A high-impact container can add a lot to a business entry or doorway but the plants you select should be low-maintenance and require little care.
This summer is bringing many changes in my life as I'll begin working part-time as a massage therapist with a friend from church who owns a hair salon.
Since I am in charge of plants and landscaping so the first order of business was to create some interesting containers that would require very little maintenance but still have a high visual impact.
Using what I've been learning about how to create dramatic containers through careful plant selection, I chose three different plants to mix and match in my new containers.
Here's what I chose to use and why:
- Blue Rug Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'): This lovely conifer will cascade down over the front edge of the container and also has attractive, needle like foliage.
- Helene Von Stein Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina 'Helene Von Stein'): Broad foliage and fuzzy, silver leaves provide instant contrast to the juniper in front.
- Red Dwarf Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa sinensis) : Upright growth habit and large blossoms serve to make this plant a real focal point in the container while still contrasting with the other plants.
The black pot I chose to plant them in helps bring the attention back to the plants and by using the conifer for a weeping plant in front and large, vibrant blooms as a focal point the entire container has a slightly Japanese/Eastern feel to it which is carried over into the decor of the massage room I'm working on.
All of the plants are moderately drought tolerant and don't require any other maintenance which means this beautiful container should be a show-stopper all through the growing season. I'll deadhead the hibiscus once it starts blooming, and pluck any yellowing leaves off the lamb's ear and other than that the container should provide plenty of color for months to come.
See photos of the new containers for ideas on how the foliage texture and color contrasts so nicely!
I'd also love to hear about container combinations that have worked well for you! Please stop by the discussions and share your thoughts with us!
