Cool Weather Plants for Container Gardens

Shawna L. Krautheim

Container plantings are growing in popularity. Perfect for those who have limited space, for those who can't necessarily work ground-level flowerbeds, or even for those who like to find creative uses for some of their old household articles, these unique and fascinating plant projects come in all shapes and sizes. No matter what your style, there is a planter for you.

Unfortunately, most container planters tend to focus on annual plants, and usually the majority of these plants are spring and summer bloomers. Preserving these plants during the colder weather is impossibility for some… or is it? Instead of focusing on these early blooms, try planting some cool-weather containers to help maintain your beautiful floral color even after that first frost.

If it can hold up to the elements and give your plants ample room to grow, chances are you can turn it into a lovely container planter. From paint cans to wash tubs, ceramic and clay pots to metal pails, you can get as creative with your containers as you'd like. It's very easy to make a planter. All it takes is a healthy dose of imagination!

You will want to ensure that your prospective planter has drainage holes in the bottom. These holes will help to keep your plant healthy, letting excess water run out of it. If your planter does not have these holes and you are reluctant to put any holes in there yourself, try putting some rocks in on the bottom of your pot. Do this before you add the potting soil, and it will help keep excess water from sitting down around the roots where it can either drown the plant or can lead to root rot.

Once you've established that your planter has ample drainage holes and you've added your potting soil, it's now time for you to add your plants. What individuals are hardy enough to last through the autumn months? Here is a list of 20 hardy, cool-weather plants that are sure to help brighten up your fall container projects:

1. Aster - From the Greek word, meaning 'star,' asters come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
2. Coral Bells (Heuchera) - Grown for beautiful leaves that range in color from metallic silver to purple bronze.
3. Chrysanthemum - Brightly colored flowers of various white, pink and yellow shades.
4. Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) - Striking foliage plant, prized for its soft silvery-white leaves.
5. Dianthus - Very beautiful plants which include the favored carnation and ever-popular pink.
6. Dwarf Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis) - Popular plant with striking deep green foliage.
7. Fescue (Festuca glauca) - Decorative colored or tufted grass.
8. Flowering Kale - Attractive plant with leaves that range from shades of pink, rose, or magenta to white and cream. Bear a ruffled, pretty appearance.
9. Fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum) - Beautiful and tall decorative grass.
10. Hens-and-Chicks (Sempervivum) - A popular ground cover, few can resist the allure of these cute little starlike plants.
11. Licorice Plant (Helichrysum Icicles) - Grown for its sweet-tasting root, licorice also boasts pretty blue or violet blossoms.
12. Mahogany (Ajuga reptans) - Also known as Bungleweed, this striking foliage plant has leaves that are a captivating black-burgundy.
13. Ivy (Hedera helix) - Popular as both an indoor and outdoor plant, ivy can create different looks for your containers, whether you choose to let it grow as a hanging vine or allow it to creep up a trellis or pole.
14. Pansy - Beautiful little flowers that come in a wide variety of colors. Also edible and, with flowering kale, make for interesting garnishes or salads.
15. Redbor Kale - Beautiful member of the kale family, which grows a darker purple shade, with every frost.
16. Sedge (Carex hachijoensis) - Japanese ornamental grass that trails over, creating a whispy accent for container gardens.
17. Sedum - Intriguing little succulents with striking star-shaped leaves. Always check to ensure your choice in Sedum is cold-weather. Some do well in cold weather but do not do well in heat, while others are vice-versa.
18. Strawflower (Helichrysum bracteantha) - Very pretty flowers that come in a wide variety of shades, with rose and yellows most common. Excellent for drying.
19. Swiss Chard - Related to the beet, this unique plant has ribbed leaves of shiny green, with stems ranging in color from red to white to yellow.
20. Violas - Delicate looking, these hardy little beauties come in a variety of shades from white, yellow, blue, lavender, pinks, etc.

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