Containing perennials

Perennials pack a punch for customers wanting to invest in gardens. They get a return on their investment, year after year, but so far, the idea of perennials in the garden has mostly been limited to the realm of the landscape garden. There is however, a new trend gathering momentum. Although the concept of perennial combinations in containers may not be new for experienced gardeners, it is new to being engaged by breeders and growers to ultimately provide a finished product for the consumer and a healthy profit for the grower. Container perennials are quickly taking center stage.

The finished product, a beautifully concocted, low maintenance perennial container or mixed container, is a no-brainer for the garden minded consumers who want low hassle and a (ahem) return on investment. Customers, especially the ones without the creativity, desire and time required to create a mixed container, also benefit by reaping the rewards of a pre-planted container that is horticulturally sound. The attraction of the pre-potted perennial combination for both provider and consumer is instant gratification with one easy price. Less math for the average bear, more profit for the grower through a value-added product.

It’s exciting to combine perennials in containers; they bring a new and unique twist and often generate a lot of compliments. Both perennial and woody plants also bring a sense of permanence to mixed containers. Even if the customer is no more attached to the perennial than they would be to an annual, and they go ahead and pitch the whole combination at the end of the season. Throwing perennials into the mix exponentially increases the plant pallet possibilities and makes way for cutting edge design and plant arrangement creativity. Why not get a head start on the trend and grab your fair share of the market?

A few perennials that I like to use in my containers include:

Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ is a workhorse. After the growing season I either tuck the container it’s planted in into a safe place, or I transplant it and then dig it up for re-use year after year.

Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’— This easy plant will not take over a container like grasses do, but brings the grace and form of grasses.

Another of my favorite combinations features a spiral cut boxwood along with the perennials and the ever-trusty annual: Bacopa. I got two seasons out of this pot until I wanted a change. Both perennials are now growing happily in the ground. The boxwood stayed and now is accompanied by new friends. Woody plants can be thought of as structural elements that add height, texture and possible screening to a mixed container.

Carex ‘Ice Dance’ is another fun perennial to include for the grass-like behavior and shape.

Heuchera ‘Midnight Rose’ is an excellent choice for containers. The foliage deserves a position where people will get a chance to get up close and personal. The blooms are delicate and gorgeous, but the foliage is the main attraction.

One of my all-time favorite combinations that I have put together features the perennial Leymus a. ‘Blue Dune.’ After its season in my arrangement, I planted it in some gravel below a flag pole where it has thrived.
 

Growing opinions

We’ve also checked in with a few growers to hear their thoughts on this trend and to get their input on some creative and profitable combinations for your consideration.

Susan Martin, former director of marketing and communications for Walters Gardens Inc., offers a deluge of knowledge on the topic of perennials. Her thoughts are posted on Perennial Resource, Walters’ sister site that’s geared to consumers. Her article, “The Complete Guide to Growing Perennials in Containers” is the most highly read on the site. Martin said “the article has been viewed 41,000 times between January and August this year alone. So obviously it’s a hot topic with consumers.” Although the article is written for the consumer, it has valuable information for producers as well.

Some quick points from the article to consider when jumping into perennials are found in the section titled “Why would you want to grow perennials in containers?”

• It gives the gardener a “head start.” i.e., no frost barriers to contend with if using zone appropriate perennials.
• It broadens the planting possibilities or pallet to choose from. If the consumer has alkaline soil they can grow acid loving perennials/shrubs, they can grow less hardy perennials similar to the treatment and use of tropical plants.
• It allows the consumer mobility with the plantings. They can rearrange according to season/bloom time, etc.

Some combinations Martin recommends:

“We have noticed recently that consumers are no longer just looking for drought-tolerant plants for their landscapes — they want them for their containers, too. This combination of drought and heat loving Nepeta f. ‘Cat’s Meow’ and Lavandula a. Sweet Romance fits the bill perfectly, producing perfect purple blooms over most of the summer months. It will bloom even longer with a little deadheading.”

Kristen Smith, new plants coordinator of Star Roses and Plants, recommends the following perennials to include in combination planters: Clematis Sapphire Indigo, Nepeta Junior Walker, Suncrest Salvia ‘Autumn Moon’ and Veronica Moody Blues.

“It’s excellent for containers because it is a non-trellising variety. It works well draped over the edge of a pot. It will cascade down over the pot and blooms continuously from late spring through September. Flower color is very dark blue/purple. The color would combine well with pinks or light yellows. The plant is also very hardy, (zone 4), so it could be left to overwinter in the container and potted up with new combinations the following year. The old growth would need to be cut back to the base.”

Karlyn Green has over 10 years of experience in the green industry as a landscape designer, horticulturtist, and writer. She is co-owner of Sassafras Land Design LLC. in Cleveland, Ohio. Her days are filled with plants, colored pencils and words.