I love using containers in the landscape.  They can add a punch of color to any patio or front entrance to a home.  Containers allow you to better control the soil mixture.  However, in our Texas heat, they can dry out fast.  So, I recommend using large containers as they will retain moisture longer than smaller containers.  Here are some updates on containers that we maintain.

I love the look of the SunPatiens.   They are offered in great color selections.  And look at the size of these!  This container holds 3 Variegated Vigorous Coral SunPatiens.  The form is perfect… nice and round covering the soil.  In the Dallas area, I’ve had better performance using these in a semi-shaded area as the intense July / August sun can be a too much for them.

These fancy leaf caladiums performed wonderfully underneath the yaupon holly.  The fancy leaf caladium requires more shade than the strap leaf caladium.  Those that you see in the sun are a strap leaf variety.  You can identify the difference by looking at the shape of the leaf.  The fancy leaf caladium has a heart shape leaf whereas the strap leaf is arrow shaped.

For a bright flower that can withstand the sun and heat, we had success with the Cora Periwinkle.  This is the burgundy Cora Periwinkle.  These plants filled in the container.  I have found that they will bounce back quickly if they become dry which can easily happen in July and August.

Another great plant combination for a mostly sunny location is crotons and Zebrina pendula.  The colors are so vibrant ranging from reds to yellows and purples!

We almost always install a drip line from the existing irrigation system to each container.  You can run the tube through the bottom of the container or have it come up over the side of the container.  A drip line will save you many hours of hand watering.  And you can go on vacation knowing that your plants will look good on your return.

Dallas Texas is known for the Cowboys, longhorns and oil but not so much for fall color.  About this time of year travel advertisements flaunt the beauty of fall colors in those fortunate states where native trees turn crimson, orange and yellow.

Even though fall color is difficult to find in Dallas, there are a select group of plants that consistently provide fall color in our neck of the woods.

One of those is Oak Leaf Hydrangea or Hydrangea quercifolia.

Not only does it provide vibrant fall color but also snowy white flowers in late spring so it is showy for two seasons.  It does prefer well prepared soil, partial shade and water.  During the summer months, additional water may be necessary.

If you have a location for this plant, it will bring your landscape  seasonal interest.  Just give it plenty of room to grow, some shade from afternoon sun, and additional water.  Then next fall you can step out into your own landscape to watch the fall colors!