Container gardening can be fun and rewarding. If you have a container that is difficult to reach with a garden hose, you may consider begonias. These plants do not require water as frequently as others because of their fleshy tissue. Either dragon wings or regular fibrous begonias work well under these circumstances.

The dragon wing begonias will definitely make a statement in a medium to large container. This type of begonia does well in the shade, but will also thrive in part sun or even half-day sun, such as morning sun and afternoon shade. Fibrous begonias are more compact in their growth habit and have smaller flowers than the dragon wings. Unlike dragon wings that are available only in pink or red flowers with green foliage, fibrous begonias can be red, pink or white with either bronze or green foliage.

One problem gardeners have growing begonias is rot, which is usually caused by watering too frequently. Sometimes gardeners believe that “when in doubt, water!” However, this practice does not work with begonias.

In full sun or almost full sun locations, the bronze foliage begonias grow better while the green leaf type does best in some shade, although they will grow with some sun. If you look closely at the green leaf begonia foliage, you may notice a red margin on the leaf. In a very sunny location this red margin will actually get darker and more pronounced.

Both types of begonias grow well in containers by themselves or in mixed pots with other plants. For example, I have a large container with aspidistra in the center and dragon wing begonias around the edge. In another location I have a pot of aspidistra, but around it are mixed pink caladiums and pink impatiens. If you have a small container, try fibrous begonias. They will stay compact and do not require watering as frequently as other plants.

Just for fun, in a container that receives at least a half-day of sun, try planting some red fountain grass in the center and scaevola around the edges. Scaevola, or blue fan flower, is an excellent choice for hanging baskets or window boxes. They grow two to three inches tall and trail. They make an interesting addition to the garden. Another trailing plant in shades of blue is evolvulus, or Blue Daze. This plant has dainty blue flowers and a spreading growth habit, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets. Also when used in large pots, the trailing habit of Blue Daze added to its bright blue flowers and gray-green foliage will show off the other colors in the same pot. This plant will do well in the shade and will tolerate some sun, but I wouldn’t recommend it in all-day sun.

If you need a plant that thrives in the full sun and trails, you have many choices. A premier plant for this purpose is the trailing periwinkle. These plants have large colorful flowers in pink or white with red centers, grow several inches tall, and can really spread.

So whether you have a container that is difficult to reach with a hose, or you need a plant for full all day sun or the shade, there are always many choices and combinations waiting for you to try. Have fun experimenting – and Happy Gardening!

Billy Fountain is a horticulturist and the owner of Fountain’s Green “Grow”cery in Greenville.

source : www.ddtonline.com