Using Native Plants in Containers

A small space is all you need to let biodiversity blossom

Designing containers is a gratifying activity that will immediately transubstantiate any outside blank space , no matter the size . After joining the talented squad at Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin , Delaware , I was tasked with creating container displays with the caveat of using all native plant life . This was a challenge I pronto accepted , and over the preceding few seasons I have explore the versatility of local flora and shared the beautiful results with our visitor .

Container gardening with aboriginal plants give up anyone to support biodiversity and grace an outdoor region , even if all you have is a front stoep in the urban center . If you do have a large garden with raft of in - ground planting blank space , using natives in containers is a heavy direction to highlight your favorites , or to grow metal money that require specialised soil conditions ( seePitcher works farm Beautifully in Pots ) . I fuck bog plants , but the wooded hill I be on is for certain not soggy . Containers allow me to enjoy these wondrous perennials on my terrace .

While many of the basics of container gardening are the same for native plants as they are for other ornamental species , there are some unequaled challenges . Most of the plants featured in this article are perennials ; some grow lento , and many wo n’t become worthy specimens in a single time of year .

This is where some basic industrial plant knowledge comes in ready to hand . I would never buy a Imperial gallon - size perennial like threadleaf bluestar ( Amsonia hubrichtii , zone 5–8 ) , baptisia ( Baptisiaspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–8 ) , or Culver ’s solution ( Veronicastrumspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) and expect it to become a full-bodied show - stopper in just one season . rather , I shop for plants that will fill out much quicker , like bee balm ( Monardaspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–9 ) , tickweed ( Coreopsisspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) , or hibiscus ( Hibiscusspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–11 ) .

Another challenge is the momentary nature of many repeated flowers . To address this , I bet for plants that have a foresightful prime sentence , an interesting seed structure , please foliage , or a combining of all three . For selections that lack these characteristics , I just contrive on switch out a single plant ( or sometimes the integral display ) for something else that looks large in each season . The following aboriginal plant container designs are some favourite that have get a positive answer from Mt. Cuba Center ’s visitant over the retiring few age .

Gather star performers in a sunny spot

Container pigeonholing are an easy room to make an impressive exhibit that change with the season . Some industrial plant in this group can be featured from spring through declension , while other containers can be swapped in and out to make seasonal conjuring trick . Even in miscellaneous containers , a flora that is lose its aesthetic appeal can quick be replaced with another ( inset ) . Combine multiple textures and works forms for an eye - enamor array that push your dearest of native plants .

1 . ‘ Excalibur ’ yucca(Yucca filamentosa‘Excalibur ’ , Zones 4–10 )

2 . ‘ pinkish Crush ’ New England aster(Aster novae - angliae‘Pink Crush ’ , Zones 3–8 )

3 . Dwarf blazing star(Liatris microcephala , Zones 6–9 )

4 . Kismet ® vivid Orange coneflower(Echinacea‘TNECHKIO ’ , Zones 4–9 )

5 . Common bearberry(Arctostaphylos uva - ursi , Zones 2–7 )

6 . ‘ Palace Purple ’ heuchera(Heuchera‘Palace Purple ’ , Zones 4–9 )

7 . ‘ Siskiyou Pink ’ gaura(Oenothera lindheimeri‘Siskiyou Pink ’ , Zones 5–9 )

Simplicity rules

‘ Autumn Gold ’ willow - leaved sunflowerblooms from former free fall until the first frost .

The mate containers that line the sides of this wide-cut stairway are changed out oftentimes , so the plant on display always look their best . At the foot of the stairs , another set of container tick off the intersection of a path and patio . These guidepost are beautiful in their own right and also encourage guest to hesitate and look up to the view over the hills of the Delaware Piedmont .

1.Pink muhly grass(Muhlenbergia capillaris , Zones 5–9 )

2.‘Autumn Gold ’ willow - leaved sunflower(Helianthus salicifolius‘Autumn Gold ’ , Zones 5–9 )

Plan ahead for a spectacular spring show

‘ Millie Mac ’ is a deciduous azalea that provide glow sunrise hues in mid- to former spring , just as it is beginning to leaf out . Coral - tinct heyday buds unfurl into fragrant blush that range from yellowish to orange . top out at the same time , the violet - blueish tints of ‘ Woodlander Lilac ’ phlox provide a coolheaded - color counterpoint at background level . These two woodland beauty apprise consistent wet and a little tint , but both are surprisingly adaptable to warm , sunnier conditions . A pot like this can easy be brought out into a prominent positioning during bloom clock time and locomote to a shadier , cooler venue subsequently in summer .

1 . ‘ Millie Mac ’ azalea(Rhododendron austrinum‘Millie Mac ’ , zone 6–9 )

2.‘Woodlander Lilac ’ phlox(Phlox‘Woodlander Lilac ’ , Zones 4–9 )

Got shade? Get dramatic with foliage

You do n’t often see plants like Ashe ’s magnolia or ostrich fern in tummy , but these beauties pack as much poke as anything you could find oneself in the tropical segment of the nursery . Flanked by a variegate Jacob ’s run and a silver - leave reddish blue , this combo is a fetch focal full stop that looks great for calendar month on closing .

1.Ashe ’s magnolia(Magnolia ashei , geographical zone 6–9 )

2.‘Stairway to Heaven ’ Jacob ’s ladder(Polemonium reptans‘Stairway to Heaven ’ , Zones 3–8 )

3 . Ostrich fern(Matteuccia struthiopteris , Zones 3–7 )

4.‘Silver jewel ’ prostrate low violet(Viola walteri‘Silver Gem ’ , Zones 5–9 )

For a peaceful, meditative effect, highlight one plant per pot

| Tip |

Mulch with moss

aboriginal moss add together a little appealingness , and no one want to await at potting mix . Protect your local ecosystem by sourcing your moss from a agriculturist rather than collecting it from the natural state .

Simplicity is pleasing to the eye , which is why we increasingly favor container sport a exclusive aboriginal plant . This pair of pots sit down in full spectre hold lush green foliage that evokes a sense of calm and relaxation , just like a woodland walkway would do .

1 . Wild ginger(Asarum canadense , Zones 4–6 )

‘Autumn Gold’ willow-leaved sunflowerblooms from early fall until the first frost.

2.Ostrich fern

3.Pincushion moss(Leucobryum glaucum , Zones 3–9 )

keep in line soil fertility

‘Autumn Gold’ willow-leaved sunflowerblooms from early fall until the first frost.

A potting mixing without any add fertilizer is skilful for most of our native species , which run to have low nutrient essential . Instead , bring a bite of compost , keep the ratio to no more than one - fourth of the mix . At Mt. Cuba Center , we apply a balanced organic liquid fertiliser fortnightly , after lachrymation . This approaching use sustainable products and gives our staff full control over the quantity and quality of food uncommitted to the plants .

Set the mood with shimmering color

Well - project containers can define a space , add seasonal hullabaloo , or frame in a view . These eye - catching blue containers flank the entry and exit of a paved terrace , creating a doorsill that signals a change in a client ’s garden journeying . As the pathway they ’ve been following transition to a furnished garden room , the containers do as a subtle mesmerism to break , have a seat , and take in the garden beyond .

1 . ‘ Morris Berd ’ tranquil phlox(Phlox glaberrima‘Morris Berd ’ , Zones 3–8 )

2.‘Palace Purple ’ heuchera

3.‘Sweet Kate ’ spiderwort(Tradescantia‘Sweet Kate ’ , Zones 4–9 )

| HOW - TO |

Pitcher plants grow beautifully in pots

We expose native pitcher plants ( Sarraceniaspp . and cvs . , Zones 6–9 ) in container , where they are surprisingly promiscuous to grow and offer a full season of interest and beaut . These aesthetic oddity have leap flower bud like hanging orbs , which unfold into structure form like showerheads . inflorescence is follow by a flush of foliar emergence in a battalion of colors with gorgeous venation . Seeing their singular adaptations up close always enamor visitant , who understandably assume that these alien - attend beauties are unmanageable to develop . But make a stunning container display with pitcher plants is actually a breeze . Here ’s how it is done .

Michael Strengari is aged plantsman at Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin , Delaware .

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‘Autumn Gold’ willow-leaved sunflowerblooms from early fall until the first frost.

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