As we approach the end of summer, you may find your container gardens looking a bit tired and lackluster. But don’t despair!
With a few simple tricks and techniques, you can breathe new life into your potted plants and enjoy vibrant displays well into fall.
Let’s explore some tips for refreshing your late summer containers.
Assess and Refresh
The first step is to take a good look at your existing containers. Remove any plants that are past their prime or struggling. This creates space for new additions and allows the remaining plants to thrive. Deadhead spent blooms and trim back leggy growth to encourage bushier, more compact plants.
Add Bold Foliage Plants
One of the easiest ways to inject new life into your containers is by adding plants with striking foliage. Consider incorporating:
- Coleus varieties like Colorblaze Apple Brandy
- Ornamental grasses such as Purple Fountain Grass
- Sweet potato vines like Sweet Caroline Bewitched After Midnight
These plants add texture, color, and visual interest even without flowers.
Incorporate Cool-Season Bloomers
As temperatures begin to cool, it’s time to introduce some fall-friendly flowers. Try adding:
- Pansies in rich autumn hues
- Ornamental kale or cabbage
- Chrysanthemums for classic fall color
Don’t Forget Texture
Enhance the overall look of your containers by including plants with interesting textures. Some great options include:
- Silver Falls Dichondra for cascading silver foliage
- Dusty Miller for soft, velvety leaves
- Carex grasses for fine, wispy texture
Consider Late-Blooming Perennials
For longer-lasting color, incorporate some late-blooming perennials into your container designs. Good choices include:
- Coneflowers (Echinacea)
- Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
- Autumn Joy Sedum
These plants will return year after year, providing a foundation for your container gardens.
Maintain Proper Care
To keep your refreshed containers looking their best, remember these care tips:
- Water consistently, especially during hot, dry periods.
- Fertilize regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Continue deadheading to promote ongoing blooms.
- Monitor for pests and diseases, addressing any issues promptly.
Get Creative with Combinations
Don’t be afraid to experiment with unique plant combinations. Mix heights, colors, and textures for eye-catching displays. Some winning combinations to try:
- Supertunia Mini Vista Violet Star + Supertunia Mini Vista White + Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo, surrounding a Blue Mohawk Juncus grass
- Hello Yellow Asclepias + Diamond Frost Euphorbia + Beedance Painted Red Bidens
Consider Container Placement
As the seasons change, you may need to adjust the placement of your containers. Areas that were once too sunny may now provide the perfect amount of light for certain plants. Be prepared to move pots around to optimize growing conditions.
Plan for the Future
While refreshing your late summer containers, start thinking ahead to fall and winter. Consider incorporating plants that will provide interest through the colder months, such as evergreens, ornamental berries, or plants with interesting bark or structure.
Embrace the Learning Process
Remember, container gardening is an ongoing learning experience. Don’t be discouraged if some combinations don’t work out as planned. Each season brings new opportunities to try different plants and designs.
By following these tips and letting your creativity shine, you can transform your late summer containers into stunning displays that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
