The most important thing to remember when you are planting in concrete planter boxes is that you will need to water the plants regularly. A concrete planter box does not hold water very well, so it is important to add some potting soil to fill the space. There are several best plants for concrete planters, including tidal wave petunia, which fills the space within a box quickly. Also, keep in mind that plants above ground will dry out more quickly than those planted below ground.
Low-maintenance plants
If you want a concrete planter that looks great all year round, look no further. These containers are ideal for outdoor use, but concrete is not the best choice for indoor use. Concrete is sturdy and heavy, but it can also break easily with a hard knock. You should also be aware of the risks of water pooling in outdoor planters. The concrete may also contain lime, which leaches into the potting soil and stunt the growth of other plants.
Plastic planters are less durable than fiberglass, which makes them easy to erode. The difference between plastic and fiberglass planters is their ability to maintain temperature. Plastic tends to morph in high heat and crack in cold temperatures, whereas fiberglass is more resilient to temperature fluctuations. Hence, fiberglass is more durable, and can retain its shape for longer. It is also easier to maneuver and has more vivid colors.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to fill your concrete planter, try growing succulents. Other low-maintenance plants include ferns, cacti, and even bamboo. If you’re going for a more natural look, you can also choose a trellis. Climbing vines can be positioned along it, providing shade for the planter.
Evergreens
Choosing the right type of container is essential for the health of your evergreens. A light-colored container will not absorb the heat of the sun as concrete will. Therefore, it is necessary to select one with good drainage. Other materials to choose from include wood and terra cotta. Wood containers will give your plants a more rustic look and are also easy to stain. Clay and terra cotta pots are also good choices, as they are porous and allow for excellent drainage.
If you want to give your concrete planters an elegant, winter-interesting appearance, you can choose evergreens. Boxwoods are low-maintenance plants and are suitable for zones 4 to 9. Smaller varieties of boxwood will produce colorful mounds without the hassle of overcrowding your container. These plants will look great no matter what season it is. They are also drought-tolerant. For even more versatility, you can choose perennials.
Some other popular types of plants do well in concrete planters. Topiaries provide order to rambling plants. Evergreen topiaries are particularly effective for displaying plants and keeping them from becoming too invasive. You can also choose to add hanging flowers, such as ‘Orange Marmalade’ firecracker flower. This plant, also known as crossandra, is a great MVP. It blooms late summer and into early fall and can survive heat waves. However, they will die out as soon as the first frost hits.
Succulents
A good tip for planting succulents in a concrete planter is to use a two-inch layer of hydrostones. Hydrostones are high-performance growing media that deliver proper amounts of water and air beneath the roots. The concrete planter does not have a drainage hole. The cactus potting mix should be thick enough to support the succulent root systems. The container should also be sanded smooth after planting.
Succulents for concrete planters are easy to care for and add a touch of color to any room. Succulents are known for being low maintenance and require little water to maintain their stunning beauty. When planted in a decorative cement planter, succulents will also make a great gift. You can even purchase a planter that features a Star Wars design. The details are impressive and the planter will be the focal point of your home.
Modern succulent planters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small round ones to large square ones. They come in a variety of sizes, and depending on the availability of succulents, can be displayed side by side or in pairs. The planter will be a good size to display on most surfaces. Make sure to shop around for succulents that need direct sunlight. You can also try a window sill planter, as it will give you more space for arranging your landscape.
Zinnias
Plants that thrive in concrete planters are zinnias. They are easy to grow, come in a wide variety of colors, and require very little care. Zinnias have blooms that are often double or triple in number. Depending on the variety, zinnias may be marigold-size or giant dahlias. These colorful flowers grow up to 12 inches tall and can even bloom in containers!
Choosing the right type of zinnia depends on the type of plant you’re using. Taller zinnias won’t thrive well in plant containers. They may need a stake to grow straight. Zinnias are susceptible to powdery mildew, and it’s not easy to combat it organically. For best results, sow more seeds every few weeks, and dispose of any plant that is infected. Make sure the foliage remains dry at night.
Because zinnias tolerate a wide range of soil types, they are the ideal choice for concrete planters. Zinnia seeds are easy to handle and germinate quickly. Start sowing zinnia seeds six weeks before the last frost date. Sow them in the soil in pots or directly into the concrete planter. If they’re transplanted into individual pots, keep them moist.
The Queen Lime series features a variety of varieties that are both heat-tolerant and profuse in bloom. It is also recommended by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers for its vigor and uniformity. It also looks great in borders and container gardening. You can purchase it from J.W. Jung Seed or your local nursery. They are great plants for concrete planters, and they’ll brighten up your space.
Verbenas
Verbenas are a classic choice for your garden. Their tall stems and large flowers add volume to your flowerbed. The tall, upright blooms of verbena can be seen from many miles away. You can also opt for a compact, low-growing hybrid verbena. These plants are typically 50 cm tall, but some have a drooping habit. If you want to grow a hybrid verbena, make sure it receives a well-drained soil mix.
There are many kinds of verbenas available. Perennial verbenas have a delicate mauve flower that fits into a naturalistic garden. Annual verbenas are much more colorful. Some hybrid verbenas are bicolored or even white. You can also opt for the lemon verbena which has a delicate white flower. Whatever verbena you choose, it will look great in your concrete planter!
Verbenas are tolerant of almost all soil types. They can be planted in late spring, when there is no risk of frost. You can also plant verbena plants in summer or fall, though make sure to avoid planting them in the middle of a hot summer or cold winter. This may result in stressful conditions for the plants. You should space each verbena plant about six inches apart, as it tends to trail.
Potted boxwoods
If you’re interested in potted boxwoods for your concrete planters, you’re not alone. There are many different varieties and color combinations to choose from. Boxwoods make an excellent choice as container plants, as their lush foliage and easy care make them an ideal choice for indoor and outdoor settings. Choose from several different varieties, such as Sprinter Boxwood (B. microphylla var. sprinteri) which grows 2 to 4 feet high and 3 feet wide. For a different look, try Wedding Ring Boxwood (B. microphylla var. koreana), which has glossy foliage and a natural rounded shape.
Once the boxwoods are in the container, make sure you fill the bottom with at least an inch of compost. This will replenish nutrients lost in the water. You can also consider topdressing the soil in the spring with organic mulch to provide additional nutrients. Keep in mind that boxwoods require an acidic soil, and a pH test will let you know if your soil is too acidic. For best results, avoid adding ground pine bark or other acidic mulch to the base of the planter.
Another important consideration when choosing a container for boxwoods is whether or not the plant is hardy enough for the climate you live in. A container should have sufficient drainage, as they don’t like to be overwatered. Be sure to select a container that is wide enough for the plant to spread and grow. If you’re unsure of how much space your container needs, just fill it half way with potting mix.