It’s finally time to create some beautiful outdoor containers to enjoy on our decks and patios. Cool early colour can provide lasting beauty from late winter until it’s time to plant those vibrant, heat-loving annuals for summer enjoyment.
At this time of the year, we need plants that can tolerate heavy spring rain, cool night temperatures and even a light frost. They also need to look spectacular to earn a location on our decks and to lift our spirits on those rainy, dark days.
Two things can make a significant difference in these container displays. Your pots need to be a good size, approximately 18 inches x 20 inches (45cm x 50cm) in order to accommodate larger sized plants. Bigger, one-gallon size plants are better for creating an eye-catching instant look.
Secondly, the soil needs to be very open, porous and well-draining. Traditional potting soil will stay too wet at this time of the year. Special tree or perennial soils, which have a lot more aggregate in them, would be a much better option. If you can’t find this type of soil, simply take a professional soil mix, like ProMix HP or Sunshine Mix #4, and add in about a one-third portion of fine fir bark mulch to get the level of porosity needed.
When it comes to choosing an arrangement of plants, I love the adage: thriller, filler and spiller. The most important, of course, is the thriller. However, with a more limited selection of plants available in garden stores at this time of the year, it can be a little more challenging, but here are some of the great ones that are ideal for early containers.
Perennial evergreen euphorbias can make a real impression even in late winter/early spring. Their vibrant, chartreuse flowerheads are just beginning to show colour. There are many varieties that are not invasive, such as the white and green variegated Tasmanian Tiger and the gold and green Ascot Rainbow; both have beautiful foliage and flowers which last for weeks.
For a little extra height, sneak in a tall, thin variegated boxwood or a dark green Sky Pencil Japanese holly. Another excellent showpiece would be a one-gallon size Lily of the Valley shrub (Pieris japonica). Most of them have pink or white buds that are ready to open, and their flowers will last for weeks. These plants then explode into new growth with red or rich burgundy foliage. The colourful leaves of Rainbow or Scarletta leucothoe are also great for an additional pop of colour.
Many spectacular hellebores are now in full flower and are perfect container plants. I love them all, but H. Pink Frost is one of my favourites.
Winter-flowering heathers in vibrant reds, hot pinks and pure whites will also add a splash of much-needed colour, and they provide nectar for pollinators, such as bees.
Evergreen heucheras are also an excellent choice for some hot foliage colour. From peach and burgundy to hot lime and the deepest purples, they will add an extra touch of magic. For a little fragrance, the Himalayan sweet box (Sarcococca humilis) is ready to perfume your patio.
As for spillers at this time of the year, the large, beautiful family of evergreen carex performs this duty better than any other plant. The EverColor Series of golden Everillo, white and green Everest and yellow and green Evergold are just some of these fabulous spillers.
With just a few of these perennials and shrubs, you can create a spectacular early spring container. Snuggle them together for a wonderful, instant colour display.
The addition of a few twigs of contorted willows will add an extra touch of elegance, and mini lights will extend the beauty into the evening.
📣 Got an opinion on this story or any others in the Tri-Cities? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
📲 Want to stay updated on Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra news? Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
💬 Words missing in an article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
