Container revival
By: Garden Gate staff
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Fern foundation
Ever had a container not turn out? We had high hopes for ours on the left when it was planted in spring. It just never took off. The foxtail fern is gorgeous, but surrounding plants drooped around the edge of the container and looked like they were being swallowed by the fern — so we got rid of them.
With a bit of careful midsummer shopping, we found perky replacements. Click ahead to learn which plants transformed this container and see the dramatic difference!
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A whole new look
They may have looked wimpy in spring, but the coral bells we saw on this nursery visit had gorgeous, lush foliage. And they were big — at this point in summer, getting good-sized plants is a must for instant impact. A coleus and begonia brightened without being distracting, and Swedish ivy that was crowding its companions in another container made the perfect spiller here.
A day before planting, we watered everything to help minimize root damage. Afterwards, the container got one more good drink to get rid of air pockets. We added a few finishing touches to make sure our plants stay beautiful the rest of the season, so click ahead to get more planting tips and the recipe for this combo!
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Simple solutions
Fishing line tied around the fern keeps its arching habit more upright.
Prop begonia stems up with thin green bamboo stakes so the flowers stay where you can see them.
Plant the coral bells in your garden in fall. Just lift it from the container several weeks before a hard frost to give it enough time to settle in. Add 3 or 4 in. of mulch after a hard freeze to protect plant roots throughout the winter.
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Container recipe
A – Foxtail fern Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’
B – Coral bells Heuchera Dolce™ Licorice
C – Swedish ivy Plectranthus madagascariensis
D – Coleus Solenostemon ‘Royal Glissade’
E – Tuberous begonia Begonia Nonstop® Rose
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