Cheery Winter Containers

Fall Planting Tips

• Plant Holland flower bulbs now for spring blooms.
• Sow cover crops like fava beans and crimson clover where summer plants have finished to improve soil over winter.
• Broadcast wildflower seeds with the first rains for winter rooting and spring blooms.
• Divide artichoke plants that have been in the ground for three or four years.
• Mulch established plants with steer manure.
• Choose and plant shade trees for fall color while the soil is still warm.

Winter Containers

Replant containers and flower beds in autumn for winter color using cold-hardy plants that tolerate below-freezing temperatures.

• Pansies and violas: Bloom continuously through winter, even under snow.
• Ornamental kale and cabbage: Purple leaves intensify with frost; bold, round heads add color.
• Primroses: Bright red, blue, yellow, and pink flowers that bloom repeatedly.
• Ranunculus and anemone bulbs: Plant in containers for spring blooms in a variety of colors.

Combining Bulbs and Winter Annuals

Plant bulbs first, then add winter annuals between them for two seasons of bloom:

• Bulbs sprout in spring while annuals fill in during winter, hiding bulb foliage after blooming.
• Color combinations:
  • Lavender pansies with pink and white tulips.
  • Purple and pink tulips with fragrant flowering stock (pink, white, lavender).
  • Yellow daffodils with dark blue or ‘Morpho Blue’ pansies (pastel blue with yellow markings).
  • Crocuses with Johnny-jump-ups.

Planting Tips for Containers

• Plant in early fall to allow daytime sun to warm pots.
• Place containers in as much sun as possible for maximum flowers.
• Water during dry spells, especially before very cold weather.
• Ensure containers have drainage holes and use fresh potting soil.