Color and balance matter when planting a pot
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with container plants. To be successful, an arrangement needs plants that are spilling, filling and thrilling, says Ann Vanasse of Rosehill Gardens in Kansas City.
Having plants of varying heights is important, but it’s not enough by itself.
“People are getting away from two geraniums, a spike and an asparagus fern," she says. It’s a generic, tired recipe.”
There are three ways to bump up the wow factor, Vanasse says:
Use a color wheel. Buy one at an art supply store or print one from the Internet and take it with you to the garden center. Look for combinations of colors that are either opposite each other (complimentary) or adjacent to one another (analogous). Or choose different shades of a single color (monochromatic).
Think in thirds. If you divide the height of a planted container in thirds, the pot should make up one-third or two-thirds of the total. Fifty-fifty lacks drama.
Start with a great pot. There are a lot of ceramic pots on the market in every color glaze imaginable that stand up well to the climate in Kansas City, Vanasse says. Ironstone is another practical choice. The dark, smoky terra-cotta color looks real and is hard as nails. And classical cast-iron urns are a perennial favorite, Vanasse says, as are hayrack window boxes.
Planting perennials in containers is a good look that provides structure, says Ricki Creamer of Red Cedar Country Gardens in Stilwell in Johnson County. For example: an Australian tree fern and hostas (perennials) grouped with strawberry begonia. “And shrubs in pots are fabulous,”
she said.
Make sure you choose plants that have similar requirements for sun and water. And go bigger than you think you want when it comes to pot size for two reasons: Larger pots hold more soil and won’t dry out as fast. And they are far more elegant and dramatic than smaller containers, Creamer says.
Finally, Vanasse and Creamer say plant food is essential for container plantings. Apply a liquid fertilizer once a week when watering for best blooms.
RESOURCES
Rosehill Gardens
311 E 135th St.
816-941-2332
Red Cedar Country Gardens
7895 W. 183rd St., Stilwell
913-897-2286
Kristopher Dabner
The Greensman
816-523-1516
Sunny Delight: Bright plant colors contrast with earth tones and the waffle-like texture of the pot. Blue lobelia spills over the edges and provides contrast with the bright red mandevilla. Lysimachia is used in the same way, with a tropical philodendron thrown in to fill the gaps and provide a “corsage” look. Mandevilla $48, lobelia $7 large, $2.29 regular size, philodendron $28, ceramic pot $65, all from Rosehill Gardens
Nighttime Glow: An Australian tree fern is a star performer in a graceful fluted iron urn. Heuchera (coralbells) “Fireworks,” tropical blooming fuchsia, “Sky Blue” lobelia and lysimachia “Golden Moneywort” add color to a shady terrace. Australian tree fern $38.50, Heuchera $6.50, fuchsia $20, lobelia $4.50, lysimachia $4.50 Iron urn, $165; planted $250, all from Red Cedar Country Gardens
Shady Allure: For shady spots, look for elegant yet restful color combinations. Dracaena creates the height, while the hot-pink Reiger begonias brighten the dark tones. The chartreuse-colored lysimachia is a contrast with the black urn and complements the hot pink begonias. Algerian ivy is to spills over the curves of the pot. Dracena ‘Red Sister’ $30, Reiger begonia $15, lysimachia $2.29 each 4” pot, Algerian Ivy $16, iron urn $275, all from Rosehill Gardens
Taking Flight: For the bird lover’s sunny table: a white washed terra cotta planter holds an iron bird candelabra. Spilling from the planter are annuals with sparkling silver foliage and white blooms: “Diamond Frost” euphorbia, silver sage, plectranthus and silver-edged thyme. Pear-shaped candles and a whimsical birdhouse add a delightful touch. Euphorbia, silver sage, plectranthus $4.50 each, silver-edged thyme $1.75; Planter with iron bird candelabra and plants, $185, all from Red Cedar Country Gardens
To reach Cindy Hoedel, home editor, call 816-234-4304 or send e-mail to
choedel@kcstar.com.