In early summer, I take “before” images of my containers and then “after” shots in September to document how well the compositions fared over the season. The plant selection for each arrangement is based on great foliage and unique forms. Flowering plants must be long blooming but without the constant need of deadheading. Here are a dozen “before” pics.
For sunny and partial sunny areas….
Tall Cylinder Pot..Melianthus major, Coprosma, Verbena bonariensis, Heuchera ‘Southern Comfort’, Sedum ‘Lemon Coral’, Lantana montevdensis and Tradesantia ‘Pale Puma’
California Hydrangea Pot: Lovely, but unknown Hydrangea, Origanum ‘Kent Beauty’, Oxalis triangularis, Abutilon ‘Pink Charm’
Closeup of the Hydrangea, which influenced color selection. This hydrangea, purchased on a trip to CA a couple of years ago, (don’t think it’s ‘Pistachio’), is not flower bud hardy for us outdoors in zone 6A, but makes a great container specimen.
Cast Iron Urn, starring the friendly agave relative, Beschorneria ‘Flamingo Glow’ with Cuphea hyssopifolia aurea, Pelargonium sidoides, Variegated Ivy and Tradescantia ‘Pale Puma’
Detail, showing Cuphea and Pelargonium sidoides
Hummer’s Pot: Hummingbird magnet Cuphea ‘David Verity’ with Heuchera ‘Southern Comfort’, Oxalis ‘Zinfandel’, Coleus and Helichrysum ‘Limelight’
White Bean Pot: Gaura ‘So White’, Pelargonium sidoides, Heuchera ‘Obsidian’, Lantana montevidensis alba and Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
Charcoal Urn: Pink Stripe Phormium, with a variety of succulents and Dicondra ‘Silver Falls’
And for more shady spots…
A living wreath (sort of a vertical container) for shade: Mini Spider Plant (Chlorophytum ‘Bonnie’ )
Abutilon ‘Pink Charm‘, again, with Heuchera ‘Beaujolais‘, Pilea microphylla variegata, Fuchsia ‘Madame Daishu’ and the barely seen Ceropegia woodii (String of Hearts Vine)
Amorphophallis konjac with big Begonia ‘Wild Pony’ and petite Begonia bowerae.
And of course: Succulents…I’ll try not to bore you with too many!
A new succulent combination for the 32″ black zen bowl…(there are too many plants to list).
Succulent Martini anyone?
Fan favorite Succulent Clam Shell.
Which container planting can you see in your garden?
PS…Check back in September to see which containers till look fabulous.
Fantastic combinations. What a great idea to have “before & mature” photos. Love your site.
What a treat to vicariously enjoy your summer containers this morning! The containers almost rival the plantings. You have an incredible eye and talented hand. I always enjoy Garden Foreplay and particularly love visiting your gardens! (And of course bringing new treasures home!) thank you.
O PS. I want the white bean pot!!!
Just found your site. Great designs in both your containers and your web site. Well done.
Such fabulous container planting. And I’ve never seen Chlorophytum used as a wreath before. Can’t wait to see the after shots. You’ve also made me realise I need to manage an replant my succulent pots much more often, and more tightly
The Chlorophytum wreath has been so easy to care for, and still looks fabulous….my camera is in the shop, but will work on the after shots as soon as I get it back for the next blog post.