Plants in Pots / Buckets

I love Plants in Buckets. We put them on balcony or terrace trough the season and then when the winter comes we have to move them into a bright room with temperature between 5 and 15°C. We have to keep in mind that evergreen plants need more water. We have to water them every two weeks.

Some of the plants can spend the winter in warm room. We should watering and fertilizing them regular.

Sernoa repens

Sernoa Repens thrives on sunny and half shadow locations. In the winter it thrives well in heated or cold room.

Citrus

They prefer sunny location. Citrus needs permeable soil. In the winter we put them into a bright room with temperature 5 - 10°C. We have to water them every 6 - 8 weeks. At higher temperatures we have to water them more often. Try not to water them with the tap water because it contains too much lime. Because of the lime leaves may turn yellow and fall off.

Oleander

It thrives on sunny and half shadow locations. Oleander is an evergreen shrub with lush flowers. If we want to have as many flowers as possible we have to make sure that we don`t put it in too warm place in the winter season. Oleander is poisonous.

Boxwood

It thrives on sunny, half shadow and shadow locations. It is an evergreen shrub that can be trimmed in any shape. Boxwood is cold - resistant shrub.






Related posts:
Outdoor potted plants - few great examples of outdoor potted plants
Potted plants and plants in buckets - In May

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Deciduous Shrubs - undemanding

Since this blog is designed for beginners and for those who want organic garden and beautiful surrounding with as little work as possible, I will now give you some nice examples of undemanding deciduous ornamental shrubs. The shrubs are listed according to habitat.

Forsitia

Forsitia blooms in early spring with yellow blossoms. In the summer it does not attract special attention with its long green leaves. Forsitia is undemanding according to soil. We trim it after flowering, but not to much because it blooms on last year`s shoots.

Flowering time: March - April
Height of growth: 1 - 2,5 meters (depending on type)
Habitat: Sunny

Japanese Quince

It is really undemanding deciduous shrub that grows in any soil. We shouldn`t trim it in the spring, because they bloom on the old wood.

Flowering time: March - April
Height of growth: 1 - 2 meters (depending on type)
Habitat: Sunny, half shadow

Lilac

It is regarded primarily because of its colorful and fragrant flowers. It is good to cut off the withered flowers. We trim Lilac after flowering, because they are forming on the newly grown shoots flower buds for the next year.

Flowering time: May
Height of growth: 1 - 4 meters (depending on type)
Habitat: sunny, half shadow

Snowball

This beautiful shrub is named after its great white, round flowers. It is undemanding. It is developing the best if we do not trim it. It grows about 2 meters in height and 2 meters in width. It blooms richly in the spring.

Flowering time: May
Height of growth: 2 - 3 meters
Habitat: sunny, half shadow

Spirea

Spirea is very beautiful, richly flowering ornamental shrub. We can plant it in any soil, but it prefer humus, moist an permeable soil. We can trim it after flowering, so it will bloom richly next spring.

Flowering time: May
Height of growth: 0,5 - 2 meters
Habitat: sunny, half shadow

Deutzia

Deutzia is beautiful shrub that thrives in any soil. In flowering time it requires a bit more moisture - so we have to make sure it is not "thirsty".

Flowering time: June - July
Height of growth: 1 - 4 meters
Habitat: sunny, half shadow

Kolkwitzia

It is an excellent undemanding bush. It grows in light soil. It blooms most richly in a sunny position, but it also thrives in the shade. We trim it after flowering.

Flowering time: May, June
Height of growth: 2 meters
Habitat: Sunny, half shade, shadow

 

 

Kerria

The most popular type of Kerria is "Pleniflora", wich has full, buttercup-like flowers. The plant is very narrow and also thrives in the shade.

Flowering time: May - July
Height of growth: 2,5 meters
Habitat: Sunny, moderate shadow, shadow

 

 

Hydrangeas

Hydrangea is very beautiful, long flowering shrub. Humus, fresh soil suits it the most. It has to have water supply in the summer. Hydrangea is sensitive to frost. This undemanding srubs especially like sunny and half shadow places.

Flowering time: July - September
Height of growth: up to 1,5 meters
Habitat: Sunny, half shadow, shadow




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Parennial Plants - undemanding
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Outdoor Potted Plants

Lets say something about the outdoor potted plants that I have at home and they work very well and I think that are great for beginners.

GERANIUM

Geraniums are outdoor potted plants great for balconies that are on the south side. Geranium with single blossoms grow up to about 80 cm in length. Geranium with double blooms are fuller but they grow few cm less. Geranium are richly flowering and undemanding potted plants.

 

 

SWEET ALYSSUM (Lobularia)

Like Geraniums - the Sweet Alyssum is also great balcony plant suitable for sunny positions. Sweet Alyssum is very gentle, rich white blooming outdoor pot plant It is very thirsty, so we have to make sure it has enough water all the time.

 

SURFINIA

It is the most suitable outdoor potted plant for half sunny location. Surfinias are hanging potted plants that bloom in the most beautiful colors. They need good soil, regular fertilizing and watering (1 - 2 times per day). It is best to have planter with water reserve. However we have to pay attention on how we watering them - mind you do not water the leaves, because they can turn yellow.

 

PELARGONIUMS

They are suitable for sunny locations. Pelargoiums are strong, upright outdoor pot plants with large flowers. The plant should be in the shelter if it is raining for several days, because it does not like overly wet soil. It does not tolerate temperatures below 5°C.

 

 

FUCHSIAS

Fuchsias are suitable for half sunny places. They bloom from early Juno to late autumn. You can cut them in any form you like. In the winter we place them in cold rooms, safe from frost.

 

 

BEGONIAS

Potted plants that thrive on the sun, half shade or in the shade - depending on the type. They grow up from tubers. Begonias bloom rich from early summer to late autumn. They grow approximately 30 cm. We do not plant them too early, because the cold can damage them. When in the autumn leaves turn yellow, we dig up the tubers and try them well, so we can remove the soil together with the remains of the stems. We store them in the dark, try and cold place, where they wait until next spring.

 

ORNAMENTAL NETTLE

Ornamental nettle are outdoor potted plants which grow in the shade. We can found them in different colors. They are suitable for different combinations. They are beautiful among with sweet potatoes, which has bright green leaves, begonias, ornamental grasses,..

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Protection against Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is a very common disease that can affect plants such as Rose, Tomato, Peppers, Cucumbers,.. If you want to prevent the disease it is ideally to spray the plants with chamomile and sage tea if the weather is cold and wet. Use the tea spray every 5 days.

We can strength the immunity of the plants with Nettles extract. We soak the Nettles into the water (we put the Nettle in the dish and cover them with water), leave it 24 hours and then strain them. With this formulation we spray the plants in early morning or late evening. With this preparation we strength the immunity of the plants. The preparation also repel the louse.

However, if the plant is already attacked by powdery mildew (brown spots and patches on the leaves), we have to carefully cut off all the affected leaves and spray the plant with cooled, strong chamomile and saga tea.

It also helps to spray the plants with milk. When the tomato begin to ripe, it is recommended to water the plant with a mixture of milk and water (50:50 ratio) to supply the plant with the needed calcium.

We spray plants in the early morning (until 8 am) or at late evening, so the sun does not scorch the wet leaves.

If we want immune plants we have to make sure that they do not suffer the drought. The plants also shouldn`t be lacking in nutrients. We can remove various other pests manually. If there are too many pests it is the best to get more powerful products.

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Climbing plants care

We have to regularly tie them to the support. If the weather is dry, we have to water them and fertilize them if needed. Plants can be tied on supports with a variety of snaps, rings or strips. We just have to ensure that we don`t tie them too strong.


It is recommended that we shadow the lower parts of plants. For shadowing you can also plant smaller plants in front of our climbing plants which will work as a shade.


We do not wrap the young shots of Chinese Wisteria, we just tie them straight.

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The May`s Shrubs Cut

In May we can already prune some early flowering shrubs (Forsythia, Flowering Quince, Flowering Almond, Viburnum opulus,..). But not before they start to fade. This will allow them to have a sufficient time to produce new shoot for next spring.

 

Forsythia is an exception. If you with to maintain it in the desired form, you have to cut off a long, young shoots through the whole growing season. 

We can also start to pruning hedges and shapes formed from evergreen shrubs such as Boxwood.

Ensure that you cut them early enough, because the hot sun can scorch new leaves.

After the pruning we cursorily dig up the soil around the Shrubs and water them. We can put the compost around the shrubs or we can also use slow-acting fertilizer and place the mulch.

If the summer is dry we have to water the shrubs once a week.




Related posts:
Deciduous Shrubs - undemanding
Evergreen Shrubs - also good for hedge
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Potted plants and Plants in Buckets - In May

In the May we can still transplant them or remove the top layer of soil and replace it with new one.

We can put all the potted plants and plants in buckets when the temperature is higher than __ (preferably against the wall and into the shade). If is comes to cooling we have to put the plants inside or cover then with fleece.

Since the plants need some time to get used to the external environment we have to protect them not only against cold but also from the strong sun. Of course, you don`t need to shade plants all year long, but it is recommended to shade them at least the first week. You can use the fleece or we can also use the net dedicated for shading, which can be found in garden centres.

To avoid shadowing we can also put the plants in the shade of the trees so they are light up only by the early morning and late afternoon sun.

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Geophytes - When they Wane

When the Geophytes (tulips, daffodils,..)wane, we cut off the stems so the plants don`t exhaust themselves too much by developing seeds. However, we have to be careful. We can cut leaves only if they get fully yellow, because it means that the plant has accumulated nutrients for the next year.

Daffodil bulbs should remain on the flower bed over the summer. We have to be a bit more careful when it comes to Tulips. Tulips grow better in sandy, water permeable ground. If there is a lot of rain in the summer, the bulbs can be attacked by mildew and they get destroyed. So, if the ground is not sandy and water permeable it is better to dig the bulbs up after the leaves are dry, dried them and store in the dark, dry and cold place until the autumn, when we re-plant them.

If we are deciding between Tulips and Daffodils, and we want to have as little work as possible it is better to choose Daffodils since the Mice and Vole do not like them and they are not as sensitive as Tulips. Even if they are slightly damaged they can recover, while the Tulips are more sensitive. 

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Orchids

Orchids are popular gift on any occasion, but concern for this beautiful plant is different from other plants. Therefore, in this post we will explain some basics about Orchids`s concern.

First thing we have to know is that Orchids do not grow in ordinary soil for house plants but they grow in substrate.



We transplant them for the first time, two or three year after purchase (after the flowering time). If we find out that the substrate started to disintegrating we have to transplant the Orchid sooner. We cut off all the old and wither roots. We have to transplant Orchids in a special Substrate for Orchids. Later, we transplant them every two to three years or if we notice that the plant needs more space for growth.

We have to water Orchids once a week or when we see trough the transparent pot, that the most of the roots are silver. We can put the plant with a transparent pot for one minute into decorative pot filled with water. Wait a minute and then drain it well. We have to fertilize the Orchid at every watering with half the amount of manure that is listed on the package (liquid fertilizer for Orchids). Every third or fourth watering can be done with water only (without fertilizer).

Orchids need a humid climate and a light room - but not direct sun.

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Cypress - Conifer Suitable for hedge

Cypress is undemanding evergreen tree. Type "Emerald" keeps its fresh green color trough whole year. It is in pyramid shape and is extremely resistant to frost. In a few year it form a dense hedge (it grown approximately 5 cm per year). It should be pruned regularly (it does not tolerate a large cut). You can also leave it to grow natural: Final with below: Approximately 1meter; Height: to 4 meters

You should water it in dry season the first year after planing. Every spring we have to fertilize it with manure for conifers. 

Height of growth: up to 4 meters
It thrives in the sun, half shade and in the shadow.

Related posts:
Deciduous Shrubs - undemanding
Evergreen Shrubs - also good for hedge
May`s shrubs cut

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Evergreen Ornamental Shrubs - also good for hedge

BOXWOOD

Boxwood (Buxus) is an evergreen shrub with strong oval leaves. It is very modest and insensitive. It can be shaped into various forms. We prune it in late spring, when we are no longer afraid of frost. You can also use it to border some flower or other beds. For this purpose are the best low sorts like  Suffruticosa and Blauer Heinz.

If you want the green Boxwood wall it last a decade to grow up. For the hedge is the best Rotundifolia.

Height of growth: 0,50 - 5 m (depends on type)
It thrives on the sun, in the half shade and also in the shade

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CHERRY LAUREL

Prunus laurocerasus. Very beautiful evergreen
shrub with soft green, shiny leaves.

It is also suitable for hedges. It prefers humus,
moist and slightly acidic soil. Generally tolerates heat, drought and cold, but you have to be careful at the purchase, because some sorts thrive only in areas with mild winter climate.

Height of growts: 2 - 3 m
It thrives on the sun and half shade

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OVAL-LEAVED PRIVET

Ligustrum ovalifolium.It is undemanding shrub, suitable for hedges. Is strong and evergreen in mild winter. Suitable for any type of soul.

 








 Height of growth: 3 m
It thrives on the sun, shade and half shade.



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WAYFARING TREE

Viburnum lantana. Is a beautiful ornamental shrub with colorful fruits. It blooms in spring (May - June). Color of blossoms is creamy.

Height of growth: 4 m
It thrives on the sun and half shade.

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 FRASER PHOTINIA "Red Robin"

Photinia fraseri "Red Robin". It is striking with its shiny leaves. Leaves stays on the brush in the summer and winter. It blooms in white. In autumn it is striking with orange-red colored leaves. The fruits are red and remain on the shrub for a long period of time.



Height of growth: 2 - 3 m
Grows best in half shade.

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ENGLISH HOLLY

Ilex aquifolium. Is an evergreen shrub. It has dark, green glossy leaves with spiny edges. The leaves are very decorative. Tolerates shade and pruning. It loves humus, permeable soils. We have to protect it from the sun. In the spring it gets red fruits. (some of the sorts are sensitive and does not tolerate the cold and winter sun.


 



Hight of growth: do 12 m
It grows in the shade.





Deciduous Shrubs - undemanding
Cypress - Conifer suitable for hedge
May`s shrubs cut

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Undemanding Parennial Plants

Let`s say something about a couple of perennial plants, which are unpretentious and suitable for those who would like to have a beautiful flower beds for many years without fear that the plants wouldn`t thrive. I will mention perennial plants that are undemanding about the soil. All of them prefre sunny or half shadow habitat (plants should be at least 5 hours a day lighten by the sun).

We have all those plants on the same place for over a years now and they are still beautiful.

Specific requirements of some plants are described bellow, as well as flowering time and height of growth ;)

 

Candytuft (Iberis)

It is a great perennial plant. It is evergreen cover plant suitable for
rock gardens, toughs,..It covers floor with a carpet of white flowers.

Flowering time: May -June
Height of growth: 20 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maiden Pink (Dianthus deltoides)

It is a beautiful covering plant. It grows really quickly and form a thick "pillows".


Flowering time: June - August
Height of growth:15 cm

 

 

 

 

 

Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia)

Undemanding plant. Slightly curved streams with many flowers in shape of the heart. They are great on the sun or in the shade - but they prefer dappled shade.


Flowering time: May -July
Height of growth: do 70 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yellow oxeye daisy (Buphthalmum Salicifolium)

Yellow flower. It prefers sunny places. Habitat shouldn`t be too humidity.

Flowering time: May -July
Height of growth:  50 cm

 

 

Iris

Large bulbs produce bright green leaves and thick flower stems. They have beautiful shapes and they can be found in various colors.

Flowering time: May- June
Height of growth: 60 cm

European peony (Paeonia officinalis)

It is a strong plant that blooms richly every year. It should be on the same place for years, because the transplantation half its development. It has beautiful large blossom (we have to support the heavy blooms in the rainy weather)

Flowering time: June - July
Height of growth: 90 cm

Evening star (biennis)

Its a striking plant, which blooms in yellow. It prefer sunny habitat.

Flowering time:  June - August
Height of growth:70 cm

Phlox

Blossoms are in many different colors from white, pink to the purple and light blue. The plant needs sunny habitat (It can be also grown in light shade). The soil should be permeable with humus (compost, manure bearings). We will admire them trough whole summer. After the flowering we have to cut off withered blossoms and it blooms again.

Flowering time: July - September
Height of growth:80 cm

Goldsturm (Rudbeckia)

Is a welcome enrichment in the bed of perennial plants. It blooms rich with yellow blossoms. It prefers sunny locations.

Flowering time: July- September
Height of growth: 70 cm

 

 

lilioasphodelus

It is undemanding, long flowering perennial plant. The blossoms are large bells - like lily`s. Even when the plant is not blooming, it is a nice decoration with its thick leaves. If the weather is dry you have to water it.

Flowering time: June - Avgust
Height of growth: 80 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunflower (Helianthus )

We plant it on the edges or in the background. It is a tall plant with many small flowers. It is spreading out widely over the years.

Flowering time: August - October
Height of growth: 180 - 200 cm

 Chrysanthemims

Chrysanthemims are very undemanding plants. They fill the bed with their green leaves for the whole year. At the autumn or summer they bloom in different colors and shapes. You should plant some ornamental grasses in the background.

Flowering time: September - November
Height of growth: 70 cm

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