It’s laborious to fail with a group of con­tainers. A bunch of any measurement, from a easy pair to an amazing many, can enhance any out of doors house. Open patios and decks turn into mushy and intimate when pots are positioned round them. A straight and easy out of doors path turns into a type of allée if lined with containers—a proper one with sure crops or a casual one with others. You by no means know what you would possibly provide you with by putting one pot subsequent to a different or a sure plant amongst others. When you begin experimenting, you’ll discover the numerous locations the place a container grouping would possibly look nice.

Coordinate shiny hues

This colourful assortment of pots introduces viewers to a vivid shade scheme within the beds behind it, primarily by blue flowers. To retain individuality, nevertheless, the pots get unique rights to colours corresponding to magenta, pink, and chartreuse.

1. Canna (Canna cv., USDA Hardiness Zones 8–11)
2. ‘Versa Lime’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Versa Lime’, Zones 12–13)
3. ‘Colorcade Violet’ ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum ‘Colorcade Violet’, Zone 11)
4. ‘Blue Zephyr’ swan river daisy (Brachyscome ‘Blue Zephyr’, Zones 9–11)
5. Madeira™ Cherry Pink argyranthemum (Argyranthemum frutescens ‘Bonmadcher’, Zones 10–11)
6. Snow Princess^® alyssum (Lobularia ‘Inlbusnopr’, annual)
7. ‘Pink Chaos’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Pink Chaos’, Zones 12–13)
8. ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’ cuphea (Cuphea llavea ‘Flamenco Cha Cha’, Zones 9–11)
9. ‘Spiritual Radish’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Spiritual Radish’, Zones 12–13)
10. Snowstorm^® Blue bacopa (Sutera cordata Snowstorm^® Blue, Zones 9–11)

Formal flanking

The mix of papyrus and urns at all times appears to be like elegant, however when doubled and positioned on both aspect of this decorative boulder, these container designs work with one another in a putting formal duet. They create consideration to the rocky nook, which could have seemed much less spectacular with out them.

1. King Tut^® papyrus (Cyperus papyrus ‘King Tut’, Zone 11)
2. ‘Massive Pink Judy’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Massive Pink Judy’, Zones 12–13)
3. ‘Versa Lime’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Versa Lime’, Zones 12–13)
4. ColorBlaze^® Kingswood Torch coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ’Kingswood Torch’, Zones 12–13)
5. ‘Solenia Darkish Pink’ begonia (Begonia ‘Solenia Darkish Pink’, Zones 12–13)
6. ‘Candy Caroline Gentle Inexperienced’ candy potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Candy Caroline Gentle Inexperienced’, Zone 11)
7. ‘Candy Caroline Purple’ candy potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Candy Caroline Purple’, Zone 11)
8. ‘Solenia Pink’ begonia (Begonia ‘Solenia Pink’, Zones 12–13)

Refined variations on a typical theme

Container preparations don’t must be grandiose to be efficient. This trio of like-size pots depends on tonal and textural curiosity for achievement. Every is inexperienced however provides a special texture and shade of the colour to the gathering: leathery jade from the hosta, feathery emerald from the fern, and paper-thin blades of lime from the Japanese forest grass.

1. ‘Fortunei Aureomarginata’ hosta (Hosta ‘Fortunei Aureomarginata’, Zones 3–9)
2. Hedge fern (Polystichum setiferum, Zones 6–9)
3. ‘All Gold’ Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’, Zones 5–9)

Comparable baskets and pots fill a view

To fully fill an area, use overhangs by stringing up a basket that mimics what’s occurring beneath it. With purple and inexperienced up and down, who notices the boring fence and siding?

1. Snowstorm^® Blue bacopa (Sutera cordata Snowstorm^® Blue, Zones 9–11)
2. Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides cvs., Zones 12–13)
3. Candy potato vines (Ipomoea batatas cvs., Zone 11)
4. Mystic Spires salvia (Salvia ‘Balsalmisp’, Zones 7–10)
5. ‘Tea Cup’ elephant’s ear (Colocasia esculenta* ‘Tea Cup’, Zones 8–11)
6. Purple-leaved Japanese parsley (Cryptotaenia japonica f. atropurpurea, Zones 4–7)
7. ‘Zwartkop’ aeonium (Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’, Zones 9–11)
8. Umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius, Zones 9–11)
9. Molten Lava™ sorrel (Oxalis vulcanicola ‘Molten Lava’, Zones 9–11)
10. Creeping wire vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris, Zones 8–10)

A sizzling shade subtle by a cool one

These crimson crops create heat, wealthy lots of shade atop their pots: a New Zealand flax and a petunia within the tallest, a Cape fuchsia and a coleus within the center, and burgundy hens and chicks within the shortest. To make them extra approachable, nevertheless, these containers had been stuffed into their sides with silver crops, like a dusty miller and a licorice plant, to diffuse brightness as the attention passes over these pots.

1. Cider gum (Eucalyptus gunnii, Zones 8–10)
2. ‘Sundowner’ New Zealand flax (Phormium ‘Sundowner’, Zones 8–10)
3. Silver plectranthus (Plectranthus argentatus, Zones 10–11)
4. Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides cvs., Zones 12–13)
5. ‘Petite Licorice’ licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare ‘Petite Licorice’, Zones 9–10)
6. Potunia^® Papaya petunia (Petunia ‘Papaya’, annual)
7. Leatherleaf sedge (Carex buchananii, Zones 6–9)
8. Croftway™ Coral Princess Cape fuchsia (Phygelius ‘Croftway Coral Princess’, Zones 7–9)
9. Silver Cascade^® dusty miller (Artemisia stelleriana* ‘Silver Cascade’, Zones 3–7)
10. Jamesbrittenia JB Occasion^® Darkish Coral bacopa (Sutera Jamesbrittenia JB Occasion^® Darkish Coral, Zones 10–11)
11. Hens and chicks (Sempervivum spp. and cvs., Zones 4–11)
12. ‘Valerie Finnis’ artemisia (Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’, Zones 4–9)

Discover widespread floor

One wouldn’t count on this Japanese forest grass, this coleus, and this begonia to share a nook so peacefully. However they do, due to matching terra-cotta containers in graduated sizes—a typical base that permits the various crops they maintain to mix collectively.

1. Bellfire^® begonia (Begonia boliviensis Bellfire^®, Zones 10–11)
2. Black stem elephant’s ear (Colocasia esculenta* ‘Fontanesii’, Zones 8–11)
3. ‘Electrical Lime’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Electrical Lime’, Zones 12–13)
4. ‘Candy Caroline Bronze’ candy potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Candy Caroline Bronze’, Zone 11)
5. ‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, Zones 5–9)
6. Fusion Infrared Apricot unique impatiens (Impatiens ‘Balfusinred’, annual)

Not-quite-identical pots are a puzzle

These designs are almost doubles: boxy pots, inexperienced spillers, and purple crops atop. However the containers stand at totally different heights, the spillers aren’t the identical plant, and the purple clumps on high aren’t the identical crops. It’s intelligent, like a toddler’s can-you-spot-the-differences puzzle.

1. Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum* ‘Rubrum’, Zones 8–11)
2. Royal Glissade^® coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Royal Glissade’, Zones 12–13)
3. Phantasm^® Midnight Lace candy potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘NCORN­SP011MNLC’, Zone 11)
4. Purple sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’, Zones 5–8)
5. Variegated floor ivy (Glechoma hederacea* ‘Variegata’, Zones 4–9)
6. ‘Dipt in Wine’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Dipt in Wine’, Zones 12–13)
7. ‘Candy Caroline Bewitched’ candy potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Candy Caroline Bewitched’, Zone 11)
8. Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites, Zones 5–8)

Choose crops with behavior in thoughts

‘Lemon Lime’ dracaena lets its leaves cling in mushy arcs. Due to this behavior, it’s the proper neighbor for small crops, corresponding to ‘Solenia Pink’ begonia and these coleus, which will be nestled underneath the dracaena’s fronds.

1. ‘Lemon Lime’ dracaena (Dracaena ‘Lemon Lime’, Zone 13)
2. Radical Marvel™ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Radical Marvel’, Zones 12–13)
3. ‘Massive Pink Judy’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Massive Pink Judy’, Zones 12–13)
4. ‘Solenia Pink’ begonia (Begonia ‘Solenia Pink’, Zones 12–13)
5. ‘Candy Caroline Gentle Inexperienced’ candy potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Candy Caroline Gentle Inexperienced’, Zone 11)

Two takes on an amazing combo

They’re almost the identical mixtures: ‘Zwartkop’ and ‘Velour’ aeoniums stand tall with their petal-like leaves, surrounded by different succulents corresponding to blue chalk sticks and ‘Ogon’ sedum. However whereas the window field sits in a proper, regimental sample, the urn is made extra informal by the addition of less-formal-looking crops, corresponding to firesticks and ‘Purpurea’ dagger plant.

1. ‘Velour’ aeonium (Aeonium arboreum ‘Velour’, Zones 9–11)
2. Blue chalk sticks (Senecio serpens, Zones 9–11)
3. ‘Ogon’ sedum (Sedum makinoi ‘Ogon’, Zones 6–9)
4. ‘Zwartkop’ aeonium (Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’, Zones 9–11)
5. Firesticks (Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Rosea’, Zone 11)
6. ‘Purpurea’ dagger plant (Yucca aloifolia ‘Purpurea’, Zones 12–13)
7. Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum, Zone 11)
8. Painted echeveria (Echeveria nodulosa, Zones 12–13)
9. ‘Capri’ echeveria (Echeveria ‘Capri’, Zones 12–13)

Don’t match crops—match traits

Shiny greens, deep purples, and trailing silvers come from the numerous totally different crops in each of those containers, creating concord out of the quite a few varieties within the pots.

1. Pink Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, Zones 9–11)
2. ‘Gryphon’ begonia (Begonia ‘Gryphon’, Zones 12–13)
3. ‘Silver Falls’ dichondra (Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, Zones 10–11)
4. Candy potato vines (Ipomoea batatas cvs., Zone 11)
5. Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides cvs., Zones 12–13)
6. ‘Class Burgundy’ geranium (Pelargonium ‘Class Burgundy’, Zone 11)
7. Honey bush (Melianthus main, Zones 8–11)
8. Superbells^® Blackberry Punch calibrachoa (Calibrachoa ‘USCAL68604’, annual)
9. ‘Tea Cup’ elephant’s ear (Colocasia esculenta* ‘Tea Cup’, Zones 8–11)
10. Fountain rush (Elegia capensis, Zones 10–11)
11. ‘Valerie Finnis’ artemisia (Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’, Zones 4–9)
12. Variegated floor ivy (Glechoma hederacea* ‘Variegata’, Zones 4–9)

Clusters of pots supply respite

Because of the containers round it, this chair turns into a non-public place. Though the low petunia, quick coleus, and sparse firesticks don’t display screen the chair, they supply a cheery visible barrier.

1. Acapulco™ Salmon & Pink hummingbird mint (Agastache Acapulco™ Salmon & Pink, Zones 6–9)
2. Firesticks (Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Rosea’, Zone 11)
3. Potunia^® Papaya petunia (Petunia ‘Papaya’, annual)
4. Bronze Age™ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Bronze Age’, Zones 12–13)
5. ‘Chameleon’ houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’, Zones 5–11)
6. King Tut^® papyrus (Cyperus papyrus ‘King Tut’, Zone 11)
7. Mint bush (Prostanthera rotundifolia, Zone 11)

Massive and small pots name for giant and small crops

A big container surrounded by smaller ones is a lovable web site, like a hen surrounded by chicks. To steadiness the dimensions distinction, plant one massive plant in every small pot and plenty of smaller crops within the large one.

1. ‘Purple Majesty’ millet (Pennisetum glaucum ‘Purple Majesty’, Zones 8–11)
2. Scarlet monkey flower (Mimulus cardinalis, Zones 6–9)
3. Tropicanna^® canna (Canna indica ‘Phasion’, Zones 8–11)
4. ‘Cherry Cola’ heuchera (Heuchera ‘Cherry Cola’, Zones 4–9)
5. Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides cvs., Zones 12–13)
6. ‘Vesuvius Pink’ flowering maple (Abutilon × hybridum ‘Vesuvius Pink’, Zones 9–11)
7. Royal Hawaiian^® ‘Diamond Head’ elephant’s ear (Colocasia esculenta* ‘Diamond Head’, Zones 8–11)
8. ‘Frosted Chocolate’ corokia (Corokia × virgata ‘Frosted Chocolate’, Zones 8–10)
9. ‘Hansel’ rhododendron (Rhododendron ‘Hansel’, Zones 6–9)
10. Callie^® Orange Dawn calibrachoa (Calibrachoa ‘Callie Orange Dawn’, annual)

Restricted shade selections release different particulars

This design makes use of reds, greens, and some deep purples completely, which permits in another way formed crops to share the identical window field and urn. Texture and form are different however toned down and linked by shade. For an additional sprint of the unique, ‘Zwartkop’ aeonium offers its pot with a succulent burst, whereas Child Tut^® umbrella grass tops off its container in an identical explosion.

1. ‘Wilma’s Gold’ trailing golden rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Wilma’s Gold’, Zones 8–11)
2. Superbells^® Coralberry Punch calibrachoa (Calibrachoa ‘USCAL66501’, annual)
3. ‘Flamingo’ New Zealand flax (Phormium cookianum ‘Flamingo’, Zones 8–11)
4. Bronze Age™ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Bronze Age’, Zones 12–13)
5. ‘Zwartkop’ aeonium (Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’, Zones 9–11)
6. Napoleon™ papyrus (Cyperus papyrus ‘Napoleon’, Zones 9–11)
7. Candy potato vines (Ipomoea batatas cvs., Zone 11)
8. Flowering maple (Abutilon cv., Zones 8–11)
9. Child Tut^® umbrella grass (Cyperus involucratus ‘Child Tut’, Zones 9–11)
10. Elephant’s ear (Alocasia sp., Zone 11)

Texture and patterns mimic the house

This group’s association is prescribed by the house: Open home windows flank strong shutters, so the ethereal olive flanks a superbly dense coprosma, which occurs to face out superbly towards the darkish, slatted floor.

1. ‘Taupata Gold’ coprosma (Coprosma repens ‘Taupata Gold’, Zones 8–10)
2. Fiona Dawn™ jasmine (Jasminum officinale ‘Frojas’, Zones 9–10)
3. Golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia* ‘Aurea’, Zones 4–8)
4. ‘Picual’ olive (Olea europaea* ‘Picual’, Zones 8–10)
5. Dicliptera (Dicliptera suberecta, Zone 13)

Designed by Dan Benarcik for Chanticleer in Wayne, Pennsylvania

Hold teams out for a lush look

These huge hanging baskets are simply overgrown sufficient to make the outside really feel stately but wild. Utilizing two baskets provides a proper contact to the scene, however rising creepers up the hanging chain and over every basket brim helps tone down the formality for one thing distinctive and salient.

1. Flowering maple (Abutilon cv., Zones 8–11)
2. ‘Tahiti’ Jacob’s coat (Acalypha wilkesiana ‘Tahiti’, Zones 12–13)
3. Louteridium (Louteridium donnell-smithii, annual)
4. ‘Taupata Gold’ coprosma (Coprosma repens ‘Taupata Gold’, Zones 8–10)
5. ‘Rita’s Gold’ Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Rita’s Gold’, Zone 11)
6. Peperomia (Peperomia sp., Zone 13)
7. ‘Snap Daddy Yellow’ snap­dragon (Antirrhinum majus ‘Snap Daddy Yellow’, annual)
8. Lemon vine (Pereskia aculeata ‘Godseffiana’, Zone 13)
9. Golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia* ‘Aurea’, Zones 4–8)

Designed by Dan Benarcik for Chanticleer in Wayne, Pennsylvania

*These crops are thought-about invasive in some areas. Please verify invasiveplantatlas.org or your state’s record of invasive crops for extra data.