Bob. And then there will be the group of
people who hear that phrase and remember hearing the advice of a grandmama or an older
friend telling them, The task may seem overwhelming, but try to accomplish a little at a time.
Finding success in each baby step will help you take another. Whether the advice comes from
the ramblings of a narcissist movie character or from the heart of a trusted friend, when we find
that we can have success in one small area, it gives us confidence to try againand maybe
even to take a bigger step.
When I first started working in the horticulture business, one of my favorite clients was a
sweet lady who would walk into a garden center wanting to find something pretty to plant at
her home. Shed look around at all the options and sometimes leave in tears, overwhelmed and
often empty-handed. This same lady had a post-graduate degree from an Ivy League school,
taught at a university, and, with her medical degree, was often literally responsible for saving
human life. But gardening and garden design seemed daunting to her.
She was willing to pay me to create the design, purchase all the plants, and handle all the
planting. But as we sipped coffee in her kitchen during our first garden consultation, I came to
understand that what she longed for was the joy of planting something with her own hands,
creating something beautiful, and feeling the joy of growing plants at her home. What she
really needed was a gardening project that was not overwhelming, that was contained to a
small area, and that came with clear instructions and guidance so that she could experience
success. She needed to take baby stepscontainer gardening offered her that opportunity.
Does any of this sound like you?
I love my job of planting and maintaining hundreds of containers for different clients every
year. Yet as I began working with folks like this client, I realized that what I enjoy even more is
helping folks learn to love to garden. There are generations of people today who have never
planted a seed or maintained a garden but who now desire to embrace the plant worldbut
they do not know where to even begin. Thats where this book will help. Ive created a
recipe approach to container garden design and installation that takes you from an empty
pot to a lush, vibrant container garden that you create at home.
So well start here, at the beginning, with some achievable container gardening projects to
try to help cultivate a culture of gardening, starting with you. If you are a more experienced
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gardener, then even betteryoull appreciate my recipe approach to container gardening too.
The options for where you can use container plantings are limitless!
PLAN BEFORE YOU PLANT
Before you head over to the garden center to gather all the plant material for a project,
draw a simple plan for where you want your planters to be located. Over the next few days,
observe how much sun and shade these locations get, noting whether the sun is morning
and/or afternoon sun. Also, take note of what will be surrounding the container and ask these
questions:
Will it be backed up against a dark, colored, or light wall?
Will there be other plants around it in the landscape with bloom colors that you want to
complement?
If you have an irrigation system, will the container block the spray from reaching any
plants behind it? Could an irrigation tube for the container be adapted from the existing
irrigation system?
When adding window boxes or deck boxes on new homes, check with your builder to see
if these additions could negate a warranty or present any problems to the building materials
used by the builder.
Answers to these questions will determine where (or even if) you locate a container garden.
An important issue to consider, too, is how close a water source is to a planter. Ive visited
gardens where containers are never planted because they have no convenient water source.
This also needs to be considered when installing window boxes. I absolutely love window
boxes on homesas long as they have sliding windows that can open (I do not recommend
window boxes on casement windows), the boxes are at least 10 inches deep and wide, and they
can be easily accessed from either inside the home or safely with a ladder.
The only container planting that I refused to create was for a window box that was under a
window that did not open, and that was also over the gabled roof of a porch that led to a
steeply sloping front yard. (Somebody didnt think that design through to the end product.)
Thats just too dangerous a location.
Finally, make sure that the area where you want to locate a container can be easily
accessed for planting, watering, or even just for installing the container. Ive seen folks
purchase 300 pounds of beautiful planters that they wanted to site fifty yards up a steep
footpath to that extra-special little nook of their gardenonly to find that it would cost them
three times more than the price of the containers just to have someone install it.
Remember that old adage, Measure twice and cut once? Well, in this case, its plan twice
and purchase once. Youll be glad later.
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Full sun plants thrive in deck box containers like these that get all day sun.
THE RIGHT-SIZED CONTAINER
Finding the right containers for outside your home is not an overwhelming task, but some
factors do need to be considered in the process. The most common mistake I see is when
someone wants a big display of plants but purchases a container that only holds about a
gallon of soil. The container itself may be large, made of lots of heavy material, but the
container design has left little room for the soil needed to sustain a healthy plant. (Droughtloving succulent plants would be excluded from this requirement.)
As you buy containers, be sure to consider whether the container is wide and deep to
prevent mature plants from drying out between watering. The more soil that is available to hold
water, the less you will have to keep watering. You also want to make sure that the container is
deep and wide enough to hold all the plants you want to grow, with space for additional soil
needed for root development, without any soil spilling over the sides. In general, you will want
the soil holding area of the container to be at least about half the height of the tallest or
longest plant in your container.
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Containers can come in all shapes and forms like this old wooden tool box holding begonias.
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Starting container plantings with smaller plants than those specified can help save on costs.
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These pressed pulp pots are excellent inserts to use inside a more decorative container.
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Group containers together for impact.
Look at the style of your home and choose containers that mimic this style. Urns provide a
traditional, formal look; glazed or clay planters and fiberglass planters can range from
contemporary to earthy; and cast stone containers often provide an Old World feel. Also
consider where these containers will be placed when choosing container colors. For example, a
full sun or western-facing location is not a good choice for a black cast-iron planter. Not only
do you risk literally baking the roots of the plants but a hot planter would quickly dry out the
soil.
Knowing the amount of sun that will hit your container during the different seasons is also
a major factor in your plant choices. I have containers on my front porch that will receive zero
direct sunlight during the winter but which get about five hours of midday sun during the
summer. Trying to find a plant combination that I could maintain year-round would not be a
good option for this location. If you plan to plant in containers throughout the winter in areas
where the containers are likely to freeze, look for metal, fiberglass, stone, or reinforced
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concrete, which are much less likely to crack.

Be willing to look beyond the ordinary when considering containers. I love to scour
antique stores (and my own basement or attic) to find interesting planters. Ive planted
moss-lined antique egg baskets, wooden wine crates, old copper barrels (with holes drilled in
the bottom), and old rusted pull-wagons. As long as a container has a drainage hole, the
container options are vast!
Shade-loving recipes do best in morning sun or dappled light.
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Okay, boys and girls, its time to gather round for a lesson from the Gospel of Gardening.
Put on your best overalls and finest gardening gloves, pull up your wheelbarrow to the potting
shed, and sit back on your weeding stool as I present todays sermon on the Ten
Commandments of Container Gardening. These rules are guidelines to help you be
successful container gardeners.
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I. Thou shalt begin with soil.

Success begins with whats in your soil.
Just like Grandma used to say, Its whats on the inside that counts, having the right
type of soil for container plantings is vital to growing season-long plantings, whether they are
herbs, vegetables, annuals, or perennials. You want what is often referred to as soilless soil,
a product that is a well-draining mixture of compost, vermiculite, peat moss, and water retention
particles that is free of soilborne diseases and weeds. Using regular garden soil or topsoil will
cause a container mix to quickly become compacted, preventing tender roots an opportunity to
grow. I personally use products like Fafard Complete Container Mix, Monrovia Organics
Potting Soil, or Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Container Mix, but there are lots of others. Youll
find the one that works best for you. I refer to this type of product in the recipes as a
container mix potting soil. I also strongly recommend filling the entire container with soil.
Giving your plants an environment where their roots can reach deeply for nutrients will keep
your containers healthy longer.
II. Thou shalt let the sun guide you in everything you do.
Wherever you place your container, be aware of how much sun (or how little sun) that
container will receive. Fill that container only with plants that like the same sun requirements.
For instance, lantana is a full sun plant that needs at least 6 hours of sun to bloom well. Know
the sun requirements of your plants, and dont believe everything you read on the plant tag!
Full sun in Michigan (where many plant tags are printed) is much different than full sun in
south Texas. When trying a new plant, talk to someone local who is knowledgeable about the
sun requirements for that plant. In this book, recipes will be noted as:
SUN 6 or more hours of direct sunlight each day. Be aware that 6 hours of afternoon
summer sun is more intense than 6 hours of morning summer sun. In this book, recipes will be
coded as sun only if they can tolerate 6 hours of sun in all locations (unless specifically
mentioned otherwise in the recipes description).
PART SUN 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Its important to note in this
requirement that this is the minimum amount of sunlight needed for the plant to achieve its
flowering or foliage color potential.
SHADEless than 3 hours of sun per day. Filtered or dappled sunlight falls under this
category.
III. Thou shalt not covet your neighbors abilities.

Know your own gardening limitations; take an honest look at your time constraints or
physical limitations and plant only what you can maintain. Choose low-maintenance annual
plants, such as mandevilla, allamanda, begonia, duranta, caladium, or Kimberly queen ferns, for
summer containers if you know you have little time for deadheading and watering. Install
irrigation tubing to your containers if you know youll be traveling or working long past
watering hours.
IV. Thou shalt know who your plants friends are.

In these recipes, plants are combined because they have similar sun requirements and
watering needs. In general, plants that like full sun and dry soil need to be planted with other
plants that are happy in those same cultural conditions. It is also important to understand the
plant options I provide if the plants mentioned in a recipe are not available. I give you the
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common name of each plant (which is sometimes the same as its genus name), the Latin name
of each plant (which is the botanical genus and species name that distinguishes that plant from
other plants), and often I will provide a specific cultivar name (a variety within a botanical
species that has been bred for certain unique qualities). If a container recipe calls for a
particular plant such as coral bells (common name) Heuchera (genus) Caramel (cultivar), then
you can sometimes find a different cultivar with similar characteristics such as Heuchera
Crme Brulee. Be diligent if substituting cultivars to read about their growth habits and sun
requirements because they can be different even within the same genus.
V. Thou shalt remember your container, and keep it holey.

A container without a drainage hole is a water garden. Make sure it has good drainage.
Most plants do not like to be waterlogged and tend to die more quickly from root rot than from
drying out.
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VI. Thou shalt always loosen the rootball of plants

before planting them in a container.
Use either your fingers or the blade of your trowel to loosen the rootball before you put it
into the planter to ensure that the roots start to reach out into the soil rather than keep
wrapping around the root system. One of my favorite tools for gardening is a hori-hori knifea
traditional Japanese gardening hand tool with a serrated edge, a sharp point, and a curved
blade. Several times throughout the container recipes I will mention, shave the rootball. This
means to use the serrated edge of a hori-hori knife or the edge of a hand trowel to remove
layers of soil and the fine roots around the diameter of the rootball.
VII. Thou shalt make sure to know the mature size plants will grow
during a growing season.
Instant gratification is a common theme in our society, so folks often will plant way too
many plants in early spring just to fill up a container, only to find that the only plant that they
see in August is one cute little sweet potato vine that overtook the other plants in the
containers. Carefully read the height and width potentials of your baby plants. They can
become container thugs.
VIII. Thou shalt not forget to fertilize!

Annual plants are generally heavy feeders, so use both a slow-release fertilizer, which I will
refer to as a general-purpose fertilizer, such as Osmocote, at planting. Then regularly feed
throughout the season with fertilizers such as Colorburst, Bloombooster, Montys Joy Juice,
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Daniels Fertilizer, or Flowertone. Bloomboosting fertilizer refers to fertilizers that are higher in
phosphorus than nitrogen and potassium. For a gentle weekly fertilizer, use Authentic Haven
Brand Manure Tea, which will help to condition the soil so that plants can absorb nutrients
better.
IX. Thou shalt regularly check for pests and diseases.

There are several good products for treating aphids, pests, and fungal disease such as
Bayers All Purpose Flower Care, Neem oil, and many of the Garden Safe products.
X. Thou shalt remember the words of Hortius Culturii, A plant without

fertilizer is weak. A plant without water is dead.
Dont forget to water your plants. Use a showerhead-type nozzle, which mimics a slow
steady rainfall, when you water. A harsh jet spray of water may seem like a quick way to water
plants but this will blow off the top layers of soil and leave roots more exposed to the elements.
It is best when watering a container to give it a good soaking so that water saturates all the soil
in the container. This will encourage the plant roots to grow deeper into the planter, which will
draw water during warmer or drier times. A layer of pine fines, sand, moss, or rocks on top of
the soil when you are finished planting will also help hold moisture in the soil. Remember to
always leave one-half to one inch of space between the top of the planter and the top of the
soil so that water has a place to pool before soaking into the potting mix. If the level of potting
soil is above the rim of the planter, your water could quickly run out of the container and onto
the ground without soaking in deeply, and soil around the roots could be washed away.
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WHAT DO YOU MEAN?

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Containerscaping is pretty straightforward, and I use certain phrases and assumptions

often. These definitions will help you understand the terminology used in this book. Check out
page 21 showing how to read a recipe too.
Plant Size
If no size is indicated in the recipe before the plants name, then the size that I am
recommending is a 2 1/2-to 4-inch-diameter pot size. This is a common pot size for transplants,
which often will be found in a flat of 18 plants. (You wont have to buy them all.)
Fertilizing
Fertilizers are composed of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, referred to as NPK. The
differing numbers refers to each elements relative percentage. The phrase bloom-boosting
fertilizer refers to fertilizers that are higher in phosphorus than nitrogen and potassium.
Phosphorus helps a plants root development and boosts a plants flowering ability. Nitrogen
is needed for plants to produce chlorophyll, which allows plants to grow and also helps
develop their darker green color. Potassium aids in protecting plants against diseases,
improving root development, and helping photosynthesis. For a gentle weekly fertilizer, I often
use Authentic Haven Brand Manure Tea, which helps condition the soil so that plants can
better absorb nutrients. There are many other fertilizers you can use. A general-purpose
fertilizer will have a NPK ratio in which all the ingredients are similar to or equal to one another
in their percentage, such as 10:10:10.
Watering
Terminology to be aware of when reading the recipe descriptions include:
Dry to the touchmeaning when you press down gently on the top of the soil, there is no
moisture that appears around your finger or is detected by touch.
The top 2 to 4 inches of soil are drymeasured by sticking your finger into the soil to see
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if any moisture can be felt. There are several good, low cost moisture-detecting devices that
can be found in many garden centers that will accomplish this same task if you are worried
about messing up your nails!
Dry soil will be a lighter color than wet soil. Just because a plant is wilting does not
necessarily mean that water is needed, but if you check the soil and the soil appears and feels
very dry, watering should be your first plan of action.
Adding Container Mix

In some of the recipes I state, Loosely fill your container with potting soil. The words
loosely fill mean pouring the soil mix into the container without packing it down, allowing
room to add those 4-inch to 1-gallon-sized plants in a recipe.
Sun Needs
Youll remember this from the Ten Commandments of Container Gardening, but just to
recap:
Sun is 6 or more hours of direct sunlight each day. Six hours of afternoon summer sun is
more intense than 6 hours of morning summer sun. In this book, a recipe will be identified as
sun only if it can tolerate 6 hours of sun in all locations (unless specifically mentioned in the
recipe description).
Part sun is 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Its important to note that this is the
minimum amount of sunlight needed for the recipe plants to achieve their flowering or foliage
color potential.
Shade means less than 3 hours of sun per day. Filtered or dappled sunlight falls under this
category.
Deadheading
This refers to removing the faded flowers on a plant. Use pruning scissors or your fingers
to cut back the blossoms to right above the set of leaves below the faded blossom (sometimes
called the spent flower). It is best to pinch geraniums with your fingers rather than clip them
with pruners.
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How To Read a Recipe

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Small
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Each recipe will have a Sun Preference, Container Size, and Difficulty Level at the top.
Shopping List
Container mix potting soil
1 small bag crushed volcanic rock or lava rock
1 echeveria (Echeveria Black Prince) A
1 stonecrop (Sedeveria hybrid Hummelii) B
1 stonecrop (Sedum hybrid Fine Gold Leaf) C
plant diagram
The shopping list will pertain to the planting diagram (above) to identify each plant by its
respective letter. The shopping list will also let you know if a specific cultivar is needed. If no
standard size is listed in the shopping list, use the standard cell-pack size.
Each recipe has a description of how to plant, and watering and fertilizing needs. An image
is included along with optional or alternate plant suggestions.
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NOW WHAT?
Once the hard work is over, now what? Youve observed, youve shopped, youve
placed, and youve planted. Now you just need to keep your container plants alive. If you
have an irrigation system going to your planters, check it often to make sure that nozzles are
not clogged, that they are not getting too much or too little water due to changes in
temperature, or that the clock has not been shut off due to power outages. Watering, as
mentioned in the Ten Commandments of Container Gardening, is the most important aspect to
maintaining your plantings so monitor your container plantings regularly. Nutrients are
washed out more quickly when watering, so fertilizing the container as directed in the recipes
will help keep your plantings healthy and keep flowering annuals blooming abundantly.
Regularly check for pests or diseases. Dont be afraid to pinch back annual flowers by 2 or 3
inches if they start to look spindly or leggythis actually helps them to branch out and
rebloom.
There are wonderful resources available to help you as you take baby steps into the
gardening world. Most local County Extension services are filled with helpful people full of
good information to help you treat any pest or disease issues. The Extension agents and your
local nurseries and home-improvement stores also can help you understand how the hardiness
zone where you live may affect certain plants in your recipes or which recipes would work best
in your zone. But even the best gardeners lose a few plants each year, so dont get
discouraged.
Gardening is not some sort of game by which one proves his superiority over others, nor
is it a marketplace for the display of elegant things that others cannot afford. It is, on the
contrary, a growing work of creation, endless in its changing elements. It is not a monument
or an achievement, but a sort of traveling, a kind of pilgrimage you might say, often a bit
grubby and sweaty though true pilgrims do not mind that. A garden is not a picture, but a
language, which is of course the major art of life.
Henry Mitchell in The Essential Earthman
Getting Started
After you have gathered all your ingredients for planting your container, you should place
your planter where it will be for the season. Even small containers can get heavy after adding
soil, plants, and water. You can add a piece of permeable landscaping cloth, a small piece of
screen material that is used in doors, or even a coffee filter over the hole in your planter if you
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are concerned about soil leaking out. Add enough container mix potting soil so that you have
enough room in the container to put your plants and where the top of the rootballs will be
about one inch below the top edge of the planter. Make sure your plants have been watered
well before loosening the soil in preparation for planting. Place the plants as illustrated by the
recipe diagram, adding any additional soil to fill in spaces between plants. Finish with a thin
layer of pine fines, sand, small pebbles, or moss over the top of the soil. Water thoroughly to
saturate all the soildry potting soil will quickly pull the moisture from your newly planted
plants.
I also often use another trick for containers that I replant on a regular basis. I find a plastic
or pressed fiber pot (which I call inserts) that will fit comfortably within my decorative
container and which allows nearly equal amounts of soil as would be in the container without
the insert. Then I plant my recipe in that insert and plop it into the container, using moss to
disguise any edges of the insert that may be visible until they are covered by plant growth.
The advantages to this are that I can plant on a planting table instead of leaning over a
container, and I can keep the mess corralled to one area. All my soil, plants, fertilizer, and tools
are kept at one planting location so all I have to do is deliver the planted insert to the
designated container.
Now that you know the basics of container gardening, choose a recipe and lets get
started!
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After 6 weeks of growth this planter is luscious.
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Bonny Scotland
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized Scotch broom (Cytisus x praecox Allgold) A
3 1-gallon-sized autumn ferns (Dryopteris erythrosora) B
2 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Amethyst Mist) C
5 wintercreepers (Euonymus fortunei Coloratus) D
3 yellow violas (Viola x wittrockiana) E
When I first put this planter out for a client, they called and said that they were
disappointed to get something that wasnt very colorful. It was very early spring and the
Cytisus Allgold looked a lot like a thick, tall, green ornamental grass. I asked them to call me
back in a few weeks if they were still disappointed. Well, they did call me back but this time
with praise over their vibrant planting. The Scotch broom was covered in golden flowers, the
heuchera was full of light pink blooms, and the violas were blooming like crazy. New spring
growth on the wintercreepers looked almost chartreuse against their purple winter color.
While Scotch broom will do fine in full sun, it will still bloom in the partial sun that the coral
bells and autumn ferns flourish best in. Keep this planting evenly moist and fertilize regularly
during the growing season with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Cytisus species are considered invasive in some areas so this is not a plant that I
recommend planting in your landscape without first checking with your local Extension Service
(to see if its banned or otherwise not a good choice for your area). Enjoy it as an excellent
container plant that can be moved to larger containers as it grows.
This spring planter combo works well as a winter planting for those in areas warmer than
zone 6. Autumn ferns, coral bells, and Scotch broom are all winter evergreens in those zones.
PLANT OPTIONS
There are not many plant substitutions that will give the same effect. One of the few is to
substitute pre-chilled daffodils bulbs for the Cytisus. Plant 6 to 8 daffodil bulbs about 6
inches deep. Bulbs must be pre-chilled for them to bloom during the spring. If you feel the
empty space in the center of the planter looks too boring before the bulbs come up, plant a
few more yellow violas where the bulbs were planted. The daffodils will come up through the
violas.
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A Bright Spot
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) A
1 Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) B
1 golden creeping jenny (Lysimachia aurea) C
2 purple summer snapdragons (Angelonia) D
1 calibrachoa (Calibrachoa Superbells Apricot Punch) E
1 euphorbia (Euphorbia Diamond Frost) F
1 zinnia (Zinnia Zahara Fire) G
1 coleus (Solenostemon Sedona) H
1 orange nasturtium (Nasturtium) I
Its not very often that I would recommend getting ten different 4-inch plants and putting
them all in one pot. But my friend Linda put together this planter when her garden was on a
home tour and it garnered lots of attention. People raved about the interesting combination of
textures and the pops of orange in the nasturtium, zinnia, coleus, and in the throat of the
calibrachoa.
These plants need to be placed very close together to get the instant gratification look
shown in this picture. An option would be to combine all ingredients in a larger-sized container
than the one shown here and give them a month to fill in. If substituting cultivars, look to see if
the growth patterns are similar in height and formyou dont want to substitute a trailing
Angelonia for an upright cultivar, for example.
After planting each variety according to the recipe, gently take a few strands of the
Mexican feather grass and pull them through sections of the other plants. This helps to give
the blades of grass a random look of weaving its way through the planting. With this many
plants in one planter, diligence in keeping everything watered is vital to the long-term beauty
of the flowers. The nasturtium will be the indicator plant if these flowers are past due for a
watering because it will be the first to wilt. Feed with a liquid bloom-boosting fertilizer once a
month.
If you live in tropical areas such as zones 9 and 10, use this planting as a winter recipe. For
those of you living in climates colder than zones 2 to 5, this recipe would be a good
summertime combination.
PLANT OPTIONS
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Each of the plant varieties mentioned in this recipe are common enough to find in most
zones around the country but you may not be able to replicate each cultivar. Solenestemon
Henna or Alabama would be good substitutes for Sedona, and Zinnia Profusion Fire
could be used if Zahara Fire is not available. Gypsophila Snowflake could be used
instead of the Euphorbia and Antirrhinum, commonly called a cut flower snapdragon, could
be used to replace the Angelonia.
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Bring It On!
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized ti plant (Cordyline terminalis Exotica) A
1 1-gallon-size cordyline (Cordyline Cabernett) B
5 coleus (Solenostemon Wizard Rose) C
1 summer snapdragon (Angelonia Angelmist Plum) D
1 1-quart-sized ivy (Hedera helix Glacier) E
1 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Georgia Peach) F
2 snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus Trailing Red) G
This is a container recipe for those who arent afraid of getting attention. With texture,
form, and rich color coming at you from all over the container, be prepared for the neighbors to
drop by on a regular basis just to see what this recipe will look like as it grows. This container
recipe was first spotted in North Carolina at a garden filled with other gorgeous containers and
landscaping, but this planting still grabbed a good share of the attention. In climates cooler
than zone 5, this recipe can be placed in full sun to produce more prolific flowering in the
Angelonia and red snapdragon.
Begin by filling your planter about three-fourths full of container mix potting soil. Position
the two different Cordyline plants as shown in the recipe diagram, but angle them slightly
away from each other. You may need to add more soil at this point to hold the plants in
position and to elevate the soil for planting the remaining ingredients. Plant the coleus next,
followed by the ivy and coral bells, tilting the coral bells toward the outside of the planter.
Finish by planting the remaining ingredients as shown by the recipe diagram. In early spring
you will see a good bit more blooms on the red snapdragon than you will on the Angelonia,
but as the temperatures warm up, so does the summer snapdragon. The coleus will keep trying
to send up lovely spikes of blue flowers, but keep pinching those back to encourage bushier
growth in these plants. If you keep this planting through the summer, keep pinching the coleus
until August, then allow it to explode with blooms. In warmer climates, this recipe will need to
be protected from afternoon sun when carried over for the summer. Fertilize monthly with a
general-purpose fertilizer. You only need to water when the top two inches of soil are dry to
the touch.
PLANT OPTIONS
38
Trailing red carnations, Dianthus caryophyllus, are an easy substitute for the red
snapdragons. If cooler temperatures have you worried about the Angelonia blooming, use
blue delphinium.
39
40
Fern-tastic Combo
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 gold Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata Ritas Gold) A
1 1-gallon-sized rhizomatous begonia (Begonia River Nile) B
1 coleus (Solenostemon Sultana) C
3 wishbone flowers (Torenia Summer Wave Amythest) D
1 chocolate creeping jenny (Lysimachia congestiflora Persian Chocolate) E
Different recipes in this book have special meanings to me for one reason or another, and
this recipe has connections to one person who helped change my whole way of looking at
container gardening. I first went to hear Rita Randolph of Randolphs Greenhouses (Jackson,
Tennessee) during my early years of gardening; I would write pages of notes as she described
one unique plant after another that she had growing in her greenhouse. The plant nerd in me
organized trips to visit her nursery and Rita graciously coached me along, sharing her plant
knowledge. On one of my pilgrimages to see what new plant Rita was growing, I saw the most
incredible chartreuse fern, which I soon found out was a plant she had discovered. Ritas
Gold fern became my new favorite plant for shade and part sun containers because of the way
it brightens up darker areas like a burst of sunlight.
After loosely filling your planter with container mix potting soil, leaving about 2 inches
from the top of the container, center the begonia and coleus as directed by the recipe diagram.
Next, plant the Ritas Gold fern, slightly tilting the fern toward the outside of the planter.
Finally, add your trailing Torenia and Lysimachia. Keep the coleus from flowering during the
first two months in the container to encourage it to become fuller. This Lysimachia can grow
prolifically so you might need to trim it back throughout the season. Look for the surprise pop
of yellow flower from the creeping jenny at intervals during its growth.
Begonias do not like to stay wet so water this only when the top two inches of soil have
dried out. The coleus or summer snapdragons are good indicator plants to help you know
when to water. When they start to wilt, its time to water. Fertilize monthly with a generalpurpose fertilizer.
PLANT OPTIONS
Tiger fern, Nephrolepis exaltata, can be substituted for Ritas Gold fern, just dont tell me
about it.
41
42
43
Foliage Fantasy
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized skimmia (Skimmia japonica) A
1 sweet flag grass (Acorus gramineus Ogon) B
3 coral bells (Heuchera Silver Scrolls) C
2 1-quart-sized Blue Creeper junipers (Juniperus scopulorum Monam) D
4 purple-leafed wintercreepers (Euonymus fortunei Coloratus) E
4 blue pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) F
Go ahead and admit it. There are some of you out there that just are not flower people. You
love plants, you enjoy seeing interesting containers, but you just dont like the litter of flower
petals on your porch. Or maybe you just like the often more subtle display of foliage plants.
While I have snuck a few little flowers in this recipe, this combination may be just what you are
looking for in a container planting. Use this low-growing combination for a tabletop planter or
to fill in an empty corner of your stairway.
Use a wide, shallow container (at least 8 inches diameter) to replicate the look of this recipe.
Fill it with container mix potting soil, leaving about 3 inches from the top of the planter. Center
the skimmia and then add the sweet flag grass. You may need to gently spread the blades of
the grass to create the look you like. Then place the Heuchera, giving them a slight tilt to the
outside of the container. Continue planting the remaining ingredients as directed by the recipe
diagram. You may need to add more soil to fill in spaces between plants.
In early spring, the skimmia will produce a white flower as will the coral bells. These
produce very little litter for the foliage fiend, but the pansies will step up their flower
production with the warming temperatures. This easy care recipe only needs to be watered
when the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch. Fertilize once a month with a generalpurpose fertilizer. This recipe is easy to maintain over the summer; all you have to do is replace
the pansies with purple summer snapdragons.
PLANT OPTIONS
For those who want even more foliage and fewer flowers, substitute the pansies with
scotch moss, Sagina subulata Aurea , or Pachysandra terminalis.
44
45
46
Just Here for the Party

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized bamboo (Fargesia rufa Sunset Glow) A
4 Algerian ivies (Hedera canariensis) B
2 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Palace Purple) C
1 1-gallon-sized cheddar pinks (Dianthus Frosted Fire) D
A co-worker at my landscaping business told me this was his favorite combination. I was a
little puzzled by this until he explained that this container recipe, Just Here for the Party, can be
enjoyed by more than just one of the senses. There is the obvious visual enjoyment of seeing
the different plant textures, the different shades of green among the bamboo, Algerian ivy, and
Frosted Fire cheddar pinks, and the deep pinks of the Dianthus flower that is repeated by the
deep pink on the undersides of the Palace Purple. But there is also the clove-scented
fragrance of the Dianthus flower that comes in wafts with the wind. The wind will produce a
third sensory delight with the gentle rushing sound of the bamboo on a breezy day. For being
such a simple planting, this combination did prove to be a sensory party animal!
This container combination is designed to be placed where its backside cannot be seen,
which involves placing the planter up against a wall or a solid hedge, so start planting by
placing the bamboo along the back of the container rather than the middle of the planter. This
will give the remaining plants the opportunity to spread out and show off their beauty. Plant
the Dianthus at a slight angle facing the edge of the planter so that the foliage will spill quickly
over the edge. Other cultivars of Dianthus can be substituted for Frosted Fire, such as Pixie
Star, Firewitch, or Baths Pink.
This planting is designed for spring containers but in zones 6 and warmer, these plants are
all evergreens and can be used as a year-round planting. Use a general-purpose fertilizer twice
a year to maintain this planting. Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
PLANT OPTIONS
If you have difficulty finding Algerian ivy or bamboo, English ivy can be substituted.
Bamboo may be more difficult to locate in climates colder than zone 5 and a substitute of
Chasmanthium latifolium, also called northern sea oats, or Panicum virgatum Shenandoah
switch grass could be used.
47
48
49
Lazy-Daisy Crazy
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 African daisies (Osteospermum Serenity Vanilla) A
1 sweet potato vine (Ipomoea Ace of Spades) B
3 Japanese sedges (Carex Frosted Curls) C
5 wishbone flowers (Torenia Summer Wave Large Violet) D
When I first saw this container design down in Florida early one spring, I was impressed by
the repetition of color throughout it. The violet flowers of the Torenia are echoed in the violet
centers of the African daisy and in the deep violet veins of the sweet potato leaves. White
African daisy petals are echoed in the thin blades of the Carex grass and the white throats of
the wishbone flower. You may also infrequently see a lavender-tinged white bloom from this
sweet potato vine. Osteospermum, which is the African daisy, is a prolific and beautiful
bloomer during the spring for those in the warmer climates but it will tend to rest from blooming
when temperature remain above the upper 80s. This recipe could last through the summer for
those in the milder zones of 3 to 5 if its kept regularly fertilized.
Fill the planter with container mix potting soil, leaving about two inches of space from the
top of the container. Plant the African daisy first as shown by the recipe diagram, followed by
the sweet potato vine and Japanese sedges. Tilt the Japanese sedges slightly toward the outer
rim of the planter to encourage a spilling effect. Finally, plant the wishbone flowers as shown.
This recipe was designed to use 4-inch-sized plants because these plants all will grow quickly
to fill out the container, so dont be surprised if this recipe doesnt look immediately like the
picture shown here if you use smaller ones. To achieve a more instant gratification look, plant
6-inch-sized or gallon-sized potted plants in your container.
Water this recipe when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Fertilize once a month with a
bloom-boosting fertilizer. Trim off faded blooms to maintain a neat appearance in the planter.
The African daisy also makes a nice cut flower to enjoy indoors.
PLANT OPTIONS
To give this recipe a wilder look, substitute Crazy Daisy Shasta daisy, Leucanthemum x
superbum, for the African daisy. Blue bacopa, Sutera cordata Blutopia, could be used
instead of the wishbone flower.
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51
52
Lenten Peace
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 2-gallon-sized Christmas rose (Helleborus argutifolius Silver Lace) A
2 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Silver Scrolls) B
3 1-gallon-sized camellias (Camellia japonica April Remembered) C
2 variegated Japanese sedges (Carex morrowii Aurea-variegata) D
There seems to be a calming effect that silver and white plants often provide, and the
container recipe Lenten Peace combines an array of soothing season-long cool tones.
Depending on your hardiness zone, Helleborus can begin blooming as early as late December,
which you probably already figured out since one of its common names is Christmas rose. But
this plant is also known as Lenten rose, most likely by colder zone cousins enjoying these
blossoms during Lent in the spring. Sometime during the abundant display of the hellebores
upside-down blossoms, April Remembered camellias begin their profusion of white flowers.
Just as all this floriferous activity is starting to wind down, Heuchera Silver Scrolls raises its
wiry stems of pink-tinged white flowers to keep the display going. Even before all the blooms
begin, the green, silver, and white foliage in this recipe provide an interesting display of
textural beauty.
This recipe can be easily adapted to a window box as long as you dont have casement
windows above the planter. Begin by filling the container about half way with container mix
potting soil. Then make sure the plants that are farthest away from where you are standing or
kneeling are placed first in the container. For the container pictured here, I stood in front of the
container and planted the camellias first, followed by the Carex. Next, when planting the
Lenten rose, slightly tilt the plants toward the front of the container. Place the coral bells and
add more soil if need to cover the rootballs.
Watering is needed when the top of the soil is dry to touch. If you live in zones warmer
than zone 6, this recipe also makes a nice winter or year-round planting. If you do keep this in
the container for longer than two seasons, fertilize with a general-purpose fertilizer in late
spring.
PLANT OPTIONS
If camellias are hard to come by, try Moonglow juniper. You wont have the camellia
flowers but the junipers blue-gray tones will complement the other container ingredients.
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54
Red Twig Spring

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 3-gallon-sized red twig dogwoods (Cornus stolonifera Artic Fire) A
3 1-gallon-sized winter jasmines (Jasminum nudiflorum) B
3 1-quart-sized false cypress (Chamaecyparis Gold Pincushion) C
3 candytufts (Iberis sempervirens Alexander White) D
3 stonecrops (Sedum Angelina) E
It was past March 20, the official first day of spring, and I looked out my window to see
snow on the ground. Feeling somewhat despondent for springtime, I stepped out to the back
porch and there in my snow-dusted container was a planting that was defying the elements!
This combination called Red Twig Spring is the perfect planting for those who want something
blooming when very little else has started to bloom. Bright yellow trumpetlike flowers flow
down the draping arms of the winter jasmine. Iberis, stirred to bloom by an earlier spell of
warmer days, takes on the snow as if it were camouflage. The bronzy red hue that the
Angelina sedum takes on with colder weather only adds to the beauty.
Red twig dogwood is one plant that I rarely think about except when Im planning
something that needs winter interest. But its a winner! By late winter it will fully develop its
winter glow and stands vibrantly against the new blooms of early spring. For zones 8 through
11, you may want to use Acer palmatum Sangokaku, which is most often referred to as a coral
bark maple. This warmer climate area may also use white Alyssum instead of the Iberis.
Forsythia Mindor may perform better than the Jasminum nudiflorum in zones colder than
zone 6. This cultivar is more compact and works well in a container.
All of the plants in this recipe are perennials or shrubs that you can allow to grow for
several years in their container or install in your garden when you change the planter out for
summer color. Remember to fertilize with a general-purpose fertilizer several times throughout
the year if you use this as a year-round planting. Water only when soil is dry to the touch.
PLANT OPTIONS
If you have a hard time locating the Chamaecyparis cultivar mentioned in the recipe, look
for any low-growing juniper with golden color such as Juniperus Daubs Frosted or Gold
Coast.
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56
57
A Succulent Spring
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Small
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 small bag crushed volcanic rock or lava rock
1 echeveria (Echeveria Black Prince) A
1 stonecrop (Sedeveria hybrid Hummelii) B
1 stonecrop (Sedum hybrid Fine Gold Leaf) C
Every once in a while it is nice to have a little container planting that can either be placed
on an outdoor tabletop or put on a small bare spot to add some interest. I saw this little
planting combination at Saul Nursery in Atlanta, Georgia, and my love for succulent plants
took off. This was planted within a carved stone container, but this same look can be achieved
with any small shallow planter. There are an abundance of succulent plants to choose from to
make a similar planterjust make sure you choose a succulent that will stay compact. Even
though this recipe calls for using 4-inch plants, some Sedum species can get quite large over a
short period of time.
Using just the soil that is around the rootball of the succulent, place these in the small
container. If the depth of your container is deeper than the rootball, add a layer of crushed
volcanic or lava rock along the bottom of your planter before positioning the plants. Fill in the
spaces around the plants with crushed stone. Sedum species need very good drainage so this
loose rock also helps ensure that water passes quickly through the container. If you choose a
container that is deeper than the small stone planter shown here, add container mix potting soil
to the planter with only the top three inches of the planter being filled with volcanic rock. Plant
the succulent plants in this layer of rock. (Yes, really.)
These drought-tolerant plants do not need much fertilizing. About all that will be required
for maintenance is a yearly sprinkle of granular all-purpose fertilizer each spring, and the
random drink of water.
PLANT OPTIONS
A few succulent options to substitute that are happy in a wide range of zones are Sedum
album Coral Carpet, Sedum kamtschaticum Variegata, and Sedum sexangulare Watch
Chain.
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59
60
Sweetly Spring
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
5 diascia (Diascia hybrid Flying Colors Trailing Antique Rose) A
3 snapdragons (Antirrhinum Sonnet Rose) B
5 pansies (Viola x wittrockiana Antique Shade) C
4 sweet William (Dianthus barbatus Cherry) D
Welcome spring with an array of pastel colors in a window box. I saw this combination
while visiting Charleston, South Carolina, in late Februaryearly spring for that part of the
country. All of the plants in this window box can handle a light freeze with little signs of stress,
which makes them a wonderful choice for a long season of spring color.
Not all diascia types trail as wonderfully as Flying Colors Trailing Antique Rose, but
Diascia plants do have a slightly trailing as well as mounding habit. One way to encourage
plants to trail out of window boxes and containers is to plant them at a slight angle toward the
outer edge of a container.
The biannual Dianthus is commonly called sweet William and has a slight clove-scented
fragranceperfect when keeping those windows open on delightful spring days. Dianthus
and snapdragons rebloom best when their dead flower heads are removed on a regular basis
(called deadheading). Diascia plants only need to be pinched back if they start to get a little
leggy. All these prolific flowering plants will benefit from a monthly feeding of bloom-boosting
fertilizer. Water only when the top of the soil is dry to touch. Keep a close eye on this planting
if you experience a lot of spring rains and cool nights to see if you see any signs of pests or
disease, which seem to like those cool, moist conditions. Check with your local Extension
Service if you notice discolored leaves or other problems to see what treatment they would
recommend for your area.
If you want more instant gratification when planting this window box, use 6-inch plants
instead of the 4-inch plants in the recipe. This spring recipe could easily be a summer recipe for
those in zones 2 through 4.
PLANT OPTIONS
For those in climates warmer than zone 7, a similar look can be achieved using rosecolored calibrachoa to replace the pansies and pink bacopa instead of the Diascia. Alyssum
and Armeria are two other spring-blooming varieties that offer pink blossoms, with the added
61
benefit of the sweet alyssums fragrance.
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63
Above the Rest

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Intermediate
Shopping List
Leather gardening gloves
1 Basket on a Stem (available from Kinsman Company)
1 1-gallon-sized agave (Agave desmettiana Variegated Dwarf) A
3 stonecrops (Sedum reflexum Angelina) B
3 stonecrops (Sedum spurium Dragons Blood) C
3 1-gallon-sized purple pineapple lilies (Eucomis comosa Sparkling Burgundy) D
3 1-gallon-sized plumbagos (Plumbago auriculata Cape Blue) E
5 petunias (Petunia hybrid Baby Duck) F
5 petunias (Petunia hybrid Royal Magenta) G
Creating height in a large container can sometimes be cumbersome with large plant material.
One option is to purchase a Basket on a Stem that will create a second level. Before adding
potting mix to the container that will be the lower level, place the assembled Basket on a Stem
in the middle of the planter. The Basket on a Stem has an 8-inch base at the bottom of the stem,
which will help stabilize it after the potting mix is added. Fill the planter with container mix soil
to within 6 inches of the top of the planter; then firmly press down all around it to support the
stem.
Place the pineapple lilies around the stick, then add the plumbagos according to the
diagram. Add more soil around the recently placed one-gallon Eucomis plants to secure them
in their locations before adding the smaller plants. The soil will then be about 21/2 inches from
the top of the large planter and about 2 inches from the top of the rootballs of the pineapple
lilies. Add the remaining plants according to the plant diagram. Fill in any gaps between plants
with more soil mix.
A Basket on a Stem has a coco-liner that will need soil added to within 3 inches from the
top. Plant the agave first in the middle of the basket. This is why the leather gloves are needed
agaves have some sharp leaves! Carefully plant the Sedum around the agave. The plants
used in the small basket with the coco-liner will dry more quickly, but these plants are very
drought tolerant (in fact, they thrive on less water) and need watering only half as often as the
larger planter.
Water the larger planter only when the top of the soil feels dry to touch. Fertilize monthly
with a bloom-boosting liquid fertilizer.
PLANT OPTIONS
64
PLANT OPTIONS
If you cant find the Eucomis comosa, try looking for Cordyline Cabernett. An alternate
for the petunias would be a calibrachoa (sometimes called million bells).
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66
Attention Getter
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized dracaena palm (Cordyline australis Torbay Dazzler) A
4 geraniums (Pelargonium Caliente Fire) B
4 lantanas (Lantana camara Luscious Citrus Blend) C
Only plant this recipe if you want to bring attention to wherever this planter is located! The
nonstop blooming of the Caliente Fire geraniums and the lantanas, along with the exuberant
display of the dracaena palm, will bring delight all summer long.
This recipe works well with a tall, thinner planter because of its wide growth habit, which
makes the plants look as if they are exploding out of the planter. Begin by planting the
Cordyline first, then the lantanas, and finally add the geraniums according to the planting
diagram. Geraniums do not like to be planted too deeply so make sure that the potting mix is
not mounding around the main stem of the plant that comes from the rootball. This variety of
lantana is more mounding than trailing, and this variety of geranium is a hybrid between a
mounding zonal geranium and a trailing ivy geranium. The result is that, even in a mediumsized planter, there is an extremely full effect that surrounds the more erect dracaena palm.
Pinch off any faded flowers from the geranium for a neater look, although this variety will
keep blooming prolifically whether you pinch it back or not. Every plant in this recipe can take
all day sun and doesnt mind being a little on the dry side. However, if you want to use this
recipe in a part sun location, you may find that the lantana will go to seed more quickly. You
will recognize this by the round, green seed balls that develop after the flower petals have
fallen off. Simply keep these pinched off so that the plant spends its energy producing flowers
and not seeds. Faithfully fertilizing this heavy blooming plant will keep it going strong
throughout the summer.
The biggest danger to this recipes success is overwatering after it is established. Some
signs of overwatering are that the lantana will tend to go to seed and the leaves of the
dracaena palm will start to rot at the base, making them very easy to pull out. When you do
water, soak the soil to encourage the roots to grow deep into the pot, then allow the soil to dry
until the top of the potting mix is dry to the touch.
PLANT OPTIONS
Create a softer look in this planter by using the green-and-white grass called Phalaris
67
arundinacea Strawberries and Cream instead of the Cordyline. Try Bidens Peters Gold
Carpet as a substitution for the lantana.
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69
Beat The Heat

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 2-gallon-sized sago palm (Cycas revoluta) A
5 Swedish ivies (Plectranthus coleoides Variegata) B
5 ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum Caliente Rose) C
Let me share a story of how well this recipe handles summertime heat. I planted the
container shown here along with several others at a pool where I maintain the container
plantings throughout the season. I traveled out of town for a week, but I gave specific
instructions to my staff when to water all these different planters. Upon my return, I was
anxious to see how all the new plantings had held up during the hot, dry week while I was
away. I ran into one of my crew as he was just leaving from having watered in this area, and I
asked him to walk around with me in case I had questions on their progress. When I came to
this planting, I stuck my finger in the soil to test the moisture and was surprised to find that it
was bone dry. My crewman sheepishly told me that this planter, which was in an out-of-theway location, had been forgotten all week. I took the picture shown here on that day, a
document to how resilient these three plants are to a little neglect.
Easy to put together, start by planting the sago palm, being careful to keep the rootball
intact and the trunk above the soil line. The sago palm has a large, ball-like trunk that helps
hold the fronds above the planter, allowing you a little more visibility of the underplantings.
Surround the sago with the ivy geraniums, then circle these with the Plectranthus as indicated
in the recipe diagram. The Caliente series of geraniums hold true to their Spanish name, which
means hot because they handle the heat beautifully.
Obviously from my description, you have probably gathered that this is a recipe that likes
to be a little dry. Water your planter only when you can stick your finger up to the second joint
into the soil and feel no moisture. Fertilize once a month with a bloom-boosting fertilizer for the
ivy geraniums, which are heavy feeders. And if you go on vacation, make sure the folks
watering for you know where all the containers are.
PLANT OPTIONS
For extreme drought resistance, substitute an Agave Blue Glow for the sago palm. Keep
the blue theme going by using Plectranthus Nicolleta rather than the Variegata cultivar.
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72
Best in Show
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 2-gallon-sized canna (Canna generalis Firecracker Red) A
3 hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella Maple Sugar) B
4 red angelwing begonias (Begonia hybrid) C
9 periwinkles (Vinca minor Illumination) D
5 calibrachoas (Calibrachoa Trailing Blue) E
With an array of textures and colors to tickle your interest, get this recipe planted when the
temperatures remain above 45 degrees F at night to watch the plants quickly intertwine and
flourish. All the plants in Best in Show do well in a part sun location, even though the hibiscus
and canna can also handle full sun when combined in other recipes.
Cannas have a thick, bulbous root system that expands quickly, which is why you want to
make sure there is plenty of room in your large container for this plant to grow. Fill the planter
with enough container mix soil so when you place the canna in the middle of the planter, the
top of its rootball will be within one inch of the planters top. Then, loosely fill in soil around
the canna rootball and continue planting. The hibiscus grow very quickly so dont be
surprised if you place your 4-inch plants next to the big leaves of the canna and they look kind
of punythat wont last very long; this recipe picture shows they will catch up.
When starting a planting in a large container like this with a heavily rooted plant in the
middle, and the remaining plants are mostly 4-inch sized, you should train these smaller plants
to send their roots toward the bottom of the container. How do you do that? Well, for the first
two weeks, water once a day and saturate the soil. (Daytime and nighttime temperature affect
the evaporation of the water so press the potting mix firmly with your fingers before watering
each day. If water seeps around your fingers when pressing the soil, wait another day before
watering. Potting soil that remains too wet will cause roots to rot.) After the first two weeks,
water only when the top of the mix is dry to the touch.
Fertilize once a month with liquid bloom-boosting fertilizer. Pinch off any dead flowers from
the canna for a neater look. This Maple Sugar hibiscus blooms insignificantly and is utilized
for its foliage.
PLANT OPTIONS
In a large container like this, you can substitute Black Lace elderberry, Sambucus
73
nigra Eva, for the hibiscus or use Arundo donax Peppermint Stick instead of the canna for
a more exotic look in your planter.
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75
Big Hair Day

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 2-gallon-sized sago palm (Cycas revoluta) A
3 alyssum (Lobularia hybrid Snow Princess) B
6 geraniums (Pelargonium Caliente Fire) C
When it comes to easy care, this will rank close to the succulent bowl container planting
(page 44). I planted this recipe at a location where the client completely forgot about it for more
than a month. Fortunately, we had a few rains to ensure that it lived, but that was the only
water the plants received. When I returned and asked about the planters, he quickly realized he
had forgotten about them; we both ran to see how dried out they were. Though the Lobularia
and geraniums had lost all their blooms, they quickly rejuvenated over the next few weeks of
faithful watering. Now, dont go trying this at your house! (Note: if plants have been stressed
due to underwatering or extreme heat, resist the urge to fertilize. Only begin fertilizing again
after a week of healthy care.)
Start this recipe by planting the sago palm in the container partially filled with soil. This is
one of the few times that I recommend planting the rootball so that the root top is parallel to
the rim of the container. Add more potting mix around the rootball, leaving enough space for
the remaining plants to be added according the recipe diagram. These smaller plants still need
to be an inch below the container rim.
As far as watering is concerned, keep this planting on the dry side. The Lobularia will be
the indicator plants that water is needed as they will become noticeably droopy when
underwatered. Fertilize monthly with a bloom-boosting fertilizer and pinch off the stems from
dead geraniums.
Sago palms can be brought indoors during the winter months and grown as a houseplant if
they are kept in a sunny location. I recommend removing the annual flowers and replanting in a
smaller well-draining container with just enough soil to cover the rootball. Water lightly once a
week.
PLANT OPTIONS
Calm the Big Hair Day down with Euphorbia Diamond Frost or Scaevola Bombay
White instead of the alyssum.
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The Black Pearl

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum Black Pearl) A
5 dwarf dahlias (Dahlia Harlequin Mix) B
5 calibrachoas (Calibrachoa Trailing Blue) C
This recipe title may bring to mind visions of marauding pirates and swashbuckling
adventures, but this little planting full of color and contrast is really a pleasant companion to
have in your garden. I enjoy watching how this recipe changes throughout the season, as the
ornamental peppers turn from black to red and the dahlias open with a mix of red, purple,
orange, and yellow flowers. But dont be fooled by the sweet looking peppersthey hold a
surprise attack of fiery taste!
Center the pepper in the middle of the medium-sized container, then surround it with the
dahlias as shown in the recipe diagram. Plant the dahlias at a slight angle toward the outside
edge of the container. Finally, place the calibrachoas following the recipe layout. Depending
on the fullness of the plants that you purchased, this container may look a little sparse when
its first planted. The dahlias and calibrachoas fill in quickly, and the dahlias actually bloom
best when they have a little space to spread out.
None of these plants like to stay in overly moist soil. Let the top one inch of soil dry out
before watering again. The best way to test for this is to stick your finger in the soil up to first
joint to check for moisture. You can also tell when the plants need watering if the calibrachoas
leaves appear curled or limp; they will be the first plants that tend to dry out of these three
varieties. Fertilize once a month with a bloom-boosting fertilizer. This recipe is listed for part
sun but those growing in zones 6 and colder will find these plants do just fine in full sun
locations also.
And if The Black Pearl still has you hankering to join the pirates life, put on an eye patch,
pull out your pruning shears, and with a flourish cry, Off with their heads! as you prune off
the faded dahlia blooms. Just dont let the neighbors see you.
PLANT OPTIONS
If growing dahlias makes you a little anxious (they sometimes get a bad rap for being
difficult to maintain), use Zinnia Short Stuff mix or Profusion mix. Calibrachoas can be
substituted by blue verbenas or blue fan flowers.
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Bloomin Crazy
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Full Moon) A
3 phlox (Phlox hybrid Intensia Cabernet) B
6 calibrachoas (Calibrachoa Trailing Blue) C
3 lantanas (Lantana Anne Marie) D
3 chameleon plants (Houttuynia cordata Chameleon) E
One of the benefits of this container recipe is that something is going on all over the
container, at all times. With the appeal of a three-ring circus, there are frilly yellow flowers
suspended above all the action below, phlox blossoms are popping their heads through the
array of color, and the unpredictable chameleon plants keep us entertained with its cheery
ever-changing foliage. Just get this planted and sit back to watch the show.
Depending on the size of your planter, youll only want to fill it about two-thirds full of
container mix potting soil before you start planting. Take the hibiscus and shave off about one
inch around the rootball, then place in the container as shown in the recipe diagram. Add more
mix around the roots of the hibiscus, followed by planting the phlox and lantanas. Next,
position the chameleon plants and the calibrachoas for that final touch of color. Check to see if
you need additional soil to fill in any spaces between the plants roots.
This container recipe does best with evenly moist soil, meaning that the soil does not dry
out to the point where it starts to pull away from the sides of the container. If the top of the soil
feels dry to the touch, it is time to water again. Yellow leaves on the hibiscus are usually
indicators that the recipe is getting too much water so if this occurs, you will want to back off a
little on the watering and add a fertilizer that contains some iron. Once or twice throughout the
summer, trim an inch or two off the end of the calibrachoas to encourage blooming along the
branches. Also, pick up any fallen hibiscus blooms that land on the plants below so that they
arent smothered under the old blooms. Fertilize once a month with a bloom-boosting plant
food.
PLANT OPTIONS
Yellow bush allamanda could be used instead of the hibiscus; Angelonia Dark Plum is a
good substitute for the phlox; and sweet potato vine Ipomoea Tri-color could be exchanged
for the chameleon plants.
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Blushing Basket
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 clean, disposable 8-inch aluminum pie plate
1 20-inch hanging basket with coco or moss liner
1 1-gallon-sized diplandenia (Mandevilla splendens Red Riding Hood) A
5 ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum Blizzard Blue) B
5 ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum Freestyle Ruby Red) C
Hanging baskets can often be difficult to maintain because of their exposure to wind and
sun, but this recipe will take away some of that frustration. One of the keys to success is
choosing the right drought tolerant plants. The other is providing a way to keep water from
seeping out too quickly.
Before adding any container mix potting soil into the hanging basket, take the pie plate and
place on the bottom of the hanging basket. If you have an empty planter that is 16 to 20 inches
wide, plop your basket in another container while you are planting. Loosely fill the basket with
soil and plant the diplandenia. Add geraniums according to the plant diagram. Both Blizzard
and Freestyle varieties of ivy geranium seem to thrive in the heat so if you plant these 4-inch
plants while the temperatures are still in the 50s and 60s, you may not see them grow much
until the daytime temperatures get warmer.
Do not let these plants sit in consistently moist soil. Let soil slightly dry out (but not so dry
that the soil pulls away from the sides of the basket) before watering again. All plants in this
recipe are self-cleaning, which means that they dont need to be deadheaded before they will
flower again. But the geraniums will have a neater look if you pinch off the stems of dead
flowers. Geraniums also respond better to being pinched by hand than with pruners. The
diplandenia, while generally a bushy type plant, will sometimes send a tendril or two to climb
up along the chains of the hanging basket. These are all sun loving plants so place them where
they can soak up the sunshine. The diplandenia is a true tropical, which means that it handles
the extreme heat (upper 90s and 100s) without much stress. However, even ivy geraniums will
need some afternoon shade in those types of temperatures.
These guys are heavy feeders, so keep them well fed with a bloom-boosting monthly
fertilizer.
PLANT OPTIONS
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If you start substituting plants in this recipe, youll have a whole new recipe. That being
said, you can still exchange the diplandenia by Angelonia Angelmist Dark Pink to
lighten the texture of this combination.
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Bougainvillea Boogie
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Intermediate
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized trellised bougainvillea (Bougainvillea Barbara Karst) A
3 2-gallon-sized cannas (Canna Minerva) B
3 2-gallon-sized bougainvilleas (Bougainvillea Raspberry Ice) C
6 sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas Blackie) D
6 1-gallon-sized elephant ears (Colocasia Illustris) E
When one of my co-workers first described this recipe to me, I wasnt too sure how all this
would come together. But I found the dark foliage juxtaposed against the display of blooming
reds, yellows, and purples of this recipe quite appealing. Another practical reason this recipe
works is the fact that the thick rooted cannas will have lots of room to spread out in this extralarge planter.
Fill your planter only about halfway with container mix potting soil before you begin
planting. Start assembling this recipe by placing the five-gallon-sized trellised bougainvillea in
the middle of the planter. You may want to wear gloves and long sleeves when planting
because bougainvillea has a few thorns. Next, plant the cannas and the Raspberry Ice
bougainvilleas to keep the trellised bougainvillea from falling over in the container. At this
point you may need to add more potting mix before planting the remaining ingredients. Place
the Colocasia and sweet potato vines in the container as indicated by the recipe diagram,
finishing with additional soil that may be needed to cover all of the plants roots.
After all has been planted, you may look at your handiwork and wonder, What have I
done wrong? The planting may look a little sparse today but will most likely be overflowing in
a few weeks. Any empty space will soon be filled be sweet potato vine foliage and the cannas
filling out their space. In fact, your maintenance will include periodically trimming back the
sweet potato vines (if you wish) and cutting off the old flowers from the abundant flow of
blooms on the cannas. Fertilize with a general-purpose plant food once a month and water
when the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch.
PLANT OPTIONS
Lemongrass, Cymbopogon, would make an interesting alternative to the cannas in this
recipe, and a trellised red passionflower, Passiflora manicata, could be used instead of the
trellised bougainvillea.
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Bravo
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized bush allamanda (Allamanda nerifolia Yellow) A
6 trailing petunias (Petunia hybrid Suncatcher Burgundy) B
6 calibrachoas (Calibrachoa hybrid Cabernet Purple) C
The words rich and vibrant color come to mind when looking at this container recipe.
Bush allamanda is often overlooked during spring plantings because it doesnt have much
character until it starts to get hot. But once this plant gets a taste of 70 degree F weather, those
yellow trumpet flowers start popping out all over.
When filling the planter with container mix potting soil, leave room to place the 3-gallon
rootball of the allamanda. After loosening the soil around its roots, place the allamanda in the
planter and continue adding soil mix until the soil is about 1 1/2 inches below the rim of the
container. Continue planting the petunias and calibrachoas according to the diagram.
One of the beautiful qualities found in many of the newer varieties of petunia is their multibranching property, which mean low maintenance petuniasno more summer-long pinching
back on those leggy branches and getting a sticky mess all over your hands. Suncatcher
Burgundy is a variety that mounds and trails nicely without taking over the planter.
Calibrachoa, with all its wide, wonderful arrays of color and prolific blooming, can be
unforgiving if the soil is allowed to dry out completely, so keep an eye on this plant and water
at the first sign of wilting. On the other hand, none of these plants like to be in moist soil so
care must be taken not to overwater.
With this much constant flowering going on, fertilizing with one-quarter strength liquid
bloom-boosting fertilizer as often as once a week is beneficial. In extreme temperatures, both
the calibrachoas and petunias will need protection from afternoon sun.
PLANT OPTIONS
Try Rudbeckia Tiger Eye or Helenium amarum Dakota Gold as an option for bush
allamanda for cooler climates. Bougainvillea and Evolvulus can substitute for the petunias
or calibrachoas in hotter climes.
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Bright Spot
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 1-gallon-sized black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta Indian Summer) A
3 cupheas (Cuphea llavea Flamenco Samba) B
3 trailing verbenas (Verbena hybrid Tukana Scarlet) C
3 petunias (Petunia hybrid Royal Velvet) D
Let me start this description by confessing my love for Cuphea Flamenco Samba. This
cuphea is often overlooked in the nursery centers because until it blooms it looks a little like a
lanky weed. But hold on to your hat, because when this baby starts blooming it will blow you
away! The key to getting the most out of this variety of cuphea is to put it in the hottest,
sunniest spot you have. Ive seen this cuphea handle 100 degree F days, perk back up after
being underwatered, and still look good after being hit with a light frost.
After loosely filling your container with soil, leaving about three inches from the rim of the
planter to the top of the soil, plant the 1-gallon-sized Rudbeckia followed by the remaining
plants according to the recipe diagram. All the rootball tops should be about one inch from the
rim of the planter at this point. This is a recipe that if planted in the early cooler days of summer
or spring, may look a little puny for the first week or two. But patience wins outwhen the
temperatures start rising, the blossoms will follow.
Fertilize monthly with bloom-boosting plant food and snip off the stems of old Rudbeckia
flowers. This Rudbeckia also makes a nice, long-lasting cut flower for floral arrangements or to
simply enjoy in a vase in your home. Verbenas will sometimes rest from blooming if the
temperatures remain for several weeks in the upper 90 to 100 degree F range, but fortunately
the cupheas will keep providing the red needed in this recipe. Water when the top of the soil is
dry to your touch. The black-eyed Susans are good indicator plants to let you know when this
container needs watering because the leaves will be noticeably droopy. If you notice them
drooping, be sure to give the planting a good soaking to saturate the soil.
Gardeners in cooler, wetter climates may not experience the love affair Ive had with
cuphea, but I encourage you to try it at least once!
PLANT OPTIONS
Want to mix things up a little more while still using the same color scheme? Try using
Hemerocallis Happy Returns daylily instead of the Rudbeckia for more foliage contrast. Just
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keep in mind that the blossoms are more yellow than the gold color of the Rudbeckia.
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Call Me Summertime
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 kitchen-sized trash bag
2 1-gallon-sized variegated gingers (Alpinia zerumbet Variegata) A
2 1-gallon-sized mandevillas (Mandevilla hybrid Sun Parasol Crimson) B
4 zinnias (Zinnia marylandica Zahara Yellow) C
6 petunias (Petunia hybrid Royal Velvet) D
2 trailing verbenas (Verbena hybrid Tukana Scarlet) E
2 lantanas (Lantana camara New Gold) F
2 petunias (Petunia hybrid Surfinia Lavender Lace) G
Dont ever plan on being bored with Call Me Summertime. Just when you think you know
what it is going to look like, a heat wave will come along and as the red verbenas rest from
blooming the gold lantanas will come on strong.
Layer the inside bottom of a coco-liner hayrack planter with a trash bag that has 6 or 7 1/4inch holes poked through the bag. Do not poke holes through the coco-liner. Add the trash
bag liner only on window boxes with coco-liners or moss liners. When adding soil, remember
to leave room for four 1-gallon-sized plants.
One of the tips to planting window boxes is to start with the area farthest away from where
you are standing. For the recipe pictured here I stood in front of the window box and started
by planting the ginger, then adding the mandevilla on either side of the ginger. If I were
planting from inside, I would have planted the Royal Velvet petunias and zinnias first, then
planted the trailing plants out the front before planting the mandevillas and finally the
variegated gingers.
This large planter can get very heavy when fully planted and watered so verify that
whomever installs the planters knows how to secure them safely to your window or balcony
railing.
Many of the plants in this recipe are sun loving but they can perform well in the part sun
requirements needed for the variegated ginger. Petunias can feel the stress of heat in warmer
climates so the part sun requirement will keep them looking better in those environments.
Water when soil is dry to the touch or when you see the variegated ginger leaves start to curl.
Fertilize once a month with a bloom-boosting plant food.
PLANT OPTIONS
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Since variegated ginger can be hard to locate in some areas, consider using Euonymus
Emerald Gaiety or a green-and-yellow coleus such as Wild Lime or Collins Gold.
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Canna Fans
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized canna (Canna Australia) A
5 coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides Wizard Scarlet) B
5 fan flowers (Scaevola aemula New Wonder) C
Dark foliage can be a powerful asset in turning a simple planting into a dramatic showpiece.
These three plant choices provide summer-long enjoyment with very low maintenance. The
color echoes in this recipe are both subtle and distinct. There is the strong echo of burgundy
in the coleus and canna leaves, then the subtle echo of yellow found in the edges of the coleus
leaves and the eyes of the Scaevolas fan shaped flowers. As the summer progresses, the blue
flowers of the coleus will echo the blue Scaevola. I recommend that you faithfully pinch back
the flowers of the coleus until late summer to maintain a thick growth of foliage.
Cannas have a very dense, bulbous root system that expand quickly so even in a mediumsized planter you will want to only use a 1-or 2-gallon-sized plant. I have seen the root systems
of cannas break apart pots because there was no room left for them to grow during the summer.
Place the canna in the container that has been partially filled with potting soil, adding more as
needed to stabilize the roots in the pots. Finish planting the coleus and fan flowers according
to recipe diagram.
Water this planting when the top of the soil feels dry to your touch. Scaevola and canna
both can tolerate full sun conditions but will perform just as well in this location when paired
with a coleus that requires part sun conditions. Fertilize once a month with a bloom-boosting
plant food. Snip off the dead flowers of the canna throughout the summer to keep it fresh
looking and encourage reblooming. Cannas start blooming in early summer and will keep
blooming all summer if theyre fertilized regularly. Even where cannas are hardy, I would not
recommend leaving it to overwinter in the summer container because of how quickly the roots
can expand and risk damaging the container. To overwinter the canna, cut back all the leaves,
remove it from the planter, and place it in a plastic pot that will hold the roots, and lightly cover
in mulch or sawdust. Store in a cool, dry spot.
PLANT OPTIONS
When you only have three plants in a recipe, substitutions end up creating a whole new
recipe. But if you are a fan of foliage only plants, substitute the sweet potato vine cultivar
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Ipomoea batatas Sweet Caroline Green Yellow for the Scaevola.
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Dont Think Twice Bowl

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
Crushed gravel, small pebbles, or clean sand
1 blue agave (Agave weberi) A
2 stonecrops (Sedum rupestre Lemon Ball) B
2 stonecrops (Sedum rupestre Variegated) C
2 hens and chicks (Sempervivum) D
4 jade plants (Crassula Campfire) E
2 Chinese sedums (Sedum tetractinum) F
There is more than one reason why this recipe is called Dont Think Twice Bowl. First, once
these succulent plants become rooted in, you rarely have to think twice about watering them.
Second, even though there are several varieties of succulents listed in this recipe, dont think
twice if you want to substitute some other variety of low-growing succulent to fill your bowl.
Check the plant tags to see if certain succulents have different sun requirements and choose
plants that all have the same requirement. For example, if you want a succulent bowl to leave
on a covered porch table, choose succulent plants that can grow in the shade.
Even though entire books have been written about succulent plantings, there are only a
few points to remember when potting up succulents. In a well-draining planter, I like to use
the same container mix potting soil to plant my succulents as I do other plants. While
succulents are very drought tolerant and low maintenance, they still can benefit from the
nutrients in a good potting mix. After planting all the succulents in the container, add a thin
layer of sand, crushed gravel, or small pebbles on top of the mix. All newly installed plants
need to be watered, succulents or not, so give this new planting a drink of water every other
day for the first week. Succulents dont need a lot of fertilizer. But, by midsummer you may
want to give this recipe a diluted application of a general-purpose fertilizer.
You can also consider making this a year-round succulent planting. Look for succulents
that are hardy in your zone and use only those varieties for your planting. Or consider bringing
the bowl indoors for the winter; with as little watering as is needed for these plants, they would
like the warm, dry air of a heated home.
PLANT OPTIONS
The options for substitution in this no worries container recipe are endless, but here
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are a few evergreen sedums for a year-round sedum bowl: Sedum repestre Blue Spruce,
Sedum spurium Dragons Blood, or Sedum Angelina.
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Dont Underestimate Me
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized Hawaiian ti (Cordyline fruticosa Black Magic) A
9 wishbone flowers (Torenia Golden Moon) B
8 impatiens (Impatiens hybrid Butterfly Deep Pink) C
Another name for this recipe could be The Three Shade Plants That Never Give Up. To be
such delicate looking plants, these three varieties have proven to be summertime workhorses
as long as they stay out of the afternoon sun. The biggest stress factor Ive seen with this
recipe has been when these plants are placed in a very windy location; the Cordyline gets
quite battered looking. Ive found them all underwatered in different containers and watched
with amazement at how they rebounded with several days of consistent watering.
Begin planting this recipe by making sure you leave room for the ti plants rootball when
pouring the container mix potting soil into the planter. Once it has been positioned in the
middle of the planter, add soil mix loosely around the rootball and continue planting the
impatiens and Torenia according to the recipe diagram. This large container may look a little
sparse at first with the 4-inch plants, but both the impatiens and Torenia grow rapidly to fill in
any empty spaces. The impatiens would also benefit from a gentle pinching of one or two
inches off the top of the plants to encourage them to bush out more. This can be done at
planting and then about forty-five days later. Butterfly Deep Pink has a smaller flower than
many impatiens but redeems itself with a plethora of smaller flowers that cover the planting.
The more morning sun that this recipe receives, the more water it will need for the plants to
remain healthy. While quite content with dappled shade or a couple of hours of early morning
sun, this container recipe tolerates sun up until noon except in very hot climates. Keeping the
soil evenly moist seems to be the key to success for impatiens, Torenia, and this variety of
Cordyline.
Cordyline fruticosa Black Magic is sometimes used as an indoor plant. After removing
the summer annuals, replant it in a smaller planter that can be placed in a sunny area of your
home. Keep the planter away from drafts and the drying effects of heater vents. Then, replant
again the following summer for outside pleasure.
PLANT OPTIONS
Create a bolder look in this recipe simply by adding Begonia Dragonwing Red
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instead of the impatiens. You can also create a more dramatic look by switching out the
Cordyline by Alocasia infernalis Kapit or Colocasia Black Magic.
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Doorway Delight
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized dracaena palm (Cordyline Southern Splendor) A
1 wishbone flower (Torenia hybrid Summer Wave Blue) B
1 asparagus fern (Asparagus sprengeri) C
2 trailing coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides Strawberry Drop) D
3 double impatiens (Impatiens walleriana Rockapulco Rose) E
With all the colorful foliage in this recipe, flowers seem to be an afterthought! This shade
loving combination provides height and volume even with a medium-sized container. One
reason I like to use plants in the Cordyline family is because their blades are stiff enough to
allow other plants to weave in and up the plant, acting almost like a natural trellis for other
trailing plants.
Fill the container loosely with soil, then first plant the Cordyline to ensure that it is
positioned correctly according to the recipe diagram. Add the remaining plants as indicated by
the diagram. Check to make sure that all the tops of the rootballs on the plants are about one
inch below the rim of the planter. Add any potting mix to fill in space between plants.
This recipe is not quite as drought tolerant as many of the other summer recipes mentioned
in this book. Look to the impatiens as the indicator plants that extra water is needed; they will
droop noticeably when the soil is too dry. Keep this planting evenly moist, meaning that you
dont want the soil to completely dry out but you also dont want it to remain soggy. Fertilize
with a general-purpose fertilizer once a month.
Throughout the summer you will notice the coleus developing lovely stems of blue flowers.
If allowed to flower the coleus will become leggier and stretched out. Keep pinching these
flowers off until late summer to encourage the coleus to become fuller. Then as fall approaches
allow the coleus to bloom on the multiple branches that have developed through the summer.
The display of blue flowers is delightful and will echo the blue of the wishbone flower.
Have you ever wondered why Torenia is called wishbone flower? Take a look inside one of
the flowers and see if you can find what that looks like a miniature version of a turkey
wishbone.
PLANT OPTIONS
Maintain a more monochrome look by switching out the Cordyline with Pennisetum
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Princess Molly. Alternatively, you can brighten up the look with Solenostemon Trailing
Green Olives rather than using Strawberry Drop.
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Everythings Rosy
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
2 1-gallon-sized shrub roses (Rosa Home Run) A
3 euphorbias (Euphorbia Diamond Frost) B
4 heirloom geraniums (Pelargonium hortorum Wilhellm Langguth) C
3 coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides Strawberry Drop) D
Dont think roses should be delegated only to the landscape. The low, bushy profiles of
these Home Run roses make them an excellent choice to use in container plantings. This rose
variety proves to be a true red with excellent powdery mildew resistance plus it blooms all
summer long.
When putting together this recipe, I recommend wearing a long-sleeved shirt plus your
normal gardening gloves. The Home Run rose is as thorny as it is beautiful and disease
resistant. Fill your planter loosely with container mix potting soil, leaving about 3 or 4 inches
between the soil and the rim of the container. Plant the roses according to the recipe diagram
and add more soil if needed so that the remaining plants can be planted. The soil should now
be about 1 inch below the rim of the planter and should barely be covering the tops of all the
plants rootballs.
When first planted, this recipe may look a little sparse. The Home Run rose will need
space to fill out, which it does rather quickly. The color echo of the white euphorbias and the
variegated foliage of the geraniums is made even more interesting because of the contrast in
texture of the euphorbias flower and the large, round geranium leaves. Pops of red are
repeated by the Home Run roses, the geraniums, and the coleus.
All of the plants in this recipe like to be on the dry side after the first two weeks of planting.
Those first two weeks of getting plants established in their planter usually requires a daily
watering. After those first two weeks, allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering
again. Use a specialized rose fertilizer to feed the plants in this container, following the
instructions for frequency of use but use only at half strength. For example, fertilize at the same
intervals of time but if the instructions say to use one cup of fertilizer, use only one-half cup.
PLANT OPTIONS
Go for a clean, crisp look by substituting a red rose for Flower Carpet White
groundcover rose and using Plectranthus Variegata instead of the heirloom geranium.
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The Ferny Queen

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized fern (Nephrolepis obliterata Kimberly Queen) A
3 euphorbias (Euphorbia Diamond Frost) B
3 ivy geraniums (Pelargonium Taj Mahal) C
3 calibrachoas (Calibrachoa Trailing Blue) D
3 chocolate moneywort (Lysimachia congestiflora Persian Chocolate) E
3 calibrachoas (Calibrachoa Saffron) F
If youve never used ferns in container plantings before, either because you heard that
they shed or dont like sun or because they simply are just green, then let me introduce you to
the queen of ferns. Nephrolepis obliterata, which is much more easily and commonly called
Kimberly Queen fern or the less common name of Australian sword fern, regally holds its
fronds upright, inviting a display of summer color to be planted beneath it. Kimberly Queen
fern can be used in full sun or part sun such as in this recipe, and it is one of the few tropical
ferns that can tolerate dry conditions.
When filling the container with soil in this recipe, leave room for the large rootball of the
Kimberly Queen fern. Usually by the time this fern reaches 3-gallon size, its root system is
very dense, which means that reducing the size of the rootball can be a little more difficult. You
can take the edge of a trowel or use a hori-hori gardening knife to loosen the roots of the fern
before planting so that there will be more room for the remaining plants. With some of the 3gallon-sized Kimberly Queen ferns that Ive planted, I divided the rootball in half using a
shovel or garden fork and used the 2 halves in two separate containers. This fern grows
quickly and is thick enough that dividing it will have very little effect on the finished look of
this recipe.
Water only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. The plants in this recipe do not like
to be overwatered so let the calibrachoas be the indicator plants; if you see the leaves slightly
wilting it is time to give the planting a long drink of water. Fertilize monthly with a bloomboosting fertilizer.
PLANT OPTIONS
Nephrolepis biserrat Macho ferns can be substituted for the Kimberly Queen fern.
Petunia Baby Duck and Petunia Royal Velvet are options if the calibrachoa varieties are
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not available.
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Fiery Banana Bowl

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized banana tree (Musa basjoo) A
5 lantanas (Lantana hybrid Patriot Desert Sunset) B
5 coleus (Solenostemon Trailing Rose) C
When I first saw this container combination in Kansas at Family Tree Nursery, it took my
breath away. Majestic and tropical looking, my first thought was, Were not in Kansas
anymore, Toto. Okay, maybe that wasnt my first thought, but I definitely thought that this
was a recipe worth repeating. To provide such a vivid display, it really is an amazingly simple
plant combination.
Place the banana tree as indicated by the diagram into your container, and, depending on
your container size, add potting mix as needed so that the top of the rootball on the banana is
about one inch below the level of the containers rim. Add more mix around the rootball of the
banana tree, bringing the level of the soil to within two to three inches of the top of the
rootball. Now, add the lantana, then the coleus, tilting the coleus slightly toward the outer rim
of the container. After planting all this in your large container, you may be a little disappointed
that your planting doesnt quite look like the photo shown here. Both the coleus and lantanas
will take off, growing quickly once theyre planted in your container and youll be pinching off
coleus blooms before you know it. Pinching off the blue flower spikes of the coleus will force
more branching, making a denser display of that wonderful coleus foliage.
If you notice the lantanas going to seed, which happens when you see small, round green
seedheads clustered around where the old blooms were located, pinch these off to encourage
the plants to spend their energy making blooms and not seed. Use a general-purpose fertilizer
once a month and water when the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch. Cut off any old or
windswept banana leaves at the base of the leaf next to the stalk.
PLANT OPTIONS
Using Canna Wyoming instead of the banana tree will give you a similar look, and will
add an extra pop of color with the orange canna flowers. Orange crossandra could be
substituted for the lantana.
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Foxy Medusa
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus Myers) A
5 purple queen (Setcreasea pallida) B
5 calibrachoas (Calibrachoa hybrid Superbells Blue) C
Heres a Medusa that you dont need to be afraid of, and you can look at it all you like
without turning into stone. Asparagus Myers, or foxtail fern as it is most commonly called,
has enough character to be used in a container all on its own. Drought tolerant and low
maintenance, this recipe brings a bit of whimsy to a garden with its wild-hair look.
Foxtail fern has a massive and tuberous root system, which makes it drought resistant but
also makes it somewhat of a hog in the container. Dont be hesitant if this one-gallon-sized
plant starts out looking a little small in the medium-sized containerits foliage will quickly fill
out and it will need the container space for its water-holding tubers. Plant this first in your
partially soil-filled container, then add more soil loosely around the rootball before placing the
remaining plants called for in this recipe. Setcreasea, another drought resistant plant, seems to
echo the Medusa theme with its thick blades of untamed foliage. The calibrachoas are the only
somewhat polite plants in this trio, draping nicely over the edges with their continually
blooming blue flowers.
In this recipe the calibrachoas will be the indicator plants that water is needed. None of the
plants in Foxy Medusa does very well in moist soil, but just be careful not to let the
calibrachoas dry out. If the top of the soil is dry to your touch and the leaves of the
calibrachoas start to droop or slightly curl, give the planting a good, long drink of water. Then
allow the soil to dry again until the top feels dry to the touch. If you press gently into the soil
about a half inch and feel any moisture, then it is too soon to water again.
The plants in this recipe do not need to be pitched or pruned back unless you want to
control their prolific growth. Fertilize once a month with a bloom-boosting plant food to keep
the calibrachoas in full flower. In the photo used here to display the recipe, this planter was
placed in front of a red wax begonia that is often used in landscaping. I have often substituted
the calibrachoas in this recipe with this same type begonia for a very low maintenance
planting.
PLANT OPTIONS
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If you want an alternate for the Asparagus Myers, try using Nephrolepis obliterata
Kimberly Queen fern. Some really good options for the calibrachoa include Scaevola New
Wonder or wax begonias.
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A Gentle Welcome
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized diplandenia (Mandevilla splendens Red Riding Hood) A
3 1-gallon-sized foxtail ferns (Asparagus densiflorus Myers) B
6 lantanas (Lantana camara New Gold) C
6 calibrachoas (Calibrachoa hybrid Cabernet Cherry Rose) D
This recipe may look sweet and delicate but it will take on a full day of summer sunshine in
most environments. When you use this recipe where the summer days are regularly in the
upper 90s, you will want to substitute the calibrachoa with Purslane or place this planter where
it will be protected from the mid-to late afternoon sun.
Fill your container with container mix potting mix, leaving about 8 inches from the rim of the
planter to the top of the soil. Place the diplandenia in the middle of the planter and look to see
that the top of its rootball is about one inch below the level of the containers rim. Add enough
soil around the rootball so the tops of the foxtail ferns rootballs are level with the diplandenia.
Add enough potting mix loosely around these plants until all the mix is about one inch below
the rim of the planter, then plant the remaining plants according to recipe diagram.
Sometimes this diplandenia can only be found sold in nurseries trained on a trellis rather
that the bush form seen here. You can choose to keep it on the trellis, which will give it a more
formal look, or you can carefully remove the branches from the trellis and prune it to a bush
form. These branches do tend to break easily after they have been on the trellis so proceed
cautiously and expect to lose a few branches along the way. There is an interesting aspect to
the Red Riding Hood variety of diplandeniathe hotter the temperatures, the deeper pink the
flower becomes until it almost looks red. This deeper color also showcases its golden throat;
this is echoed in this recipe by the Lantana New Gold. Care for this planter involves a
monthly feeding of bloom-boosting fertilizer and watering when the top of the soil is dry to the
touch.
PLANT OPTIONS
Where diplandenia is difficult to locate, try using Pentas Butterfly Deep Rose.
Helenium amarum Dakota Gold is a good substitute for the lantana in this recipe.
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Grape & Orange Creamsickle

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized variegated flax lily (Dianella tasmanica Variegata) A
3 begonias (Begonia boliviensis Bonfire) B
2 coleus (Solenostemon Mint Mocha) C
3 coleus (Solenostemon Alamaba Sunset) D
1 verbena (Verbena Homestead Purple) E
2 variegated ivies (Hedera helix Glacier) F
Even though the plant companies introduce a hundred or so new cultivars every year to
tempt usand I am a little obsessive about trying out all the new plantsthere are usually
only a few that I will eagerly seek out the following year. Begonia Bonfire is a plant that I
keep on my favorites list and keep finding new ways to use it. This recipe pairs Bonfire
with another one of my favorite part sun plants, Dianella tasmanica Variegata, and with a
couple of great coleus varieties for a delicious display of color. I also love how the glazed blue
planter complements this recipe so well. The flax lily has a delicate blue flower that seems
almost to reflect the blue hue of the planter.
Since the Dianella is both the centerpiece and the largest plant in the container, let this be
the first plant placed in the container that you have already filled three-fourths with container
mix potting soil. After planting the Dianella, pour in more soil if needed to bring the soil level
to within two to three inches from the top of the planter. Position the coleus and begonias next,
remembering that these plants grow very quickly and will not look as lush when theyre first
planted as they do in the picture shown here. Next, add the verbena and ivies, and then add
more potting mix if needed to fill in spaces between the plants roots.
Water the plants in this recipe when the top three to four inches of soil are dry to the
touch. If you see the coleus or verbena leaves drooping or curling then you know it is time to
water. Begonia Bonfire will rot if the soil is kept too moist, so err on the side of underwatering
since the coleus and verbena will let you know when it is time to water. Fertilize once a month
with a general-purpose plant food.
PLANT OPTIONS
Substitute Panicum Strawberries and Cream if the Dianella is difficult to locate.
Calibrachoa Trailing Blue could be used instead of the verbena.
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Hot Fudge Sundae

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized dracaena palm (Cordyline australis Southern Splendor) A
3 3-gallon-sized fringe flowers (Loropetalum chinense Suzanne) B
9 1-gallon-sized caladiums (Caladium White Wing) C
6 vincas (Catharanthus roseus Mediterranean XP Dark Red) D
7 sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas Blackie) E
Summertime doesnt quite seem the same for me without at least one hot fudge sundae with
chocolate dripping down the sides of the bowl. This recipe is one huge bowl of yumminessa
visual treat for a summer day. In cooler climates where temperatures rarely reach above the
upper 80s, this recipe will do just fine in full sun. But in summer areas warmer that zone 7, youll
want to protect the caladiums and Loropetalum from afternoon sun.
Fill your planter a little over halfway full of container mix potting soil and position the
dracaena palm as indicated in the recipe diagram. Add more soil as needed so that when the
Loropetalum is planted, the top of the rootball on the dracaena palm is level with the top of the
Loropetalum rootballs. Repeat this same process of adding a little more soil to get this same
level result with the caladium, followed by the vincas and sweet potato vines. Dont be
concerned if the sweet potato vines look a little skimpy when first planted: like a good fudge
sauce, they will start spilling down the sides as the summer heat rises.
Care for this container can be a little tricky in that the Loropetalum dont like to be
forgotten when it comes to watering and are a little difficult to bring back to their former glory
quickly if they do dry out. The trick here is to use the sweet potato vines as your indicator
plants to show that this recipe is ready for a good, long drink of waterwhen Blackie looks
wilted, quickly water! Fertilize once a month with a general-purpose plant food.
PLANT OPTIONS
Use red ivy geraniums rather than vinca in cooler climates. Purple fountain grass,
Pennisetum Rubrum, would be a suitable substitute for the dracaena palm.
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Hot Summer Fun

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized red oleander (Nerium oleander) A
1 2-gallon-sized yellow allamanda bush (Allamanda) B
1 2-gallon-sized mandevilla (Mandevilla hybrid Sun Parasol Crimson) C
3 1-gallon-sized asparagus ferns (Asparagus setaceus) D
2 lantanas (Lantana New Gold) E
Find the hottest, sunniest spot in your garden and let this recipe keep the summer beauty
flowing. Filled with plants that bloom more the hotter it gets, this is also a very good
combination for those who want big punch of color but dont have time for a lot of
maintenance. In cooler climates, the oleander, mandevilla, and allamanda bush need to have
some mature growth on them in order to produce the number of flowers needed for that wow
factor; that is why I recommend buying two-and three-gallon-sized plants. But this also makes
this recipe a good one to choose for those extra-large planters that can be so hard to fill up.
For this planting I recommend placing the oleander first in your planter that has been
partially filled with container mix potting soil. (Oleander can be poisonous or irritating to the
skin so I highly recommend wearing gloves and long sleeves when planting. You will also
want to look at plant options for the oleander if you have a pet that likes to nibble on your
plants or even dig in your pots.) Add a little more soil around the rootball before adding the
next ingredients. Next, you will want to shave a little off the rootball of both the mandevilla and
the allamanda when you place them in the planter, tilting them slightly to the outside of the
container. Place the asparagus ferns in the container as directed by the recipe diagram, then
add the lantanas.
The lantanas will become established during the first few weeks after planting so observe
them closely for watering needs (the leaves droop when thirsty). I usually allow the top four or
five inches of soil to dry out on this recipe before watering. If you see the leaves on the
mandevilla and the allamanda start to turn yellow, and the soil does not seem very dry, you
need to water less. A monthly feeding of bloom-boosting fertilizer will help keep the flowers
flowing throughout the summertime.
PLANT OPTIONS
Try using a Knock Out rose instead of the oleander and Rudbeckia Indian Summer as
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a substitute for the allamanda.
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The Hot Tropics

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized banana tree (Musa acuminata Zebrina) A
5 chenille plants (Acalypha hispida Firetail) B
4 coleus (Solenostemon Florida Sun Jade) C
3 bleeding heart vines (Clerodendrum Red) D
Few plants can command as much attention simply with their foliage as a banana tree does,
especially Musa acuminata Zebrina, which has a burgundy red splash of color decorating its
leaves. With the potential to reach six to eight feet height in most growing regions, this banana
tree can easily make a bold statement all on its own. But underscore that with a few
complementary plants and you might have folks stopping by just to check out your container
planting! The mixture of the heavy banana leaves, the cut foliage of the coleus, the funny fuzzy
chenille flowers, and the wiry bleeding heart vines create a collage of foliage textures and
subtle colors.
Since the banana tree is planted in the center of the container and is the largest plant in the
container, you will want to get this securely planted before adding the remaining plants.
Depending on how deep your planter is, add enough container mix potting soil so that the 3gallon-sized banana tree can sit deep enough in the planter where the top of its rootball is at
least one inch below the top of the container. Fill in with potting soil around the rootball,
making sure that the banana tree is not leaning. Finish planting the remaining plants according
to the recipe diagram.
Keep the soil evenly moist in this recipe by watering when the top of the soil is dry to your
touch. To maintain a tidy appearance throughout the season, cut back any banana leaves that
are looking faded or torn by the wind. With pruning shears, cut the leaves at the base of the
leaf where it is growing from the stalk. Pinch off the flowers of the coleus for the first two
months of growth to encourage the coleus to branch and fill out. In late summer, allow the
coleus to bloom and enjoy the thick show of blue flower spikes. Fertilize monthly with a bloomboosting plant food.
PLANT OPTIONS
Think of using Colocasia antiquorum Illustris, Alocasia Hilo Beauty, or Canna
Tropicana Black rather than the banana tree in this recipe.
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Hummingbird Magnet
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Hula Girl) A
5 1-gallon-sized bougainvilleas (Bougainvillea Purple Queen) B
5 ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum Calliope Dark Red) C
Place this recipe out in a sunny spot and it usually wont be long until the hummingbirds
come to visit. Relatively easy to care for, these three different types of plants keep a big
display of color coming all summer long. Hibiscus flowers open during the day and often close
up at night so choose a spot where this recipe will be seen most often during the daytime
hours.
Start putting this container recipe together by filling your planter halfway with container
mix potting soil. Before placing the hibiscus in the center of the planter, loosen the soil around
its rootball to encourage the roots to spread throughout the container. I have noticed that the
larger the size of the hibiscus, the more likely it is to be rootbound, so this root loosening
process is important for a healthier container planting. After planting the hibiscus, add a little
more potting mix around the hibiscus roots before planting the bougainvilleas. The geraniums
can be placed next, adding more soil if needed to cover all the roots in the container.
Some folks can get a little frustrated with bougainvilleas because they tend to bloom like
crazy, then rest, but they do not always give a consistent summertime display. Bougainvilleas
perform best if theyre kept a little on the dry side and are well fed with a bloom-boosting plant
fertilizer. It is actually better to wait until the hibiscus leaves are just starting to droop a little
from thirst before you water it again. By keeping all these plants slightly on the thirsty side,
more blooms will be produced. Pinch off the faded heads of the geraniums throughout the
summer and clean up any fallen hibiscus flowers to maintain a clean look.
PLANT OPTIONS
You can use the same genus of plants but different cultivars to create a great new look.
Try using Hibiscus The President, Bougainvillea Raspberry Ice, and an ivy geranium such
as Pelargonium Blizzard Blue.
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Invite Me to Come
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Small
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized mandevilla (Mandevilla hybrid Sun Parasol Crimson) A
2 petunias (Petunia hybrid Royal Velvet) B
2 verbenas (Verbena hybrid Babylon Red) C
2 licorice vines (Helichrysum Limelight) D
1 golden creeping jenny (Lysimachia aurea) E
Like a good quality classic shirt or dress that can be adapted to different styles by simply
changing a few accessories, a good quality classic plant can become the basis for building a
wide variety of plantings. My go to plant for summer annuals is Mandevilla Sun Parasol
Crimson. This plant is drought tolerant, has smaller leaves than the traditional mandevilla
(whose large leaves can sometimes smother more delicate underplantings), and it can be
pruned to a more bushy form. I also find that it will continue to bloom faithfully in part sun
condition. Sun Parasol also comes in Giant Crimson, Burgundy, White, and Pink. When
a client tells me they want lots of color but low maintenance, this plant is usually where I start.
This recipe combines a group of easy care plants while giving a burst of welcoming color.
Mixing flowering plants with interesting foliage plants like Lysimachia aurea and Helichrysum
Limelight give a container recipe color and diverse texture.
When choosing a smaller planter in a full sun location, stay away from using black or dark
colored planters, especially if they are iron or another metal. These will heat up the soil quickly
and many plants root systems will cook in that type environment. In this recipe, plant the
mandevilla first in the loosely poured potting mix in the container. Add more soil around the
rootball if needed before adding the remaining plants. After all is planted there should be about
one inch from the rim of the planter to the top of the soil. All the varieties in this recipe are
happy in full sun, although the Lysimachia will perform best if the container is turned so that
this plant is facing north or east to avoid getting the full blast of afternoon sun.
Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch and fertilize monthly with bloomboosting fertilizer. The Lysimachia aurea and Helichrysum Limelight can both get very long
in a summers growth so trim back halfway down the container in the midsummer to keep your
container from looking like Rapunzel.
PLANT OPTIONS
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Instead of the Helichrysum Limelight, another plant to try would be Lotus Amazon
Sunset. Youll be happy with either one of those.
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Look At Me!
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 extra-large strawberry jar planter
1 3-gallon-sized bush allamanda (Allamanda nerifolia Yellow) A
3 purple queen (Setcresea) B
3 geraniums (Pelargonium Contessa Red) C
5 purslanes (Portulaca oleracea Rio Scarlet) D
5 purslanes (Portulaca oleracea Rio Yellow) E
Not all container recipes have had the same impact that this one keeps having. And all this
impact is caused by such low maintenance plants! The key to helping plants survive in a
strawberry jar is to use succulent type plants in the strawberry jar cups. In this recipe I used
purslanes in the cups, and they seemed to be quite happy.
Planting this container is not as tricky as it looks. Place the 4-inch purslanes in the cups of
the strawberry jar before pouring in the container mix potting soil. This will help prevent soil
from seeping out of the cups while it is being poured into the planter. Leave enough room at
the top of the planter to plant the 3-gallon-sized allamanda and remaining annuals according to
the recipe diagram. Add any soil mix that is needed to fill in any gaps around the planted
allamanda, geraniums, and purple queen. Also, fill in any gaps that remain in the cups holding
the purslanes.
Keep this recipe on the dry side for these sun-loving plants. Stick your finger about 3
inches into the dirt and if you feel any moisture, wait another day before watering again. These
extra-large and large planters, when watered properly by saturating the soil, will allow you to
go longer times between watering once the plantings get established (which usually takes 2 to
3 weeks during the summer). Even though these plants all need less water than many other
annuals, they still need a monthly feeding of bloom-boosting fertilizer. The only other
maintenance needed besides watering and fertilizing is to pinch back the stems of the old
geranium flowers that are past looking good.
PLANT OPTIONS
For those who live in cooler climates, dont worry if you cant locate the bush allamanda.
Swap out the allamanda by using Hemerocallis Happy Returns daylily for a similar trumpet
flower or use Lantana Landmark Yellow to simply keep the yellow color.
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Majesty
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 summer snapdragons (Angelonia Angelface Purple) A
3 petunias (Petunia hybrid Royal Magenta) C
2 calibrachoas (Calibrachoa Superbells Yellow) D
One of the first projects I had when I started planting containers as a professional was
designing and planting hundreds of containers like the one in this recipe. Few plantings could
be as simple as placing eleven 4-inch plants in a rectangular planter, yet few things have had
the summer-long impact that these annual plantings have had on the neighborhoods where my
clients live. I learned early on that high quality plants result in high quality products for my
clients. That is a difference that you will find in deck box plantings like the one in this picture, a
planting that lasted from mid-April until mid-October. So what is the lesson to be learned here?
Start with good quality even in the little things, like the choice you make in a 4-inch-sized plant
and the soil you plant it in.
Fill the deck box with container mix potting soil, leaving one inch of space between the top
of the soil and the rim of the deck box. Plant the annuals listed in the recipe following the recipe
diagram. You will notice immediately that the deck box that youve just planted does not look
like the one in the picture. Another lesson that Ive learned is that summer container annuals
perform best when they start small and are given the opportunity to establish themselves in
the environment where they will grow all summer. So what is the second lesson learned in this
recipe planting? Patience is a virtue and good things come to those who wait. Give this
planting a couple of weeks to grow together and youll never go back to cramming hanging
baskets bought at the grocery store into a planter to get instant gratification.
In a summer planting like this with so many flowering plants, daily watering is usually a
must, especially during the first two weeks of establishing the roots. If the planting still feels
moist on the soil surface, wait another day before watering. Fertilize once a month with a
bloom-boosting fertilizer. By choosing higher quality plants to start with, the plants in this
recipe do not need the pruning and pinching back that other plant varieties will need.
PLANT OPTIONS
By taking out the yellow calibrachoas and using Scaevola New Wonder instead, you
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can create a cool color palette that is both striking and inviting during the summer months.
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Mandevilla Explosion
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Intermediate
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized trellised white mandevilla vine (Mandevilla) A
3 2-gallon-sized New Zealand flax (Phormium Rainbow Chief) B
3 2-gallon-sized spireas (Spirea japonica Goldmound) C
3 1-gallon-sized caladiums (Caladium Pink Beauty) D
3 coleus (Solenostemon Solar Shadow) E
3 petunias (Petunia hybrid Royal Velvet) F
3 cupheas (Cuphea llavea Totally Tempted) G
If you are looking for a container recipe that erupts with color during the day but also will
draw your eye in the evening, this combination may be just what you need. Another one of my
co-worker Yelenas masterful creations, I love howeven though she used several plants
similar to what is used in Spiky Color Burstshe designed a look with colors and appeal quite
different from that one.
The centerpiece of this recipe is the white trellised mandevilla vine, which will need to be
planted first in the container. Depending on the depth of your planter, you may need to add
enough potting mix in your planter so that when placed in position, the top of the rootball on
the mandevilla vine will be about one inch below the rim of the container. Keep the vine on the
trellis for the look desired in this recipe. Add more of the container mix potting soil to keep the
mandevilla upright, also adding the spireas and Phormium to keep this trellised vine in
position. Follow up with the caladiums and coleus, adding the cupheas and petunias as your
final touch. Finish by filling in any spaces between the rootballs with more soil.
To maintain this sun-loving container recipe, water when the top two inches of the soil is
dry to the touch. The mandevilla leaves will start to turn yellow if overwatered so if you notice
this, check to see if the soil is not being allowed a chance to dry out between watering, and
adjust your watering schedule. Fertilize monthly with a general-purpose fertilizer. As hard as it
sounds, you should pinch off the pretty blue flower spikes on the coleus for the first couple of
months in the summer to encourage them to become fuller. Depending on how long your
growing season is, you may want to pinch back the petunias if they start looking too spindly.
PLANT OPTIONS
Substitute a red ivy geranium if the cuphea is hard to locate. Pennisetum Princess Molly
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would make an interesting alternative to the Phormium.
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Oh, So Easy
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized mandevilla vine (Mandevilla amabilis Crimson Jewel) A
5 cupheas (Cuphea llavea Flamenco Samba) B
5 bidens (Bidens ferulifolia Peters Gold Carpet) C
One of the challenges of summer color is finding a vine that blooms all season long that
can also handle the drought that sometimes accompanies the summer months. Mandevilla vine
is one of my favorite foolproof vines for summer containers. Whether you keep this on the
nursery-provided bamboo stakes or provide a decorative obelisk to train the vine branches on,
the mandevilla gives impact with fast growing and constantly blooming performance.
This container recipe is a combination of three of my favorite summer sun-loving annuals.
Once the root system is established for this container combination, which usually takes three
or four weeks, this recipe is one of the easy care plantings. Medium to low water needs,
fertilizing with a bloom-boosting plant food once a month, and no need for pinching back
bloomsall this is what gives this recipe its name of Oh, So Easy.
If you are wondering why a recipe titled Oh, So Easy can have a difficulty level of
moderate, the slight inconsistency comes in the planting process. As much as I love the simple
care needs of the mandevilla, planting a large and already trellised mandevilla vine can be a
little tricky. Leave the vines on the stakes and plant this vine in the container before planting
any of the other plant ingredients. A few of the branches of the mandevilla may break off while
planting so gently remove any damaged vines. If you are going to add your own obelisk in the
container, use one that will fit over the staked vine. Then remove any tape or strings that are
holding the vine branches to the stakes and holding the stakes together. Gently pull the stakes
upward, twisting them as needed to loosen the vines, then wrapping the loosened vines
around the poles of the obelisk.
After situating the mandevilla in the container, continue adding the remaining ingredients.
If you see any yellowing in the mandevilla leaves youll know you are most likely watering too
much.
PLANT OPTIONS
Pandorea jasminoides Charisma bower vine is a little more flamboyant with its
variegated foliage, but less prolific in blooms if you need a substitution for the mandevilla.
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Another vine substitution to maintain the red center-plant coloring would be to use red
passionflower, Passiflora racemosa.
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Peek-a-Boo Punch
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized New Zealand flax (Phormium Sundowner) A
5 spilanthes (Spilanthes oleracea Peek A Boo) B
5 verbenas (Verbena Lanai Peach) C
When I first designed this recipe, several of my co-workers thought it was way too boring.
But imagine how this container would look to a young child who is running around playing,
and she suddenly turns to find a whole bunch of little brown eyes staring at her! I enjoy
having a display with softer, muted colors and I like the echo of yellow between the spilanthes
and Phormium, and the echoing peach shades between the Phormium and verbenas.
After filling your container about two-thirds full of container mix potting soil, position the
New Zealand flax in the center of the planter. You will want to make sure that the top of the
rootball on the Phormium is about one inch lower than the edge of the planter so you may
have to make an indention in the soil so that the plant sits lower in the pot. After positioning
this plant correctly, add enough potting mix to finish filling the planter, leaving about 3 inches
of space from the top of the soil to the containers rim. This should give you enough space to
place the remaining plants. After placing the spilanthes and verbenas, add any additional soil
necessary to fill in the spaces between these smaller plants.
Little attention is needed for maintaining this container recipe. Water only when the top
two inches of soil feels dry to touch. The verbenas are good indicator plants for watering
needstheir leaves will start to curl and droop when underwatered. Once or twice throughout
the summer you may want to cut off the old blooms of the verbenas. Fertilize once a month
with a bloom-boosting plant food. A fringe benefit of this recipe is that the spilanthes flower
heads make an interesting addition to cut flower arrangements.
PLANT OPTIONS
Pennisetum Fireworks could be substituted for the Phormium.
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Peppermint Candy
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Intermediate
Shopping List
1 7-gallon-sized purple peppermint tree (Agonis flexuosa After Dark) A
7 1-gallon-sized mandevilla vines (Mandevilla Sun Parasol Crimson) B
7 geraniums (Pelargonium Freestyle Ruby Red) C
5 6-inch variegated society garlic plants (Tulbaghia violacea) D
Dont let the Intermediate level of this planting scare you awaywhat makes this
planting difficult is that you are dealing with a large, bulky plant and an extra-large container,
which may require an extra pair of hands to assist in planting. Ill also let you know that I killed
three Agonis trees before I realized that they really like to stay away from being overwatered.
This recipe combines a group of plants that all thrive in slightly dry soil so hopefully you will
have no temptation to overwater.
One of the ongoing debates I hear in the container gardening circles is whether to add
something besides potting mix to the bottoms of large containers to reduce some of the
expense of the potting soil. (For a large or extra-large container, you could use a lot of potting
mix.) Personally, I like to encourage every plant to send its roots as deeply as possible into the
container. Therefore, rather than using an inorganic material, the only product that I may fill the
bottom one-fourth of a planter with is pine mulch or shredded hardwood mulch. Both of these
will break down into finer organic material.
The first plant to place in this container will be the Agonis. It helps to have someone hold
the tree straight while you stand back to make sure that the tree is not leaning one way or the
other. Fill in potting mix around the rootball, leaving enough space to add the remaining
ingredients around the rootball. Plant the mandevilla plants next, then step back to make sure
the tree has not started tilting with the planting activity going on around it. Finish by planting
the remaining ingredients according the recipe diagram.
These large and extra-large containers have the advantage of holding more water and often
do not need to be watered as often once the plants get established, which usually takes three
to four weeks for these annuals. This is a recipe that calls for plants that have low water
requirements so water well, then allow the top 3 to 4 inches to dry out before watering again.
Fertilize each month with a bloom-boosting plant food.
PLANT OPTIONS
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Dont get discouraged if you have a hard time finding this cool peppermint tree. A few
options that will provide a very similar look would be Black Lace elderberry, Sambucus
nigra Eva, or ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolious Summer Wine.
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Perfection
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized elephant ear (Colocasia Red Stem) A
1 Persian shield (Strobilanthes) B
1 silver sage (Salvia argentea Silver Sage) C
1 zebrina wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) D
1 artemisia (Artemisia aborescens Powis Castle) E
3 petunias (Petunia hybrid Supertunia Mini Silver) F
The French philosopher Voltaire said, Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires
the hand of time. A container garden, or any garden for that matter, may seem to reach
perfection at different degrees of growth, only to reveal that the next degree is even more
perfect. When I saw this part sun container recipe, I thought that this combination was close
to perfection. Color echoes of purple are reflected in the Persian shield, the stem of the
Colocasia, in the wandering Jew, and in the throat of the petunia. Silver and white tones are
seen in the wandering Jew, the petunia, the artemisia, the salvia, and the Persian shield. Huge
leaves from the Colocasia and Salvia contrast beautifully with the finely cut foliage of the
artemisia.
Since the elephant ear is the largest plant and the focal point of your planting, plant it first
in your container that you have filled with container mix potting soil. Place the artemisia next,
planting it at a slight angle toward the outside of the container. Add the Strobilanthes, sage,
and zebrina wandering Jew as demonstrated by the recipe diagram, followed by the petunias.
This variety of petunia, Mini Silver, seems to bloom just fine in partial sun without growing
too leggy.
Water this container when the top two inches of soil are dry to your touch and fertilize with
a general-purpose fertilizer once a month. Prune the petunias in midsummer to keep blooms
coming all along the plant stems. In climates cooler than zone 5, this recipe could be used as a
sun planting but you may want to make sure that the Persian shield and the wandering Jew are
not facing the harsher afternoon sun. The Colocasia will keep them somewhat shaded, but
they still will be happiest with having only the morning sun exposure.
PLANT OPTIONS
It is hard to mess with perfection, but if you have to substitute something for the sage, use
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lambs ear, Stachys byzantina.
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Pretty Thing
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 pentas (Pentas Butterfly Red) A
3 fan flowers (Scaevola New Wonder) B
3 bidens (Bidens Peters Gold Carpet) C
3 iresine (Iresine Purple Lady) D
One of my favorite places to visit when I am in the Panhandle of Florida is a section called
Highway 30A. Along this 18-mile strip are lovely little beachside villages, many of them with
beautiful container plantings scattered throughout their community areas. This recipe is one
that I saw in Seaside, Florida, where the movie The Truman Show was filmed. The rich contrast
of dark foliage and bright flowers was striking in its simplicity.
All of the plants in this sun-loving recipe are fast growing and can fill up a container
quickly. I have suggested a large container but if you are longing for more instant gratification,
either use a medium-sized planter or spend a little more money on larger plants. In my
experience, after about four weeks of proper care, it will be hard to tell whether you used 4inch-sized plants or gallon-sized plantsthe little guys catch up. First, fill the planter to within
three inches from the rim with container mix potting soil. Plant the pentas as shown in the
recipe diagram, adding the Scaevola, Bidens, and iresine in consecutive order. Add any extra
potting mix if needed to cover the roots of the plants. Be forewarned: it may look a little skimpy
when first planted.
One of the specific qualities that make this container planting so desirable is that it needs
no pruning when properly watered and fertilized. Water only when the top two inches of soil
are dry to touch. Feed this planting every other week with a bloom-boosting fertilizer that has
been diluted to half the strength of what would normally be used. Another benefit is that the
pentas and the iresine make a nice addition to cut flower arrangements.
PLANT OPTIONS
Trailing coleus Wedding Veil or other trailing coleus cultivars can be used instead of
iresine in this recipe.
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Riot of Color
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Intermediate
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized variegated grass (Phalaris arundinacea Strawberries and Cream) A
1 1-quart-sized euphorbia (Euphorbia characias Tasmanian Tiger) B
1 1-gallon-sized agave (Agave hybrid) C
2 sedums (Sedum repestre Angelina) D
2 spilanthes (Spilanthes oleracea Peek-A-Boo) E
2 petunias (Petunia hybrid Royal Magenta) F
2 calibrachoas (Calibrachoa Apricot Punch) G
2 verbenas (Verbena hybrid Superbena Burgundy) H
2 ivy geraniums (Pelargonium Taj Mahal) I
Yes, this recipe is just what it sounds likea little of this and a little of that. Throw it all
together in a large planter and bake it in the sun for the summer for a yummy collection of color
and textures all season long. The contrasts in foliage between the thin blades of grass, the
thick agave leaves, the delicate oval leaves of the euphorbia, and the other flowering plant
foliage keep the planting interesting. At the same time the echoes of color found among the
recipes cream, burgundy, and apricot shades give the combination a continuity and
cohesiveness.
After filling your planter about halfway with container mix potting soil, place the three onegallon-sized plants as shown by the recipe diagram. I may sound a little like the overprotective
mother here when I say this, but I recommend either wearing glasses, sunglasses, or safety
glasses whenever you are handling agaves, plus wearing gloves and long-sleeved shirts.
Normally, I would suggest planting this last in a container but since the agave is larger than
the remaining ingredients, planting it later may disrupt what youve already placed. After you
have these three plants in place, add the geraniums and verbenas, then place the remaining
ingredients following the recipe diagram. Add potting mix if needed to cover any open areas
between the roots of the plants.
A container crammed this full of plants will end up with a lot of roots and less soil so keep
an eye on this planting to observe anything that may look like it is starting to wilt. Water when
the top two inches of soil are dry, and feed monthly with a general-purpose fertilizer. Every two
weeks, pinch off the faded geranium and verbena blossoms.
PLANT OPTIONS
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For a softer alternative to the agave, use hens and chicks Sempervivum Green Wheel.
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Royal Purple
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized purple grass (Pennisetum purpureum Princess) A
3 begonias (Begonia Dragonwing Red) B
3 variegated ivies (Hedera helix Gold Child) C
It doesnt get much easier than this when it comes to part sun summer plantings. While I
wont go so far as to say that you can plant this and forget about it, you can plant this and,
after it has rooted in for a few weeks, forget about it for several days and not worry about
coming home to dead plants. If you live in extremely hot areas, you may be able to only skip
one day so take your heat zone into consideration with this instruction. All three of these
plants thrive in low water environments. In fact, Ive seen more Pennisetum, Dragonwing
begonias, and ivy killed from overwatering than I have ever seen from underwatering.
Fill your medium-sized planter halfway with container mix potting soil, then position the
purple grass in the center of your container. Add more soil to stabilize the grass and raise the
planting level of the soil for the remaining plants. Plant the begonias, tilting them slightly
toward the outside edge of the container, then finish by adding the ivies as shown in the
recipe diagram. Begonias can be a little fragile when you are planting them so dont be too
concerned if a few stems are broken off in the planting processthey will quickly be replaced
by new growth.
As mentioned, maintenance of this recipe is extremely easy. Water only when the top three
to four inches of soil feel dry to your touch. One way that you can tell if you are overwatering
is that the begonias will become limp or even mushy. Fertilize once a month with a generalpurpose plant food. The blades of the Pennisetum Princess are nice to use to line or swirl
inside a vase of cut flowers. With this recipe, feel free to take off for a summer weekend and
have a healthy container planting to welcome you back home!
PLANT OPTIONS
Cordyline Cabernett is a good substitute for Pennisetum Princess grass. Plectranthus
Variegata can be used as an alternative to the ivies.
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Shady Summer Surprises

SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
Small
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
2 1-quart-sized cannas (Canna hybrid Pink Sunburst) A
1 begonia (Begonia Dragonwing Pink) B
1 variegated sedge grass (Carex phyllocephala Sparkler) C
2 mini hostas (Hosta Mighty Mouse) D
1 bugleweed (Ajuga reptans Bronze Beauty) E
2 variegated ivies (Hedera helix Gold Child) F
Shady spots are sometimes overlooked in their potential for creating truly artistic displays.
The potential for using certain non-shade plants like this miniature canna broadens the
spectrum of plants you can choose from. Shady Summer Surprises is an interesting assortment
of texture and foliage that offers some surprises throughout the summer. In zone 5 areas and
cooler, placing this container in a part sun area will allow the canna to bloom, but in warmer
areas the canna will be used solely for foliage.
Fill your window box or planter halfway with container mix potting soil, then position the
cannas as shown in the recipe diagram. Next, add the begonia and Carex. Begonias can break
easily when theyre planted so handle them gently as you place them in the planter. If you
break off a few branches, dont be too concerned because they do grow quickly. Next, as you
plant the hostas, position them tilting a little away from the begonia and Carex. When the
hostas bloom (one of the fun summer surprises in this recipe), their flowers will provide a wider
display at this angle. The ivies can be placed next; pull any long stems gently through the
other foliage to develop a mingled look among the foliage. The bugleweed will be planted last,
once again tilting the plant toward the front of the planter to encourage it spill over the edge of
the planter. Finally, fill in with soil between any of the spaces left between the rootballs.
This recipe is very easy to care for with the biggest concern being not to overwater it! Test
the soil moisture by sticking a finger at least two inches into the soil; only water when this test
confirms that the soil is dry. The begonia will start to turn yellow and drop leaves if it is getting
too much water. Feed this recipe once a month with a general-purpose fertilizer.
PLANT OPTIONS
If the canna is difficult to locate, try using one of the smaller, dark colored Alocasia
varieties like African Mask. Plectranthus Variegata could be substituted for the hostas.
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Shrimp Cocktail
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Small
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized yellow shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea) A
2 annual vincas (Vinca Pacifica XP Cherry Red) B
2 annual (really red) vincas (Vinca Pacifica XP Really Red) C
2 lantanas (Lantana Landmark Yellow) D
1 variegated Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon Burmuda Ghost) E
1 red petunia (Petunia hybrid) F
1 globe amaranth (Gomphrena Gnome Purple) G
1 euphorbia (Euphorbia graminea Diamond Frost) H
I have found that some plants seem to elicit a polarizing reaction. Folks tend either to love
or hold particular plants in disdain, particularly ones with flowers that could be described as
artsy. This container recipe holds three plants that fit in the either love/hate category. The
shrimp plant is one that a co-worker of mine will roll her eyes at. She thinks they look creepy
but I think they add great vertical appeal and wonderful color. The other two controversial
plants are the variegated Bermuda grass (mention Bermuda to some people and they
immediately start mixing Round-Up herbicide) and globe amaranth (a reliable, old-fashioned
annual; I still havent figured out why it causes a mixed emotional response). But all of these
plants are great ingredients in a creative, sun-loving container.
Using a small planter for this recipe gives a full look instantly. Only fill your container
about three-fourths full of container mix potting soil and begin by positioning the shrimp plant
as shown in the recipe diagram. Next, add the lantana and globe amaranth. Position the
remaining plants at a slight angle toward the outer rim of the planter, encouraging each to spill
over the edge.
All of these plants are happiest when kept a little on the dry side so avoid overwatering. If
you see the shrimp plant or petunia leaves drooping, youll know its time to water. Pinch back
the petunias several inches from their ends if you are only getting blossoms at the end of each
branch. If lantana goes to seed, which can happen if you get periods of cool or very wet
weather during the summer, cut these off so that the plant puts more energy in producing
blooms. Fertilize monthly with a bloom-boosting plant food.
PLANT OPTIONS
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If the shrimp plant is just too strange for your tastes, go with Rudbeckia Tiger Eye.
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So Elegant
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized duranta (Duranta erecta Gold Edge) A
3 verbenas (Verbena hybrid Homestead Purple) C
3 mandevillas (Mandevilla hybrid Sun Parasol Crimson) D
Every summer for the past few years, these planters have been one of my yearly
challenges. Exposed to wind and full sun, they also are the focal point in one of the main
entryways into a beautiful neighborhood. They are in front of large hollies and red Knock
Out roses, so I had to figure out not only what would stand out, but what would survive
under those conditions.
Duranta Gold Edge, a plant that I had seen handle the winds and heat of Texas, worked
well with its bright golden contrast in front of the green hollies. Red mandevilla and Setcresea
are both faithful standouts for handling tough conditions, as is Homestead Purple verbena
once it gets established in a planting. These purple, gold, and red colors also were effective in
grabbing the attention of those entering the neighborhood.
Start planting this recipe by placing the duranta in the center of the container. I always
recommend wearing gloves when planting, but I especially recommend it when handling
duranta, which can sometimes cause allergic reactions when folks come in contact with the sap
from broken branches or crushed leaves. After planting the duranta, continue placing the
remaining plants according to the recipe diagram.
This recipe is a good choice also for hard to reach column pots because so little
maintenance is required. Water only when soil is dry to your touch or when you see a slight
wilting of the duranta leaves. Feed monthly with a bloom-boosting fertilizer. Homestead
Purple verbena, during extreme heat, may rest from blooming until temperatures fall below the
mid-90s. No pruning is needed for any of these plants throughout the growing season, but you
may want to trim back the duranta in midsummer if you want a bushier look.
PLANT OPTIONS
Euonymus japonicus Aureo-marginatus could be substituted for Duranta Gold Edge.
Purple petunias could be used if Homestead Purple verbenas are not available, although
the petunias may need to be pruned back in midsummer.
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Spicy Ginger Pop

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) A
3 summer snapdragons (Angelonia Angelface Purple) B
3 verbenas (Verbena Aztec Dark Red) C
3 vinca vines (Vinca minor Illumination) D
Get ready for the party to begin once youve planted this colorful container recipe. This
combination looks best in a dark colored container and is extremely vibrant in a cobalt blue
planter. In milder climate zones, this recipe will do just fine in full sun, but the ginger and vinca
vines need protection from the hot summer sun in warmer climates. The ginger also likes
having room for its roots to grow and reach moisture so the deeper the container, the happier
this plant will be.
Begin by filling your container a little over halfway with container mix potting soil, then
loosen the soil around the rootball of the ginger. Center the ginger in the planter and add more
soil around the rootball, bringing the soil level to within three inches of the top of the planter.
When planting around a center plant in a container it is best to work your way out toward the
rim of the planter, so plant the Angelonia next, followed by the verbenas, then finishing with
the vincas. Add additional potting mix to fill in any spaces between the rootballs of the plants.
Maintaining this container recipe is very easy. When the leaves of the ginger begin to curl
or roll instead of laying flat, it is telling you it needs a drink of water. Usually this occurs about
the time that the top two inches of soil have dried out. Verbena has a tendency to bloom
vigorously, then rest, then bloom, continuing this cycle throughout its growing season. While
cutting off the faded blooms (deadheading) is not necessary for reblooming, some folks may
prefer the cleaner look that occurs when its deadheaded. Fertilize once a month during the
growing season with a general-purpose plant food.
PLANT OPTIONS
Use Canna Tropicana as a substitute for the ginger to give the containers a more
vertical appeal. Red ivy geraniums make a good alternative to the red verbenas.
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Spider Plant Flashback

SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 Persian shield (Strobilanthes) A
3 spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum) B
6 impatiens (Impatiens walleriana Violet) C
3 creeping wire vines (Muehlenbeckia axillaries) D
Some of you reading this recipe may have fleeting memories from the 1960s and 1970s of
macram hanging baskets filled with a popular houseplant called spider plant. Fast forward to
present day and youll find the spider plant is a major component for many outdoor plantings,
including this recipes shade loving combination. It is hard to beat the textural interest that this
plant provides amidst all the summer annual color.
A cool color mix of violet and white, with just a splash of purple, offers a welcome reprieve
from summertime heat. After loosely filling your container with potting soil, place the spider
plants at a slight angle toward the edge of the planter. Center the Strobilanthes in the middle
of the container, then add the remaining plants according to the recipe diagram. The Persian
shield may look a little small and out of proportion when first planted, but these plants grow
extremely fast once they get established in the container and will make great center focal
plants.
Care for this recipe is quite simple. Water only when the top of the soil is dry to your touch.
The impatiens are the indicator plants to know when the soil has gotten a little too dry; if their
leaves are wilting, its time to water. Fertilize every other month with a general-purpose
fertilizer.
In the fall, repot the spider plant and creeping wire vines into a container that you can bring
indoors. Make sure that they have drainage while at the same time protecting your furniture or
floors by placing a saucer under your planter to collect water. Or, plant these inside a plastic
container that has drainage and place that container into a planter without drainage holes (a
cachepot). Remove the inserted container to water in a sink or bathtub, allowing it to drain well
and returning it to the outer container pot. Both of these plants are excellent indoor
houseplants that like indirect light and need only weekly watering.
PLANT OPTIONS
Use Carex Frosted Curls instead of the spider plant and enjoy the soft foliage of its
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blades (except then you cant call this recipe Spider Plant Flashback). If you want a more
drought resistant but similar look, use a dark colored coleus instead of the Persian shield
and pink angelwing begonias instead of the impatiens.
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Spiky Color Burst

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Intermediate
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized trellised mandevilla vine (Mandevilla Alice Du Pont) A
3 2-gallon-sized New Zealand flax (Phormium Sundowner) B
6 1-gallon-sized caladiums (Caladium Carolyn Whorton) C
3 2-gallon-sized spirea (Spirea x bumalda Goldflame) D
6 cupheas (Cuphea llavea Flamenco Samba) E
6 coleus (Solenostemon Trailing Cherry) F
3 black-eyed Susan vines (Thunbergia alata) G
One of the gals who has worked with me over the years is a master at putting together big,
instant gratification container plantings. Yelena will look a gigantic planter in the eye and
declare, You dont intimidate me! Then she works her creative magic to create recipes like
this one. Combining small shrubs with tropical vines and colorful annuals, this sun-loving
recipe had people circling the neighborhood to view it again.
In an extra-large planter, add enough container mix potting soil to fill the container at least
halfway. Carefully remove the mandevilla vine from the pot it was grown in, keeping the vine
attached to the trellis. Position the trellised vine in the middle of the planter and add enough
soil to hold it in position but leaving room for the spireas and New Zealand flax. Once planted,
these two-gallon plants will also help to hold the mandevilla in a vertical position. You may
need to shave off a little around the diameter of the spireas and Phormium rootballs in order to
place place them snugly together. Add the caladiums, followed by the cupheas, then the
coleus and black-eyed Susan vines. Fill in any empty spaces between the rootballs of all these
plants, leaving about one inch of space between the upper rim of the planter and the top of the
soil.
For the first week or two, this planting will need to be watered daily. Once the roots have
had a chance to get established, water only when the top two to three inches of soil are dry or
when the black-eyed Susan vine looks a little wilted. Use a general-purpose fertilizer once a
month to feed the plants in this container.
PLANT OPTIONS
In some climates either bougainvillea or passion vines may be easier to locate than
mandevilla vines, and they are a great substitute for the trellised center plant. Use Vinca
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Cora Rose or Lantana Bandana Cherry if cuphea is unavailable.
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Strawberry and Licorice

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Small
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 spike plant (Dracaena) A
1 licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) B
4 dark red ivy geraniums (Pelargonium) C
3 ivy geraniums (Pelargonium Blizzard Pink) D
This container recipe could also be called The Classic because it reminds me of the type of
combinations that I first saw when I started container gardening: a spike plant, geraniums, and
a licorice plant. This type of combination is often referred to as the thriller (spike plant), the
filler (geraniums), and the spiller (licorice plant). The classic, simple look of these plants never
goes out of style but the difference I see now is that the cultivars of these plants are so much
more diverse and new-gardener friendly. A small container is all that you need to make this
look, perfect for a table or atop a small column.
Pour enough container mix potting soil in your planter so that there is about three inches of
space between the top of the soil and container rim. Place the spike plant as indicated by the
recipe diagram. Arrange the geraniums in the container, leaving the licorice plant for last.
Depending on the placement of your planter, the licorice plant can be planted in the front of
the container or it can appear to be spilling off to the side. Add any extra soil needed to cover
all the roots of the plants, leaving about one inch of space from the top of the soil to the
container rim.
Geraniums are big eaters, and they can use up the nutrients in the soil quickly, so you will
want to fertilize this recipe once a month with a bloom-boosting fertilizer. Clean up the faded
blooms, pinching off the stems down to the first set of leaves below the faded blossom. Water
when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Licorice plant can grow quite long, especially in warmer climates. Rather than just trimming
this back and throwing it all away, root it! Take a few cut branches and pull off 2 or 3 leaves
closest to the cut edge and stick the cut end into a little vase of water to root. Once roots begin
to grow, replant into another container.
PLANT OPTIONS
Plectranthus can substitute for the licorice plant. Cordyline Red Star is an alternative to
the spike plant for a more updated look in this recipe.
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Subtle Exuberance
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized compact jatropha (Jatropha integerrima Compacta) A
1 1-gallon-sized variegated ginger (Alpinia zerumbet Variegata) B
1 Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) C
1 rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium) D
2 impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) E
3 chenille plants (Acalypha hispida) F
Another title for this container garden recipe could have been Grandmas House. Planted
with soft, fuzzy chenille plants and rose-scented geraniums, a gentle brushing past this
planting could send your thoughts over the hill and through the dale, to Grandmothers house
we go. Use this recipe as a planting for your front door containers or for the planters near your
favorite outdoor sitting area to benefit fully from the sensory pleasures of these different
plants.
When putting this recipe together, the first plant in the container should be the Jatropha.
Because several other plants need to be placed in this container in close proximity to the
Jatropha, take the edge of a trowel or a hori-hori knife and shave off about 2 inches around the
diameter of the rootball. After planting the Jatropha, add the variegated ginger, then finish
planting with the remaining ingredients according to the recipe diagram.
This is not a fussy recipe that needs a lot of maintenance. Really, all that is needed is to
take a little pinch off the top of the impatiens two or three times during the summer to
encourage more branching on these plants. Also, the chenille plants are vigorous growers so
you may need to trim them depending on the height of your container.
Fertilize once a month with a bloom-boosting plant food and water when the top of the soil
is dry to touch. The rose-scented geranium can be put in a separate container in the fall and
brought indoors during the colder weather to be enjoyed. Because it does not flower very
often, it is an easy, low maintenance plant for a bright area by a window.
PLANT OPTIONS
You can try using a dark-leaved coleus such as Dark Star or Merlot as a substitute for
the Strobilanthes if you prefer.
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Summer Bold
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized ivy geranium (Pelargonium Caliente Fire) A
4 violas (Viola hybrid Penny Denim Jump-up) C
2 1-gallon-sized bougainvilleas (Bougainvillea Raspberry Ice) D
3 creeping wire vines (Muehlenbeckia axillaries) E
Window boxes are like earrings, an accessory that, once youve worn them, you dont ever
want to be without. I planted these window boxes with this recipe when my clients home was
still on the market. Once it sold, the new homeowners continued to keep this container planted.
I think that the ease of care involved in this recipe encouraged the new owners to keep their
window boxes planted with this recipe each season.
Ivy geraniums are fast growing once summer weather sets in so I dont usually suggest
starting with anything larger than a 4-inch-sized plant. This recipe, however, uses the geranium
as its focal plant so I recommend a 1-gallon-sized plant to give this recipe an instant impact in
the window box. After centering the geranium in the container, plant the Muehlenbeckia in
front of the geranium where it is spilling out over the edge of the window box. Plant the
bougainvilleas next, tilting the plants slightly toward the front edge of the window box. This
bougainvillea cultivar is used primarily for its foliage; the inconsequential purple blossoms that
randomly occur should be considered pleasant surprises. Finally, finish planting the remaining
plants according to recipe diagram. The violas may only be visible at first from inside the home,
but they will eventually be seen peeking up behind the other plants.
Watering is needed only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Fertilize monthly with
bloom-boosting plant food and pinch back the geranium flowers after the blooms have died.
PLANT OPTIONS
I planted this window box in early spring and only needed to substitute the violas with
summer snapdragons (Angelonia Serena Purple) to keep the look going through the
summer. Another variegated bougainvillea that I like to use if Raspberry Ice is not
available is Bougainvillea Golden Jackpot.
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Summer Celebration
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized mandevilla (Mandevilla hybrid Sun Parasol Crimson) A
2 lantanas (Lantana camara Landmark Gold) C
2 verbenas (Verbena hybrid Aztec Dark Red) D
2 asparagus ferns (Asparagus sprengeri) E
Nonstop summer color greets you daily in this medium-sized container recipe. Easy to
assemble, youll want to place your one-gallon-sized mandevilla first in your soil-filled
container, then plant the remaining plants according to the recipe diagram. These plant
varieties all like to intertwine with one another without taking over the entire container.
Asparagus sprengeri, commonly called asparagus fern, adds an interesting texture to this
planting with its needle looking leaves that contrast so well against the thick oval mandevilla
leaves. The large, mounding flower heads of the verbenas are a nice companion to the rich,
wide flowering heads of the petunias. Verbenas do have a tendency to bloom and rest
throughout the summer so the mandevilla provides the consistent pop of red that makes this
container recipe stand out.
With the full sun that Summer Celebration can handle, watering will need to be monitored
during the hotter parts of the summer. This combination does not like to stay moist but a
scorching summer day can dry out a medium-sized planter with this many plants pretty quickly.
If you ever notice the potting mix start to shrink away from the edges of the planter, then it is
time to give this container a good soaking. On the other hand, if you notice the leaves of the
mandevilla start to yellow, then this planter is most likely getting too much water. If this
happens, just lighten up on the watering and sprinkle a little Ironite to green up the leaves.
With this much flowering going on, feeding your planting regularly is very important. Mark
your summer calendar to fertilizer this planter once a month with a bloom-boosting plant food.
Even though pruning is not needed to ensure reblooming, lantanas can benefit from pinching if
you begin to see round green seeds develop. This is most often seen when the weather has
been cool and wet or during the late summer season.
PLANT OPTIONS
Rather than using the red mandevilla in the center of this container, substitute a red
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landscape or zonal geranium such as Patriot Red. Or try a one-gallon-sized Knock Out
rose if the container will be in a location so that folks will not be brushing up against the
thorns of the rose.
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Summer Rain
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 umbrella grass plants (Cyperus involucratus Baby Tut) A
5 impatiens (Impatiens walleriana Butterfly Cherry) B
If you have a shady spot and have a tendency to overwater, this may be a good option for
you to try growing in your container. This recipe calls for only three different plant varieties
but each variety is different enough in texture and color to provide a season-long interesting
display.
Heres a little trick to keeping the moisture loving Cyperus happy in your container: Line
the inside of the pots that the Cyperus came in with some type of plastic so that the holes do
not allow drainage, then place the plant back in its pot. Plant the Cyperus, still in their pots, in
the center of your container as shown by the recipe diagram. This will keep the roots of the
Cyperus moist while allowing the other plants growing in the container to drain as needed.
Make sure to plant deep enough in your container that the Cyperus inner pots are not showing
above the soil line.
Impatiens can always benefit from pinching two or three inches off the top of the plant at
midsummer to encourage the plant to grow fuller and bushier. Often this will involve pinching
off blooming plants or buds, which is always hard to do, but the benefit will be seen within just
a few weeks with an increased display of color.
Water when top of the soil around the impatiens and golden creeping jenny is dry. Ideally,
the soil around the Cyperus will stay moist throughout the summer. Fertilize at midsummer with
a general-purpose plant food.
Creeping jenny is hardy to zone 2 so dont discard it with your other annuals. Reuse it in
your fall and winter containers in zones 5 and warmer. It is considered invasive in certain areas
so check with your local Extension agent before replanting in the landscape.
PLANT OPTIONS
The options that would give this same effect would be to use a cultivar of Torenia fournieri
like Golden Moon or Clown Rose instead of impatiens, and Lysimachia Persian
Chocolate instead of Lysimachia aurea.
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Summer Sparkler
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized variegated flax lily (Dianella tasmanica Variegata) A
5 ivy geraniums (Pelargonium Freestyle Ruby Red) B
5 euphorbias (Euphorbia graminea Diamond Frost) C
3 verbenas (Verbena Lanai Blue) D
Like a Fourth of July sparkler, this combo is an explosion of textures that will brighten an
area, especially when placed in front of evergreens or a dark background. This sun-loving
combo needs little deadheading, blooms best when kept on the dry side, and will keep going
from spring until frost. What more do you want?
The accent piece of this recipe is the Dianella, which blooms throughout the summer with
delicate, light blue flowers that dance over your arrangement during a gentle breeze. Trailing
down the sides of your container will be the dark blue verbenas, whose thick clusters of
flowers bring a bold color border. Filling in between the verbenas and the Dianella are
explosive bursts of white Euphorbia Diamond Frost and blasts of red from the geraniums. If
you substitute the Euphorbia with Gypsophilia paniculata Babys Breath or Lobularia
maritima Snow Princess , the Snow Princess will drape more heavily than the Euphorbia
so you will lose some of that sparkler effect.
Flowering annuals are heavy feeders so fertilize monthly throughout the growing season
with a product that encourages flower blooming. While pinching off old blooms is not
necessary to keep your geraniums flowering, it does help give your planting a clean look.
Youll love the way the strong, thin stems of euphorbias wind their way through the other
plants, echoing the white edge of the Dianella. Good foliage contrasts between the big round
leaves of the geranium, the tall thick blades of flax lily, the dainty oval euphorbia leaves, and
the finely serrated verbena give this combo interest way beyond its patriotic color palette.
PLANT OPTIONS
If you have a hard time locating flax lily, look for either Cordyline australis Alberti or
ribbon grass Phalaris arundinacea Strawberries & Cream as a similar substitute with greenand-white foliage. You wont get the delicate blue flowers with these other plants but they
will maintain the vertical impact. The geraniums can be substituted with Petunia Easy Wave
Red or Cuphea llavea Totally Tempted to maintain that pop of red. You could easily
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substitute the verbenas with Calibrachoa Superbells Trailing Blue or Scaevola New
Wonder.
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Sweet Dreams
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized pink flowering maple (Abutilon x hybridum Roseus) A
3 dwarf dahlias (Dahlia Goldalia Rose) B
5 summer snapdragons (Angelonia Angelface Pink) C
3 fan flowers (Scaevola Bombay Pink) D
3 fan flowers (Scaevola Bombay Blue) E
The first time I saw a flowering maple with its delicate, upside-down flowers I thought, I
have got to find a place to showcase this plant! But I wanted folks to see the flowers from
underneath, and I dont know very many people who will get down on their hands and knees
to look up at a flower. Then I thought about all the containers that I locate on columns and
realized that I had found a showcase spot for the Abutilon.
When you start putting this recipe together, place the Abutilon in the center of the
container. Dont worry about planting the remaining plants too close to the Abutilon because
this little tropical shrub has an open, airy form that allows other plants to get enough light and
to grow through the lower branches. This recipe is a good choice for containers that are
difficult to reach because little pruning is needed. The dahlias will keep a cleaner look if you
maintain a little pinching back of flowers that have finished blooming.
Watering requirements involve watering only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch.
All the plants in this recipe are heavy bloomers so I recommend feeding once a month with
bloom-boosting fertilizer.
This recipe is most striking when planted in a black or dark gray planter. Or eliminate the
blue fan flowersubstitute three additional pink fan flowersand use a brown planter. The
effect is very current and in vogue.
PLANT OPTIONS
Different cultivars of each plant variety are available for substituting if the specific
cultivar mentioned in this recipe is not available.
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Tabletop Beauty
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Small
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Red Wave) A
2 verbenas (Verbena hybrid Babylon Red) B
1 sweet flag grass (Acorus gramineus Ogon) D
My patio is my favorite room in my house, which is somewhat of a paradox since it is not
actually in my house. But whether Im sitting out there with my morning cup of tea watching
the colors of the sunrise or sharing supper with my family, I love how a small pot of flowers
can make every occasion feel special. This recipe provides a season-long beauty wherever you
are inspired to place it.
If you plan to place this small container on an outdoor dinner table, choose a container that
is no more than six inches high. With any planter higher than that you might have to remove it
from the table to be able to see your guests. When putting the recipe together, shave about an
inch diameter off the rootball using the edge of a trowel or a hori-hori knife, then plant it as
shown in the recipe diagram. The remaining plants will need to have a little of the soil loosened
around their roots for everything to fit snugly in the container. This is done with your fingers
gently massaging the rootballs, allowing some soil to drop off and making the roots pliable
enough to squeeze easily into the planter. Add the Acorus and Lysimachia next, then finish
with the verbenas.
This is a quick and easy container to put together, but a smaller container can require a
little more watering upkeep because there is less soil to retain moisture. A container this size
usually can be watered every day except during rainy or cooler days. If the top of the soil feels
dry to your touch, give this planter a drink of water. Also, fertilize once a month with a bloomboosting plant food. Several times throughout the season you may want to pinch back the
verbenas and Lysimachia as it starts to spread out over your table. Or you could let it keep
growing as an all-natural tablecloth!
PLANT OPTIONS
If you want the darker foliage of the hibiscus, but dont want the frequent falling
blossoms of the flowers, substitute ornamental peppers such as Capsicum Black Pearl or
Purple Flash.
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Tropical Flower Child

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Double Pink) A
3 licorice plants (Helichrysum petiolare) B
3 verbenas (Verbena Homestead Purple) C
6 ivy geraniums (Pelargonium Caliente Rose) D
Few plants can compare in flower power to the tropical hibiscus. Its large blossoms are
great for grabbing attention across the lawn or standing out even in the midst of other bold
colors. When you want to draw attention to your front door or a special spot in your garden,
use this simple recipe as a quick and easy look at me! solution.
The first thing you will want to do after filling your planter about three-fourths full of
container mix potting soil is to loosen soil around the roots of the hibiscus bush. If the roots
are very dense, use the edge of your trowel to make one-half-inch slices down the sides of the
rootball to encourage the roots to spread out into the surrounding soil. After placing the
hibiscus in position, pour additional potting mix around the roots to bring the soil level up for
the remaining plants. Add the geraniums, then plant the verbenas and licorice plants with a
slight tilt toward the outside of the planter. Make sure that the roots are covered with potting
mix but still have about an inch of space below the rim of the planter.
With this many heavily flowering plants, you may want to fertilize once a week with a
bloom-booster fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength. Water when the top two inches
of soil are dry to touch, or watch the leaves of the hibiscus; when it first starts to droop, thats
your indication that it is time to water. If the hibiscus leaves start to yellow, check to make sure
that you are not giving too much water and fertilize with a plant food that includes iron.
Remove any fallen hibiscus blossoms that may have dropped on the plants below so that they
dont smother any foliage or flowers. This recipe is happiest when its in sun, but for those in
hotter climates you will find that this recipe performs just as well in part sun.
PLANT OPTIONS
Use Lantana Luscious Grape as a substitute for the verbena and Evolvulus Blue
Daze instead of the licorice plant if you want even more flowers.
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Tropical Paradise
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized tropical palm (Chamaerops humilis European Fan Palm) A
3 1-gallon-sized caladiums (Caladium White Queen) B
6 wishbone flowers (Torenia Summer Wave Blue) C
2 1-gallon-sized begonias (Begonia Black Velvet) D
When I first started working with my co-worker Yelena, this recipe was one of the first she
put together where I saw her wonderful eye for design. Hopefully, this container recipe will be
repeated often and folks across the country can enjoy it as much as I do!
As with any extra-large container planting, place your container where you plan on keeping
it before you start adding soil and putting the recipe together. Ive found that I often have to
cut the plastic container off the rootballs of palms because the roots may be tightly contained
within the pot, so keep some hand-pruners close by. Keep the rootball intact and do not try to
loosen the soil around the rootball as I have recommended for many other larger-sized plants.
The palm will need to be planted first because of its size and because the remaining ingredients
are positioned around it. The palms rootball will take up a lot of room in the container so only
fill the planter halfway with container mix potting soil before placing the palm as indicated in
the recipe diagram. Loosely add more potting soil around the rootball, leaving about four
inches from the top of the container, and plant the caladiums, then the begonias. If needed,
add a little more potting soil before finishing with the Torenia. Be careful not to bury the trunk
of the palm with potting soil or it will develop trunk rot.
Very little maintenance is needed with this recipe. Keep this planting slightly on the dry
side by only watering when the top two inches of soil feel dry. The Torenia is a nice indicator
plant for when watering is needed; when it starts looking droopy, its time to water, because it
is the first plant to suffer from lack of water. Fertilize in midsummer with a general-purpose
fertilizer. Regularly trim off faded or browning palm fronds.
A word to the wise: wear thick gardening gloves when handling the palm, which can have
some sharp spines along its trunk as it matures.
PLANT OPTIONS
Windmill palm, Trachycarpus fortunei, is a good substitute for the European fan palm,
with the added benefit of being cold hardy to zone 6. Lobelia siphilitica can be used instead of
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the Torenia, especially in areas where summer temperatures rarely get out of the mid-80s.
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A Twist Of Lime
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized lantana (Lantana hybrid Tropical Temptation Mimosa) A
2 coleus (Solenostemon Golda) B
1 1-gallon-sized mandevilla (Mandevilla hybrid Sun Parasol Crimson) C
2 sedums (Sedum repestre Angelina) D
The word refreshing comes to mind when I look at this container. Bright and cheery, this
low maintenance, sun-loving combination sends out a welcome call to all who pass by.
Fill your planters with container mix potting soil, leaving about four inches between the soil
and the rim of the planter. Add the lantana and the mandevilla, but make sure that you have
taken the time to loosen their rootballs before planting. Next, add the coleus, slightly tilting the
plants toward the outer rim of the planter. Last, place the sedums so that they are spilling over
the edge of the container.
The new bush-type mandevillas are a hybrid of a mandevilla and dipledenia; they are
excellent bloomers during the heat of the summer. They do, however, send out random long
vines that can either be left to add an artistic flair to this recipe or trimmed back to keep a more
uniform look to this planting. Pinch off any of the green, round seed clusters that may form on
the lantana so that the plant is using its energy toward blooming rather than seed making. If
the coleus begins to look a little scraggly, pinch off the top two inches right above a set of
leaves.
Water when the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch. You can also use the coleus as
an indicator for watering because its leaves will droop when the planting is thirsty. Fertilize
once a month with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Heres a little recycling tip for your container planting: the sedum variety used in this recipe
is hardy to zone 3 and has a nice rosy-bronze tone to it during the winter months. Reuse this
plant in your winter plantings or plant in the ground as a beautiful, drought-tolerant
groundcover.
PLANT OPTIONS
Alternathera Chartreuse is an easy substitute for the coleus. It may be easier to locate
Lantana Athens Rose than Tropical Temptation Mimosa.
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Wishing Well
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta Black Magic) A
3 1-gallon-sized variegated sweet flag (Acorus calamus Variegatus) B
3 tall umbrella plants (Cyperus alternifolius) C
5 golden creeping jenny (Lysimachia aurea) D
I spotted this luscious container recipe on a tour I took of Montrose Gardens in
Hillsborough, North Carolina. Ive replicated this design several times in containers where the
drainage holes have a tendency to get plugged up and hold water because all of the plants in
this recipe are moisture loving.
Begin by planting the 3-gallon-sized Colocasia in the container according the diagram
placement. Dont be too concerned if several of the long-stemmed leaves are broken in the
planting process; after you have finished planting everything in the container, cut the
damaged stems off at the base of the plant. They will be replaced quickly with new growth.
Continue planting with the variegated sweet flag grass. Next, plant the Cyperus alternifolius,
but you may notice that these plants look disproportionately small compared to the other
plants. They will grow extremely fast and form the backdrop to this delightful combination of
black-and-white and contrasting forms. Finally, plant the creeping jenny, and water it all in.
This is one of the few times that you will ever hear me say, Dont worry about watering too
much. The main rule to follow here is to never let the soil dry out. Fertilize in midsummer with
a general-purpose fertilizer.
I have placed this recipe in a shade category, but in milder climates these plants can grow
well in part sun.
In mild climates, you can maintain this recipe in a container year-round. Most of the plants
will die back or look a little ratty during the winter, but cut back all the foliage in early spring for
fresh new growth.
PLANT OPTIONS
Because they have similar moist soil requirements, the Japanese iris variety Iris kaempferi
variegata is easily interchangeable with the Acorus calamus Variegatus. With the iris you
will also get its short-lived but regal blue blooms.
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Bamboozled
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 1-gallon-sized bamboo plants (Fargesia rufa Sunset Glow) A
2 1-gallon-sized variegated gold dust plants (Acuba japonica Variegata) B
1 1-gallon-sized bush honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida Edmee Gold) C
2 1-gallon-sized sweet flag grass (Acorus gramineus Ogon) D
2 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Montrose Ruby) E
I once heard a plantsman tell a group that, friends dont let friends plant bamboo. Having
grown up in the middle of Georgia, where bamboo was taking over my neighbor-hood, I could
understand where he was coming from! But that was before I learned about Fargesia rufa, and
before I realized how delightful bamboo is in a container planting. This is a clumping, slowgrowing, short evergreen bamboo that adds texture and movement to any container recipe.
Since this recipe has a distinct front and back to the design, the easiest way to plant is to
begin with the plants in the back and work forward. Start by planting the bamboo, then place
the Acuba as indicated by the recipe design. Next, when planting the sweet flag grass, tilt the
plants toward the sides of the planter, away from the bamboo and gold dust plants. Finally,
when planting the honeysuckle and coral bells slightly tilt these toward the front of the planter.
Even in this extra-large planter this many one-gallon-sized plants may be a little squished. If
needed, shave off about one-half inch around the diameter of the bamboo and Acuba rootballs.
Keep this planting evenly moist by watering only when the top of the soil feels dry to your
touch. Gardeners in zones 6 and warmer can use this recipe as a winter or year-round planting,
in which case you will need to fertilize in the early spring and midsummer with a generalpurpose plant food.
PLANT OPTIONS
A more dramatic look can be created by using the taller black bamboo Phyllostachys
nigra.
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The Big Three

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized dwarf golden arborvitae (Thuja orientalis Aurea nana) A
4 kale (Brassica oleracea Red Bor) B
8 yellow pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) C
4 red pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) D
Every year since I have been planting containers professionally, there are a few plants that
remain my staple ingredients for fall and winter plantings. This recipe combines the faithful
three plants that I can count on to never give me any trouble and still make a statement of color
and beauty. Also, one of the nice aspects of this recipe is that all of these plants are relatively
inexpensive. It looks good, it loves full sun, its easy care, and its inexpensiveso youre
probably wondering, Whats the catch? Well, this is one of those fall plantings that is truly
just a fall planting for my friends in zones colder than zone 6. Many of my other fall recipes can
either be overwintered with few or no substitutions, but this one would require a whole new
recipe to carry over through the spring for those in colder climates. That being said, the Thuja
is an easy shrub to overwinter indoors in a heated, windowed garage or a sunny, heated porch.
To put this recipe together, begin by taking the edge of a trowel or a hori-hori knife (a super
great Japanese style knife with a serrated edge) and trim around the diameter of the Thuja
rootball. This allows you to snuggle the remaining plants up a little closer to the Thuja,
providing an instant gratification look to the container. Fill the planter about two-thirds of the
way with container mix potting soil. Plant according to the recipe diagram, placing the
arborvitae first before adding more soil and the remaining ingredients. When planting the kale,
tilt the plant slightly away from the arborvitae so that it is not growing directly into the
branches.
Water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. Fertilize the pansies monthly with a bloomboosting plant food.
PLANT OPTIONS
It should not be difficult to find all of these plants but just remember its a fall-only
container recipe for some areas.
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Bright Camellias
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized camellia (Camellia japonica Winters Fancy) A
2 1-gallon-sized bush honeysuckles (Lonicera Edmee Gold) B
3 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Caramel) C
5 vincas (Vinca minor Illumination) D
There are few plants that bring back as many pleasant memories as camellias provide for
me. Where I grew up in Georgia, camellia blossoms were a part of the Thanksgiving dinner
decorations, floating in a bowl of water surrounded by the bowl of black-eyed peas and
squash casserole. I love to use camellias in container recipes because their glossy oval leaves
and plethora of blossoms are hard to find in very many other plants during the cooler seasons.
For those in areas colder than zone 6, this is one plant worth wintering over indoors to enjoy
during your milder seasons.
These four evergreen plants, for those in zone 6 and warmer, allow for some bright color in
your shady areas. Even when Winters Fancy camellia is not blooming, the Edmee Gold
honeysuckle is lighting up the container with its chartreuse color. In warmer climates, choose
more cold hardy camellias if you cant find this cultivar because the cold hardy ones tend to do
better in containers. Also remember that, depending on the variety, camellias can bloom
anytime from early fall to spring so make sure you have a fall-blooming camellia to make the
most of this autumn recipe.
Place the camellia first in your planter to establish proper spacing, then plant the Edmee
Gold honeysuckle slightly angled toward the outer rim of the planter. Next, nestle the
Caramel coral bells between the honeysuckle and behind the camellia, and fill in any gaps
between the root systems of the plants with extra soil. Finally, fill in the areas as shown by the
plant recipe with Illumination vinca. Dont allow this planting to dry out and keep soil evenly
moist but not saturated with water. Camellias bloom best when grown in acidic soil. Before
placing camellias in the planter, put a teaspoon of used coffee grinds or a teaspoon of Espoma
Hollytone under each camellia rootball.
PLANT OPTIONS
Several other cultivars of camellia that could be substituted are Winters Fire, Autumn
Rose, and Winters Star. Other cultivars of Heuchera could be used, such as Southern
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Comfort or Amber Waves.
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Coral Bark Queen

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized coral bark maple (Acer palmatum Sango-kaku) A
3 1-gallon-sized boxwoods (Buxus Glencoe) B
3 purple-leafed wintercreepers (Euonymus fortunei Coloratus) C
6 yellow pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) D
When planting fall and winter planters, you may need to adjust your perspective of
horticultural beauty. Looking beyond the well-loved flowering plants of spring and summer,
beauty can be found in the contrast of textures, in the elegant forms of defoliated trees and
shrubs, and in the transition of foliage color that autumn is famous for when you live in
temperate zones.
One of the most striking plants to watch during the fall is the coral bark maple. As
temperatures begin to cool, the lime green leaves of the coral bark maple become golden and its
red bark color begins to intensify. When paired with the purple-leafed wintercreeper, whose
foliage also transitions from deep green to burgundy-purple with the cooling temperatures, this
recipe begs to be noticed wherever it is positioned. The yellow pansies first mirror the coral
bark maples leaves, and then serve as a brilliant contrast to its bright red bark. The boxwoods
are the classic skirt that carries this stately beauty through its transitions.
As you plan on putting this recipe together, start early enough to be able to watch the
transition of color on the coral bark maple. Once youve gathered all your material, plant the
coral bark maple first to center it; secure it with soil around the rootball so it is not leaning.
Next, plant the boxwoods closely around the base of the coral bark maple. Finally, plant the
pansies and wintercreepers as shown in the recipe diagrams.
Water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch and fertilize the pansies each month with
a bloom-boosting fertilizer.
PLANT OPTIONS
Substituting a red twig dogwood, Cornus alba Sibirica, for the coral bark maple is an
option for folks in areas colder than zone 5. The red bark is similar, but the artistic form of
the coral bark maple will be missing with this substitution.
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Dandy Deckbox
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia Winterglut) A
2 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Palace Purple) B
2 1-gallon-sized camellias (Camellia japonica Springs Promise) C
If youve never met bergenia, let me help you get acquainted. Youve already seen
Heuchera and camellias used throughout this container recipe book because they work well
either as an accent plant or as the focal plant in a container, and because they faithfully
perform well in container plantings. Then along comes bergenia with its dramatic foliage.
Bergenia reminds me a little of my oldest brother who walks into a gathering and, just with his
big, fun personality alone, can grab the entire rooms attention. When bergenia is used in a
container planting, it may take you a moment to notice the other plants. Bergenia Winterglut
also can survive in a wide range of climates ranging from zone 3 to zone 9. As the temperatures
cool off in the fall, bergenia foliage takes on shades of pink, purple, and burgundy.
Locate a shady spot where you plan on placing your container. When planting window
boxes or any rectangular planter, it is easier to start planting with the plants that are farthest
away from where you are positioned. For example, if you are leaning out a window to plant this
recipe in a window box, plant the coral bells in the corners first, then add the bergenia, and
finish planting with the camellias. When using all the one-gallon-sized plants that are listed in
this recipe, only fill the container halfway with the potting soil. After positioning all the plants
in the container, add any extra potting soil that is needed to fill in the spaces between the
plants.
Water this planting when the top of the soil is dry to your touch. In zones 6 through zone
9, this recipe can be used as a year-round planting. The folks in those zones who want to
maintain these throughout the year will want to fertilize in the early spring and late summer
with a general-purpose fertilizer.
PLANT OPTIONS
To carry this planting through the winter in climates colder than zone 6, substitute a red
twig dogwood, Cornus alba, for the camellias.
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Falls Folly
SUN PREFERENCE
Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized fernspray false cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Filicoides) A
2 1-gallon-sized false hollies (Osmanthus heterophyllus Goshiki) B
2 1-gallon-sized Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris Bright Lights) C
1 1-gallon-sized kale (Brassica oleracea Red Bor) D
6 yellow pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) E
Mixing edibles and ornamental plants in the landscape has been a design tool for many
years. It allows efficient use of available land, while permitting an appealing landscape display
throughout the year. This same design idea can be applied to containers on a smaller scale as
shown by this container recipe. The ever-popular fernspray false cypress provides an
interesting display of evergreen foliage to work around, and the Osmanthus Goshiki provides
a great backdrop for the colorful Swiss chard. What fun to snip off a few leaves of the Swiss
chard and kale to brighten an autumn salad, and then accent with a few candied pansy flowers!
I use a large rectangular planter for this container recipe and recommend placing the planter
where you would want it before adding soil. Once planted, even with these newer fiberglass
planters, the containers are extremely heavy to relocate. Fill the planter about halfway with
container mix potting soil and center the fernspray false cypress as indicated in the plant
diagram. Make sure that the top of the rootball on the fernspray is only about one inch below
the rim of the planter. You want the limbs to be high enough to accommodate the remaining
plants. At this point you may want to add some more soil but you should still leave room for
adding the one-gallon-sized plants. When planting the false hollies, angle them slightly away
from the fernspray false cypress. Next, as you plant the Red Bor kale, angle away from the
fernspray also, allowing some of the leaves to spill over the edge of the planter. Finally, plant
the Swiss chard and the pansies as shown on the diagram.
This easy care container recipe needs only to be watered when the top two inches of soil
has dried. Fertilize once a month with a general-purpose fertilizer. If you are growing the kale
and Swiss chard for ornamental purposes only, pinch off any older leaves throughout the
season to maintain a cleaner look in your container.
PLANT OPTIONS
In climates warmer than zone 8, camellias or Gardenia jasminoides August Beauty would
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be fun to substitute for the fernspray false cypress, giving the added benefit of delightful
fragrance and flowers. Gaultheria procumbens, commonly called creeping wintergreen, could
be used for the false holly in climates colder than zone 6.
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Fall Window Dressing

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized kale (Brassica oleracea Red Bor) A
2 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Caramel) B
4 purple wintercreepers (Euonymus fortunei Coloratus) C
2 1-gallon-sized Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris Bright Lights) D
Assortment of cut branches from 6 inches to 2 1/2 feet (approximately 10 to 12, of
evergreen magnolia branches, lichen covered dead branches, pyracantha berries, or other
winter berry branches from plants such as yaupon hollies or nandinas). E
This container recipe will allow us to branch outplease pardon the punfrom the
other recipes because it doesnt involve using growing plants exclusively. This recipe, a
favorite of one of the gals who works with me, is in fact different every time we put one
together because its look depends on the type of branches that can be located at planting time.
There are a few plants that will be planted in the soil of this window box, but the best effect is
achieved by the placement of the various branches. As fall slips away into winter, these
branches will be replaced by brightly colored balls and red ribbon for the holidays.
Fill your window box or rectangular container three-fourths with container mix potting soil.
As seen in the planting diagram, plant the one-gallon-sized plants along the front or outwardfacing side of the window box. Fill in extra soil if needed before planting the smaller plants. All
of these plants in this recipe are low maintenance plants that like the soil to be slightly on the
dry side. That being said, hayrack window boxes do tend to dry out faster than other
containers, so check the soil often throughout the week and water when the top two inches of
soil are dry. Fertilize once a month with a general-purpose fertilizer.
After you have planted the growing plants, stick the branches that you have gathered
randomly behind the planted material, placing at an angle and using at least 3 different
varieties. The moisture in the soil will help keep the branches looking fresh, and every once in
a while you might even get a branch to take root! Depending on the location of this container
and of your house, you may need to replenish the branches with berries if the birds decide to
snack on them.
PLANT OPTIONS
Heuchera options include substituting other cultivars like Southern Comfort or, for
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more red tones, Fire Chief. Vinca Illumination would be a colorful substitute for the
wintercreeper.
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Fiery Crotons
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Caroline) A
1 1-gallon-sized croton (Codiaeum Petra) B
2 1-gallon-sized crotons (Codiaeum Batik) C
1 1-gallon-sized Japanese blood grass (Imperata cylindrica Red Baron) D
Crotons have long been a staple of the indoor plant palette. Their coloring, however, is
perfect for blending with the shades of autumn both in nature and in fall dcor. In this recipe
Ive used Petra and Batik, but youll enjoy looking through your local garden centers at all
the cultivars of croton; you may find options that you like better than these two. The Japanese
blood grass provides a good textural contrast to the heavy leaves of the croton.
At first glance, the Heuchera that I have chosen here may seem an odd choice, but as the
temperatures cool off the foliage of Heuchera Caroline deepen to a purple-bronze that frames
the orange and red fiery colors above it. When I first planted this cultivar of Heuchera, it
reminded me of the white-hot coals under an autumn campfire. Position the three crotons first
by following the recipe diagram when you start putting this planting together. The Japanese
blood grass, depending on how long the plant has been in its one-gallon-sized pot, may look a
little out of proportion when positioned in its spot in the container, but the grass will quickly
fill in and up to balance the design. When planting the coral bells, slightly tilt the plants toward
the outside edge to give the effect of them spilling over the sides.
Keep the soil slightly on the dry side by waiting to water until the top two inches of soil are
dry to your touch. Fertilize every three months with a general-purpose fertilizer if you plan on
keeping this recipe in the container for more than one season, or if you plan on using this as a
recipe during the colder months as an indoor plant. (Yes, it can be moved indoors.)
PLANT OPTIONS
You should be able to find all the plants in this recipe no matter where your zone is.
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Glorious Greens
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized variegated gold dust plant (Acuba japonica Variegata) A
2 1-gallon-sized camellias (Camellia hybrid Winters Star) B
1 1-gallon-sized bush honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida Edmee Gold) C
2 6-inch-sized English ivies (Hedera helix) D
2 stonecrops (Sedum reflexum Angelina) E
This is one of those container recipes that I rely on often for that deep shade spot that is
hard to find plants for. All of the plants in this recipe can tolerate that full shade condition,
including the Sedum Angelina. The Lonicera Edmee Gold seems to glow in the shade and
its coloring brings out the gold flecks in the Variegata gold dust plant.
Whenever you are putting together a container recipe, most often you should start
assembling the combination by planting the largest plant first. After loosening the soil around
the rootball of the gold dust plant, place it in the container that has been partially filled with
container mix potting soil. Add more soil after the Acuba is planted so that the plants are not
sitting too low in the container. Next, the camellias will need to be planted, followed by the
bush honeysuckle. Finish planting the remaining plants according to the recipe diagram. You
may need to add additional soil to fill in gaps around the plants.
Keep this planting evenly moist by watering only when the top of the soil feels dry to your
touch. Gardeners in zones 6 and warmer can use this recipe as a winter or year-round planting,
in which case you will need to fertilize in the early spring and midsummer with a generalpurpose plant food. I have noticed that Acuba leaves will droop significantly when
temperatures are below freezing. While unsightly, they will perk back up when the
temperatures rise above freezing. Bring this container indoors during the winter if you live in
zones 5 and colder. Keep it in indirect light and water once a week.
PLANT OPTIONS
This is another recipe that should be available, plant-wise, in all parts of the country.
You could use a green-and-gold colored Croton as a substitute for the Acuba.
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A Happy Little Planting

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized sweet flag grass (Acorus gramineus Ogon) A
1 blackbird spurge (Euphorbia Nothowlee) B
3 pansies (Viola x wittrockiana Panola Deep Orange) C
3 variegated vincas (Vinca minor Illumination) D
Do you ever have a little spot that just needs a pop of fall color or need small pots to
border some stairs? This part sun combination can be put together in about ten minutes once
you gather all the ingredients. The euphorbia gets prettier as the autumn temperatures fall as
its stems deepen to a burgundy red. The almost black leaves of the euphorbia combined with
the orange pansies create a striking contrast against the chartreuse sweet flag grass. Youll
find an echo of color with the trailing vinca vine as the chartreuse center and red stems
brighten with colder weather too.
Heres the trick to keeping moisture loving Acorus looking good in this combination with
more drought-tolerant plants: Cover the bottom half of the 1-gallon pot holding the Acorus
grass with plastic wrap and lightly secure with a rubber band so that water escapes very
slowly from that container. Then plant the entire pot with the Acorus grass into your container
where indicated in the diagram. Surround everything with container mix potting soil and finish
planting with the blackbird spurge, the pansies, and the vincas. Sweet flag is quite content
with moist conditions so this will keep the grass looking good while the other plants get the
drainage that they need to thrive. If the soil around the sweet flag gets too boggy, skip
watering it for a few times and only water the plants surrounding it.
If you live in zones warmer than zone 6, this can also be used as a winter container.
Fertilizing is generally not recommended for fall plantings except for a bloom-boosting fertilizer
for the pansies once a month.
PLANT OPTIONS
All of these plants should be available in all hardiness zones. The euphorbia, with its
unique coloring, will be sold in colder climates as a fall annual. For a look that has a more
Halloween feel, substitute black mondo grass, Ophiopogon planiscapus, for the acorus
grass.
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Lively Redhead
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized nandina (Nandina domestica Sienna Sunrise) A
3 1-gallon-sized false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera Golden Mop) B
6 pansies (Viola x wittrockiana Matrix Orange) C
Few plants provide the fall impact of color like the nandina bushes do. Going from the
summertime subtle shades of green that just hint at vibrant coloring into a slow molting of
yellows, orange, and red until it blazes a deep maroon red, this showstopper plant begs to be
used in autumn containers. Paired with golden color of the false cypress and bright orange
pansies, Lively Redhead will keep you mesmerized all season long.
With many of the larger plants that are used in this recipe book, I recommend aggressively
trimming the diameter of the rootball of the plant. With the nandina, however, Ive found that it
doesnt respond well to having its roots being messed with. Gently just loosen the rootball and
plant in the container where youve loosely poured the container mix potting soil. The
Chamaecyparis, however, will need to have about an inch taken off the diameter and bottom of
the rootball so that the plants can snuggle in close to each other. Finally, add the pansies as
shown in the recipe diagram. It is worth mentioning that this full sun container recipe will not
develop the rich array of color if its put in a location that receives less than six hours of
sunlight a day.
In zones 6 through 9, Ive used this recipe for year-round containers, only exchanging the
pansies in the spring with calibrachoa. Water requirements involve watering when the top of
the soil is dry to touch. Fertilize the pansies once a month with a bloom-boosting plant food.
The nandina and false cypress are good plants to reuse in your landscape or to donate to
your local Master Gardener programs to use in their volunteer landscaping projects.
PLANT OPTIONS
In some of the colder climates, nandina may be difficult to locate. A suitable substitute
would be to use dwarf burning bush, Euonymus alatus Compactus.
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More Than Mums

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 2-gallon-sized croton (Codiaeum Petra) A
2 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Plum Pudding) B
3 English ivies (Hedera helix) C
1 ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum) D
Certain colors seem to be seasonal favorites. Red, green, silver, and gold for the winter,
pastels in spring, maybe every bright color in summer, and orange and purple in fall. I was
wandering around the indoor plants at a local nursery with an ornamental pepper in my hands
when I noticed how the crotons wonderfully complemented the ornamental pepper. Morning
sun, that unifying element that allows gardeners to combine more shade-loving plants with the
more sun-loving plants, would be a perfect spot for the container recipe that I was designing in
my mind. More Than Mums provides a display of fall colors and diverse textures that will
provide a pleasant alternative to traditional autumn chrysanthemums.
The first plant that you should place in your container when making this recipe will be the
croton, then position the other plants around the container according to the recipe diagram.
This recipe was designed so that the container has a side that will be up against a wall, or it is
positioned in some way that this back portion of the planter will not be highly visible. If you
want to use this recipe in a location where the container will be viewed from all angles, you
should add two more ornamental peppers and another ivy to the back part of the planter.
This recipe likes to be more on the dry side so only water when the top two inches of soil
feel dry. The foliage on the crotons will be damaged if they experience a freeze so pull this
planter indoors if a threat of freezing weather is imminent.
PLANT OPTIONS
You shouldnt have trouble finding these plants, but if you live in a zone where summers
are mild and autumn freezes come early, this would be a good summertime planting to
choose.
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Refined Glory
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 1-gallon-sized variegated false hollies (Osmanthus heterophyllus Goshiki) A
1 5-gallon-sized red twig dogwood (Cornus alba Sibirica) B
3 black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens) C
Often when were looking for a formal, more refined look in a container planting, our
tendency is to use evergreens and topiaries. This recipe presents a well-maintained, controlled
planting that is both refined and artistic. If you plant this recipe before the leaves of the
dogwood fall off, know that the best is yet to come. The red branches of the dogwood
intensify their color as the temperature cools off. The classic red, black, and white colors in
these plants would be striking for an entryway or as a focal point in your landscape.
In this recipe you will need to center the red twig dogwood in the container before adding
the remaining plants. When planting the black mondo grass, tilt the grass slightly toward the
outside edge of the container to provide a spilling effect. This is an easy to maintain container
recipe that involves little more than just making sure that the soil doesnt dry out in the planter.
Both the red twig dogwood and the mondo grass like evenly moist, but not soggy, soil. Like
several other fall container recipes, these plants can live through the winter in zones 6 and
warmer, and could last for at least a year before outgrowing their container. Fertilize in the
spring with a general-purpose plant food. Remember to gather the dogwood leaves that may
fall on the lower part of the planting for a cleaner look to your container planting.
The plants in this recipe are wonderful plants to use in the landscape so think ahead of
areas where you can reuse this combination. Check with your local Extension Service office or
Habitat For Humanity to see if they know of projects needing landscape material.
Place a few white, red, and green Christmas decorations around the mondo grass and false
hollies for a quick and simple holiday look.
PLANT OPTIONS
Variegated boxwood, Buxus Variegata, can be substituted in climates colder than zone
5 for the Osmanthus, but the red hues that the Osmanthus takes on as the temperatures drop
will not be replicated in the boxwood.
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Rosemary and Red

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis Arp) A
3 1-gallon-sized nandinas (Nandina domestica Firepower) B
3 bloodstone thrift (Armeria maritima Splendens) C
3 yellow pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) D
3 red pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) E
Yelena, a lady who has worked with me in the container gardening world for many years,
inspires me with her many ideas. One of the best ideas that she uses in her fall plantings is to
combine rosemary with her perennial and annual containers. For years I had made rosemary a
staple in my container herb plantings, but after seeing Yelenas creative combinations using
the aromatic and evergreen (in zones 6 and warmer) herb, I decided to start using rosemary
more artistically also.
The intensifying red of the nandina and the opportunity to use rosemary in many fall stews
and cooking recipes is the prompt behind presenting this as a fall container recipe. In zones 6
and warmer this recipe could even be used as a winter planting. In many areas fall is one of the
driest times of the year, so this water-wise planting will be happy in the cooling, drier days of
autumn.
Center the rosemary in the container before proceeding with planting the remainder of the
recipes ingredients. When positioning the nandina and Armeria, tilt the plants slightly toward
the outside rim of the container. Often when planting at an angle, part of the rootball can stick
up above the potting soil in the container. Gently use your hands or a gardening trowel to cut
back the rootball so that it will still be covered with soil when the container is watered.
Water only when the top of the soil is dry to your touch and be careful not to overwater.
Fertilize the pansies once a month with a liquid bloom-boosting plant food.
PLANT OPTIONS
There are not any plants that are unusual in this container recipe. In some areas, it can
even be a winter container planting.
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Royal Gold
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa Gold Crest) A
3 1-gallon-sized longleaf pines (Pinus palustris) B
3 ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea) C
3 purple pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) D
This recipe actually contains several of the same plants as the Yellow and White Mix-Up
recipe but I wanted to show how different a container can look using similar plants that are
simply smaller and varied in position. A younger tree or shrub can sometimes have either a
more intense or a muted coloring, or may have a shape that will just work better in a smaller
container.
Begin by placing the cypress in middle of the container in loosely poured container mix
potting soil. Next, plant the longleaf pines, then the kale, with each of them at a slight angle
where they are facing the outside edge of the container. While these are not trailing type
plants, this slight tilt toward the edge will help give a more finished touch to the planting.
If you live in a climate that rarely has frost, the kale may attempt to start blooming.
Although their flower is very pretty, I recommend keeping the blooms pinched back because
they will get quite tall, throwing the design of the recipe off balance.
This recipe has low water requirements after the pansies and kale have rooted in, which
usually takes two or three weeks. After these annuals have become established, water only
when the top two inches of soil have dried out. If you see the pansies start to wilt, its time for
a nice long drink of water for your planting! Too much water will cause the pansies and kale to
rot or to develop problems with disease. Use a bloom-boosting fertilizer once a month around
the pansies and kale.
Both ornamental kale and pansies are edible (as long as they have not been sprayed). The
purple pansies from this container recipe can be candied or used as a festive garnish for fall
holiday events.
PLANT OPTIONS
You should be able to find all the plants in this recipe pretty easily. But, Thuja Aurea
Nana is a good option to use if the cypress cannot be found.
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Russian Hat
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized thread-branch false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera
Sungold) A
3 stonecrops (Sedum spurium Dragons Blood) B
6 trailing violas (Viola hybrid Purple Rain) C
Russian Hat combines two of my favorite elements in container planting: ease of care and a
great new plant cultivar. There are several cultivars of trailing violas and this one, Viola
Purple Rain, proved itself faithfully. As far as ease of care, the planter where I first planted
this recipe was in a difficult to reach, full-sun location and the dependability on it getting
watered properly was minimal. In spite of all that, Russian Hat performed well all autumn. This
recipe actually thrives throughout the winter in my zone 6 location, as it would in most areas in
zones 5 through 10. In the warmer areas, the maintenance requirements will increase with a
need for more frequent watering.
The Chamaecyparis will need to be planted first when you are putting this container
together. Be careful not to plant the rootball too low in the planter so you have room to plant
the remaining plants without the violas and Sedum getting squished. Water only when the top
2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. If you see the violas looking droopy, that is your indication that
this recipe needs water. However, always check the soil before you watersometimes the
violas can look droopy after heavy rains or a frost and water is not what is needed!
Violas are heavy feeders and you should feed them once a month with a liquid bloomboosting fertilizer. The trick here will be to feed the violas without getting much on the Sedum,
which does not like to be regularly fertilized. There are several granular pansy-and violaspecific fertilizers that, if you can find them, you should use instead of the liquid fertilizers; just
sprinkle it around the soil underneath your violas.
PLANT OPTIONS
Gold Coast juniper (Juniperus x pfitzeriana Aurea Improved) might be an easier plant
to find than the Chamaecyparis Sungold across the diverse zones, and it will offer a similar
look to this recipe.
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A Subtle Welcome
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized dwarf golden arborvitae (Thuja orientalis Aurea nana) A
1 2-gallon-sized autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) B
2 1-gallon-sized sweet flag grass (Acorus gramineus Ogon) C
1 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Crimson Curls) D
2 1-gallon-sized variegated ivies (Hedera helix Gold Child) E
Who needs flowers when foliage can be so interesting? Full and frilly autumn fern is an
attention getter on its own. But combined here with flowing ivies, spikey sweet flag grass, a
neat mound of Heuchera, and with the solid background of a Thuja orientalis, this planting
always gets compliments. Acorus, commonly called sweet flag, derived its name because of the
sweet fragrance that is emitted whenever the blades are pressed or crushed. When this large
planter is placed next to a doorway, a gentle brushing past can sweeten up your entrance.
Several of these plants, such as the Thuja orientalis and ivies, can tolerate dry conditions
but sweet flag grass and autumn fern like to stay evenly moist so keep this planting well
watered without being soggy. This is best done by watering only when the top of the soil feels
dry to your touch.
To keep this looking attractive year-round, trim back any tired looking foliage on the
autumn fern and coral bells in early spring. Also, feed with a general-purpose fertilizer in early
spring and midsummer.
With a recipe that calls for a plant that has a rootball larger than the other plants, shave off
about an inch around the diameter of the rootball and place first in your large container. Next,
position the autumn fern and sweet flag according to the recipe diagram. When planting the
Heuchera and ivies tilt the plants slightly toward the outside of the pot. Add any additional
soil that may be needed to fill in spaces between plants. Then lightly brush the sweet flag and
take a deep breathmmmm!
PLANT OPTIONS
All of these plants should be available in every hardiness zone for fall containers. But in
zones 6 and warmer, all of these plants are evergreen, and would also make nice winter or
even year-round plantings in those areas.
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Sweet Winter Roses

SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
2 Tbs. used coffee grounds
1 5-gallon-sized camellia (Camellia Winters Joy) A
2 1-gallon-sized honeysuckles (Lonicera nitida Edmee Gold) B
4 periwinkles (Vinca minor Illumination) C
1 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera hybrid Mahogany) D
This recipe ranks as one of my all-time favorites. Maybe its the memory of camellias
blooming under my bedroom window or the bowl of what my grandmamma called winter
roses, her name for camellias, that decorated our Thanksgiving table, but this recipe always
makes me happy and is repeated in at least one container every autumn. If camellias are hard to
find in your area, this is one plant that I would recommend ordering through the mail and
making the effort to winter over indoors. In areas warmer than zone 6, this recipe can be
maintained for several years in the same container as long as it has adequate water and
fertilizing.
When putting together a container recipe that calls for a large accent plant such as this
five-gallon-sized camellia, only fill your container a little over halfway full of container mix
potting soil. This way it is easier to position the camellia correctly in the planter. Before placing
the camellia in the container, sprinkle the used coffee grounds on top of the potting mix where
the camellia will be planted. Camellias are happiest and bloom best in acidic soil and this bit of
coffee grounds helps give the soil below the camellia a lower pH without adversely affecting
the remaining plants. Add additional container mix once the camellia is centered and continue
planting, placing the Lonicera and Heuchera according to the recipe diagram. Finish by
planting the periwinkles.
Water when the top of the surface is dry to your touch. If you are keeping this planting
over the winter, fertilize with a general-purpose fertilizer in the early spring.
PLANT OPTIONS
There is not much that can be substituted in this recipe other than using different
cultivars for the Heuchera, Lonicera, and camellia. The Ice Angel camellias have a
wonderful reputation for their cold hardiness through zone 6.
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Whimsical Blues
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized blue cedar (Cedrus deodara Feelin Blue) A
3 4-inch pot dwarf sweet flag grass (Acorus gramineus Minimus Aureus) B
3 4-inch pot nandinas (Nandina domestica Firepower) C
My daddy once told me that one of the healthiest things I could do in life is not take myself
too seriously. He worked his whole life in the forestry industry and I think that he would have
loved it that this blue cedar seems to fit in a category of plants that just might not take
themselves too seriously. The whimsy and free-form artistry of the Cedrus deodara Feelin
Blue will create an interesting display in your container.
After loosely filling your planter about three-fourths full of the container mix, plant the
cedar first, centering it according to the recipe diagram. Then add potting mix as needed to
hold the rootball in place, with enough room left in the container to plant the Acorus and
nandinas. Slightly tilt the Acorus and nandinas toward the edge of the container to help them
look like they are spilling over the edge of the planter. Make sure to cover any exposed roots
that poke up when these plants are tilted with more mix.
Maintaining an evenly moist soil will be your biggest challenge with this recipe
combination. The Acorus does not like to dry out but neither the nandinas nor the cedar want
to sit in soggy soil. Water when the top of the soil is dry to your touch.
As the temperatures cool down in the fall, youll be delighted with the fiery red colors that
these nandinas display. Contrasted with the blue tones of the cedar and the chartreuse of the
sweet flag grass, this planting will provide some serious fall color. And whimsy.
Use miniature white lights on the blue cedar during the holidays for an easy transition into
a holiday planter.
PLANT OPTIONS
If you have difficulty locating this exact Cedrus species and cultivar, look for any threegallon-sized evergreen plant that looks like it might have come from a Dr. Seuss childrens
book. You cant go wrong.
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280
Wine Punch
SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized Ever Red fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense Chang Nian Hong)
A
2 1-gallon-sized Blue Creeper junipers (Juniperus scopulorum Monam) B
3 stonecrops (Sedum reflexum Angelina) C
Some folks may scratch their heads when they see this recipe listed as a fall planting
because they are probably thinking about Loropetalum being a spring-flowering shrub. And
you can surely plant this in the spring to enjoy the flowers. This shrub, however, can produce
a sporadic fall flush of flowers. But what I enjoy using this plant for is the dark burgundy
foliage that complements the surrounding fall colors. Paired with the icy blue foliage of the
juniper and contrasting to the chartreuse Sedum Angelina, this is a very simple planting that
packs a lot of punch.
In this container recipe, begin by centering the Loropetalum in your container.
Loropetalum doesnt like having anyone mess with its root systems so only use your hands to
gently loosen a few roots. Add more soil around the rootball while still leaving room to plant
the juniper and Sedum. This cultivar of sedum takes on a bronzy red blush of color as the
temperatures start to cool off that blends well with the foliage of the fringe flower. For a blast
of early spring color if youre wintering over in the milder zones, plant a dozen yellow crocus
bulbs around the edge of this planting.
Water this container recipe when the top of the soil is dry to your touch. In zones 7
through zone 9, this recipe can be used as a year-round planting. The folks in those zones who
want to maintain these throughout the year should fertilize in the early spring and late summer
with a general-purpose fertilizer.
PLANT OPTIONS
There is not much that could be substituted for the Loropetalum that has similar leaf
structure and shape. But for those in zones 3 and warmer, Sambucus Black Lace provides a
similar color option that is much more cold hardy. There are quite a few cultivar options for
substitutions for the Loropetalum, such as Sizzling Pink and Zhuzhou Fuschia, and for the
juniper, such as Wiltonii or Blue Star.
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Wispy Window Box

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Small
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
2 1-gallon-sized sweet flag grass (Acorus gramineus Ogon) A
1 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Black Beauty) B
2 pansies (Viola x wittrockiana Panola Pink Shade) C
4 1-quart-sized miniature moss false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera Squarrosa
minima)
This recipe remains a favorite of mine for two reasons: the look of joy on the owners face
when he saw what his long-empty window box could look like, and my own look of amazement
at seeing how wonderful this recipe looked six months later when I came by to replant it with
spring annuals. In the fall, part-sun plantings of sweet flag grass and the many cultivars of
Heuchera are hard to beat as dependable container plants. And as container gardening
explodes in popularity, the availability of quart-sized miniature shrubsnot to be confused
with the more expensive bonsai plantswill make planting year-round window boxes much
simpler and easier.
Window boxes can be a little tricky when planting, depending on their location at a house. I
usually only fill the boxes halfway with container mix potting soil when I am using one-gallonsized plants. Begin planting by placing the plants that are farthest away from where you are
positioned. In this example shown by the photo, I was standing outside the house in front of
the window box so I started by planting one of the Chamaecyparis in each end of the box.
Next I planted the Acorus and Heuchera, tilting the Heuchera toward the outside edge of the
window box. Then the two remaining Chamaecyparis were planted, followed by the pansies.
Fill in any gaps around the plants with more potting soil.
Keep this recipe evenly moist by watering when the top of the soil feels dry to your touch.
In this part-sun location, the pansies may tend to stretch and get leggy looking. Pinch the
pansies back to about 4 inches to encourage them to branch and bloom. Use a general-purpose
fertilizer in the early spring if wintering this recipe over in areas warmer than zone 4.
PLANT OPTIONS
If the miniature-sized Chamaecyparis are difficult to find, a similar look can be found by
using Sedum John Creech.
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Yellow and White Mix-Up

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa Gold Crest) A
1 1-gallon-sized longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) B
1 ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea White Feather) C
1 dusty miller (Senecio cineraria Dusty Miller) D
2 parsley plants (Petroselinum crispum) E
1 lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) F
3 yellow violas (Viola x wittrockiana) G
On one of my regular road trips to haunt the greenhouses of Saul Nurseries in Atlanta,
Georgia, I saw this container planting and heard that tiny voice in my head that said, This is
recipe worth repeating. (The other little voice ) Fortunately, Bobby Saul graciously shares
his container recipes so we all can enjoy the beauty of this combination at our own homes. I
like how the red tones of the cypress branches peek out through the glowing yellow, how the
lemongrass blades are mingled through the other plants in different directions, and the echo of
yellow and white throughout the recipe.
Before planting the cypress in your container, use the edge of a trowel or a hori-hori knife
(a great Japanese style knife with a serrated edge) to trim off about 2 inches around the
diameter of the cypress rootball. With a rootball this large, make sure that the container mix
potting soil has only filled a little over half of the planter; otherwise, there wont be room for all
the plants. It is easier to add more soil if the plants are sitting too low in the container than it is
to remove the excess soil. After positioning the cypress as shown by the recipe diagram, add
more soil for planting the remaining plants. Plant the longleaf pine, kale, and parsley as the
diagram indicates, then finish with the dusty miller, lemongrass, and the violas. Carefully
weave a few strands of the lemongrass through the violas as your finishing touch.
Extra-large containers can often be easier to maintain because there is more potting mix for
holding water. Water only when the top 2 or 3 inches of soil feel dry. Fertilize the violas once a
month with a bloom-boosting fertilizer.
PLANT OPTIONS
Aurea nana is a good substitute for the cypress. You may have to hunt a bit for the
longleaf pine.
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289
Black and Tan

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
SHOPPING LIST
Sheet moss
1 3-gallon-sized fernspray false cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Filicoides) A
5 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera villosa Caramel) B
5 English ivies (Hedera helix) D
There are a few plantings that seem to be everyones favoritetheyre not too flashy,
often quite simple, and there seems to be a quirky welcoming quality about them. This planting
falls into that category. Whenever I put this combination together, folks just seem to be
satisfied with the results.
Maybe the appeal is the odd imperfection of the fernspray false cypress, its random twists
and turns that give it an informal air. Or it could be the warm colors of the Caramel coral bells
and their big, soft-looking round leaves. Mix in the little tufts of black mondo grass and good
old-fashioned English ivy, and the combo just clicks.
Even though this planting can handle full sun in areas from zone 5 to colder, Ive listed this
as only partial sun, especially once you get into zone 6 and the warmer zones. Caramel is one
of the few Heuchera cultivars that can handle both the cold and heat but it does not like
afternoon southern sun. Youll enjoy how the winter color of the English ivy with its reddish
stems blends so well with the apricot tones that the Heuchera takes on. All of these plants are
happy in containers and are easy to grow in the same large planter for several years. You may
need to trim the ivies if they start growing into the soil below the planter. You should also trim
the dead summer flowers off the Heuchera to maintain a tidy look.
This container recipe is easy to maintain. The plants all like a spot of water throughout the
winter only when the soil on the surface is dry to the touch. This planting has a layer of moss
around the edge to give the planting a finished look where soil was exposed. This is also a
good way to keep moisture in the soil and protect the roots of your container plants.
PLANT OPTIONS
This is one of the few recipes where there really arent plant substitutions. You need to
find these plants in order to achieve this look.
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Blue Spruce Holiday

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized blue spruce (Picea pungens glauca Fat Albert) A
5 nandinas (Nandina domestica Firepower) B
5 yuccas (Yucca Color Guard) C
I put together this sun-loving planter for a friend who wanted something she wouldnt
have to think about very often. This nandina cultivar has one of the longest lasting and most
intensely red colors of any nandina that Ive worked with. It stays compact and mounding,
making it a wonderful little edging inside a large planter. The yucca variety used in this
container planting also has long lasting intense color, with the yellow in the leaves brightening
throughout the winter and even taking on a pink tinge in the coldest temperatures. If you have
shied away from using yuccas in the past due to their mean old spikey leaves, youll be
pleasantly surprised by the gentleness of this yuccas leaves.
The texture and color combinations are very appealing. The blue-green stripe along the
yuccas leaves coordinate nicely with the blue spruce. The brilliant red of the nandina looks
almost like decorations ready to be placed among the spruces branches. The nandinas soft
oval leaves contrast nicely with the stiff spruce needles. The yucca, with its long yellow
leaves, breaks up the heaviness of the spruce needles and tight mound of the nandina. For a
festive event you could wrap lights around the branches of the spruce.
Each of these three types of plants are slow growing and need little to no pruning, so they
could easily live in this planter for several years as long as they were maintained properly. Very
low maintenance, this planter needs watering only when the top two inches of soil are dry to
the touch and fertilizing with a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring and midsummer. The
yucca may bloom in spring with a fragrant white flower; you should prune back the stem after
the bloom has died. The spruce is happier in cooler climates so make sure this planting gets
some protection from the hot afternoon sun if you live south of the Mason-Dixon line and are
maintaining this planting year-round.
PLANT OPTIONS
In areas colder than zone 5, the nandina could be substituted by Sedum spurium Bronze
Carpet.
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295
Colorful Winter Punch

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
2 2-gallon-sized variegated boxwoods (Buxus sempervirens Variegata) A
1 2-gallon-sized arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis Yellow Ribbon) B
7 wine-colored pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) D
Snuggle these plants together to create a winter deck box planting with some punch!
Rectangular or deck box containers are useful for creating a border along a porch or for
creating a small room in your garden. While putting these shrubs so close together isnt
something I recommend for long-term landscape use, this combination for a winter container
offers a nice wall of color for the winter months.
When planting the shrubs next to one another, shave off at least an inch of soil around
their rootballs so that the plants can fit closely together. First plant the three shrubs in the
container before adding the remaining plants called for in the recipe. The black mondo grass is
a nice way to soften the edges of a planting.
For this planting you need to be aware of where the sun hits the container. Remember that
when a planting will be seen from both the front and the back, one side may not be getting as
much sun. In the placement of the planter in this picture, only the front of the planter gets
morning sun so only the more shade-tolerant black mondo grass should be used along the
back under the three shrubs. If pansies were planted in that spot, they would tend to get leggy
quickly trying to reach for sunlight. They also would not flower as much. Keep this in mind
when reviewing the diagram because it was created for the particular location of this planter,
and the sun that it receives.
All the plants in Colorful Winter Punch are drought tolerant and easy to care for. The
shrubs would be wonderful replanted in a landscape or used again in a larger container where
they could be used individually as a focal point in another combination.
PLANT OPTIONS
You should be able to find the plants in this recipe. They are needed to duplicate this
look.
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Cool Winter Pine

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized white pine (Pinus parviflora Blue Angel) A
1 1-gallon-sized sedum (Sedum spurium Bronze Carpet) B
3 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Fire Chief) C
5 pansies (Viola x wittrockiana True Blue) D
Do you like the idea of angels guarding your door? This planting with the Blue Angel
white pine is a heavenly combination of blues and reds. I have rarely seen an evergreen with
such a strong tone of blue as the Blue Angel white pine. The branches on the pine look like
puffballs, creating almost a whimsical look. The addition of True Blue pansies carries on the
blue theme among the lower plantings.
Contrasting both in textures and colors with the stiff pine needles are the large, soft, round
Heuchera leaves. The Fire Chief variety deepens to a fiery wine red color throughout the
winter. This Heuchera is also one of the varieties that bloom from spring until fall so youll
have red-stemmed pink-and-white flowers throughout the growing season. Spilling out the
front of the container is an evergreen Sedum called Bronze Carpet, which repeats the coral
bells coloring.
When putting this recipe together in your container, plant the large pine first so that it can
be centered and set so that it is not leaning one way or the other. Next add the Heuchera and
Sedum as they are shown on the recipe diagram. Finally, plant the pansies, tilting them slightly
toward the outside of the container so they will begin to spill over the edge.
This is another container planting that prefers to be on the dry side so allow the soil to dry
out between waterings. This pine only grows to about 7 to 8 feet, so you could easily leave
this combination in a large container for years. Just replace the pansies in the late spring with
blue Scaevola or blue Calibrachoa to continue to reflect the blue tones of the pine. These
annuals will last through the summer until the first frost, where you can replace them once
again with True Blue pansies. Keep this planting fed throughout the year with a 10-10-10
granular fertilizer and fertilize your pansies and summer flowers once a month with a bloomboosting liquid fertilizer.
PLANT OPTIONS
A comparable substitute for Sedum Bronze Carpet would be Dragons Blood or
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Voodoo. Of course, these variety names dont sound like good companions to a Blue
Angel!
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Dazzling Tiny White Flowers

SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 3-gallon-sized lily-of-the-valley shrub (Pieris japonica Mountain Fire) A
3 1-gallon-sized Japanese sedges (Carex hachijoensis Evergold) B
2 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera micrantha Palace Purple) C
Prepare to be dazzled by the new spring growth on this combination. Draping white
miniature flower bells cover the Pieris japonica Mountain Fire along with its deep red new
leaf growth. Heuchera Palace Purple will burst with tall towers of creamy white tiny flowers
by mid-spring and last through early summer. With the soft draping of the Evergold Japanese
sedge, this spring planting will provide an interesting array of subtle colors and textures to
accent a north-facing doorway or a shaded garden spot.
In zones 6b and warmer, plant this during the fall to use as a winter and early spring
container planting since all three plant types remain evergreen during these colder months.
Because these plants will not get a whole lot larger than what is planted, this combination is
also a good choice for a year-round planting. If you keep this planting in the same container
for several years, remember to fertilize in early spring and midsummer with a general-purpose
fertilizer. While this is generally a shade-loving combination, this planting can handle several
hours of morning sun. Keep this planting evenly moistyou dont want the soil to dry out
completely. The leaves of the Pieris japonica are a good indicator of when your soil is too dry:
They will droop slightly to get your attention when they are thirsty plants!
Snip off a little of the Pieris japonica to add to your cut flower arrangements or to use in a
centerpiece. Its glossy leaves are great accents to arrangements.
PLANT OPTIONS
If you prefer it, Heuchera Amethyst Mist can be substituted for Palace Purple. But
Palace Purple should be available just about everywhere.
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Evergreen, Ever Pretty

SUN PREFERENCE
Partial Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1/8 tsp. moisture control pellets such as Soil Moist
1 1-gallon-sized black pine (Pinus nigra) A
1 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Amethyst Mist) B
1 1-gallon-sized variegated Japanese sedge (Carex morrowii) C
Leonardo da Vinci supposedly said that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. This little
trio is about as simple to put together and maintain as planting combos come, yet it will
provide you with classic sophistication throughout winter. Exemplifying the standard thriller,
filler, and spiller mantra of container gardening, the black pine is the thriller, the Heuchera is
the filler, and the Carex acts as the spiller. Plant the black pine first when putting this recipe
together, followed by the coral bells, then the Japanese sedge. When planting the Carex, turn
the plant to a slight angle as you plant to enhance the spiller effect.
Since the variegated Japanese sedge does best when it stays evenly moist, place the
moisture control pellets underneath it. (If you are having a hard time finding moisture control
pellets, place a small square of thin spongeabout an inch is all you needto help retain
water near the roots of the Carex.) Once youve gotten a source for extra moisture positioned
around your Japanese sedge, water this planter when the top of the soil is dry to your touch.
The black pine is a moderate grower so you wont want to keep these plants in this size
planter for more than a year. When planting this recipe, be thinking of where you can locate
these plants in your landscape after you remove them the following season.
All of the plants in this recipe are good ones to reuse in your landscape or to donate to
your local Master Gardener program to use in any of their volunteer landscaping projects.
PLANT OPTIONS
Two other pines that could be more available in your area are the shore pine, Pinus
contorta, or Pinus flexilis Vanderwolfs Pyramid.
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Jump Ups and Shout

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 1-gallon-sized blue juniper (Juniperus scopulorum Witchita Blue) A
3 6-inch-diameter pots golden pincushion false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera
Golden Pincushion) B
4 6-inch-diameter pots variegated boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) C
10 violas (Viola cornuta Denim Jump Up) D
6 red pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) E
The clients for whom I planted this combination wanted a winter container that would draw
attention away from the defoliated winter landscape that flanked their walkway up to their
home. Not only did this colorful assortment grab a visitors attention, the height of the
Witchita Blue junipers worked to block the carpet rose branches that lay starkly behind them.
It was a delight to see this planting used for three more years at this location before the plants
outgrew their container. In the late spring we replaced the pansies and violas with blue and red
calibrachoa, but the containers had a little more competition for attention when the carpet
roses resumed blooming in the landscape. Fall brought back a planting of violas and pansies to
replace the summer annuals in the container. With a matching container across the walkway,
this container recipe provided a welcoming boundary in their rectangular planters.
When planting this combination, place the three Witchita Blue junipers first to establish
even spacing in the planter. Next, add the variegated boxwoods along what will be the back
of the planting. Place the Chamaecyparis Golden Pincushionwhich is sometimes called
golden false cypressin the locations specified by the recipe. Finish by filling in the spaces
with the violas and pansies.
If this planting is being used where the back side of the planter is up against a wall or
fence, you can save a little on cost by eliminating the variegated boxwoods and pansies
planted along the back of the planting. The Witchita Blue juniper is very cold tolerant,
making this one of the most cold hardy of these winter recipes. Its also drought resistant, a
bonus in todays world.
PLANT OPTIONS
If needed, you can substitute Sedum Angelina if the golden pincushion false cypress is
difficult to locate.
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The King and His Court

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergiana) A
8 6-inch-sized variegated boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) B
8 purple pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) D
Simple and elegant, this container planting is about easy care and classic beauty. This fullsun planting can take some shade, but in either location the water requirements are small.
These plants like the soil to dry out between plantings but dont totally forget about them!
Pansies are not always a good indicator plant for watering because they can droop due to
freezing weather, too little water, or even from too much water. Be willing to stick your finger
into the dirt about an inch and only water if the soil is dry.
The Japanese black pine will be the first plant that youll put in your container as you start
preparing this recipe. Remember to only fill the container halfway with container mix potting
soil before placing the black pine in the planter. Then, before placing the boxwoods in the
planter you may need to add more potting soil around the rootball of the black pine. Boxwoods
are very slow growing so using them in planters is a good way to save a little money by letting
them grow for several years until they reach a more acceptable landscaping size.
In this planting the ivies and Japanese black pine will grow too quickly to keep this
planting for more than a year, and the pansies would also need to be replanted in the late
spring with summer annuals like purple calibrachoa. The Japanese black pine can eventually
grow to over 50 feet high and 25 feet wide so think of a good spot to transplant this in your
landscape. When you are ready to replant this container for a new season, the black pine is a
good tree to donate to projects that may need trees for screening, like a local school or park. At
this point you can continue using the boxwoods for container plantings to allow them more
time to grow, or plant them directly in the ground also.
During the winter, keep your pansies fed with a liquid fertilizer to encourage new blooms.
Pansies can be pinched back to about 6 inches during the late winter, early spring season to
encourage a fuller look.
PLANT OPTIONS
Two other pines that might be more available in different areas are the shore pine, Pinus
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contorta, or Pinus flexilis Vanderwolfs Pyramid.
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Rosy Color Guard

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 1-gallon-sized wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety) A
3 miniature moss false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera Squarrosa minima) B
6 rose-colored pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) D
Heres a sun-loving little winter recipe that will keep your attention throughout the cold
season. This Euonymus variety responds like a rosy-cheeked child to the cold, taking on a
beautiful blush of red to its gold-edged leaves as the temperatures fall. But even before the
cooler weather takes hold, this planter provides a vibrant look of gold and rosy-red with the
addition of rose-colored pansies.
Textural interest is provided by adding compact little balls of the miniature moss false
cypress that contrast well with the open branches of the Euonymus, the large leaves of the
ivies, and the big, colorful pansy heads. Cohesiveness is brought to the planting with
complementary rosy tones in the pansies, Euonymus, and the winter color of the ivy stems.
Plant the wintercreeper first in a medium-sized container, then proceed with planting the smaller
plants as shown in the recipe diagram.
Another easy to maintain container, this recipe needs regular watering but keep the soil on
the dry side or the pansies could develop mildew on their leaves. Pinch back the pansy heads
to prevent them from getting too leggy throughout the season and give them some liquid
bloom-boosting fertilizer once a month to encourage new blooms. Dont be alarmed if your
pansies look lethargic during cold temperatures; they will bounce back once the air starts
warming up.
PLANT OPTIONS
Euonymus fortunei Ivory Jade is a similar cultivar that can be use that is a little more
cold hardy than the Emerald Gaiety, which is only hardy through zone 5. Sedum reflexum
Blue Spruce is found from zones 3 to 11 and could be substituted for the miniature moss
false cypress.
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Southern Belle
SUN PREFERENCE
Shade
CONTAINER SIZE
M edium
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 1-gallon-sized camellias (Camellia japonica Springs Promise Ice Angel) A
2 1-gallon-sized coral bells (Heuchera Obsidian) B
1 1-gallon-sized bush honeysuckle (Lonicera Edmee Gold) C
I have to admit that this is one of my favorite winter plantings. Maybe its my southern
roots that associate winter-blooming camellias with fun holiday gatherings but this simple
container recipe always makes me happy. Those who live in zones colder than zone 6 will fuss
about me calling this a winter planting because camellias wont live through the winters there.
But just shuffle this planting idea over to an autumn or early springtime container recipe where
the camellia will bring you roselike blossoms long before your roses even think of blooming.
These three evergreen plants, for those in zone 6 and warmer, allow some bright color in
your shady areas. Even when the Springs Promise camellias are not blooming, the Edmee
Gold honeysuckle is lighting up the container with its chartreuse color. Even in warmer
climates the more cold hardy camellias do better in containers. Also remember that depending
on the variety, camellias can bloom anytime from early fall to late spring.
Place the camellias first in your planter to establish proper spacing in your container, then
plant the Obsidian coral bells slightly angled toward the front corners of the rectangular
planter. Finally, nestle the Edmee Gold honeysuckle between the two Heuchera plants and fill
in any gaps between the root systems of the plants with extra soil. Dont allow this planting to
dry out and keep soil evenly moist, but not saturated, with water.
Camellias bloom best with acidic soil. Before placing camellias in the planter, put a
teaspoon of used coffee grinds or a teaspoon of Espoma Hollytone under each camellia
rootball.
PLANT OPTIONS
When purchasing the camellias, if the Springs Promise variety is not available, check
to see that the camellia you are buying is hardy to zone 6. Several other cultivars of camellia
that could be substituted for it are Yuletide, April Remembered, and Winters Star.
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Spruced Up For Winter

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Extra Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
1 5-gallon-sized blue spruce (Picea pungens glauca Fat Albert) A
3 2-gallon-sized nandinas (Nandina domestica Woods Dwarf) B
3 1-gallon-sized sedums (Sedum Angelina) C
9 pansies (Viola x wittrockiana Matrix Rose Wing) D
Wintertime plantings are a wonderful way to experiment with foliage and texture in your
containers. A container recipe like this one becomes more than just a show of colorit works
almost as a piece of art with structure and form that can accent your landscape or outdoor
sitting area. The nandinas soft oval leaves contrast nicely with the stiff spruce branches. The
sedums, with their thick chartreuse leaves, mimic the spruce needles, and take on a rosy tone in
cooler weather that is reflected in the pansies and changing hues of the nandinas. Happy,
round pansy faces randomly pop up through the nandinas giving the container planting an
ever-changing display. If its placed near an electrical outlet, it can be decorated for the
holidays with tiny white lights or even with weather-tolerant decorations.
To assemble this container, place enough container mix potting soil in the planter so that
the spruce can be centered and positioned so that the top of the rootball is lower than the
containers rim. Add more soil around the rootball, filling the container to about 6 inches below
the rim of the planter. Plant the nandinas and sedums next, adding more soil if needed. Slightly
tilt these plants toward the rim of the container to enhance the spilling over look. Lastly,
place the pansies as shown by the planting diagram.
The Fat Albert blue spruce and nandinas are slow growing and need little to no pruning,
so they could easily live in this planter for several years as long as they are maintained
properly. This planting is very low maintenance, needing watering only when the top two
inches of soil are dry to the touch. Fertilize with a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring and
midsummer if its left year-round in the planter. Replace pansies in spring with calibrachoas. A
spruce is happier in cooler climates so make sure this planting gets some protection from the
hot afternoon sun if you live south of the Mason-Dixon line and are maintaining this planting
year-round.
PLANT OPTIONS
Golden Sword yucca or Gold Coast juniper (Juniperus x pfitzeriana Aurea Improved)
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could be substituted for the nandina in climates colder than zone 6. Icee Blue Yellow Wood
(Podocarpus elongatus Monmal) works as an alternative to the spruce for those with
winters warmer than zone 8.
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Wild Winter Window Box

SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
M oderate
Shopping List
44-inch-length iron hayrack with coco-liner
Brackets (for hanging the hayrack on a balcony railing or fence)
2 1-gallon-sized dwarf golden arborvitaes (Thuja orientalis Aurea Nana) A
3 1-gallon-sized yuccas (Yucca filamentosa Bright Edge) B
8 yellow violas (Viola x wittrockiana) C
5 rose pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) D
6 violas (Viola x wittrockiana True Blue) E
5 purple wintercreepers (Euonymus fortunei Coloratus) F
Why let a window be the only place you think about hanging a hayrack planter! Whether
you hang this recipe off a balcony, under a window, or along a fence as pictured here, this is a
colorful option for winter planting. Hayrack planters are notorious for drying out quickly with
their permeable coco-liners so choose drought-tolerant plants as shown here. You can also line
the planters with a plastic trash bag that has 5 or 6 half-inch-sized holes poked through it for
drainage. But line along the bottom inside of the coco-liner before adding soil, poke holes
through the plastic only, and then add soil (this is the voice of experience talking).
When planting these hayrack planters, I find it easier to fill the planter with potting mix only
halfway and the position the yuccas and arborvitaes where they are evenly spaced along the
planter. Then I add remaining soil to within 1 inch from top of the coco-liner. Place remain
plantings as shown in the diagram.
The purple wintercreepers, if theyre planted before cooler weather has settled in, will be
green until they get hit with a few nights of winter temperatures. Wintercreeper takes on this
rich purplish red hue throughout the colder season, adding to the color drama of this
combination. Sometimes you will find the Bright Edge yucca sold by its common name of
variegated Adams needle. Water only when soil is dry to the touch.
PLANT OPTIONS
Another yucca that gives a vibrant gold winter color is Color Guard, which can be
substituted for the Bright Edge yucca. Both of these yucca plants produce a fragrant and
long-lasting flower stalk in the spring.
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Winter Party
SUN PREFERENCE
Full Sun
CONTAINER SIZE
Large
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
Shopping List
3 1-gallon-sized variegated English hollies (Ilex aquifolium) A
3 1-gallon-sized cotoneasters (Cotoneaster dammeri Coral Beauty) B
3 sedums (Sedum reflexum Angelina) C
Winter plantings bring a richness of texture to your container gardens. In this recipe there
are angular leaves of the hollies, the delicate oval leaves and round berries of the cotoneasters,
and the soft, thick petals of sedums. Transitions of color keep this combination interesting
throughout winter as the chartreuse sedums deepen to a bronze tone and the green
cotoneaster leaves take on a purple tinge as the temperatures go down. Place your planter in a
full sun spot to enjoy the best transition of color. While these plants can handle a partial sun
location, you may not get as much color intensity as you would in a full sun location.
The sedums, cotoneasters, and hollies are all easy to care for. All three of these plants
require you to water throughout the winter only when soil becomes dry to the touch, which
can be one to three times a week. The recipe is designed to give color and interest for winter
plantings but it can be left in the planter year-round if you like. Remember to fertilize this
planting in late winter and early summer with a product like Espomas Hollytone or a 10-10-10
slow-release fertilizer. After several years of growing in a planter, these shrubs will need to be
transplanted to a larger container, or you can transition them into the ground in your
landscape.
When planning your winter containers, think about landscaping projects that you may
have on the agenda for a future date. If a few of the larger Ilex aquifolium and cotoneasters are
needed for the project, save a little money by purchasing these one-gallon-sized plants and let
them grow for a year or two as this container recipe. By the time they have outgrown the
container they are ready for the landscape.
Enjoy these plants indoors at your next party by snipping off little branches of the hollies
or cotoneasters to dress up your napkin rings or to add to a flower arrangement. Its very
charming.
PLANT OPTIONS
This type of variegated holly is winter hardy to zone 6 only, so those in colder climates
will want to substitute Euonymous fortunei Emerald N Gold for the Ilex aquifolium.
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THRILLERS, FILLERS, AND SPILLERS: DESIGNING YOUR

OWN CONTAINER
Lets say that youve grown a few containers on your own, youve gotten a little
confidence to try something new, and youre ready to design your own container. Here are a
few design tips to keep in mind that will help you on your way. One of the phrases that is often
heard in container planting is that a container needs to have a thriller, a filler, and a spiller.
Three plant growth habits help to make up this design.
A thriller is a vertical or upright plant, which gives a planter height. It is sometimes the
centerpiece of the container recipe. A few examples of plants that are often used as thrillers
are: Dracaena palm (Cordyline)
Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Mandevilla vine (on a trellis)
Grasses such as Pennisetum Rubrum
Sky Pencil holly (Ilex crenata)
Camellia
A filler is a mounding plant whose stems have more of a bushy and arching form. A filler
plant will fill in the area around the taller plant, should be shorter in height during the
seasons growing period than the thriller, and looks best if the foliage is significantly
different the other plants in the container. A few filler plant examples are: Ferns
Coral bells
Euphorbia
Lantana
Loropetalum
Caladium
Ornamental peppers
The spiller plants are trailing plants that flow over the edge of the container. Examples of
spiller plants are: Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum)
Creeping jenny (Lysimachia)
Torenia
Vinca vine
Ivy (Hedera helix)
Candytuft (Iberis)
Sometimes you may opt for using just two of these elements such as the filler and spiller for
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containers like window boxes, or a thriller and spiller when dramatic impact is desired.
Foliage & Color

Look at the foliage of the plants you are using and combine large oval leaves with narrow
blades of grass, frilly foliage with glossy oval leaves, heavy foliage with light, delicate foliage.
When it comes to foliage shape, contrast is the goal you are trying to achieve. Conversely,
look for color that is echoed or repeated in the other plants in your recipe. For instance, a plant
with purple foliage can be paired with a plant whose flower may be yellow but which has a
purple throat. Combining several plants that echo one anothers color gives the planting
continuity while the foliage/textural contrasts make the planting more interesting.
Plant Like With Like

Remember to combine plants that like the same type of environment; that is, all are either
shade loving, part-sun loving, or sun loving, and which like the same type of soil moisture
requirements.
Now, Have Fun

There! Youve got the basics of container planting design. Now, go out there and have
some fun!
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CONTAINERSCAPING
When Joni Mitchell released her song Big Yellow Taxi in the late 1970s she sang, They
paved paradise, and put up a parking lot. People all over the world were nodding their heads
in agreement at the dire concern that trees would be removed, placed in museums, and the
world would be covered with concrete.
Were doomed!
All is lost!
Goodness gracious, folks needed to stop their bellyaching and talk to die-hard gardeners.
They would find out that a world paved with concrete does not slow a plant lover down much
at all. Dont take me wrongI love the fact that natural areas and native plants are becoming a
high priority in community developments. But not everyone has the luxury of rich soil and
open areas to landscape, so utilizing container gardening has become a popular option from
the balcony bound to those who just dont want to deal with the hard, packed clay soil in their
backyard.
Containerscaping can be used to create an entire landscape. Most often, though, the use of
containers is more supplementary to overall landscape design. Container plantings can be
used to define an area, creating an intimate garden room in the landscape or outlining the
sitting area of an outdoor caf. Rectangular planters are a good choice for creating a distinct
border. (I caution you to use large planters, not less than 18 inches high, otherwise you risk
having a border that then can become a tripping hazard to the easily distracted.)
Container gardeners can also be used as privacy shield. If you like to entertain, but dont
want everyone walking past your balcony to have a clear view of the great party youre
having, use planters hanging from your balcony railing stocked with tall angelonia or coleus
and cascades of petunias or mandevillas to obscure their line of sight. The sight of floriferous
containers can be more eye-catching than gabbing, lipsticked guests. Planters filled with
evergreens, a Japanese maple, or those lemon trees that you bring indoors every year also
serve as lovely screening on a porch or patio, without being too obvious that you really dont
want everyone seeing you drink your morning coffee. Even window boxes planted with tall
annuals can screen the view inside when you want to open the windows to enjoy the evening
air.
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Empty walls alongside driveways or sidewalks can be an eyesore, but can be easily
remedied by incorporating iron wall planters or a cluster of tall glazed planters billowing with
Kimberly Queen ferns or upright Cordyline. Hang hayrack planters filled with color or foliage
plants along an empty fence that you see through the window every time you sit in your
favorite living room chair. Ive used containerscaping to dress up townhomes with tiny patio
courtyards as a way to hide air-conditioning units or electrical boxes.
Container plantings are a creative way to bring interest and color into the blank spaces of
the winter landscape. Rather than just plant a bed of pansies and kale for fall and winter, add a
container to bring height and structure into the design. Containerscaping also allows you to
keep tropical plantings as a permanent part of your landscape. Lets say you really want a
large standard bougainvillea as a part of your landscape design, but you know that this
involves purchasing a new one every year because its not winter hardy. Place a container
where you want the tree to be located, find a plastic or pressed fiber pot that will fit inside that
container, and plant your bougainvillea in that pot. Enjoy your container throughout the
spring, summer, and early fall, then bring the inner pot indoors for the winter. Fill the empty
container that you left outdoors with another insert (plastic or pressed fiber pot) filled with
pansies or maybe a live dwarf Alberta spruce that youll decorate for the holidays, or fill it with
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decorative cut branches of winterberry, red-twig dogwood, magnolia, hollies, or junipers.

Enhance your landscape by placing pots of edibles on the empty spots in your yard filled
with mint (make sure you trim it as it spills over and before it reaches the ground!), bush beans,
tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, or just about any other edible you want to try. You can
save a little on landscaping cost by using container plantings to elevate a young, slowgrowing tree or shrub that might get missed in the landscape. Once it has reached a more
visible height, you can then plant it in the ground. Window boxes and containers also help to
bring the eye up to draw attention to decorative shutters or ironwork, to guide the eye down a
pathway, or to create structural diversity in a parterre garden or in a vista of monoculture
plantings. Use containers to introduce plants into your landscape that would not naturally coexist with the surrounding plants such as creating a water garden in the midst of droughtloving sedums and evergreens. A few things need to be remembered when youre
containerscaping:
Always use good quality container mix that is porous (well draining).
Make sure that water can easily be accessed (and dont forget using tubing).
For year-round planters, use good quality containers that are cast stone, metal, thick
plastic, or fiberglass. I have used glazed clay planters in my zone 6 area, but I always use an
insert (a plastic pot or pressed fiber pot) that I plant and then drop into my container.
Always raise containers up off the ground by at least one inch. Pot feet come in a whole
host of optionsthe idea is to prevent any water draining through the pots drainage hole
from freezing the container to the ground.
Fertilize! Plants in containers usually require more water than plants in the ground, which
means that nutrients are being washed out. Learn the fertilizing requirements for the plants in
your container and faithfully apply. A weekly feeding of compost tea is also helpful.
Container plantings are often an afterthought and are used to spruce up lackluster gardens
for a special event. Containerscaping, however, should be a component in landscape design,
with irrigation and planter design determined in the planning process. Even for those renting a
home or apartment, container plantings can help make a temporary location feel more
personalized and provides the opportunity to begin collecting unique or memorable plants.
Dont it always seem to go, that you dont know what youve got till its gone.
You can create a lush containerscape, maybe even a paved paradise, when you fill it with
potted gardens.
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PARTY READY:
HOLIDAY AND SEASONAL CONTAINER IDEAS
Creating holiday or seasonal planter designs is a little like selecting an outfits accessories
for a night out on the town; one persons fun, colorful look can appear to other folks like a
gaudy showgirl. Most of the time, holiday planters can be created simply by taking what you
already have planted and making it holiday ready. I have a friend who plants a red twig
dogwood, black mondo grass, and yellow pansies in her containers every fall. During the
Christmas holidays, all she does is place a white iron dove amongst the red twig dogwood
branches, making a very simple, yet poignant, holiday planter.
Many of the ideas shared here will be ones that youll just slap your head and say, I could
have thought of that, so consider them just a little something to jiggle your thought
processes. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to create holiday planters is to look
around to see what is either in your garden or your attic that you can use as decoration. One
November, my neighbor had just given his Foster holly, which was thick with berries, a severe
pruning, and he had piled the branches on the street for the city to pick up. He was more than
happy for me to take as many branches as I wantedthese branches soon became the
centerpieces of my holiday planters. I used a mixture of glossy magnolia leaves, some longleaf
pine branches, and other evergreens such as false cypress (Chamaecyparis) and spruce to fill
in around the planter. You can use other natural products like yellow or red twig dogwood
branches, boxwood cuttings, nandina branches or berries, lichen-covered branches, juniper
branches, and any interesting branches loaded with pinecones or berries. Always remember to
ask permission from neighbors or public places before cutting any live branches.
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A great fall look is easy to accomplish by mixing ornamental pepper plants, crotons, and
orange or yellow mums. And dont forget adding branches of colorful fall leaves! A bonus
after you are done using them, they can go in your compost pile. Also in the fall, plant a
container with a layer of spring-blooming bulbs and cover them with a layer of pansies or
violas for a great spring show. Miniature blooming azaleas and hydrangeas underplanted with
Bacopa or Fuschia will produce a wonderful fresh spring look. If you like, add brightly colored
Easter eggs to the planter to celebrate the Easter season.
I like to leave the container mix potting soil from summer or autumn planters in my
containers so that I can stick any branches into the potting mix to help hold them in position.
This also allows you to maintain a little moisture in the branches if you water the display once
a week or so (unless you are in freezing conditions). An assortment of three to four evergreens
with a berry branch is usually all you need to design an attractive planter. Depending on the
season, adding a large red, orange, or gold bow around the top of the planter, or hanging a few
brightly colored Christmas balls, or setting small pumpkins or gourds around the base of the
branches adds a festive touch. You can also spray paint pinecones or dried hydrangea
blossoms with gold to insert among the branches.
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Your choices are virtually limitless as you can use decorative objects in and around your
containers to be party readyanytime of the year!
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USDA Hardiness Zones Map
source: http://www.arborday.org/media/map_change.cfm
Differences between 1990 USDA Hardiness Zones and

2006 arborday.org Hardiness Zones
Reflect Warmer Climate
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SOURCES
You can find many great products at your local home-improvement stores, at garden
centers, and on the Internet. These are just a few of the companies and sources that I have
used over the years. Check these Websites to purchase planters or to find a garden center or
store near you that carries their products.
Containers
When it comes to containers, Im a strong believer that you get what you pay for. Good
quality containers will last years and they are worth the investment. Here are several
companies that carry many of the planters that I have used over the years, several of which are
shown throughout this book. Cast stone planters (many are offered from Campania
International) become more interesting with age. Both cast stone planters and polyethylene
planters are good types for year-round planting.
Campania International, Inc.: www.campaniainternational.com
Flower Framers: www.flowerframers.com
Haddonstone: www.haddonstone.com
Hooks & Lattice: www.hooksandlattice.com
Jackson Pottery Inc.: www.jacksonpottery.com
Longshadow: www.longshadow.com
Riverside Plastics: www.riverside-plastics.com
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Plants
Your best sources for locating the plants for your container recipes are your local homeimprovement and garden centers. But, one of the best-kept secrets in many areas is the state
university trial or test gardens. Check with your local agricultural Extension Service office to
find out if your state university has gardens that you can visit and see, first-hand, those plants
that are growing well in your area. Many local botanical gardens will have container gardens
and trial garden sections that are tagged with plant varieties so you can see how these plants
handle the conditions in your zone. But if you want to learn more about the plants mentioned
in these recipes, want to order a particular plant, or want to find out about certain varieties that
could be substituted, check out these Websites.
All-America Selections (AAS): www.all-americaselections.org
Annies Annuals and Perennials: www.anniesannuals.com
Ball Horticultural Company: www.ballhort.com
Barbara Wise: http://bwisegardening.blogspot.com/
Bluestone Perennials, Inc.: www.bluestoneperennials.com
Brent and Beckys Bulbs: www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com
Garden Debut: www.gardendebut.com
Monrovia: www.monrovia.com
Plant Delights Nursery, Inc.: www.plantdelights.com
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Proven Winners: www.provenwinners.com

Simply Beautiful: www.simplybeautifulgardens.com
The Trial Gardens at UGA: http://ugatrial.hort.uga.edu/
White Flower Farm: www.whiteflowerfarm.com
Container Mix Potting Soil

Yes, whats on the inside really does make a difference. Potting mix should contain a
mixture of peat moss, pine bark, and either vermiculite or perlite, plus some type of slow-release
fertilizer or starter fertilizer. Some options that Ive been happy with are Fafards Complete
Container Mix, Monrovia Organics Potting Soil, and Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix.
Garden Tools
Having a few essential garden tools can make your planting process a whole lot easier. Ive
mentioned several times in the recipes about using a hori-hori knife; thats a multipurpose
hand tool that is at the top of my gardening tool essential category. A good-quality handpruner, a trug tub (a light-weight, flexible polyethylene carrier), and work gloves are items that I
also keep with me when Im either planting or maintaining containers. Most of these items can
be found at your local home-improvement and garden centers, but you can also find them
through the following sources.
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A.M. Leonard: www.amleo.com

Corona: www.coronatoolsusa.com
Gardeners Supply Company: www.gardeners.com (the hori-hori knife sold here is
called a Multipurpose Garden Knife)
Kinsman Company: www.kinsmangarden.com
The Home Depot: www.homedepot.com
Lowes: www.lowes.com
Target: www.target.com
346
347
BARBARA WISE,
IN HER OWN WORDS
Early in my horticultural career I was scheduled to meet a potential landscaping client at

her home to evaluate her needs. Walking up to the stately home, I expected to be greeted by a
tuxedo-clad butler or matronly housekeeper. The melee that spilled out the door washed away
my misguided expectations and gave me my first clue to the horticultural needs of this newest
budding gardener. After our greetings, the mother, still in her PJs with a baby on one hip, two
toddlers at her feet, and a golden retriever circling the crowd, announced her wishes, I want a
lot of flowers but Im on a tight budget, and everything I plant seems to die. The gauntlet had
been thrown down and the challenge began. How could I provide this client with plantings
that would make her feel successful and love to garden?
Although I had a degree in Family Resource Management from Auburn University, my
fascination with the design side of the plant world (and I am admittedly more drawn to the
landscaping side of horticulture than the edible side) led me to transform my gardening hobby
into a horticulture career. As a lifelong songwriter, I thought that living in Nashville would be a
way to finally get my songwriting career to take off. What I found, however, was that folks
were more interested in what I had composed in my containers and garden than hearing any
song Id composed!
The more I learned about growing things, the more I wanted to learn. After getting my
brood of four boys in school, I went to work at a local garden center to gain experience in
greenhouse growing and plant knowledge. I figuratively sat at the feet of horticultural experts
Rita Randolph and Linda Askey to glean their knowledge of the unique needs for container
gardening. After completing a Master Gardener course, I started working for a development
company in their horticulture department. As the Director of Garden Installation for Southern
Land Company, I get to oversee the planting of hundreds of annual beds and containers each
year, work within the communities with our homeowners teaching classes on gardening, write
for several gardening magazines, have a monthly gardening column in Nashville House &
Home & Garden, and write a gardening blog. I was even privileged to create a backyard redo
for the Discovery Channel television show Picture This for country music star Heidi Newfield.
Heres a little bit of history. My Momma, Daddy, and both sets of grandparents were the
sowers of my plant passions. Mable Hutchison, my maternal grandmother, or Hutchie as we
called her, was widowed in her late 30s and never remarried. She taught English in high school
until she retired in her 70s, was involved in her church, and she gardened. I remember summers
of dividing daylilies in the one-half-acre field next to her white clapboard home and replanting
348
hundreds of irises that shed dug up to share or move, of gathering scuppernongs and sucking
the juice out until my cheeks ached and belly bulged, of shucking corn and shelling peas with
Hutchie and Aunt Blanche while Uncle Jones plowed those red clay fields, of spending late
nights canning veggies from the garden because the days were too hot in a Southern home
with no air conditioning. Hutchie never blogged or even wrote about her gardening; it was just
part of maintaining life. But she loved that part of life and taught me to love it too.
Momma carried on her love for gardening. In the picture above, Momma is pregnant with
me and picking fruit off one of the many apple, peach, or pear trees around Hutchies house.
On the farm where I grew up, there was always corn during the summer to be picked on Sunday
after church for lunch, okra to be fried, and a cow to be milked.
My Aunt Julie Tinkey taught me a whole different side of the horticulture world. Her
gardens were a story to be told. As we wandered about the acres surrounding her home, I
learned there was a message or meaning connected to each plant. A garden for Aunt Julia was
a place for discovering oneself and learning truth. Meandering paths, boulders from the old
homeplace, rambling roses, plants shared from friend to friendgardening was an artwork
painted to reflect life. I learned through my aunt to see the landscape as a palette to create
those dreams that warm our nights and refresh our days.
349
Daddy was a forester. He and Daddy George started a timber company called Georgia
Timberlands. Daddy taught me to love what he called the cathedral of the pines. He was
immensely careful to teach me to understand that the business of timber management was to
treasure the land and leave it more ecologically valuable than when you found it. Daddy was a
tree hugger before tree huggers became the In thing to be.
Growing up, I remember camellia bushes blooming under my open windows in winter and
the wisteria throughout the trees that scented my summer nights. But what seemed to have
had the most profound effect on me were the window boxes! Behind Daddy, Momma, Grandma
Peake, and Daddy George in the photo on the facing page is one of the large, deep window
boxes that underlined each outward vista from my mid-Georgia childhood home, each one full
and overflowing for three seasons.
For the last several years Ive spent many hours planting thousands of window boxes and
have felt like I was the luckiest woman on earth to have this job. Suddenly it all started to make
sense. Subconsciously, with each window box, I was recreating a little of the rich horticultural
history that has guided and enriched my life; just maybe I was creating a new memory for some
child who would look out their window to see life waiting to be discovered.
What I found that I really love to do, however, is help other people be successful in their
gardensfinding the right plant for the right place for the right people. Helping that client who
says, I want a lot of flowers but Im on a tight budget, and everything I plant seems to die,
became my driving force when designing container plantings and garden beds. What I found
by gardening in my own yard was that sometimes just learning a few little tricks of the trade
saved me time and money down the road. I now have eight large garden beds and around
twenty-four containers in my one acre lot; most of those beds and container plantings are
experiment stations for trying out the latest plants to hit the market or testing a new type of
350
soil or gardening product. Working in my own yard after working all day at the company
greenhouse or within the companys developments means that sometimes Im planting bulbs
by a headlamp and that the plants Im trying out are not overly pampered.
Planting has become not just a profession for me, but a true passion. I hope it becomes
your passion too.
Barbara
Publishers Note: Barbara Wise lives and gardens in Brentwood, Tennessee, with her
husband and youngest son. This is her first book.
351
INDEX
Above the Rest, 5051
Abutilon x hybridum, 148149
Acalypha hispida, 9899, 138139
Acer palmatum, 42, 168169
Acorus calamus, 158159
Acorus gramineus, 3435, 150151, 162163, 180181, 194195, 198199, 202203
Acuba japonica, 162163, 178179
African daisies, 3839
Agave, 5051, 55, 120121
Agave desmettiana, 5051
Agave weberi, 7677
Agonis flexuosa, 114115
Ajuga reptans, 124125
Algerian ivy, 3637
Allamanda, 15, 9697
allamanda, bush, 63, 6869, 104105
Allamanda nerifolia, 6869, 104105
Alocasia, 99, 125
Alocasia infernalis, 79
Alpinia zerumbet, 7273, 130131, 138139
Alternathera, 157
Alyssum, 42, 47, 5859
Angelonia, 2829, 3031, 63, 65, 106107, 130131, 141, 148149
Antirrhinum, 4647
Antirrhinum majus, 3031
arborvitae, 212213
Armeria, 47
Armeria maritima, 188189
Artemisia aborescens, 116117
Arundo donax, 57
Asparagus densiflorus, 8889, 9091
asparagus fern, 8081, 9697, 142143
Asparagus sprengeri, 8081, 142143
Attention Getter, 5253
autumn fern, 2627, 194195
Bacopa, 241
bamboo, 3637, 162163
Bamboozled, 162163
352
banana tree, 8687, 9899

Basket on a Stem, 5051
Beat the Heat, 5455
Begonia, 15, 3233, 5657, 79, 9293, 122123, 124125, 154155
begonia, angelwing, 5657, 133
Begonia boliviensis, 9293
Bergenia cordifolia, 170171
Bermuda grass, variegated, 126127
Best in Show, 5657
Beta vulgaris, 172173
Bidens, 53, 110111, 118119
Bidens ferulifolia, 110111
Big Hair Day, 5859
Big Three, The, 164165
Black and Tan, 208209
Black Lace elderberry, 57, 115
black mondo grass, 181, 186187, 208209, 212213, 240
Black Pearl, The, 6061
black pine, 218219
blackbird spurge, 180181
black-eyed Susan, 7071
black-eyed Susan vine, 134135
bleeding heart vine, 9899
bloodstone thrift, 188189
bloom-boosting fertilizer, 16, 19
Bloomin Crazy, 6263
blooming azalea, miniature, 241
blue agave, 7677
blue bacopa, 39
blue cedar, 198199
Blue Creeper junipers, 3435, 200201
blue juniper, 220221
blue spruce, 210211, 228229
Blue Spruce Holiday, 210211
Blushing Basket, 6465
Bonny Scotland, 2627
Boston ferms, 3233
Bougainvillea, 6667, 69, 100101, 135, 140141
Bougainvillea Boogie, 6667
boxwood, 168169, 241
boxwood, variegated, 187, 212213, 220221, 222223
Brassica oleracea, 164165, 172173, 190191, 204205
353
Bravo, 6869
Bright Camellias, 166167
Bright Spot, 7071
Bright Spot, A, 2829
Bring It On!, 3031
bugleweed, 124125
burning bush, dwarf, 183
bush allamanda, 63, 6869, 104105
bush honeysuckle, 162163, 166167, 178179, 226227
Buxus, 168169, 187
Buxus sempervirens, 212213, 220221, 222223
Caladium, 15, 9495, 108109, 134135, 154155, 235
Calibrachoa, 2829, 47, 51, 5657, 6061, 6263, 6869, 8485, 8889, 9091, 93, 106107,
120121, 147
Call Me Summertime, 7273
Camellia, 4041, 166167, 170171, 173, 178179, 196197, 226227, 235
Camellia japonica, 4041, 166167, 170171, 226227
candytuft, 4243, 235
Canna, 5657, 6667, 7475, 87, 99, 124125, 131
Canna Fans, 7475
Canna generalis, 5657
Capsicum, 151
Capsicum annuum, 6061, 184185
Carex, 3839, 133
Carex hachijoensis, 216217
Carex morrowii, 4041, 218219
Carex phyllocephala, 124125
Catharanthus roseus, 9495
Cedrus deodara, 198199
Chamaecyparis, 4243, 241
Chamaecyparis obtusa, 172173, 208209
Chamaecyparis pisifera, 182183, 202203, 220221, 224225
Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera, 192193
Chamaerops humilis, 154155
chameleon plant, 6263
Chasmanthium latifolium, 37
cheddar pinks, 3637
chenille plant, 9899, 138139
Chinese sedum, 7677
Chlorophytum comosum, 132133
chocolate creeping jenny, 3233
354
chocolate moneywort, 8485

Christmas rose, 4041
chrysanthemum, 241
Clerodendrum, 9899
Codiaeum, 176177, 184185
coleus, 2829, 3031, 3233, 73, 7475, 8283, 8687, 9293, 9899, 108109, 133, 134135,
139, 156157
coleus, trailing, 8081, 119
Colocasia, 6667, 79, 116117
Colocasia antiquorum, 99
Colocasia esculenta, 158159
Colorful Winter Punch, 212213
commandments, 1417
compact jatropha, 138139
container size, extra large
Bamboozled, 162163
Hot Fudge Sundae, 9495
Hot Summer Fun, 9697
Look at Me!, 104105
Mandevilla Explosion, 108109
Peppermint Candy, 114115
Red Twig Spring, 4243
Spiky Color Burst, 134135
Spruced Up For Winter, 228229
Tropical Paradise, 154155
Yellow and White Mix-Up, 204205
container size, large
Best in Show, 5657
The Big Three, 164165
Bloomin Crazy, 6263
Bright Spot, 7071
Bring It On!, 3031
Cool Winter Pine, 214215
Coral Bark Queen, 168169
Dont Underestimate Me, 7879
Fall Window Dressing, 174175
355
Falls Folly, 172173

The Ferny Queen, 8485
Fiery Banana Bowl, 8687
Fiery Crotons, 176177
A Gentle Welcome, 9091
Glorious Greens, 178179
The Hot Tropics, 9899
Hummingbird Magnet, 100101
Jumps Ups and Shout, 220221
Just Here for the Party, 3637
The King and His Court, 222223
Lively Redhead, 182183
Oh, So Easy, 110111
Peek-a-Boo Punch, 112113
Pretty Thing, 118119
Refined Glory, 186187
Riot of Color, 120121
Rosemary and Red, 188189
So Elegant, 128129
Spicy Ginger Pop, 130131
Spider Plant Flashback, 132133
Subtle Exuberance, 138139
A Subtle Welcome, 194195
Summer Sparkler, 146147
Sweet Winter Roses, 196197
Sweetly Spring, 4647
Tropical Flower Child, 152153
Wild Winter Window Box, 230231
Wine Punch, 200201
Winter Party, 232233
Wishing Well, 158159
container size, medium
Beat the Heat, 5455
Big Hair Day, 5859
The Black Pearl, 6061
Bravo, 6869
A Bright Spot, 2829
Canna Fans, 7475
356

Dandy Deckbox, 170171
Dazzling Tiny White Flowers, 216217
Dont Think Twice Bowl, 7677
Doorway Delight, 8081
Evergreen, Ever Pretty, 218219
Everythings Rosy, 8283
Fern-tastic Combo, 3233
Foliage Fantasy, 3435
Foxy Medusa, 8889
Grape and Orange Creamsickle, 9293
A Happy Little Planting, 180181
Lazy-Daisy Crazy, 3839
Lenten Peace, 4041
Majesty, 106107
More Than Mums, 184185
Perfection, 116117
Rosy Color Guard, 224225
Royal Gold, 190191
Royal Purple, 122123
Russian Hat, 192193
Southern Belle, 226227
Summer Bold, 140141
Summer Celebration, 142143
Summer Rain, 144145
Sweet Dreams, 148149
A Twist of Lime, 156157
Whimsical Blues, 198199
container size, small
Invite Me to Come, 102103
Shady Summer Surprises, 124125
Shrimp Cocktail, 126127
Strawberry and Licorice, 136137
A Succulent Spring, 4445
Tabletop Beauty, 150151
Wispy Window Box, 202203
containerscaping, 237239
coral bark maple, 42, 168169
coral bells, 15, 2627, 3031, 3435, 3637, 4041, 162163, 166167, 170171, 174175, 176
177, 184185, 194195, 196197, 202203, 208209, 214215, 216217, 218219, 226227, 235
357
Cordyline, 3031, 51, 8081, 123, 137, 235

Cordyline australis, 5253, 9495, 147
Cordyline fruticosa, 7879
Cordyline terminalis, 3031
Cornus alba, 169, 171, 186187
Cornus stolonifera, 4243
Cotoneaster dammeri, 232233
Crassula, 7677
creeping jenny, 235
creeping wintergreen, 173
creeping wire vine, 132133, 140141
crossandra, 87
croton, 176177, 179, 184185, 241
cuphea, 7071, 108109, 110111, 134135
Cuphea llavea, 7071, 108109, 110111, 134135, 147
Cupressus macrocarpa, 190191, 204205
cut flower snapdragon, 29
Cycas revoluta, 5455, 5859
Cymbopogon, 67
Cymbopogon citratus, 2829, 204205
Cynodon dactylon, 126127
Cyperus alternifolius, 158159
Cyperus involucratus, 144145
cypress, 190191, 204205
Cytisus x praecox, 2627
daffodils, 27
Dahlia, 6061, 148149
daylily, 71
deadheading, 20
delphinium, 31
design tips, 235236
Dianella tasmanica, 9293, 146147
Dianthus, 3637
Dianthus barbatus, 4647
Dianthus caryophyllus, 31
diascia, 4647
Diascia Flying Colors, 4647
difficulty, easy
358
Bamboozled, 162163
Beat the Heat, 5455
Best in Show, 5657
Big Hair Day, 5859
Bloomin Crazy, 6263
Bravo, 6869
A Bright Spot, 2829
Bright Spot, 7071
Bring It On!, 3031
Canna Fans, 7475
Falls Folly, 172173
359

Lenten Peace, 4041
Majesty, 106107
Perfection, 116117
Royal Gold, 190191
Russian Hat, 192193
So Elegant, 128129
Summer Bold, 140141
Summer Rain, 144145
Wine Punch, 200201
difficulty, intermediate
360

difficulty, moderate
Foxy Medusa, 8889
Look at Me!, 104105
Oh, So Easy, 110111
diplandenia, 6465, 9091
diseases, 17, 22
double impatiens, 8081
Dracaena, 136137
dracaena palm, 5253, 8081, 9495, 235
drainage, 15
Dryopteris erythrosora, 2627, 194195
duranta, 15, 128129
Duranta erecta, 128129
dusty miller, 204205
dwarf burning bush, 183
dwarf dahlia, 6061, 148149
dwarf golden arborvitae, 164165, 194195, 230231
dwarf sweet flag grass, 198199
Echeveria, 4445
elephant ear, 6667, 116117, 158159
English holly, variegated, 232233
English ivy, 37, 178179, 184185, 208209, 222223, 224225
Eucomis comosa, 5051
Euonymous fortunei, 233
361
Euonymus, 73
Euonymus alatus, 183
Euonymus fortunei, 2627, 3435, 168169, 224225, 230231
Euonymus japonicus, 129
Euphorbia, 2829, 59, 8283, 8485, 120121, 126127, 146147, 180181, 235
Euphorbia characias, 120121
Euphorbia graminea, 126127, 146147
Ever Red fringe flower, 200201
Evolvulus, 69, 153
Falls Folly, 172173
false cypress, 4243, 182183, 241
false cypress, golden pincushion, 220221
false cypress, miniature moss, 202203, 224225
false holly, 172173
false holly, variegated, 186187
fan flower, 61, 7475, 118119, 148149
Fargesia rufa, 3637, 162163
fern, 8485
see also individual plant names
fernspray false cypress, 172173, 208209
Ferny Queen, The, 8485
fertilizer, 16, 19, 22
filler, 235
flax lily, variegated, 9293, 146147
flowering maple, 148149
Forsythia, 42
Foster holly, 240241
foxtail fern, 8889, 9091
Foxy Medusa, 8889
fringe flower, 9495
Fuschia, 241
Gardenia jasminoides, 173
Gaultheria procumbens, 173
Gentle Welcome, A, 9091
362
geranium, 5253, 5859, 104105, 114115, 143

geranium, ivy, 5455, 6465, 8485, 95, 100101, 109, 120121, 131, 136137, 140141, 146
147, 152153, 235
geranium, rose-scented, 138139
ginger, 130131
ginger, variegated, 7273, 138139
globe amaranth, 126127
Gold Coast juniper, 193, 229
gold dush plant, variegated, 162163, 178179
golden arborvitae, dwarf, 164165, 194195, 230231
golden creeping jenny, 2829, 102103, 144145, 150151, 158159
Gomphrena, 126127
grass, variegated, 120121
Gypsophila, 29
Happy Little Planting, A, 180181
hardiness zone maps, 242243
Hawaiian ti, 7879
Hedera canariensis, 3637
Hedera helix, 3031, 9293, 122123, 124125, 178179, 184185, 194195, 208209, 222
223, 224225, 235
heirloom geranium, 8283
Helenium amarum, 69, 91
Helichrysum, 102103
Helichrysum petiolare, 136137, 152153
Helleborus argutifolius, 4041
Hemerocallis, 71, 105
hens and chicks, 7677, 121
Heuchera, 15, 2627, 3031, 3435, 3637, 4041, 162163, 166167, 170171, 175, 176177,
194195, 196197, 202203, 214215, 217, 218219, 226227
Heuchera micrantha, 216217
Heuchera villosa, 208209
Hibiscus, 5657, 101, 150151
hibiscus, tropical, 6263, 100101, 152153, 235
Hibiscus acetosella, 5657
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, 6263, 100101, 150153, 235
holiday ideas, 240241
holly, 235
holly, variegated English, 232233
honeysuckle, 196197
honeysuckle, bush, 162163, 166167, 178179, 226227
363
hori-hori knife, 16
Hosta, 124125
Hot Tropics, The, 9899
Houttuynia cordata, 6263
hydrangea, 241
Iberis, 235
Iberis sempervirens, 4243
Icee Blue Yellow Wood, 229
Ilex aquifolium, 232233
Ilex crenata, 235
Impatiens, 7879, 132133, 138139, 144145
impatiens, double, 8081
Impatiens walleriana, 8081, 132133, 138139, 144145
Imperata cylindrica, 176177
Ipomoea, 3839, 63
Ipomoea batatas, 6667, 75, 9495, 235
Iresine, 118119
Iris kaempferi variegata, 159
irrigation, 9
ivy, 3031, 235
ivy, English, 37, 178179, 184185, 208209, 222223, 224225
ivy, Swedish, 5455
ivy, variegated, 9293, 122123, 124125, 194195
ivy geranium, 5455, 6465, 8485, 95, 100101, 109, 120121, 131, 136137, 140141, 146
147, 152153, 235
jade plant, 7677
Japanese black pine, 222223
Japanese blood grass, 176177
Japanese iris, 159
Japanese sedge, 3839, 216217
Japanese sedge, variegated, 4041, 218219
Jasminum nudiflorum, 4243
jatropha, compact, 138139
Jatropha integerrima, 138139
Juniper, 41, 43, 241
juniper, blue, 220221
364
Juniperus, 201
Juniperus scopulorum, 3435, 200201, 220221
Juniperus x pfitzeriana, 193, 229
kale, 164165, 172173, 174175
kale, ornamental, 190191, 204205
Kimberly queen ferns, 15
King and His Court, The, 222223
Knock Out rose, 97, 143
lambs ear, 117
Lantana, 14, 5253, 6263, 7273, 8687, 9091, 9697, 105, 126127, 135, 142143, 153,
156157, 235
Lantana camara, 5253, 7273, 9091, 142143
lemongrass, 2829, 67, 204205
Lenten Peace, 4041
Leucanthemum x superbum, 39
licorice plant, 136137, 152153
licorice vine, 102103
lily-of-the-valley shrub, 216217
Lobelia siphilitica, 155
Lobularia, 5859
longleaf pine, 190191, 204205, 241
Lonicera, 166167, 226227
Lonicera nitida, 162163, 178179, 196197
Look at Me!, 104105
loropetalum, 235
Loropetalum chinense, 9495, 200201
Lotus, 103
Lysimachia, 145, 235
Lysimachia aurea, 2829, 102103, 144145, 150151, 158159
Lysimachia congestiflora, 3233, 8485
magnolia, 174175, 241
Majesty, 106107
Mandevilla, 15, 7273, 9697, 102103, 108109, 114115, 128129, 134135, 142143, 156
157
Mandevilla amabilis, 110111
Mandevilla splendens, 6465, 9091
mandevilla vine, 110111, 114115, 235
mandevilla vine, trellised, 108109, 134135
365
maple, flowering, 148149

Mexican feather grass, 2829
million bells, 51
mini hosta, 124125
miniature blooming azalea, 241
miniature moss false cypress, 202203, 224225
Muehlenbeckia axillaries, 132133, 140141
Musa acuminata, 9899
Musa basjoo, 8687
nandina, 174175, 182183, 188189, 198199, 210211, 228229, 241
Nandina domestica, 182183, 188189, 198199, 210211, 228229
Nassella tenuissima, 2829
Nasturtium, 2829
Nephrolepis biserrat, 85
Nephrolepis exaltata, 3233
Nephrolepis obliterata, 8485, 89
Nerium oleander, 9697
New Zealand flax, 108109, 112113, 134135
ninebark, 115
nitrogen, 19
northern sea oats, 37
Oh, So Easy, 110111
oleander, red, 9697
Ophiopogon planiscapus, 181, 186187, 208209, 212213
ornamental kale, 190191, 204205
ornamental pepper, 6061, 184185, 235, 241
Osmanthus, 187
Osmanthus heterophyllus, 172173, 186187
Osteospermum, 3839
Pachysandra terminalis, 35
Pachystachys lutea, 126127
palm, tropical, 154155
Pandorea jasminoides, 111
Panicum, 93
Panicum virgatum, 37
pansy, 3435, 4647, 164165, 168169, 172173, 180181, 182183, 188189, 190191, 202
203, 212213, 214215, 220221, 222223, 224225, 228229, 230231, 240, 241
parsley plant, 204205
Passiflora manicata, 67
Passiflora racemosa, 111
366
passion vine, 135

Pelargonium, 5253, 5859, 8485, 101, 104105, 114115, 120121, 136137, 138139, 140
141, 146147, 152153
Pelargonium hortorum, 8283
Pelargonium peltatum, 5455, 6465, 100101, 235
Pennisetum, 81, 95, 109, 113, 235
Pennisetum purpureum, 122123
Pentas, 91, 118119
pepper, ornamental, 6061, 184185, 235, 241
Perfection, 116117
periwinkle, 5657, 196197
Persian shield, 116117, 132133, 138139
pests, 17, 22
Petroselinum crispum, 204205
Petunia, 5051, 6869, 7071, 7273, 85, 102103, 106107, 108109, 116117, 120121, 126
127, 129, 142143, 147
petunia, trailing, 6869
Phalaris arundinacea, 53, 120121, 147
Phlox, 6263
Phormium, 108109, 112113, 134135
phosphorus, 19
Phyllostachys nigra, 163
Physocarpus opulifolious, 115
Picea pungens glauca, 210211, 228229
Pieris japonica, 216217
pineapple lily, 5051
Pinus contorta, 219, 223
Pinus flexilis, 219, 223
Pinus nigra, 218219
Pinus palustris, 190191, 204205
Pinus parviflora, 214215
Pinus thunbergiana, 222223
planning, 910
Plectranthus, 55, 83, 123, 125, 137
Plectranthus coleoides, 5455
Plumbago auriculata, 5051
Podocarpus elongatus, 229
Portulaca oleracea, 104105
potassium, 19
367
purple fountain grass, 95

purple grass, 122123
purple peppermint tree, 114115
purple queen, 8889, 104105, 128129, 140141
purple wintercreeper, 174175, 230231
purple-leafed wintercreeper, 3435, 168169
purslane, 104105
pyracantha berry, 174175
recipes, how to read, 21
red oleander, 9697
red passionflower, trellised, 67
red twig dogwood, 4243, 169, 171, 186187, 240, 241
rhizomatous begonia, 3233
ribbon grass, 147
rootball, 16
Rosa, 8283
rosemary, 188189
rose-scented geranium, 138139
Rosmarinus officinalis, 188189
Royal Gold, 190191
Rudbeckia, 69, 97, 127
Rudbeckia hirta, 7071
Russian Hat, 192193
Sagina subulata, 35
sago palm, 5455, 5859
Salvia argentea, 116117
Sambucus, 201
Sambucus nigra, 57, 115
Scaevola, 59, 89, 107, 118119, 147, 148149
Scaevola aemula, 7475
Scotch broom, 2627
scotch moss, 35
seasonal ideas, 240241
Sedeveria, 4445
sedge grass, variegated, 124125
368
Sedum, 4243, 4445, 77, 120121, 156157, 203, 214215, 221, 228229, 232233
Sedum album, 45
Sedum kamtschaticum, 45
Sedum reflexum, 5051, 178179, 200201, 225, 232233
Sedum repestre, 77, 120121, 156157
Sedum rupestre, 7677
Sedum sexangulare, 45
Sedum spurium, 5051, 77, 192193, 211, 214215
Sedum tetractinum, 7677
Sempervivum, 7677, 121
Senecio cineraria, 204205
Setcreasea pallida, 8889
Setcresea, 104105, 128129, 140141
Shasta daisy, 39
shrimp plant, 126127
shrub rose, 8283
silver sage, 116117
size for containers, 1112
Skimmia japonica, 3435
snapdragon, 3031, 4647, 106107
snapdragon, summer, 2829, 3031, 130131, 141, 148149
So Elegant, 128129
society garlic plant, variegated, 114115
soil, 14
Solenostemon, 2829, 3031, 3233, 81, 8687, 9293, 9899, 108109, 134135, 156157
Solenostemon scutellarioides, 7475, 8081, 8283
spider plant, 132133
spike plant, 136137
Spilanthes oleracea, 112113, 120121
spiller, 235
spirea, 108109, 134135
Spirea japonica, 108109
Spirea x bumalda, 134135
Stachys byzantina, 117
stonecrop, 4243, 4445, 5051, 7677, 178179, 192193, 200201
369

Strobilanthes, 116117, 132133
Strobilanthes dyerianus, 138139
Subtle Welcome, A, 194195
Succulent Spring, A, 4445
Summer Bold, 140141
Summer Rain, 144145
summer snapdragon, 2829, 3031, 130131, 141, 148149
sun requirements, full sun
Beat the Heat, 5455
Best in Show, 5657
Big Hair Day, 5859
Bloomin Crazy, 6263
Bravo, 6869
A Bright Spot, 2829
Bright Spot, 7071
Foxy Medusa, 8889
Look at Me!, 104105
Majesty, 106107
Oh, So Easy, 110111
370

Royal Gold, 190191
Russian Hat, 192193
So Elegant, 128129
sun requirements, general, 1415, 20
sun requirements, partial sun
Bamboozled, 162163
Bring It On!, 3031
Canna Fans, 7475
371

Perfection, 116117
Summer Bold, 140141
Wine Punch, 200201
sun requirements, shade
Lenten Peace, 4041
Summer Rain, 144145
sun requirements, sun
Falls Folly, 172173
Sutera cordata, 39
Swedish ivy, 5455
sweet flag grass, 3435, 150151, 162163, 180181, 194195, 202203
sweet flag grass, dwarf, 198199
sweet flag, variegated, 158159
sweet potato vine, 3839, 63, 6667, 75, 9495, 235
372
sweet William, 4647

Swiss chard, 172173, 174175
thread-branch false cypress, 192193
thriller, 235
Thuja, 191
Thuja occidentalis, 212213
Thuja orientalis, 164165, 194195, 230231
Thunbergia alata, 134135
ti plant, 3031
tiger fern, 33
Torenia, 3233, 3839, 7879, 8081, 154155, 235
Torenia fournieri, 145
Trachycarpus fortunei, 155
Tradescantia zebrina, 116117
trailing coleus, 8081, 119
trailing petunia, 6869
trailing verbena, 7071, 7273
trailing viola, 192193
trellised bougainvillea, 6667
trellised mandevilla vine, 108109, 134135
trellised red passionflower, 67
tropical hibiscus, 6263, 100101, 152153, 235
tropical palm, 154155
Tulbaghia violacea, 114115
Twist of Lime, A, 156157
umbrella grass plant, 144145
umbrella plant, 158159
variegated Bermuda grass, 126127
variegated boxwood, 187, 212213, 220221, 222223
variegated English holly, 232233
variegated false holly, 186187
variegated flax lily, 9293, 146147
variegated ginger, 7273, 138139
variegated gold dush plant, 162163, 178179
variegated grass, 120121
variegated ivy, 9293, 122123, 124125, 194195
variegated Japanese sedge, 4041, 218219
373
variegated sedge grass, 124125

variegated society garlic plant, 114115
variegated sweet flag, 158159
variegated vinca, 180181
Verbena, 61, 7071, 7273, 9293, 102103, 112113, 120121, 128129, 130131, 142143,
146147, 150151, 152153
verbena, trailing, 7071, 7273
Vinca, 9495, 126127, 135, 166167, 175
vinca, variegated, 180181
Vinca minor, 5657, 130131, 166167, 180181, 196197
vinca vine, 130131, 235
Viola, 2627, 140141, 192193, 204205, 220221, 230231, 241
viola, trailing, 192193
Viola cornuta, 220221
Viola x wittrockiana, 2627, 3435, 4647, 164165, 168169, 172173, 180181, 182183,
188189, 190191, 202203, 204205, 212213, 214215, 220221, 222223, 224225, 228229,
230231
watering, 17, 1920, 22
wax begonia, 89
white pine, 214215
windmill palm, 155
Wine Punch, 200201
winter jasmines, 4243
wintercreeper, 2627, 224225
wintercreeper, purple, 174175, 230231
wintercreeper, purple-leafed, 3435, 168169
wishbone flower, 3233, 3839, 7879, 8081, 154155
yaupon holly, 174175
yellow allamanda bush, 9697
Yucca, 210211, 229, 230231
Yucca filamentosa, 230231
zebrina wandering Jew, 116117
Zinnia, 2829, 61, 7273
Zinnia marylandica, 7273
374
Dedication
To Lt. Col. Steven N. Wise, USAF (Ret), who had no idea that my writing a book would
mean he would be doing so many loads of laundry, so much housework, attending so many
social events on his own because I have to stay to finish writing this section, taking our
sons to so many doctor appointments or school activities, and being ignored for days at a
time.
Honey, lets go sit on the back porch and enjoy the garden.
375
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank my four sonsJonathan, Robert, Zachary, and Buckfor all the years
that they hauled soil, planters, and plants all over our landscape as I tried out different
container recipes, for the hours of watering, and for never complaining about it. (Laughter will
erupt at this moment.) A huge thank-you to Southern Land Company, LLC, for their dedication
to keeping distinctive horticulture a high priority in their developments and for allowing me to
be a part of that.
To Carol Wintzinger for her guidance and encouragement to keep seeking new ideas; to
Yelena Petruk, whose creative handiwork is seen scattered throughout this book; to Tim
Downey and Brian Sewell for making what I do in my day job possible.
To Rita Randolph, a brilliant plantswoman and container gardening artist, who taught me
that container gardening is more than just sticking plants in a pot, and to Carol Reese, a gift
from the Tennessee Extension Service to Southern gardeners, who inspired me to see beyond
the ordinary in plantsI can never thank you two ladies enough for all that you have taught
me.
To Sara Bomar Davis and Sharon Kinney and the Spring Break Beach Trip Gang for looking
through hundreds of pictures to help me choose which recipes to includethank you!
Finally, a huge thank you to Cool Springs Press, especially Billie Brownell, for your
patience and guidance as I wrote this through one crazy spring planting season, one sons
high school graduation, another sons wedding, and another sons deployment to
Afghanistan. These are not the ideal conditions for writing my first bookthank you for
sticking with me.
376
In Memorium
SEVERAL YEARS AGO I SAT ACROSS FROM THE FOUNDER OF COOL SP RING P RESS and I heard his story
of hunting through bookstores trying to find a book that would help him learn the basics of
gardening in Tennessee. Nothingzilch, nada, zipwas out there to guide him.
Most people would find another hobby. But not Roger Waynick.
Roger started his own publishing company to bring new gardeners like himself the
information they needed simply to get started.
His voice struck a chord with me, stirring memories of my own experiences helping a young
mom keep her planters going all summer or helping a retired couple finally have the lush,
colorful courtyard theyd been dreaming about. Rogers publishing company gave me many
resources to share with these novice gardenersresources such as Judy Lowes book Monthby-Month Gardening in Tennessee and Kentucky, and Felder Rushings book Tough Plants
for Southern Gardens. They helped new gardeners find a little success keeps them coming
back outside each spring to try something a little more challenging.
So heres one of my favorite container combos in memory and in honor of Roger Waynick,
founder and president of Cool Springs Press, who passed away March 22, 2011, at age 50.
3 Red Pentas (Pentas lanceolata Butterfly Red)
This plant is a host plant of the Sphinx moth. This is a tribute to how Rogers publishing
company has helped bring gardening up from the ashes of a lost art to become one of the most
popular interests in our society today.
3 Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria)
This is a plant known for being tough and reliable, a perfect example of the type of plant to
introduce to a first-time gardener.
3 Evolvulus Blue Daze (Evolvulus nuttallianus)
This is a plant whose name comes from the Latin word meaning to untwist. Unraveling the
mysteries of gardening was the passion behind Rogers founding of Cool Springs Press.
I know that there is so much more to who Roger Waynick was than what I knew as one of
his authors. But this one part of his life left a huge impact on my life, for which I will be forever
grateful.
Barbara
377
First Published in 2012 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of the Quayside Publishing
Group, 400 North First Avenue, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA.
2012 Cool Springs Press
Text and certain photography 2012 Barbara Wise
All rights reserved. With the exception of quoting brief passages for the purposes of
review, no part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the
Publisher.
The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All
recommendations are made without any guarantee on the part of the author or Publisher, who
also disclaims any liability incurred in connection with the use of this data or specific details.
Cool Springs Press titles are also available at discounts in bulk quantity for industrial or
sales-promotional use. For details write to Special Sales Manager at Cool Springs Press, 400
North First Avenue, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA.
To find out more about our books, visit us online at www.coolspringspress.com.
ISBN-13: 978-1-59186-526-1
10 9 8 7 6 5 3 4 2 1
Digital Edition: 978-1-61058278-0
Softcover Edition: 978-1-59186-526-1
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Wise, Barbara, horticulturist
Container gardening for all seasons : Enjoy YEAR-ROUND Color with 101 Designs / Barbara
Wise.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-59186-526-1 (pbk.)
1. Container gardening. I. Title. II. Title: 101 plant recipes for year-round color.
SB418.W57 2012
635.986dc23
2011035908
President/CEO: Ken Fund
Group Publisher: Bryan Trandem
Publisher: Ray Wolf
Senior Editor: Billie Brownell
Editor: Kathy Franz
Creative Director: Michele Lanci
Design Manager: Kim Winscher
Cover Photo: Corean Komarec
Production Manager: Hollie Kilroy
Illustrator: Bill Kersey
Interior photos: All photos are by Barbara Wise, except page 240, lower right, which is by
Kerry Michaels
378

Cover
Title Page
Contents
Introduction
2
3
4
5
What you Need to know Before you Even Start Looking at Plants
Plan Before you Plant
The Right-Sized Container
10
16
What Do you Mean? How to Use this Book
23
Now What?
28
Spring
Summer
31
63
Autumn
Winter
Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers: Designing your Own Containers
Containerscaping
Party Ready: Holiday Container Ideas
USDA Hardiness Zone Map
Sources
Barbara Wise, In her Own Words
Index
Dedication
Acknowledgments
In Memoriam
Copyright Page
379
225
289
327
331
334
339
342
347
352
375
376
377
378

Container Gardening For All Sea - Barbara Wise

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2

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU EVEN START

PLAN BEFORE YOU PLANT

THE RIGHT-SIZED CONTAINER

Group containers together for impact.

concrete, which are much less likely to crack.

Shade-loving recipes do best in morning sun or dappled light.

The Ten Commandments of Container Gardening

I. Thou shalt begin with soil.

III. Thou shalt not covet your neighbors abilities.

IV. Thou shalt know who your plants friends are.

V. Thou shalt remember your container, and keep it holey.

VI. Thou shalt always loosen the rootball of plants

VIII. Thou shalt not forget to fertilize!

IX. Thou shalt regularly check for pests and diseases.

X. Thou shalt remember the words of Hortius Culturii, A plant without

WHAT DO YOU MEAN?

Containerscaping is pretty straightforward, and I use certain phrases and assumptions

Adding Container Mix

How To Read a Recipe

After 6 weeks of growth this planter is luscious.

Just Here for the Party

Red Twig Spring

benefit of the sweet alyssums fragrance.

Above the Rest

Beat The Heat

Big Hair Day

The Black Pearl

Ipomoea batatas Sweet Caroline Green Yellow for the Scaevola.

Dont Think Twice Bowl

The Ferny Queen

Fiery Banana Bowl

Grape & Orange Creamsickle

Hot Fudge Sundae

Hot Summer Fun

a substitute for the allamanda.

The Hot Tropics

would make an interesting alternative to the Phormium.

lambs ear, Stachys byzantina.

Shady Summer Surprises

Spicy Ginger Pop

Spider Plant Flashback

Spiky Color Burst

Cora Rose or Lantana Bandana Cherry if cuphea is unavailable.

Strawberry and Licorice

Tropical Flower Child

The Big Three

Comfort or Amber Waves.

Coral Bark Queen

Fall Window Dressing

A Happy Little Planting

More Than Mums

Rosemary and Red

Sweet Winter Roses

Wispy Window Box

Yellow and White Mix-Up

Black and Tan

Blue Spruce Holiday

Colorful Winter Punch

Cool Winter Pine

Dazzling Tiny White Flowers

Evergreen, Ever Pretty

Jump Ups and Shout