This arrangement rates a red ribbon instead of a blue because the cleome went out of bloom a few times. But it looked fabulous for a full six months, requiring nothing but water the entire time!
Just one week after planting!
The Plants:
Cleome: 3 plants from 6” pots.
Scaevola: 6 plants from 4” pots.
Serena angelonia: 4 plants from 4” pots.
Wax begonia, pink: 6 plants from 4” pots.
Wax begonia, white: 6 plants from 4” pots.
Light: Full sun to light shade.
Season: Plant when the temperatures range from 45 degrees to the low 100’s. This arrangement tolerates both extremes well.
Lifespan: Five to six months in this large, 36” window box.
Care: Fertilize on planting day with a slow-release mix. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed out. Trim the scaevola if it gets too long. For my three-minute trimming video, see Fertilization and Trimming at www.sideplanting.com.
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 every three days in spring and every day in the heat of summer.
Troubleshooting: No problems. This was a wonderful, trouble-free arrangement.
Planting plan: This arrangement was planted with large plants so it would be full on planting day. See “Planting Sequence,” below.
Container: Kinsman’s #CLZW36 window box (36”L x 9”W x 9”D). Go to www.sideplanting.com to find a list of garden center sources near you. To purchase by phone, call 1-800-733-4146 for retail orders or 1-800-733-5613 for wholesale orders.
To purchase online, go to www.kinsmangarden.com.
Hanging the window box: It’s easy! See the video demo at www.sideplanting.com.
Planting Sequence:
Step 1: Alternate the begonias and the scaevola around the side layer.
Step 2: Plant the cleomes in the center, surrounded by the angelonia.
Step 3: Repeat Step 1 around the edge. Be sure to put different plants above each other.
This is an excerpt from Pamela Crawford’s book, Easy 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.
By Heirloom Roses
Images courtesy of Heirloom Roses
Insects can create quite a headache for rose lovers. But think about a proactive approach for your garden’s health instead of a reactive response once the pests arrive.
Think beneficial insects. Click here for an informative article on the topic.
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