What are the best outdoor plants for winter pots? You can choose from violas, Lily of the valley, Japanese pieris, and fountain grass. Listed below are some of the most popular plants that grow well in pots during the winter months. Read on for more details! Then, find out how to care for your plants and grow them successfully. You’ll be amazed by their resilience and hardiness.
Violas are the most popular winter plant for pots
The viola is one of the most popular outdoor plants for winter pots because it blooms all summer long. However, if you are planting them too early, they will melt away and will not survive. In colder climates, you can plant another type of flower in their place during summer and then replace them in fall. However, in warmer areas, the viola must have regular watering for them to bloom well.
This plant is often grown as an annual, but they are frost-tolerant and many varieties overwinter successfully. They are compact and free-flowering, making them the perfect choice for pots and container gardens. The flowers and leaves are edible and are great for garnishing cold fruit and salads. Both plants can be used for dyeing, as well. They grow well in the shade and will survive in your winter pot.
Violaceas are a great choice for winter pots because of their versatility and ease of care. They bloom throughout the winter and into the early summer. The flower petals of violas come in a variety of colors, and some varieties can even be eaten or candied. They’re great for baking, and their small size makes them easy to care for. Violas require little care but should be watered on a regular basis. Deadheading helps to promote faster flowering.
Fountain grass
The bottlebrush-like flower heads of fountain grass are sure to make any winter planter a conversation piece. This fast-growing annual has a moist, full-sun-tolerant habit, and its flower spikes are up to four feet long. This plant does best in moist, well-drained soil, and is not invasive. Different varieties of fountain grass are available, such as Chinese fountain grass and Pennisetum ‘Burgundy Giant.’
If you are unable to grow this plant outdoors, you can still enjoy the beauty of its lush foliage and vibrant colors indoors. The most important tip for winterizing this plant is to be careful not to overwater it, or the roots will die. Cut the fountain grass’ foliage to three inches (8 cm) in length and transplant it into a pot with good drainage holes. Once transplanted in a pot, it should be placed in a sunny window in a cool room. Fountain grass will return to its original green color after wintering.
The winter colours of primroses can brighten any pot and are a low-cost plant filler. The bright colour of these flowers is always a hit with kids. The winter-hardiness of these plants makes them an excellent option for outdoor pots. It is also good for wildlife as it provides nectar and pollen for pollinating insects. And because of its low maintenance requirements, it is the perfect plant for winter pots.
Lily of the valley
Planting lily of the valley is simple and doesn’t require a large space. They can be planted in containers of eight to ten inches in diameter. Choosing a pot that is taller than wide will allow the long roots of lily of the valley to be easily accommodated. If you’d like to plant the plant in a pot, remove its pips. Trim the roots using a sharp knife. Trimming the roots isn’t harmful to the plant and is often done to give the pot a more streamlined look.
When planting lily of the valley, make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. It prefers a slightly moist soil and to not be waterlogged. It will thrive in a shady spot in your garden. Planting lily of the valley in a pot will require you to avoid overwatering the plant as it will be prone to drying out.
Lily of the valley outdoor plants for winterpots should receive regular watering. Lily of the valley needs moist soil to grow. However, it can become susceptible to fungal diseases if you don’t water it enough. To control fungal issues, apply neem oil to the soil. In addition, lily of the valley requires no additional fertilization unless it is exposed to high temperatures.
Japanese pieris
Japanese pieris is an excellent choice for containers, offering year-round interest. Its attractive upside-down flowers appear in the late winter, and its crimson new growth emerges in early spring. Its leaves mature to a deep green. Because of its compact habit, it may not require a large container. Japanese pieris can grow up to 10 feet tall under other growing conditions.
To protect your new plant, move it into a sheltered spot in winter. This location may be the side of a house, in a courtyard, or next to an evergreen shrub. Plants in winter containers should be sheltered from strong winds and frost. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant, but require regular watering and fertilization. During the winter months, Japanese pieris outdoor plants for winter pots should be moved to a location with full shade or partial shade.
A deer-resistant shrub, Japanese pieris provides four seasons of show. Its foliage is evergreen, with rosette-like leaves. It blooms in spring, when the foliage opens with bronze or sizzling red flowers and matures into a satiny dark green. This plant grows slowly into mounds, but is poisonous to goats and rabbits. If you choose to grow this plant outdoors, it should be planted in a sunny spot where it will receive partial shade and some moisture.
Camellias
If you are looking for a plant that will bloom in winter, look no further than a camellia. This plant blooms from April to September. To give your camellia the best start possible, fertilize it every two to three weeks. Water it well before fertilizing it. Don’t fertilize your camellia during hot weather, though! They need a cool, moist soil and a bit of protection from extreme cold.
If you live in an area with cold winters, you should consider moving your camellia to a pot in the same size as its current pot. Keep in mind that camellias don’t like sitting water, so you must ensure that they get the proper amount of water. Changing the pot size is crucial, and a 3-gallon pot should be moved to a 5-gallon pot or bigger. The larger the pot, the more water you should add.
If you live in a climate with cold winters, camellias are more prone to damage and injury. The fluctuating temperatures in these areas are more likely to break their dormancy, and even a southern or eastern exposure can cause the plant to die. A camellia can also die if it is exposed to morning sun, so it is important to water it prior to freezing temperatures.
Heucheras
Heucheras are excellent containers plants for winter. The soil needs to remain moist but not wet as they can lift out of the soil in freezing temperatures. Plants should be watered frequently throughout the summer but should be left dry in the winter. Heucheras should be potted on a stand so they can be easily watered. Spring care for Heucheras includes mulching. Mulch provides low levels of nutrients to the soil and helps reduce the watering requirements.
A Heuchera’s foliage will begin to become bedraggled after three or four years and it will stop standing upright. Divide the plant at this time to encourage new growth. It will root readily. Check the foliage for woody stems. These will be longer than the new growth. If you notice a woody stem, replant it at the correct depth. This is the easiest way to rejuvenate your heuchera.
Modern heuchera hybrids are excellent for prominent container positions in a garden. They come in a wide range of fall leaf colours and have attractive waved foliage. They are evergreen plants that retain their beauty well throughout the winter season. Although Heucheras can be a one-season wonder, the best variety for winter pots will last several years. Heuchera hybrids are not easy to find, but they’re well worth the effort.
