Annuals grow very well in containers and decorate terraces, balconies and patios. The important thing is to choose the right plant for each location and the perfect planter.
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Choosing annuals for your planter
- Whatever the types of containers, the right plant at the right place is the key to success.
- Group annuals in the same container that have similar cultural requirements.Choose annuals adapted to the environmental conditions that prevail in locations you wish to place your pots:
- number of hours of sunshine
- intensity of the sun (noon, 10h00-14h00)
- shade and wind
- For sunny and windy locations such as balconies, choose resistant plants such as petunias and geraniums.
- If the location is exposed to the north and in the shade, choose plants adapted to shade and humidity such as impatiens, fuchsias and begonias.
- For a WOW effect, bring together a thriller plant in the center, 2 to 3 filler plants and 2 to 3 spiller plants.
By selecting appropriate plants, you ensure to have plants adapted to their environment, therefore less susceptible to insects and diseases.
Choosing the right container for your combinations
There are many containers on the market to choose from: pots, balcony planters, garden urns, hanging baskets. There are some for every taste and budget, made from different materials: plastic, terracotta, stone, cement, etc.
Container for sunny areas
Select light coloured containers to avoid overheating. Darker containers absorb more heat which causes the soil to dry faster and then plants require more water.
What size of container to pick
Choose containers large and deep enough to provide a better reserve of water to plants. The smaller the container the more it will require water.
- Patio planter - more than 30 cm of diameter
- Balcony planter -more than 25 cm wide for a.
It needs drainage holes
Make sure selected containers have one or several drainage holes so that the water can be evacuated, if not, holes have to be made. (1,5 cm of diameter at every 25-30 cm)
And for the cold months
If you are to leave your containers outside during winter, make sure the materials is resistant to frost (ex: stone, plastic, wood, etc.) and others not (ex: unvarnished terracotta, etc.).
