Tropical Container GardeningCreating a Fun Container Garden with Tropical Color
Even cold weather climates can imitate the look of the tropics by planting lush, hot tropical plants famous for their bright colored flowers, big leaves, and vibrant foliage.
Tropical plants in their native setting are found in the equatorial environments between the Tropic of Cancer on the north and the Tropical of Capricorn on the south. These include trees, shrubs, vines, & herbaceous perennials and annuals. All wild hybridized tropical plants will succumb to frost and cold. Many areas in the south and southwestern United States have the ability to grow tropical and subtropical plants year round in the landscape. Tropical gardeners across the country are giving in to the desire for an exotic summer garden by planting Tropicals as annuals, or overwintering their prized specimens indoors during the winter months and replanting them outdoors when spring arrives.
The use of tropical plants creates an exotic garden setting by giving the visitor an impression of a tamed jungle with all of its magic and mystery. You can achieve this effect by recreating the natural design of the rainforest with its multiple layers of dense plants, creeping vines, brilliant colors, coarse textures, and striking forms.
Tropical plants have varying temperature, soil, and water requirements. Some like to be nurtured in hot and humid environmental conditions. Their inherent requirements will dictate your planting and overwintering strategy.
Color and texture are two of the most important features that characterize a tropical garden. The cool-colored silvers, blues, and violets create a moist, tranquil setting that you would find deep in the rainforest. The hot, vibrant-colored reds, oranges, and yellows create a tropical island setting, resplendent with bright sunshine, sandy beaches, and calypso music.
Plant your tropical plants in rich, fertile loamy soil, in a well-protected area away from strong, dry winds. Water and feed them during the summer months. Before winter arrives, prepare to dig up your prized specimens to pot and bring into a garage, greenhouse, or home throughout the winter. You may want to let many of your tropical plants die back in the winter and replace them with new, exciting varieties next season.
Through the art of container gardening, you are able to enjoy tropical plants and changing color all season. Being portable, Containers allow the use of your container as decorations in different parts of your yard and patio as the seasons change. Many of the plants that you may choose for your gardens can then be easily moved indoors for winter enjoyment. Your selection of plant materials is practically endless: the only limitation is your imagination.
Selecting your container will be a creative and fun process. There are almost as many container choices as there are types of plants to put in them. A wide variety of container choices are available at Beier's Greenhouse and there are many other selections available in your home. Take into consideration the areas in which you'll use when selecting container size and construction.
Plant selection leads you to almost endless possibilities. First, select plants that have similar light and water requirements for each container. Plants requiring full sun need at least five hours of sun per day. Shade plants can often withstand early morning sun but no afternoon direct sunlight. Secondly, by mixing plant varieties and types in containers, you are able to achieve the greatest effect. Different foliage types help to add color, contrast, and texture to the color highlights. Careful consideration of plant material allows for continual flowering, fragrance, and color pattern.
There are four important steps to take when potting up your container gardens. After selecting your container, making allowance for adequate drainage, fill the container about halfway with a good soil mix. You can use a good commercial mix recommended by Beier's Greenhouse.
The second step in planting is to set your plants in the container and move them around to achieve the greatest total effect. Place a tall plant in the center, put shorter bushy plants around the center plant, and place spreading or trailing plants around the edge. Greatest impact is achieved by overcrowding the container. Next, break up the root balls to allow for good root growth and distribution. It is best to plant no closer than 1" from the outside edge of the container to keep roots away from the edges.
Finish your planting by adding soil to within 2" of the container rim, making sure that you plant each plant no deeper than how it was planted in its original pot. Water thoroughly with a fertilizer recommended by Beier's Greenhouse.
If you follow these steps, along with watering wisely, fertilizing regularly, controlling insects, and removing dead blooms for greater re-blooming, your container will be beautiful for years to come!
