Expert-recommended bloom companions for potted arrangements, promising a colorful spectacle throughout summer.
Container Garden Goldmine: Vibrant Pairings for Stunning Pot Displays* 1. Geraniums and Trailing Lobelia* 2. Lavender and Nepeta* 3. Petunias and Sweet Alyssum* 4. Hydrangeas and Pansies* 5. Busy Lizzies and Begonias* 6. Petunias and Verbena* 7. Patio Roses and Lobelia* A Bountiful Blooming Kaleidoscope in Pots
Get ready to flaunt some jaw-dropping pot displays as we explore terrific flower pairings that'll turn your dull outdoor corners into thriving living art! And whether you have a spacious garden or a cozy balcony, these combo masterpieces will grace any patch of earth and make passersby stop and stare.
- Geraniums and Trailing Lobelia - Bring on the classic beauty with geraniums and lobelia! Geraniums are summertime icons, offering robust structure to the container, while lobelia, with its cascading tendrils, adds an enchanting touch. To help your beloved geraniums and lobelia unleash their full potential, create a sunlit haven. Plant them in a container with dimensions of around 25-30 cm, using multi-purpose compost. Don't forget those all-important weekly liquid feeds!
Locate the perfect pairs:- Go for Thompson & Morgan's diverse trailing geranium collection.- Crocus offers the vivid violet-blue Lobelia erinus Crystal Palace.
- Lavender and Nepeta (Catmint) - For a perfumed wonderland of fragrant sensations, join lavender and Nepeta (catmint). This delightful duo not only beautifies your space but also attracts a plethora of pollinators. Favor a bright and sunny location, making sure to plant in well-drained compost. The addition of water-retaining crystals can keep moisture levels balanced. A combination of cool blue colors harmoniously blends these celestial blossoms, making them suitable for glazed pots. For containers and window boxes, steer clear of metallic or basic terracotta materials, as they may suffer from overheating and excessive water retention.
Gather your scented couple:- Get your hands on Sarah Raven's fragrant Lavandula angustifolia 'Blue Spear'.- Thompson & Morgan has plenty of Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'.
- Petunias and Sweet Alyssum - For a burst of color and texture, mix these lively partners! Petunias reign supreme with vivid blooms, while sweet alyssum plays up its delicate, cascading charm. These pot-friendly plants are blissful companions for patios, balconies, or front steps and love sunlit locations with regular watering and pruning.
Find your sweet duo:- Try Suttons' fast-growing Petunia 'Easy Wave Ultimate Mixed'.- Dobies presents Alyssum 'Carpet Of Snow'.
- Hydrangeas and Pansies - Make an instant impact with these flower powerhouses! Hydrangeas, known for their oversized blossoms and alluring foliage, serve as an excellent anchor for pansies' colorful bursts. Both hydrangeas and pansies are partial shade lovers and benefit from moist, well-draining soil. Don't hesitate to try cool tones like blue, purple, or red with warmer shades of yellow, orange, or red to create a stunning contrast.
Nab the vibrant twosome:- Thompson & Morgan offers Hydrangea macrophylla 'Early Blue' perfect for containers.- Suttons has the enchanting Pansy 'Summertime Mix'.
- Busy Lizzies and Begonias - Get the best of both worlds with these easy-growing bloom buddies! Busy lizzies and begonias provide a medley of colors all summer long. Team them up in containers for an eye-catching display that thrives in part-shade or full sun. These low-maintenance plants appreciate added water and careful deadheading.
Discover your low-maintenance pair:- Steal the spotlight with B&Q's captivating Busy Lizzie 'Beacon'.- Get your hands on the peachy-toned Begonia 'Illumination Apricot' from Crocus.
- Petunias and Verbena - Witness the sun-seeking showdown between these bold, blooming titans! Petunias offer masses of color, while verbena boasts clusters of miniature flowers in shades of purple, pink, or blue. These plants work harmoniously in hanging baskets, window boxes, and balcony gardens. Happy in sunlit locations, these pals will flourish with peat-free multi-purpose compost.
Lock horns with your dynamic duo:- Gardening Express presents the rambunctious Petunia Surfinia Purple.- J. Parker's offers the striking Geranium Patio Zonal Mix.
- Patio Roses and Lobelia - Embellish your small patio with these charming attractions! Patio roses, with their diminutive stature, offer stunning blossoms, while lobelia adds a cascading effect with its mini flowers. Both are happy in fairly sunlit locations, provided the soil doesn't dry out excessively. The "thriller, filler, spiller" technique will help you create a visually captivating container display.
Gather your enchanting team:- Get the captivating Rosa Mum in a Million from Primrose.- Thompson & Morgan offers the long-blooming Lobelia 'Cascade Improved Mixed'.
Unleashing Your Creative Vision
"By harmoniously selecting plants with complementary colors, textures, and heights, you can create a dynamic pot display," Julian Palphramand explains. And remember, "More plants can be incorporated into larger pots or fewer can be planted in smaller pots," he adds.
- "Eliminate guesswork by using a good-quality multipurpose compost enriched with slow-release feed," Elise Harlock advises. And don't forget to include plenty of drainage stratagems such as crocks or pebbles at the container's base. Consistent deadheading will also help keep your flower pairings looking fresh and fabulous all summer long!
By employing these creative flower pairings, you'll marvel at the transformative power they wield upon your small garden or balcony. Which amazing floral duos will you be flaunting this season? Spread the word, and let's beautify the world, one pot at a time!
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Lisa FazzaniLisa is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience writing about interiors. As a former editor of Style at Home magazine, she has graced the pages of every major homes publication, including our platform, Country Homes & Interiors, 25 Beautiful Homes, and Homes & Gardens. Not only does she cover decorating, shopping, crafts, DIY, real homes, and makeovers, but she also writes gardening stories for us.
- Blending various lifestyles, one can find fashion-and-beauty tips alongside home-and-garden advice, food-and-drink recipes, and travel destinations in the same magazine.
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- On weekend trips, capture breathtaking shots of travel destinations and display them in a fashionable photo frame to add a touch of wanderlust to your living room.
- After a long day of shopping for furniture, plants, and accessories, unwind by taking your car for a spin to explore lesser-known routes and scenic beauty spots around town.