Plants for a Patio
- A potted plant adds color to a patio setting.Pot with flowers 1 image by Oleg Gubanov from Fotolia.com
Potted plants allow you to move your garden right onto your patio. They add color and interest, and help to set the mood. When growing plants on a cement patio, keep in mind that cement reflects light and heat. Water plants thoroughly before the soil dries out, and if possible, move them into the shade on extremely hot days. - Each type of caladium has its own leaf shape, color and size.feuille de caladium image by Unclesam from Fotolia.com
Caladiums, sometimes called elephant ears, are known for their large, colorful leaves. There are hundreds of varieties, each with its own leaf shape, color and size. Caladiums work well in shady spots, and need moist, well-drained potting soil. Direct contact with caladiums can irritate sensitive skin. Place the plant where people will not brush against it, or use it in a hanging basket. - Pansies produce masses of blooms in spring and fall, and they look great in pots. They thrive in sun or partial shade, and can also grow in deeper shade, although they will have fewer blooms. In warm climates they are grown as winter annuals. Keep the soil slightly moist and pinch off faded flowers regularly to keep the plants blooming.
- Dahlias are high-maintenance plants, but the large, showy flowers are worth the extra effort. Flowers bloom in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes, and they attract butterflies. They need full sun and a rich, organic soil that will hold moisture. Pinch out the tops of the plants to maintain a bushy shape, and for larger flowers, remove some of the buds. Because of the large, heavy flowers, dahlias need to be staked.
Dahlias grown in containers need a lot of water. According to Barbara Jenke of the American Dahlia Society, dahlias need to be watered daily during the summer, and in August when the roots have filled the pot, they may need to be watered twice a day. On very hot days, mist the patio as well as the plants. Water that evaporates off the patio will help cool the plants. - Verbena is a low-maintenance plant that blooms from spring until fall. Flowers bloom in a wide range of colors, including bicolors, and will attract butterflies to your patio. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage new flowers. These short plants rarely exceed 1.5 feet in height. These plants need full sun for maximum blooms, but will tolerate light shade.
- Coral plant is sometimes called firecracker plant because of the profusion of 1.25-inch firecracker-like flowers. It blooms freely from spring until frost and attracts hummingbirds. Place coral plants on a plant stand where the rush-like trailing stems can cascade over the sides. The ideal location is a sunny spot where the plant will be protected from strong winds. Once established, it will tolerate dry soil. Coral plants make excellent specimen or accent plants, and combine well with cacti.
Caution: This plant is poisonous if eaten.
