Container Garden of Perennials (6 Plants)

No yard? No problem. If you have a patio or balcony, create habitat with a container garden. This kit includes 6 perennials that can be grown in containers and stay outdoors in winter. Beginning in year 2, flowers bloom from May to October to support pollinators. All plants are less than 3 feet tall. 

These species are competitive and do well in drier conditions like those in containers. However, as with any potted plants, supplemental watering is necessary. Potted plants will not live for as many years as plants in soil. But with proper care, these plants should live at least three years, likely more. Allow them to self-sow to extend the life of your container garden. 

Plants included:

• 1 x Anaphalis margaritacea (pearly everlasting)
  
• 1 x Solidago nemoralis (gray goldenrod) - keystone species!
• 1 x Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (aromatic aster) - keystone species!
  
• 3 x Fragaria virginiana (wild strawberry) - groundcover

Recommended planters (not included): To survive winter outdoors, deep (16 inch) planters made of fiberglass or hardwood are best. Sturdy plastic can work too, but may have a shorter lifespan. Avoid terracotta. Regardless of the material, drainage holes are required. Fill with all-purpose potting mix. 

How to plant: There is no one right way to design your planters, but here are some suggestions. This kit is designed to fill three large (20 inch) pots with one strawberry and one other plant per pot. Put the strawberry near the edge and let it spread around the perimeter and drape over the side of the pot. Alternatively, use one long (36 inch+) planter. Remember, planters must be deep (16 inches) to insulate roots in winter.

Winter care: Move planters away from high winds and winter sun if possible and group them together. You don't need to cut back the plants but if you choose to do so for aesthetic reasons, wait until leaves drop after a hard frost. Typically no watering is necessary in winter. If we have a prolonged stretch of mild (above freezing) weather with no rain, check the soil and water if dry. 

Want blooms this year? Check out our annual planter kit: Container Garden of Annuals