Planter box

[deb789]

I have a planter box it has brick its in a shady area. I need some advice on plants to put on. Would prefer some colorful plants that will last till fall. zone 8b.http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4180/Apr01085.JPG

[starjasmine89]

Hi, I'm new here and just happened to drop by. Well, I do like plants but never found much to share in terms of experience.

I have a balcony with walls. So it will look like a big planter box! he he.
;)

You can try planting some ever-greens. I like conifers; they have small flowers with bright colour leaves. Choose the small ones that stay small.

If you like herbs, look for ones that like to be warm; as you have walls that can conduct heat. Then see if they like direct sun or shade.

I'm sure you will find something. The local nurseries may be able to help.

Good luck

Starjasmine89

[Mel-icious]

Definitely impatients and begonias. Both thrive in full shade and both bloom all summer long. :nod:

[starjasmine89]

Hi Mel-icious,
you got a good idea there. Impatients grow well in planters. They are easy to grow, get quickly "out of shape" and invite snails and maybe fungi like things when they get too wet. (sorry about the remark; but they hold true for me).

I hope deb789's soil and ground drain out water well.
The plant cannot be left sitting in a pool of water or even in very wet soil. The stem can rot and then the whole stem is damaged.

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Do you know how to stop snails from coming. They are a big problem in my garden. Also they hide in the soil and at the sides of the trays and pots.

Also, can you tell me how to look after pansy and basils. I can't get them too last more than a few months.

Thanks in advance.

Starjasmine89

[deb789]

I like the conifers. Do you know how tall will these get if i get the small ones? Also how many should i get to add to my planter box?:cool:

[starjasmine89]

Hi Deb789,

my plant (the one in the picture) has actually grown up quite a bit. I'm hoping that I can keep it that small! :crossed: ( hope so)

I guess you can prune the plant so that they will stay the size you want. I'm not sure how deep the roots can go or how well spread. Just you can ask the experts.

The one in the photo is called Thuja orientalis 'Morgan'.
It likes full sun, is a container plant, grows to the height of 50cm (in ten years) ; width to 30cm and tolerates light frost. It would like open, sunny position in moist, well drained soil. The feeding season is Spring and complete fertiliser is recommended. ( summary from care label)

I like the conifer like really good soil. The label recommended premium potting mix for container/potted plants. I think that I used organic mulch with organic soil.
I not sure how to grow a well shaped conifer. Maybe when you find out how, you can tell me ....

Thanks in advance.

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Estimated number of conifer possible is 4.
Like most plants and lavender, allow enough room for each plant to "breathe" and air the leaves.

good luck!
Starjasmine89

[starjasmine89]

hi deb789,

how are you? I bought some fern. I put one fern outside in the direct sun while providing it with a little shade. It is still alive and well. I place a maiden hair fern inside the apartment next to a glass panel. I'm sure that there is enough water for the plant. Now all is left are dried curled up leaves. Do you think that that fern really need water releasing crystals that keep the soil moist?

I wonder if you can advice me on ferns. Thanks in advance.

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How are your conifers doing? Mine hasn't grown any taller. I think it probably reached almost its maximum height.

good luck with them. I'm sure that they are quite easy to maintain.

keep in touch.

Starjasmine89