Time to Fill Those Containers

I bought new containers this year.  We've had trouble with lichen growing on the Trex deck surface from my over-planted containers in previous years. I know, I know:  lichen is not supposed to happen on Trex, but it is--and I cannot get rid of it either.

The containers are Viva Self-watering rolling planters from Gardener's Supply Company. These planters are their exclusive product, but are available through Amazon (but not Prime).  I really like them so far: size, mobility, water tank, color (white).  I'll rate them at the end of the season too.

I tried to buy plants that attract hummingbirds. One planter is filled with mostly reds and the other is mostly purples.

The purples include Salvia 'Sallyfun Blue Emotion' and Vermillionaire 'Large Firecracker Plant'. Both are magnets for hummingbirds!  They are resistant to hot weather, drought tolerant and do not need deadheading.  Great for my desert-like deck in August.  The blue spikes are the Salvia. The red lipsticks or cigars or firecrackers on the plant at left is the Firecracker Plant.

The other purples include AngelMist 'Spreading Dark Purple' and Archangel 'Pink'.  Both are Angelonias or Summer Snapdragons. They remind me more of mini-orchids or foxgloves.

The last purple flower is Superbells 'Evening Star' with its amethyst purple edges and yellow heart throat bordered with royal purple. It does not like wet roots so we'll see how it works in the self-watering container.  It also can be clipped back to promote more blooms.

I added Diamond Frost Euphorbia as a filler. I love its lacy mound.  It reminds me of the Baby's Breath in my grandfather's old-fashioned garden bed in the 1950s.

And for a splash of complementary color, I also planted 'Lemon Licorice' Licorice Plant that will hang over the side and provide a chartreuse color to contrast with the purple.

More photos later as the planters thrill, fill out and spill over.  Hummingbirds included, I hope!

More on the red planter tomorrow.