When you are looking to plant a container garden, you may be wondering whether or not you need to place your plants in full sun. You may be surprised to know that there are many types of plants that do not need a lot of sunlight. Whether you are interested in using a container that is already built or if you are looking to create one yourself, you are sure to find the plants that are right for your needs.
Dahlias
If you’re planning to grow dahlias in a container, you’ll need to give them the right care. This type of plant needs full sun. But they’re also sensitive to cool temperatures. You’ll need to water them frequently and provide a good supply of compost.
Before you begin, make sure you have a large enough pot. Dahlias grow well in containers that have drainage. Ensure your pot is at least 8 inches wide and at least 30cm deep.
When it comes time to plant your tubers, dig a hole that’s 6 to 8 inches deep and three inches wider than the diameter of the tuber. Then add a layer of organic matter to the soil and add the root ball to the pot.
Plant the tubers so the growing points of the stems are facing up. Once the tuber is in place, remove the top pair of leaves.
After the dahlias have sprouted, they’ll require regular watering. However, you don’t want to overwater them. That can cause rot. In addition, if you live in a hot climate, you’ll need to add extra feeding. For example, you can use a time-release fertilizer.
In order to prevent your dahlias from drying out, be sure to mulch around them. A three-inch-thick layer will help keep the roots from absorbing too much moisture. Also, you’ll need to provide a spot for the tubers to get light.
Gomphrena
Gomphrena is a warm-season annual that grows in full sun. It’s native to tropical lands in the Western Hemisphere, including Mexico, Central America, and South America. The plant has a wide range of uses.
The flowers of gomphrena are used for dried arrangements, potpourri, and craft projects. They are also said to have medicinal properties. In fact, they have been brewed into teas.
Gomphrena is a tropical plant that grows well in containers. You can even use it for edging. Plant it with other perennials, such as coleus, marigolds, or a sweet potato vine.
Gomphrena seeds can be planted indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. When you are ready to put your plants in the ground, plant them in a hole about half an inch deep. Make sure to water them well.
The plant will grow about two to four feet tall. Taller cultivars may require staking.
Gomphrena is drought-tolerant, which makes it a good choice for container gardening. Since it does not need much fertilizer, it’s easy to maintain.
The blooms on gomphrena are unique because of their round shape. They are usually cut from the stem, though they can be dried as well.
Gomphrena is also heat-tolerant, and it prefers well-drained soil. It’s not as drought-tolerant as some plants, however. This can cause the foliage to become fungus-prone.
Portulaca
If you are growing a portulaca container garden, you’ll want to make sure you give it plenty of light and a good amount of water. A portulaca is a drought-resistant plant that can be very useful in a container garden. However, it will need more water than you’d think.
Portulaca plants will grow well in most garden soil, but they’ll need a little fertilizer before planting. You can use a liquid or slow-release fertilizer. Be careful to apply fertilizer only when the plant has a new growth, rather than more than twice a month.
Portulaca plants are also prone to aphids and mealybugs. Infestations can cause swollen leaves and deformed branches. Using insecticidal soap or Triple Action by fertilome will help remove these pests.
The portulaca grows best in areas with sandy, well-drained soil, though it can tolerate moist conditions. It prefers to grow in containers, but it’s a great addition to hanging baskets or along pathways.
Planting portulaca in containers will result in fuller, more lush growth than in the ground. You should use a commercial potting mix to ensure that your portulaca is getting the nutrients it needs.
Portulaca is a warm season flower that starts blooming in late May. If you want to attract butterflies or pollinators, you can place your portulaca near other flowers.
It’s easy to care for a portulaca. Use insecticidal soaps to get rid of aphids and spider mites, and check your plants for disease. These insects are especially troublesome in the spring.
Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa is one of the most popular flowering annuals. This plant has a trailing habit and grows best in containers and hanging baskets. It is also a favorite of hummingbirds.
When planting calibrachoa, make sure to use a container that has drainage holes. You should also add a good potting mix and a general purpose fertilizer when you place your plants. Using a fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will help your plant thrive.
In warmer climates, calibrachoa should be watered once every three to four days. Overwatering can cause Phytophthora species to grow and cause root rot.
Calibrachoa prefers well-draining soil, but they also perform well in partial shade. They can tolerate heat, but are not frost-resistant. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to consider bringing your potted calibrachoa inside during the winter months.
Because these plants are so prolific, they require nutrients. During the growing season, you will want to apply liquid fertilizer once a week. To avoid overwatering, don’t forget to drain the water off the leaves.
The Calibrachoa is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that performs well in both containers and hanging baskets. However, they can be more susceptible to diseases when they are left out in the sun all day.
While they are not particularly suited for human consumption, they are very popular as a plant to attract pollinators. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other birds love their red, orange, and purple flowers.
Zinnia
Zinnias are annual flowers that can grow in container gardens. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all require full sun and air circulation to grow. Zinnias make excellent cut flowers and are great for arranging in a vase.
Zinnias are easy to care for in a pot. However, they do require some attention to avoid fungal problems and disease.
Zinnias do not like waterlogged soil. To prevent this, keep the soil moist but not wet. You should also water the plant often. Using a soaker hose will ensure that the roots get the water they need.
During hot, dry weather, you may need to water more. Zinnias need an inch of water every 5 to 7 days. Watering too frequently can stunt their growth. A monthly fertilizer with a high phosphorus content will help keep them healthy.
The first step in zinnia care in a container is to prepare the soil. Zinnias prefer a rich, organic matter-rich potting medium. If your soil is very heavy, you can add sand or compost to improve drainage.
Zinnias need a minimum of 4 hours of sunlight each day. They can tolerate partial shade, but they do best in full sun. Full sun allows them to bloom more regularly.
Zinnias are easy plants to grow and are relatively drought-tolerant. They are also cold sensitive and can be susceptible to fungal and disease issues.
Osteospermum
Osteospermum (African daisy), also known as Cape daisy, is a popular flower plant for container gardens. It thrives in full sun and broad light and produces beautiful flowers.
This plant is available in various colors and sizes. Some cultivars have pink petals while others have red centers. There are also variations with thin, curled petals, which are show-stoppers.
Osteospermum is a drought-tolerant flower, but it does not tolerate waterlogged soil. So, it is best to keep the soil well drained. In addition, it requires a balanced fertilizer, which should be applied to the soil regularly during the growing season.
To propagate an osteospermum, you can use cuttings or seed. It should be planted in a seed-starting mix. Before planting, be sure to treat the cuttings with rooting gel.
Once the roots have grown, you should plant the cuttings in a well-drained soilless medium. You should wait four to five weeks before you can plant them in your garden.
If you want to grow an osteospermum as a planter, make sure that the plants you choose have a deep root system and good drainage. Potted plants may need to be fed more often than those grown in the garden.
Osteospermum is very easy to grow, but you need to feed it regularly to keep it healthy. It is also susceptible to powdery mildew, fungus gnats and mites.