Bigger is certainly better when it comes to containers of flowers. Our eyes are naturally drawn to big containers that instantly create a show-stopping focal point.
For a quick splash of color and guaranteed success, buy ready-made containers with combinations of flowers that thrive in the same conditions. Or you can be creative and personalize a container with your favorite flowers, grasses and foliage.
How to Decorate with a Large Container of Flowers:
- Find an outside space that needs a pop of color.
- Select a ready-made container with colors and flowers you love for either a sunny or shady spot.
- Read the plant tags to see how much and when to feed and water.
- When the top of the soil is dry to the touch, water until it trickles out the drainage holes.
- You can use a hanging basket in a container, too. Just cut off the hangers and pop it in a container for instant color.
How to Create a Large Container with Flowers from Scratch:
- Pick a large container with drainage holes.
- Select plants that create a dramatic effect. Consider color, shape, texture, and size. Cover all of your bases by picking plants that will fill, spill and thrill. You want to have a tall plant in the center, plants to fill the middle, and finally, plants that will spill over the edge — known as cascading plants. Find this information on the plant tag.
- Place the large container in its ideal location. Completed containers are too heavy to move and can hurt your back.
- Fill the container ¾ full with good moisture-retaining potting mix that also contains a slow-release fertilizer.
- Remove the plants from their pots and loosen their roots. Never pull the plant out by the flowers or stems.
- Arrange the flowers in the container.
- Fill in gaps with potting mix with slow-release fertilizer and moisture control and gently tap down. Let soil settle.
- If you’re using potting mix without added fertilizer, feed with a fertilizer. Follow the product directions to know when and how much to use.
- Add 2-3” of mulch, moss or decorative rocks around the plant to retain moisture.
- When the top of the soil is dry to the touch, water until it trickles out the drainage holes.
Tip:
If you’re using a very large container, you may fill the bottom 1/3 with a non-soluble filler material like aluminum cans, plastic containers, broken clay pots, or packing peanuts.
Product Checklist:
- Large container
- Plants
- Potting soil
- Fertilizer
- Mulch, moss, or decorative rocks
- Optional: Non-soluble filler material
- Optional: Garden gloves