Cheery Winter Containers
Cheery Winter Containers
When the days of autumn turn cool and crisp and the leaves begin to show their colors, it is time to replant your containers and flower beds for color and interest in the months ahead.
Planting winter containers garden is possible by using plants that are cold hardy and tolerant of temperatures that can get below freezing.
Pansies and violas love the cold. They bloom continuously through the winter months and even have been seen blooming underneath the snow.
Ornamental kale and cabbage have beautiful purple leaves which intensify with the frost. They make colorful arrangements with their bold, round heads.
Primroses have bright-colored flowers that just keep on coming. In bright red, blue, yellow and pink they are very showy in containers.
Ranunculus and anemone bulbs can be tucked into containers for spring bloom. They come in a wide variety of colors.
Speaking of bulbs, combining bulbs with winter annuals is a great way to get two seasons of bloom out of one planting. Since bulbs are buried deep, plant them first, then plant flowers between the bulbs so they aren’t right on top of them.
The flowers will start growing and fill in by the time the green sprouts of the bulbs begin to show. Then in March, April or May, when the bulbs come into bloom, you will enjoy the beautiful combinations that you have created. After the bulbs have finished blooming, the flowers will hide the foliage of the maturing bulbs.
For pinks and purples, combine lavender pansies with pink and white tulips. Or plant purple and pink tulips in a bed of fragrant, flowering stock, which bloom in pink, white and lavender.
Blue and yellow are always a nice combination. Plant yellow daffodils with dark blue pansies or the lovely ‘Morpho Blue’ pansies, which are pastel blue with yellow markings.
Crocuses bloom early and will look cute coming up through a bed of Johnny-jump-ups. Use your imagination to make other attractive combinations.
It is best to plant your containers in the early fall when the sun will still warm the pots in the daytime. You should place containers in as much sun as possible for the most flowers.
If we have a dry spell, be sure to water the containers, especially if very cold weather is expected. Make sure your containers have drain holes in them and use fresh potting soil for best results.
Let the happy faces of cool-season flowers and bulbs brighten your containers through the winter months.
- Holland flower bulbs are now available for fall planting. These lovely gems will bloom for you next spring.
- Crimson clover, fava beans and rye grass will fortify your garden soil over the winter. Seed these crops as you compost your summer vegetables.
- Wildflower seed broadcasted with the first rains will take root over the winter and burst into flower next spring.
- Divide artichoke plants which have been in the ground for three or four years. Mulch established plants with steer manure.
- Choose shade trees for fall color now and plant them while the soil is still warm.
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