POSTED: August 19, 2003 by coline3bettson
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Just in time for spring...
When planning your perennial containers consider if they will be seen all year or if they'll be tucked away over winter [don't let them dry out over winter, perennial means forever].Use professional mix [Sunshine 4], not garden soil - it's too heavy. Drainage is important. I like to use styrofoam "popcorn". Evergreens [there's lots] on their own or mixed with herbaceous [die down].
All perennials bloom at different times of the year and usually only last a few weeks. Even Sempervivens [hen-and-chicks] have striking flowers.There are a few long bloomers though. Coreopsis [tickseed - all varieties] carry on almost continuously in a sunny spot. 'Baby Sun' was amazing. Purple Coneflower [Echinacea] and Shasta Daisy [Leucanthemum] are other good ones - use the dwarf varieties for containers.
With many perennials, remove spent flowers for repeat blooms. Feeding between - and before - flowering cycles improves bloom quality. Slow-release fertilizer gives a "no-brainer" source of nutrients all season.
Foliage is very important in perennial containers, you don't have the "bloom their guts out" capabilities of the usual annuals. Texture, shape and color all play a role. Small ferns tucked in the back like the shadier conditions and add a softness. Heuchera [Coral Bells] play double duty with both foliage and flowers that stand out. There's a vast variety out available now -'Palace Purple', 'Green Spice' and 'Velvet Knight' are some to consider. Almost all the grasses work as well - alone, mixed with other grasses or perennials.
If you feel you need specifics post your particulars and I'll make more recommendations. I sell perennial containers [and other goodys] so I should be able to come up with something that pleases you.