Welcome summer with a container garden refresh. It is time to update your planters with warm-season annuals that will thrive throughout the season. Container gardening is an easy way to transform your home with colorful plants and lush foliage. Plus, you can support beneficial pollinators for National Pollinator Month! Let’s celebrate the season by turning our containers from drab to summer fab!
What is the Rule of Thumb for Container Gardening?
Container gardening gives you the freedom to plant what you want and the flexibility to display it around areas of your home and patio. You can add color to the shady areas of your landscape or welcome guests with sun-loving plants paired with stylish pottery on your front porch. This time of year, it is wise to choose summer annuals that will thrive in our Texas sun. Plant for success and choose heat & drought-tolerant, sun-loving blooms. Make sure your selections have similar sun and water requirements so your summer containers will shine all season long!
Ready to grow? Here are some plant combination ideas for container gardens that will flourish during our Texas summer.
Idea #1 for your Summer Container Gardens
STEP ONE:
First, choose a beautiful planter for a fresh summer look. At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have a vast collection of premium pottery in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors.
Fill it with Calloway’s Premium Container Potting Soil, leaving room for your plants. Our premium potting soil is a top-of-the-line gardening soil that is specially formulated for containers. It promotes healthy root growth and nourishes your plants with essential nutrients.
STEP TWO:
Next, it is time to start planting! Choose your container plants for full sun and heat, as the summer temperatures rise. Try Victoria Blue Salvia for your gardening success! Salvia is a drought-tolerant plant with rich, deep blue flowers densely covering each sturdy stalk. They are unique flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and they perform well in outdoor planters. Salvia prefers full sunlight throughout the day and dry to average moisture levels.
Summer is all about colorful plants, try Marigolds for their bold blooms in vibrant shades of orange and yellow. These summer annuals are one of the best pollinator flowers for vegetable gardens because of their lightly fragrant blooms. Marigolds are low-maintenance plants and drought-tolerant summer flowers. They enjoy full sunlight, well-draining soils, and they can withstand our climate.
Complete your summer creation with Purslane! These colorful, cup-shaped blooms have a dense, spreading habit, making it an ideal choice for container gardening. Purslane has small, succulent leaves that allow it to maintain moisture. The colorful flowers are also great for attracting pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Once established, it is incredibly drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant. Purslane prefers full sunlight and well-draining soils.
STEP THREE:
Once you have finished planting, water in thoroughly until it drains. Add more potting soil if needed and display your summer combination on a sunny patio for all to enjoy!
Idea #2 for your Summer Container Gardens
STEP ONE:
First, fill your container with Calloway’s Premium Container Potting Soil. To save soil and promote better drainage, try using an Ups-A-Daisy® Round Planter Insert. Place it in your planter and add potting soil. It will reduce planter weight so you can move your containers easier.
STEP TWO:
Next, add your summer annuals and colorful plants! Start with dazzling Pentas. Pentas are sun-loving plants with clusters of star-shaped blooms. The vibrant shades of red, pink, and white make it a stunning focal point in container gardening. Pentas are one of the best pollinator flowers for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They are low-maintenance plants that will thrive in our Texas sun and provide beautiful blooms all summer long.
Fill your planter with Zinnias, one of the most popular summer container plants for full sun and heat. Zinnias are drought-resistant plants that are easy to grow. These fast-growing flowers provide an instant pop of color to any garden, and the daisy-like blooms are great for attracting butterflies and other friendly pollinators. Plant Zinnias in a location that receives full sun and good air circulation to maintain full and fabulous flowers all summer long!
Pair your Zinnias with the bold blooms of Cora® XDR Vinca. Cora® XDR Vinca is a sun-loving plant that shines in summer. It has striking flowers that provide strong color through the fall. They are highly resistant to disease and are one of the most carefree summer annuals that you can grow this time of year.
Complete your summer container garden with Sweet Potato Vine. The bright green, heart-shaped leaves add lovely texture and dimension to any garden. These sun-loving plants have a trailing growth that will eventually spill over the edges. Sweet Potato Vine performs best in full sun to partial shade.
STEP THREE:
After you are finished planting, water in thoroughly, and display your new container garden in a sunny location for a bold and colorful accent.
Care Tips for your Container Gardens
Keep your blooms happy and healthy with proper nourishment. Feed as directed with Calloway’s Premium Flower Food! Our plant food is specially formulated to provide the essential nutrients that flowering plants need to thrive! It promotes healthy growth, vibrant blooms, and prolonged blooming periods.
Shop with Ease
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have everything you need to update your container gardens for the summer! Visit us today and explore our entire collection of seasonal plants, stylish pottery, potting soils, and so much more! Shop one of our 28 neighborhood stores, serving our loyal customers for over 35 years.
Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
