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7 Mixed Container Ideas Using Proven Winners® Perennials


08/01/2019

Thrifty gardeners have been using perennials in containers for years - this is not a new concept. Perennials offer an expanded range of flowers and textures to liven up decorative containers. There is a lot of value in mixed perennial containers, which are often ideal for anyone who likes changing their containers seasonally. These perennials can be added to the landscape after they have finished blooming for additional years of enjoyment. 

If you are starved for perennial recommendations or looking for new combination ideas, here are 7 mixed containers using Proven Winners® perennials for inspiration.

Combination #1 - Shameless

A simple yet classic combination, the right mix of Hostas and Heucheras can ensure a bright mix of color all season long with little work. Each of the varieties pictured has good sun tolerance but will thrive in morning sun or shady porch enclaves.

Varieties pictured:

SHADOWLAND® 'Waterslide' Hosta  

DOLCE® 'Wildberry' Heuchera  

DOLCE® 'Spearmint' Heuchera  

Combination #2 - Majestic Mahogany

Another combination of Hosta and Heuchera, this one showcasing the vivid yellow and reds each genus has to offer. This is an excellent combination for shady decks or patios in need of festive foliage. 

Varieties pictured:

DOLCE® 'Cherry Truffles' Heuchera  

FUN AND GAMES® 'Eye Spy' Heucherella  

SHADOWLAND® 'Coast to Coast' Hosta  

Combination #3 - Unbreakable Heart

This container features a mixture of three popular genera of perennials, Heuchera, Salvia, and Leucanthemum. Try this combo in a sunny spot. Deadheading is recommended to keep the blooms coming.

Varieties pictured:

PRIMO® 'Black Pearl' Heuchera  

AMAZING DAISIES® Daisy May® Leucanthemum  

COLOR SPIRES® 'Crystal Blue' Salvia  

Combination #4 - Waterfall

Looking to try a few less traditional perennials? 'Stand By Me' is a non-vining Clematis that continues to throw up blooms all summer long, leaving behind wispy white seedheads; a perfect match to the Diamond Delight® Euphorbia. Finishing off the combination are the finely textured 'Chantilly Lace' Aruncus and light blue blooms of 'Crystal Blue' Salvia.

Varieties pictured:

'Chantilly Lace' Aruncus  

'Stand By Me' Clematis  

COLOR SPIRES® 'Crystal Blue' Salvia  

Combination #5 - Lavender & Catmint

Match a Lavender and a Catmint together for a mix of blue to enjoy all season long. A little deadheading will keep the blooms coming and release delightful aromas to your porch or patio. They're both very forgiving in a container as well and will keep performing without the attention needed of most annual combos.

Varieties pictured:

'Cat's Meow' Nepeta faassenii  

Sweet Romance® Lavandula angustifolia  

Combination #6 - Whip It

These spring blooming perennials pair up perfectly in a container for an elegant fountain of color. After blooming, rather than discarding a tired container, match these together in the landscape for a color combo that will delight for years to come.

Varieties pictured:

FRUIT PUNCH® 'Cherry Vanilla' Dianthus  

'Storm Cloud' Amsonia tabernaemontana  

Combination #7 - Summer Sunburst

Why can't you mix genres? This combo is an excellent example of perennials and annuals working together in a mixed container. If you're looking to try different textures or flower types in your planter, adding a perennial like one of the PYROMANIA™ Kniphofia might be your answer. (Pictured here with Sunsatia® Blood Orange Nemesia, Superturnia® Honey Petunia, & Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Red)

Varieties pictured:

PYROMANIA™ 'Backdraft' Kniphofia  

PYROMANIA™ 'Orange Blaze' Kniphofia  

PYROMANIA™ 'Solar Flare' Kniphofia  

Varieties Mentioned in this Article