Planting flowers in large pots is a fun and creative way to add color and interest to your patio or deck. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your design and planting.
One of the most important tips is to choose the right plants for your space. This includes sun exposure and complimentary colors.
Make Sure the Soil is Well-Draining
If you want your plants to thrive, it’s important that the soil they grow in is well-draining. This is because too much water will quickly rot the roots and cause the plant to wilt.
If your plants are growing in a pot, it’s important to make sure the bottom of the container has holes for excess water to escape through. This can be accomplished by putting some fine mesh-like flyscreen over the bottom of the pot, or by placing it on a portable trolley that allows the container to drain freely.
One drainage site is usually enough for a 6 inch or smaller container, but three or more are required for larger pots. It’s also a good idea to add some fine mesh-like flyscreen around the top of the pot to prevent water from being trapped inside. This can also help the soil dry out more quickly and can reduce mosquito breeding problems.
Choose the Right Plants
When planting flowers in large pots, it is important to choose varieties that will be proportionate to the size of the container once they are fully grown. This is because plants that are too tall will look clumsy and crowded, and plants that are too small will struggle to become established and won’t fill out the planter by the end of the growing season.
Choosing the right plants is also important for creating a cohesive garden. You’ll want to make sure that the plants you choose share similar sun, temperature, and nutrient requirements.
Another important factor to consider is the plant’s growth rate. Some flowers are bounding with energy and grow an inch a day, while others are restrained and don’t increase much in size throughout the year.
If you’re looking for low-maintenance outdoor potted plants that you can scatter seeds on the ground and leave to do the work, look no further than wildflowers. They’re very easy to grow and will give your garden a great show of colour in a short amount of time.
Create a Balanced Design
When it comes to flowers in large pots, a balanced design is key. You want to choose plants that can take center stage and make a big statement without dominating the entire planter. A good way to do this is by choosing a tall plant as your focal point and adding in some surrounding “excitement” features such as symmetry and fillers. These three factors will create a balanced display that is both impressive and practical.
Plan Your Layout
When planting flowers in large pots, you should plan your layout to create a focal point and add symmetry to the arrangement. Use a thriller plant as the central focus and then layer three to four more plants around it. You can also choose to have a variety of different types of plants in each container, which will give your design a high-impact look. Consider adding a few other plants that are filled with excitement and color (think: Tuscan Sun perennial sunflowers, Endless Summer hydrangeas, or Tropicanna cannas) to fill the rest of the space. This way, your flowerbeds will have a dazzling appearance from all angles!