This easy arrangement has everything - it looked great and required nothing but water for its full, seven-month lifespan! Since the container is large and was placed in shade, it only needed water once a week from April until July! I watered twice a week in July and August and then back to once a week from September to November.
Plants: Begonia ‘Cherry Blossom,’ ti plant, coleus ‘Kong Rose,’ creeping Jenny. Use regular wax begonias if you can’t find the ‘Cherry Blossom.’
Light: Light to medium shade
Season: Plant when the temperatures range from 45 degrees to the low 100’s. This arrangement tolerates both extremes well.
Lifespan: Six to seven months in this large, 36” window box.
Care: As easy as it gets! Fertilize on planting day with a slow-release mix. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed out. That’s it! No trimming required unless the creeping Jenny hits the ground.
Water: Water thoroughly when plants show signs of wilt or the soil feels dry when you push your fingertip into the potting mix. I watered this once a week in spring and twice a week in the heat of summer.
Troubleshooting: No problems. This was a wonderful, trouble-free arrangement.
Planting Plan: Alternate the begonias and creeping jenny in the side holes. Plant the ti plant in the middle of the top with the ‘Kong’ coleus on either side. Tuck some more begonias and creeping Jenny along the top edge.
Container: Kinsman’s #CLZW36 window box (36”L x 9”W x 9”D). To order or see an easy planting video, go to www.kinsmangarden.com
Note on Heat Tolerance: This plant combination is excellent for adapting to temperature extremes. It thrives in temperatures as low as 45 degrees and up to the low 100’s. It breezed through a ten-day run of over 100 degrees, only requiring water twice a week during that record-breaking heat wave.
By Dan Heims, President, Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
Photographs courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
Terra Nova’s breeders have created a series of outstanding world-class echinaceas that are consistent in size, bloom power, color intensity and are a pollinator buffet. What’s not to like.
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This easy arrangement has everything - it looked great and required nothing but water for its full, seven-month lifespan! Since the container is large and was placed in shade, it only needed water once a week from April until July! I watered twice a week in July and August and then back to once a week from September to November.
