Luckily for us Southerners, when fall “arrives”, we have about three more months before the first frost. However, if your containers look anything like mine at the end of peak summer months, they are beyond ready for a makeover.
To prep my containers for fall, I like to use a combination of shrubs with a harvest color palette. I love this particular mix because it will retain its relevance up until the time to carve pumpkins on Halloween and maybe even the turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
How to create a sunshine-loving container garden trio:
Step 1: Fill all three containers with soil.
Step 2: Plant the first Obsession™ Nandina in the center of the largest container. Remember to leave the root ball an inch above the soil line. Obsession Nandina, like other Southern Living Nandina varieties, is non-invasive and grows compactly — perfect for container gardens!
Step 3: Add lantana in the shape of the triangle around the Obsession™ Nandina. The lantana will quickly fill in and surround the Obsession Nandina.
Step 4: Next, plant the second Obsession™ Nandina in the medium sized container.
Step 5: Finally, plant the Purple Pixie® Dwarf Weeping Loropetalum in the smallest container. Unlike traditional loropetalums that grow huge, Purple Pixie grows only 2 feet tall and weeps over the sides of the container.
After you have filled your containers with next season’s soon-to-be-sought-after-blooms, try grouping them together on your front porch. The Purple Pixie Loropetalum and Obsession Nandina will live long, luscious lives in these container gardens. However, you should feel free to transfer them into your landscape at any time, as they will also look great together in your garden. Just make sure they are positioned to soak up plenty of sun!
Are you looking to revamp the shady side of your garden instead? How to create a container garden made for the shade:
Step 1: Fill the container with soil and place the Angyo Star™ Fatshedera in the center.
Tip: Angyo Star™ Fatshedera is grown on a trellis and needs to be removed after purchase and before use.
Step 2: Create a pyramid with three metal dowels. Make sure to submerge the bottom of the structure into the soil and then tie the top of the dowels together with twine.
Step 3: Next, secure the Angyo Star™ Fatshedera to the metal dowels with twine.
Step 4: Lastly, plant the ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia in the shape of a triangle around the bottom of the Angyo Star™ Fatshedera. These upright container gardens are ideal to flank a front door. It’s a classic look that maintains its appeal all year long!
