Endless Summer® Summer Crush® Hydrangea. Photo: Endless Summer® Hydrangeas
Looking for a way to spice up your outdoor living and entertaining spaces? I’ve got two words for you: decorative containers. Adding plants into hardscapes, like patios, porches or decks, will add pops of color that you never knew you needed.
Planting and Care
When gardening with containers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Pick a pot that has multiple drainage holes in the bottom and is large enough to accommodate your desired plants. Use potting mix, not garden soil. And check the soil daily, only watering when the soil is dry.
Favorite Plants
I’m a fan of planting a mix of annuals and shrubs in containers. Why the shrubs? They provide a great foundation in the container and if overwintered, will survive for multiple seasons. Shrubs that are naturally compact are great choices. A few favorites for Minnesota are Endless Summer® Summer Crush® Hydrangea, First Editions® Little Hottie® Panicle Hydrangea and First Editions® Campfire Rose.
Design Tips
Wondering how to use containers in your space? Here are a few easy design ideas. Place containers at your front entry to help draw the eye in. Add color to your outdoor lounge area by placing containers between chairs. Or, add a container to your garden bed for more height and dimension.
Gretchen McNaughton is the communications and content specialist at Bailey Nurseries. Learn more about planting and caring for shrubs in containers at endlesssummerhydrangeas.com.
