Container gardening has been growing in popularity in recent years, and the recent explosion of home vegetable/edible gardening is hard to ignore. I’ve been container gardening for my clients for almost 8 years now, and I have created many citrus-themed potted gardens during that time–here’s how I do it:
- Start With A Focal Plant: A Meyer lemon tree trained in a standard, a Satsuma orange, even lemongrass. These can be a bit cold-sensitive, so the fact that they are in containers will allow you to move them around on casters when expecting a hard freeze. If they have to stay outside, cover them up with appropriate insulating cloth.
photo by herbcompanion.com
- Add Herbs: In staying with the citrus theme, I like to add lemon or lime thyme, which spills really nicely over the edges as it matures. Orange mint will work well, too, but can be a bit invasive. The added benefit of using these herbs is that they’re evergreen and won’t need to be replaced annually.
photo by windowboxherbs.50megs.com
- Use Citrus-colored Flowers: Here’s where you can have a lot of fun! Go to the nursery and prepare to be amazed at all of the yellow/orange/lime flowers that are available. Really, it’s a kick! Marigolds, zinnias, calendula, moss rose, chrysanthemums and some pansies/violas are a good place to start. And, although it’s not a flower, I love using “Margarita” sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Margarita’) in these plantings because you just can’t beat the lime-green exuberance of it!
photo by flickr.com
- Finish with a Topdressing: I do this with every container garden I create to really finish off the look. Sphagnum moss works well with these plantings, but for more really cool ideas, check out my previous post on “Mulching Potted Plants.”
So there you go! With a little forethought, you can create a fantastic container planting with a citrus theme to give your garden a taste of the tropics. Go on, you know you want to! And for more fun, go check out the shenanigans at Life On The Balcony where Fern Richardson is hosting a Blog Carnival on edible container gardening.
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I’ve always liked the look of citrus trees in pots, but what a great idea to carry the citrus theme with citrus colored flowers. I too am a big fan of the Ipomoeas. They always perform so well.
Thanks, Kat! I’ve done a variation of this planter for several years now, and have one client in particular that always asks for it!
Oh, perfect timing! I have my Meyer Lemon in a pot, and the place where it needs to be in the sun in my yard isn’t a bed. I was already planning to keep it in a pot, so turning it into an attractive container is perfect. Thanks for the suggestions; I’ll be using them once it warms up.
You should post a pic on my FB fan page when you’re done, Robin!
Great ideas Jenny! I’m working on redoing the pot with my blood orange in it, I think I will definitely incorporate your tips. I love the idea of thyme and lime green flowers. They’d look great will all of my black plants.
Thanks, Fern! Well, you know, black is a neutral color so everything goes with it. ; )