To review the March newsletter CLICK HERE
GardenSMART Newsletter Signup
 
Visit our Sponsors! encore azalea Dramm
Visit our Sponsors and win.
Easy and Gorgeous

Easy and Gorgeous

By Pamela Crawford, Author, Instant Container Gardens
Photographs by Pamela Crawford

It’s a good idea to start simple when your are planting your first few instant containers. This basket is a great inspiration for beginners because it is not only very easy to plant but also gorgeous after it is done. You can’t get much better than that!

Dragon wing begonias are one of my favorite container plants. They are difficult to find in 4” pots because they don’t look too good when they are so small. However, if you see any, I highly recommend trying them. They are showier than the more-common wax begonias, and unusual as well.

GardenSMART Article Image

If you can’t find them and like this look, substitute wax begonias. They are almost always available in red.

GardenSMART Article Image

The Plants

Dragon Wing Begonia: 15 plants from 4.5” pots

‘Mardi Gras’ Coleus: 15 plants from 4.5” pots

Mammey Croton: 1 plant from a 3-gallon pot

GardenSMART Article Image

Light: Light shade is ideal.

Season: Spring through fall for most warmer areas. This plant mix takes temperatures from about 38 degrees to the low-90’s. In a bit more shade, it withstands temperatures into the mid-90’s. 

Lifespan: Three to five months in this container.

GardenSMART Article Image

Care: Fertilize on planting day with a slow-release mix. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed-out. Pinch the coleus and the begonias to keep them from getting taller than the croton centerpiece. Since the centerpiece is so short, you’ll need to pinch at least once a month.

Water: Water when the plants show signs of wilt or the soil feels dry when you push your fingertip into the potting mix­ – up to your second knuckle. I watered this one every day (after it was about a month old) in midsummer and every other day in cooler weather.

Troubleshooting: No problems. This was a wonderful, trouble-free basket.

GardenSMART Article Image

Sixteen-inch Double Tier Imperial Hanging Planter, available at kinsman.com.

Planting Plan: Easy. Alternate the begonias and coleus on both side layers as well as along the edge layers. Plant the mammey croton in the center.

This is an excerpt from Pamela Crawford’s book, Instant Container Gardens, available through Amazon and other online booksellers.

Pamela Crawford, author of 12 gardening books, is considered one of the most accomplished container gardening experts in the country. In addition to designing gardens for over 1500 residences, her work has been featured on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens publications as well as in Southern Living, HGTV Magazine, Fine Gardening, Country Gardens, and in over 300 newspapers. As an expert in her field, she has appeared on the Fine Living Network, GardenSMART, gardenloverstv.com and numerous local tv shows.


All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.

Article URL:
https://www.GardenSMART.com/?p=articles&title=Easy_and_Gorgeous


Back to Articles List                               


   
 
FEATURED ARTICLE
GardenSMART Featured Article

By Delilah Onofrey, Suntory Flowers
Photographs courtesy of Suntory Flowers

Early Season plants that can handle the occasional cold snap can be a breath of fresh air in early spring. Want cool colors for the cool season? Click here for an article that highlights plants that fill the bill.

  Click here to sign up for our monthly NEWSLETTER packed with great articles and helpful tips for your home, garden and pets!  
   
   
   
 
   
Copyright © 1998-2012 GSPC. All Rights Reserved.