Plants for a Purpose: Summer Containers
Summer is the perfect time to add a burst of color and life to your garden with containers filled with vibrant flowers and foliage. Here are some of the best plants to consider for your summer containers, chosen by gardening experts and enthusiasts:
Herbs for Summer Containers
Basil (Ocimum ‘African Blue’)
Basil is not only a delicious herb but also a beautiful addition to summer containers. It produces purple spires of flowers that bloom in summer, attracting pollinators.
Indian Mint (Satureja douglasii)
Indian mint has a wonderful trailing habit and captivating fragrance. Its dainty white flowers create a whimsical feel.
Flowers for Summer Containers
Zinnias
Zinnias come in a wide variety of colors and have a long flowering season. They are easy to grow from seed and make excellent cut flowers.
Hebes
Hebes are evergreen shrubs that tolerate drought and poor soil. They produce small purple flowers from spring to late summer.
Angel Wing Begonias
Angel wing begonias have heart-shaped leaves and showy coral or salmon-colored flowers. They bloom from spring to fall.
Erigeron karvinskianus
Erigeron karvinskianus is a low-growing perennial that produces a profusion of small, daisy-like flowers in white or pink. It is a great filler plant for containers.
Agapanthus ‘Arctic Star’
Agapanthus ‘Arctic Star’ is a perennial with large white flowerheads above gray-green foliage. It is well-suited to growing in pots and will thrive for many years.
Ipomoea ‘Sweet Caroline Purple’
Ipomoea ‘Sweet Caroline Purple’ is an annual with dark burgundy-purple foliage. It is a trailing plant that can be trained to grow up a trellis or allowed to cascade over the edge of a container.
Osteospermum
Osteospermums produce large, vibrant flowers in pink, purple, yellow, or orange from June until October. They make a great centerpiece in small pots or a striking filler plant in large containers.
Verbena bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis is a tall, slender perennial with purple flower heads. It is a great choice for adding height and interest to containers.
Foliage Plants for Summer Containers
Cushion Bush (Calocephalus brownie)
Cushion bush is a half-hardy shrub with silver-gray leaves. It loves full sun and infrequent watering.
Pelargonium tomentosum
Pelargonium tomentosum, also known as scented leaf geranium, has large, furry leaves with a unique fragrance. It prefers partial shade and can tolerate drought.
Tips for Choosing Plants for Summer Containers
- Consider the size and shape of your container.
- Choose a variety of plants with different heights, textures, and colors.
- Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs together.
- Don’t overcrowd your containers.
- Fertilize your plants regularly.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth.
With these tips and plant recommendations, you can create beautiful and thriving summer containers that will add a touch of color and life to your garden or balcony.
