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Lush looking containers
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No-fail techniques for planting a mixed container
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By Beckie Fox; Photography by Bonnie Summerfeldt
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Sometimes annuals are sold in fibreboard trays that aren't divided into sections, and often the roots of four to six plants will have grown together. Instead of trying to untangle them (tearing and pulling can cause damage), peel away the pot and cut apart the root balls with a sharp knife.
Nestle the focal plant in the partly filled container. Add more soil, gently firming it around the root ball. Make sure the plant is at the same level it was at in the original pot. Buried too deep, the stem may rot; too shallow, the top roots will be exposed and dry out. Move on to the mid-size plants, leaving the smaller or trailing ones destined for the edge of the container until last.
Periodically monitor the level of the soil in the container, as you'll want to leave about two centimetres between the soil surface and the rim of the container when finished to make watering easier. As you go, continue to gently firm the soil to eliminate large air pockets and keep the plants from settling at odd angles.
Final adjustments
Get your arrangement off to a good start by adding transplant fertilizer to the water to trigger root growth. Don't begin feeding with regular container fertilizer until new top growth has formed.
Water with a wand set at a fine spray or with a watering can fitted with a sprinkling head with tiny holes. (The plants and soil are already well moistened, so not a great deal more water is required.) Recheck the level of the plants in the container, adjusting soil accordingly, if necessary.
Snip off damaged leaves and pinch off the tops of leggy annuals to force more branches. If possible, to lessen transplant shock, keep a newly planted container in a shady spot for a day or two before moving it to its permanent, sunnier location.
Putting it together
1. FOCAL POINT
RED AND BLACK VARIEGATED COLEUS
(Solenostemon scutellarioides cvs.)
2. FILLERS
WHITE CLOUD ANGELONIA
(Angelonia angustifolia AngelMist Series White Cloud 'Balangloud')
FEATHER GRASS
(Stipa tenuissima syn. Nassella tenuissima 'Pony Tails')
3. TRAILERS
SWEET HEART RED SWEET POTATO VINE
(Ipomoea batatas Sweet Caroline, Sweet Heart Series 'Red')
GIANT WHITE BACOPA
(Sutera cordata Abunda Series Giant White 'Blisch')
Method
Use a tall, dark container, 45 centimetres in diameter. Place your focal point plant first; this one is positioned off-centre. Next add the filler plants, followed by the trailers at the end.
Alternative plants
FOCAL POINT
Burgundy cultivar of NEW ZEALAND FLAX
(Phormium cvs.)
FILLERS
'GARTENMEISTER BONSTEDT' FUCHSIA; 'PILLAGE' COLEUS
(Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Pillage') or similar; coral or terracotta cultivar of CALIBRACHOA
TRAILERS
GOLDEN CREEPING JENNY
(Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea')
'BRONZE' SWEET POTATO VINE
(Ipomoea batatas Sweet Caroline Series 'Bronze')
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