Must have: Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks)
Another must have for container gardens. The Sempervivum (also known as Hens & Chicks) are very hardy. They like full sun and comes back year after year (Perennial). I have two varieties in this container: Red Beauty Hens & Chicks, and Braunii Hens & Chicks. They change color according to the season.
Height: 3-4"
Spacing: 6-8" apart
Bloom time: Summer (Braunii has stalks of yellow flowers)
Hardiness zone: 3 (-40F)
Water: light (only water when soil feels dry)
You can't beat a container plant that has a hardiness zone of 3 and drought-tolerant!
Must have: Japanese Hakone Grass
I'm doing a series of container garden "must haves" because I wanted to keep track of what I want to plant again next year (isn't it sad the season is coming to an end?). Sometimes gardening is trial and error (some plants that works for others might not work for you), and the good thing about container gardening is that you can start all over again if something goes wrong. I've had many errors before but over the years I've became to realize what works for my deck which is half shade and half full sun. To be on my list of must-haves, it must be low-maintenance, drought tolerant, unique and fail-proof. I love travelling so any plants that will survive anything from a weekend or week long tip is perfect!
Hakone Grass (2009 perennial plant of the year)
Hardiness: USDA zones 5-9
Light: Partial shade
What I love about this plant:
- Easy care. The only maintenance required is to cut back the previous season's dead leaves in fall, or you can do this in late winter or early in the spring.
- Unique. Light green bamboo like leaves. All leaves cascades in the same direction.
Must have: Moss Rose (Portulaca)
I love the Moss Rose, also called Portulaca. I started them from seeds. I knew they were very drought tolerant but I had no idea they were so low-maintenance and beautiful. I swear I only watered it less than 10 times the whole season. Put it under full sun and it will put on a show from early summer to fall. No fertilizer needed! The little flowers come in different gorgeous colors and it will guarantee to put on a show in hot and dry / humid weather. This is a must-have for my garden next year.
I didn't have the time to thin it out but I'm sure if I give it more room to grow they will be even happier.
Take a look at this great combination with Purple Fountain Grass.
