by Cindy Jungman, SDSU Extension Master Gardener

I find so many striking features in this full-sun container! The acalypha plant is a true thriller with its shiny and show foliage. The supercal plant is a cross between a petunia and calibrachoa. It is such a reliable and prolific plant and it comes in unique colors such as the “Premium Cinnamon” used in this container. One of my favorite spiller plants is the pony-tail grass. I love the way it drapes softly over the edge of the container. Hard to see in this photo are the vinca plants towards the back because they blend so well with the supercal.

RECIPE:
• (1) Acalypha “Louisiana Red”
• (2) Supercal “Premium Cinnamon”
• (2) Stipa Pony Tail Grass
• (2) Vinca “Tatoo Papaya”

TIPS:
• The vigorous plants in this container need to be watered frequently.
• Consider mulching the container to help conserve moisture during hot weather. I like to use cocoa bean shells for mulch.
• Trim the supercal occasionally to maintain its fullness and encourage continuous blooms.
• Angle the root ball of the Stipa pony-tail grass towards the edge of the container when you plant it to encourage the plant to drape over the edge.
• Stipa pony-tail grass is easy to grow from seed. You can also divide purchased Stipa plants by cutting through with a sharp knife. Small clumps grow quickly.
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by Cindy Jungman, SDSU Extension Master Gardener

This is a full-sun container. The thriller plant is a tulip-flowered geranium. It is a healthy vigorous plant that blooms continuously and is graced with large unique flowers. This website describes the tulip-flowered geranium: http://www.geraniumsonline.com/tulippel.htm

The vinca plant used in this container is also a prolific bloomer. Its tiny star-like “micro-blooms” cover the plant all summer. All those blooms came from one plant!

RECIPE:
• (1) Tulip-flowered Geranium Salmon Pink
• (1) Vinca “Soiree Kawaii Coral”
• (1) Petunia “Potunia Coral”
• (2) Calibrachoa “Superbells Yellow Chiffon” (these are towards the back and hardly show in the photo)

TIPS:
• Remove spent geranium blossoms frequently to encourage continued blooming.
• These plants are exceptionally vigorous. Fertilize every two weeks according to package instructions.
• Trim the petunia and calibrachoa back occasionally to maintain their fullness and promote new blooms.
• The geranium overwinters well in a cool location. I keep mine (in a pot) in our 40 degree garage. Water just enough to keep it alive. It will go dormant and lose most of its leaves. In early spring, trim back severely, begin watering and fertilizing, and introduce it gradually to sunlight.
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by Cindy Jungman, SDSU Extension Master Gardener

Once in awhile you find a container that is the perfect match for a plant! To top it off, this plant produces beautiful white blooms that also coordinate with the pot.

RECIPE:
• (1) Oxalis “Charmed Wine” Shamrock Plant

TIPS:
• Although some tags may indicate this plant can be grown in shade to full sun, I find that “Charmed Wine” will be most brilliant in part sun, such as morning sun on an east side. It can fade or scorch in full sun.
• Oxalis can be slow to start out, but it really takes off as temperatures warm up.
• Oxalis prefers moist (but not wet) soil. As long as you have good drainage, you will be fine. Do not allow to dry out.
• Oxalis will stay perky all season with regular fertilizing.
• Oxalis can be grown indoors as a houseplant but needs bright light to keep from stretching.
• Click here to go to a PDF version of this post. https://sdsu.box.com/s/1f0cv7cqfo0y4c93xqel7xlv2lmut8r3

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

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.
• Click here to go to a PDF version of this post. https://sdsu.box.com/s/t69wr81g2nafgjvnjtf0fb7u6jyfokxc