Folks are still creating containers for summer enjoyment on their decks and patios, and at this time of year, it’s an opportunity to do something a little special.
A focal point in any container can make all the difference and now with the warmer summer temperatures, we have so many more dramatic choices.
Some of the hottest new plants on the market are the beautiful mandevillas.
Trained on a pergola or tripod, these beautiful heat lovers grow very quickly and look spectacular with their many pink, white or red blossoms, and now, other new colours of yellow and orange are adding to their popularity. Their shiny green leaves are very attractive, reflect light and add to the beauty of these continuous blooming tropicals.
Many folks are using thunbergia, the fastest growing vine, as a container showpiece.
The traditional colours of yellow and orange are now joined by a vibrant hot pink and a few other new shades. Give them lots of room to grow and use a tripod, stakes or a piece of cool looking driftwood as a beautifully unique support for them to create a stunning display.
Japanese maples have been a favourite of mine for many years, especially some of the unique green and yellow foliaged varieties, like Sango Kaku and Katsura. I love underplanting them with grasses, like Japanese forest grass or hakonechloa for a special look.
Some of the most dramatic showstoppers are the giant leafed colocasias. Tolerating full or partial sun, these giants make quite a statement. The big guys, like Alocasia "Portodora," can have leaves two to three feet across and look spectacular.
There are many varieties today in a wide range of colours, but black is where it’s at. Vibrant black leaves really stand out, especially when combined with the silver foliage of "Angel Wings" senecio or centaurea "Silver Swirl." White or hot pink flowers also make an amazing contrast to garner attention.
Grasses certainly have that cachet look. Both Proven Winners huge, dark foliage "Vertigo" pennisetum or the even larger "Purple Fountain" grass look stunning, especially with a nice accompaniment of hot pink petunias, fibrous begonias or lantanas. At this time of year, tall, hardy grasses, like "Morning Light" miscanthus, make a beautiful statement.
Tropical red banana plants, Ensete "Maurelii," are also becoming very popular because they have that unique tropical look and grow so beautifully in the hot summer sun.
Egyptian papyrus is great too. The "Tut" family of "King," "Queen" and "Prince Tut" are the most vigourous and vibrant.
All of these summer showpieces are easy to grow, love the summer sun and simply look sensational.
Planted now, they will be garden highlights until the end of September.
