R_X FOR TIRED POTS
Michael Clark - Tropic of Capricorn

Autumn is here, and how glorious it is! The summer rains have brought a profusion of green leaves, brown seed heads, and lots of flower color. The landscape is nourished and gorgeous. Remember to water all winter, so spring will be lush as well. Snow usually isn’t enough, especially for plants in pots.

As the season progresses, many of our potted arrangements begin to look tired. Annuals are dying out and perennials have quit blooming—what now? Fall color is certainly nothing new, and we have choices! Colorful plants such as snapdragons, pansies, mums and ornamental kale come in a rainbow of colors. These plants enjoy the warm days and cool (even cold) nights, and can bring us joy, certainly until Thanksgiving at least. Unfortunately, fungi (like powdery mildew) also thrive under these conditions. Watering of these lovelies should be done “low and slow” Avoid watering the leaves late in the day, as this encourages fugal activity. Instead, water in the morning or early afternoon.

Other plants that dress up pots are those which have winter interest. Grasses hold onto their foliage until spring, and add movement on a breezy day. If you need height (4 feet), Maidengrass (Miscanthus spp.) works well, with its great foliage and showy seed heads as a bonus. For a shorter style, Mexican feathergrass (Stipa spp.) is hardy and delicate at the same time. It has been planted all around Milner Plaza on Museum Hill—for year round enjoyment.

Blue mist spirea (Caryopteris spp.) is drought resistant, holds onto its flowers all winter, and can fill a large pot quickly. Other shrubs suitable for containers are evergreens such as junipers—mint julep (large), buffalo (small) and Hollywood (upright). Pines also work well; consider mugo (bushy) or Japanese black (upright). Once these shrubs get too large for the pots, they can be planted into the landscape.

Cacti and succulents also look great in containers all year. Opuntia spp., Agave parryi and Sedum spp. Don’t forget that cactus skeletons (cholla), dried grasses and flowers, and even some rocks can be creative additions. When you imitate nature, it’s hard to go wrong! Container plantings help us extend the season and make our outdoor living spaces “friendly” year round.