Planting a Flower Patio Container - Things to Consider

by Pat Freistatter

Location of Container

• Sunlight - how much sunlight will the container will receive – afternoon sun is hottest - choose plants for those light conditions

Viewing Container

• larger leaves with coarse textures and tall spiky grass can be viewed from a distance and make a visual statement
• fine textured plants invite you to look more closely at the detail
• a taller pot may be needed if you want the flowers to be viewed from afar

Container Size and Material

• Container needs to be big enough to hold enough soil for the growing season
• Fiberglass or plastic pots do not dry out as fast as clay and other porous containers.
• Three to seven 1 cm holes need to be drilled into the bottom of container for adequate drainage.

Soil Mixture Contents

• Materials such coconut husk fiber and sphagnum peat moss help retain water
• Black earth (humus), composted manure, perlite, lime, and fertilizer support plants throughout growing season.

Colours and size of plants

• White flowers catch your eyes and help other darker colours jump out
• A variety of leaf shapes and sizes increase drama and interest in your pot

Plant soil and moisture requirements

• All plants in container need to have same moisture requirements – don’t mix plants that like dry conditions with those that prefer wet feet

Structure

• Thriller – tall centre
• Filler – plants around thriller
• Spiller – plants that spill over the edge of the container

Note: if the back of your container will be up against a wall, then the taller plants should be at the back

Container Maintenance

• Check planter daily to ensure it doesn’t dry out
• Fertilize container every couple of weeks with water-soluble fertilizer
• Remove dead flowers to encourage re-blooming.
• Empty and wash out containers at end of season