by Cindy Jungman, SDSU Extension Master Gardener

I call this my “Happy Pot!” It is planted in a plastic barrel covered by a stretchy fabric pot cover. The flowers were chosen to coordinate with the pot cover.

RECIPE:
• (1) Pink Dipladenia Vine
• (2) Caliente Geraniums “Coral Salmon”
• (2) Yellow Wave Petunias
• (2) Calibrachoa “Grape Punch”

TIPS:
• Bigger is better when it comes to choosing your container.
• The vine is supported by a green wire tomato cage that was inverted and the feet of the cage brought together and wired. The cage is anchored into the container using a few pieces of wire clothes hangers.
• Caliente geraniums are fantastic performers! They are a cross between zonal and ivy geraniums. They bloom prolifically all season and have very good heat tolerance. Many of the major box stores sell caliente geraniums in hanging baskets containing four plants. I often buy a basket and separate the plants to use in container combinations like my “Happy Pot.” This is usually less expensive than purchasing the individual plants.

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by Cindy Jungman, SDSU Extension Master Gardener

Container #2:
Notice how the colors of the petunia and angelonia plants match exactly! This was an unplanned coincidence but it made for a striking container! In addition, both plants have the dark centers to their flowers. I added the purple calibrachoa plant just to bring out the dark centers.

RECIPE:
• (1) Petunia ‘Hell’s Bells’
• (1) Angelonia ‘Archangel Cherry Red’
• (1) Calibrachoa ‘Superbells Grape Punch’
• (1) Hemizygia ‘Candy Kisses’

TIPS:
• Petunias and calibrachoa need occasional trimming in order to stay fresh looking all season. Don’t be afraid to give them a haircut! They will recover quickly and will keep from becoming scraggly.
• I keep the “Filler, Thriller, and Spiller” container design concept in mind when I plan my containers. Go to https://www.finegardening.com/article/thrillers-fillers-spillers for more information. In this container, the angelonia plant is the thriller plant. The hemizygia and calibrachoa plants are fillers. The petunia is a spiller.
• Click here to go to a PDF version of this post. https://sdsu.box.com/s/vnxznog10j4acmkfmjiza55g3inrtdej

by Cindy Jungman, SDSU Extension Master Gardener

Container #3:
Majestic fountain grass paired with cascading vinca plants makes such a statement!

RECIPE:
• (1) Purple Fountain Grass
• (6) Vinca “Cora Cascade Apricot”

TIPS:
• Fountain grass will grow as large as your container allows. Select a good-sized container with an ample amount of soil.
• Do not use a container that is narrow at the bottom as it will be subject to blowing over. A container such as the barrel shown in this photo has a wider base and will not blow over.
• The root system of the fountain grass is extensive and requires a lot of water.
• Vinca plants have two growth habits – upright and cascading. I have used a cascading variety for this container. Common cascading varieties are Cora Cascade and Mediterranean.
• I use a DIY plant support ring around my fountain grass to lift the blades above the soil and allow the vinca to grow without being smothered. To make the support ring, I purchase an inexpensive small tomato cage and cut it off above the lowest ring. Place the ring around the grass about 4”-6” above the soil. As the grass grows, pull the new blades up through the support ring.
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by Cindy Jungman, SDSU Extension Master Gardener

Doesn’t this container have a nice tropical look? This presents one of the only exceptions to the rule “always use containers with drainage holes!” Cyperus papyrus is an aquatic plant that grows well in ponds and bog conditions. It can be grown in a large container with no holes. Lysimachia “Aurea” also enjoys moist conditions, so it is a great companion to the cyperus.

RECIPE:
• (1) Cyperus Papyrus “Baby Tut”
• (4) Lysimachia “Aurea”

TIPS:
• Cyperus plants require warm weather to thrive. Be patient when planting these in the spring.
• Cyperus plants are vigorous growers and produce huge root systems. Use a large container.
• Because of its heavy root system, this container requires frequent watering. In a container with no holes, just water until it runs over!
• If your container has drainage holes, just line it with a plastic bag.
• Cyperus branches make attractive additions to flower arrangements.
• Lysimachia Aurea is a hardy perennial to zone 3. If lysimachia trails to the ground it will root itself and you will have a new groundcover – welcome or unwelcome is your choice!
• Click here to go to a PDF version of this post. https://sdsu.box.com/s/kvikvnbldd1as7ry9ewir8h8tlyxejd5