As we thaw out from the recent snow and ice here in Texas, it’s the ideal time to refresh your indoor and outdoor containers and flowerbeds! Let’s bundle up in our cozy winter gear, and dive into tips and ideas to revive those frosty pots and flowerbeds. Afterwards, write on your to-do list to make a stop at your local Calloway’s or Cornelius Nursery for premium plants, soil, and other supplies to help you get back on track!
Top Plants to Revitalize Your Outdoor Containers
Texas weather is known for its unpredictability, making it possible to experience a sudden freeze even during a warm 70-degree week in January or February. That’s why it’s essential to know how to protect your plants from those unexpected cold snaps. We’ve also included a couple with resilient blooms that will not only thrive in flowerbeds but also add a vibrant spot of color as we move toward spring.
Geraniums are a wonderful way to add color to brighten up your indoor and outdoor spaces. With their large, vibrant blooms, they’re sure to catch the eye wherever you place them. For easy care and flexibility during the cold months, planting them in pots is the way to go! Currently, you’ll find the most beautiful red geraniums in stores!
To pot your Geraniums, simply pick a container with drainage holes and fill it with Calloway’s Premium Container Potting Soil. Place the plant so that the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface and position the pot in a sunny spot. Geraniums really thrive in full sun, so give them as much as possible! And don’t worry if a surprise freeze hits—you can easily bring your Geraniums inside, using a plant dolly, to keep them safe from the cold.
Carnations are a gardener’s go-to for their soft, unique texture and vibrant blooms that are long-lasting. They’re tough and resilient, producing beautiful, ruffled clusters of color that make any garden feel lush and full. These flowers do need protection from the cold so planting them in a pot now is the safest way for easy transferring!
Like Geraniums, Carnations love full sun. Just be careful not to overwater them, as they don’t like wet feet. Once they’re planted and well cared for, Carnations will provide you beautiful blooms all spring.
Cyclamen are such a lovely choice for planting in containers, especially when the weather is cooler. Their unique shape and stunning color combinations really make them pop, with deep green leaves featuring beautiful silver-green accents. The flowers bloom in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, rising gracefully on tall stems for an elegant look. Since they peak from January to March, now’s the perfect time to add them to your personal flower collection.
Just a quick reminder: Cyclamen need some protection if the temperature drops below 28 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to shield them from any extreme cold! Just like the Geraniums and Carnations, it is best to pot these flowers as well right now for easy transferring.
Place your Cyclamen in a spot with 4 to 6 hours of direct light each day. When watering let the soil dry out a bit in between waterings. Cyclamens are pretty tough and can last for months if you give them a little extra care!
Matrix® Pansies and Ornamental Kale
Matrix® Pansies are a favorite for many gardening experts or newbies for their vibrant, large blooms and their ability to thrive during the cooler months. With a variety of beautiful colors to choose from, these easy-care flowers are perfect for gardens, containers, and landscapes. They require little attention but offer stunning growth well into early spring. Plus, their delightful fragrance adds even more charm to your spaces!
Ornamental Kale is a garden gem that shines through the colder seasons and into spring! Its rich, vibrant colors and unique textures stand out, even in chilly weather, making it a perfect addition to your garden during the colder months. As the weather warms, it continues to thrive, bringing a burst of color and life to flowerbeds, creating an eye-catching transition between seasons. Whether you’re looking to brighten up the winter landscape or add a fresh touch to your spring garden, Ornamental Kale is a stunning choice!
Pansies and Ornamental Kale are the hardiest of winter annuals, flourishing in cooler temperatures. With a simple layer of mulch, you’ll be amazed at how they bounce back after a frost. Keep the soil consistently moist and continue to feed them with a quality fertilizer such as our Calloway’s Premium Flower Food, even through the winter. These resilient plants can freeze and thaw without much damage, and as a fun bonus, the cold will cause the Pansies’ leaves to turn a lovely purple hue!
How to Properly Pot your New Plants
Now that you’ve got these handy tips, you might be wondering, “What’s next?” Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered on how to properly pot your new flowers.
Start by filling your container with Calloway’s Premium Container Potting Soil, making sure to leave room for your flowers. Our Premium Container Potting Soil is designed to give your plants a strong foundation, packed with water-saving ingredients that help keep moisture levels just right for healthy, lasting growth.
Plants like Pansies use a lot of energy to bloom, so it’s important to give them the nutrients they need. Calloway’s Premium Flower Food is perfect for this—it’s specially formulated for the Texas climate and helps support the growth of your blooming plants.
Let Us Help You!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our nursery locations if you need help along the way—we’re here for you Visit your neighborhood store and we’ll be happy to assist you with all your gardening needs.
At Calloway’s, we’re proud to have more Texas Certified Nursery Professionals than any other garden center in the state. Our team is made up of friendly, knowledgeable experts who are always ready to lend a hand. This combination of expertise and outstanding customer service is what makes Calloway’s a one-of-a-kind nursery experience.
