Quite often those beautiful annuals that we planted back in spring start looking a little tatty, particularly as the July heat kicks in. Rather than deadheading, cutting them back or adding extra fertilizer – why not redo your pots using plants that come into their own or thrive in summer. Ornamental grasses, sweet potato vine, Euphorbia and Gloriosa daisies are just a few of the many choices available to you which will keep looking beautiful right into autumn. You are also not limited by the stereotypical fall palette of orange, yellows and earth tones – as evidenced by this striking display of green, burgundy and cream. This arrangement also brings plant texture into sharp focus, both above and below the rim of the lime green pot.
Chasmanthium latifolium ‘River Mist’ – This variegated form of Northern Sea Oats features green leaves with dominant (and irregular) white variegation that runs the length of the leaf. It has a very bamboo-like appearance (but is clumping in nature) and produces silvery-green seed heads in late summer that turn a coppery-red in the fall. Grows 30-36″ high by 24-36″. Zone 5.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherry Brandy’ – This hybrid was introduced a few years back with much fanfare, much in part to its breakthrough burgundy-red blooms. The modest-sized single flowers have prominent brown cones and ultimate height is just under 2′ high. You will need very sharp drainage for these to thrive, as they tend to rot out in our wet winters. Zone 5 hardy.
Carex ‘Ice Dance’ – A versatile sedge that works equally well in planters, wet soils and shaded gardens – it even tolerates some sun with moisture. ‘Ice Dance’ does creep a little but that is what makes it a good tall groundcover (grows 12-16″ high). As with most sedges, the flowers are rather insignificant and can be cut off as they appear. Reliably evergreen. Hardy to zone 5.
Ipomoea batatas ILLUSION GARNET LACE – This Sweet Potato Vine features Japanese maple-like foliage of a beautiful garnet-red, but they initially emerge a chartreuse colour. It tolerates full sun in coastal BC although you should delay planting until the soil has warmed. This Ipomoea will occasionally produce morning glory-like pink flowers. Grows 24-36″ wide. Zone 10.
Euphorbia polychroma ‘First Blush’ (syn. E. epithymoides) – This herbaceous Euphorbia features exciting foliage of grey-green with creamy-white margins, flushed with pink for much of the early season. It produces bright yellow bracts from May to June that eventually fade to a cream colour. Cushion Spurge has a mounding growth habit. Grows 12-16″ high by 16-20″ wide. Zone 4.
Mike's Garden Guide 