Bold Colour and Smart Tips for Summer Success
Container gardening is one of the easiest ways to add instant colour, texture and life to your patio, balcony or backyard. And, with the right plants, your containers can handle southern Alberta’s dry summer heat and still look amazing — all season long.
Start with plants that thrive in the sun and can take a bit of neglect. Petunias — especially Supertunia and Wave varieties — spill beautifully over the edges of pots. Calibrachoa (Million Bells) brings a cascade of tiny, vibrant blooms, and geraniums add classic, bold colour with incredible staying power.
To add height and variety, mix in salvia or ornamental grasses for movement and structure. Sweet potato vine delivers lush, trailing foliage in deep purple or chartreuse, while lantana offers clusters of colourful flowers that pollinators love. Frilly apple-green coleus and blood-red caladiums add dramatic foliage, especially in partial shade. For texture, asparagus fern gives an airy touch, and osteospermum (African Daisy) is perfect for cheerful, daisy-like blooms that last through the heat. Sedum is a great choice for low-maintenance charm and drought resistance.
Tuck in a few herbs like basil, thyme or oregano for both beauty and flavour — ideal for snipping fresh for summer meals.
Now, let’s talk care. In our prairie climate, containers dry out fast. A deep, daily watering during hot spells is usually enough. Larger pots hold moisture longer, and a quality potting mix with moisture retention is a must. Top it with a bit of mulch to help lock in water.
Feed your containers every week or two with a balanced fertilizer, and they’ll reward you with non-stop colour and growth.
Whether you’re sprucing up a front step or building a backyard oasis, container gardening is a fun and flexible way to celebrate summer in full bloom.
Lisa Gawreluck is greenhouse manager with Blue Grass Nursery & Garden Centre.
