On this bright February morning, as temperatures creep above freezing and the sun is shining brighter and longer than most of the winter season, I am thrilled to start planning my summer containers.
Here are some tips for planting this combination in your container.
1. Container Selection:
Choose a large container (at least 14–16 inches in diameter) with good drainage holes. These plants need space for their roots to grow and don’t like soggy soil.
2. Soil:
Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. You can mix in a little perlite or coarse sand for extra drainage, as all three plants prefer not to sit in wet soil.
3. Arrangement:
- Place the Salvia in the center or towards the back if the container will be viewed from one side, since it tends to be the tallest.
- Plant the Angelonia around the Salvia—these are moderately tall and will provide a beautiful, soft surround.
- Use Dusty Miller’s ‘Silver Dust’ at the edges. Its silvery foliage will spill slightly over the sides and create a nice contrast.
4.Sunlight:
All three plants thrive in full sun. Place your container where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
5. Watering:
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Don’t let the container dry out completely, but avoid waterlogging.
6. Feeding:
Fertilize every 2–4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to keep blooms coming and foliage healthy.
7. Maintenance:
- Remove spent Salvia and Angelonia flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Trim Dusty Miller as needed to keep it compact and attractive.
8. Bonus Tip:
Rotate the container every week for even growth and sun exposure if it’s not accessible from all sides.
This combination will provide a lovely mix of color and texture from late spring through fall.
I used this combination last year and plan to repeat it again this coming season. Pollinators were frequent visitors all summer and into the fall. My container was one of the last that I stored away for the season because the plants provided long-lasting blooms that thrived into the cooler fall season.
Loretta Wolak,
Plant Sale Committee
Join the Friends by March 27, 2026 for a chance to win a $50 gift card for the Annual Plant Sale. For more information about Plant Sale 2026, click here.
