outdoors
P L A N T IN G S
Custom
Blend
Sandra likes to mix
perennials, annuals, and
even small shrubs to spice
up her pots.
1
.
SALVIA
‘EVOLUTION’
Deep purple spikes add
spark in hot, sunny areas.
2
. CANNA ‘BANGKOK*
Flashy foliage is what this
short canna is all about.
3
.
BUDDLEIA
‘LO &
BEHOLD’ A mini version
of the taller butterfly bush.
4
.
CALIBRACHOA
MINI
FAMOUS ‘DOUBLE
BLUE’ AND ‘DOUBLE
PINK* Bloom all summer.
5
. PEPPER ‘CALICO’
Leaves are a mix of green,
cream, and purple. Fruit is
glossy black. ®
For buying information
see page 232.
POT POINTERS
“Good watering practices
are key for containers,”
Sandra says. Plants will
thrive when moisture is
consistent, and in practical
terms, that often means
watering daily. Here are
some tips from Sandra for
containers that look great
all season long.
“Make sure all the plants
in the pot have similar
needs,” says Sandra.
“For example, don’t mix
drought-tolerant plants,
such as sedum, with
thirsty plants, like cannas”
Check plant labels for
water requirements.
“The bigger the pot, the
longer you can go before
watering again. And plants
will perform better,” says
Sandra. “Use the biggest
container you can easily
lift” Fiberglass or resin
pots weigh less, letting you
use larger containers.
Water regularly, but allow
excess to drain away from
the pot. “Allowing a pot to
stand in a saucer of water
is not a substitute for
regular watering,” says
Sandra. Standing water
also provides mosquitoes
a place to breed.
106 APRIL2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
