I love Motown. Aretha Franklin is one of my favorites, but my desire to hear soulful songs does not end there.
Diana Ross and The Supremes, Four Tops, the Temptations……they are all classics in my opinion. My love of music from the 60’s and 70’s does not carry over to landscapes of the same era. The popular look of boxed-off evergreen shrubs in straight lines died years ago, but we still see the same look in our neighborhoods today. Perfectly sheared cubes and spheres have their place in the garden or in certain landscape situations, but in front of our homes they look “old school” and boring. It is past time to shake up our foundation plantings. To accomplish this, we need to use different plants, shapes, colors, and more curves!
For years gardeners have used boxwood and Japanese hollies along the foundations of their homes. These have been popular plants because they are evergreen, can mature to heights that remain under windows, and are fairly easily sheared into different shapes and sizes. The problem is that they have become incredibly generic. It seems like many foundation plantings look the same with a single row of sheared shrubs and nothing else. One way to avoid this look is by using different plants. The idea of using an evergreen shrub that matures to around four feet in height is fine, but there are plants other than boxwood and Japanese holly that can fit the bill.
There are many new plant introductions that can add excitement to boring foundation plants. One such introduction that I selected for my yard is the Obsession Nandina (Nandina d. ‘Seika’).
This Nandina is an evergreen, dense shrub with brilliant red foliage on new growth and in the fall. Obsession Nandina is beautiful planted in mass or as an accent and grows just 3-4 feet high and wide given full sun to part shade. Nandina is a plant species that has many uses in the garden. Their foliage color, texture, and the ability to produce flowers and berries can add a ton of interest to the garden. These low growing Nandinas will require very little pruning, but if they do need to be cut I will selectively hand prune them. Shearing these plants will result in the same old formal linear shapes that I want to avoid. By hand pruning, the plants are allowed to grow their own way, and have more of an informal look.
Many people have started using another type of holly called ‘Carissa’ holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Carissa’). ‘Carissa’ is a great little evergreen shrub that is different from Japanese hollies in texture and natural form. The leaves of ‘Carissa’ are much larger than those of the Japanese hollies, providing a coarse texture to the garden. The plant itself maintains a nice tight mound shape, rarely requiring pruning.
Given the correct lighting, plants such as Encore Azaleas and Gardenias can also be utilized as backdrop plants in foundation plantings.
Both Azaleas and Gardenias are quite variable in size depending on the specific cultivar used, ranging from a couple of feet in height, to over six feet. Gardenias and azaleas would also add color to the landscape through their flowering ability.
Speaking of color, there is nothing wrong with using plants that have different or interesting foliage color as foundation plants. Are you tired of green “bushes”? Try using plants with variegated or colored foliage. Sunshine Ligustrum is an interesting new plant introduction with evergreen, golden yellow leaves.
Sunshine adds a little tropical flare to the garden through its foliage, and can reach 3-5 feet in height and spread.
Using plants with different forms intermixed in a foundation planting will add interest, depth, and help accent nooks and corners of your home. ‘Emerald’, ‘Degroot’s Spire’, and ‘Holmstrup’ are all cultivars of Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) with a columnar growth habit that can be utilized on corners of homes to help frame the house and landscape.
These plants can mature anywhere between eight and fifteen feet in height, but will not grow much wider than three feet. They fit nicely in tight spaces. These plants are conifers (evergreens like pines or leyland cypress) and their textures combine well with those of broadleaf evergreen shrubs. Curly leaf Ligustrum (Ligustrum j. ‘Coriaceum’) and sky pencil holly (Ilex c. ‘Sky Pencil’) are both broadleaf evergreen shrubs with columnar habits that can be used in the same manner as the arborvitaes. Even some of our camellias have narrow, upright growth habits so that they can be intermixed in the landscape around our homes.
Bed shape can play a major role in the appearance of foundation beds as well. In many older landscapes, beds are the length of the front of the house, and four or five feet deep. This creates the formal, linear look that many try to avoid. By making our beds deeper and adding curves to our planting areas, we can create space in front of foundation plants to add a more diverse selection of material. This is where great landscapes set themselves apart from others. Some gardeners feel reluctant to add deciduous plants (plants that loose their leaves in the winter) to their landscape because they feel that their garden will look barren in the colder months.
This can be avoided with a nice evergreen background using some of the plants that we have talked about. Using a solid evergreen backdrop allows gardeners to plant Hydrangea, Spiraea, Rose of Sharon, Sweet Betsy, and many other deciduous plants that can add interest throughout the year. It also creates spaces for perennials and annuals, which both have long blooming seasons.
Being brave and breaking the mold of past landscapes can provide you with an opportunity to have something different in front of your home. The classic music of the 60’s and 70’s is still classic today, and for a good reason, but I feel like the landscapes of that era should have stayed in that time period. Does your landscape need a face lift?
Growing Jasmine in Containers: Outdoor Cultivation Tips
Consider the size of the container, ensuring it provides adequate space for the jasmine to grow without being dwarfed. The material of the pot also plays a role, with clay or terracotta offering better aeration compared to plastic.
Furthermore, proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot, so opt for a container with sufficient holes at the bottom. By making informed choices, you can provide your jasmine plant with a suitable home for healthy growth and beautiful blooms.
Selecting the Right Container
Choosing the right container for your Jasmine plant is the first step towards success in your outdoor jasmine container gardening endeavor.
Don’t be swayed by appearances alone – while a container might look stylish or fit with your garden’s aesthetics, its practical aspects are far more crucial. Your container needs to be large enough to accommodate the mature size of your jasmine, but not so large that the plant is dwarfed.
Also, consider the material of the pot; while plastic pots are lightweight and cost-effective, clay or terracotta pots offer better aeration and prevent the soil from becoming too waterlogged.
A container with adequate drainage is non-negotiable. Jasmine plants hate “wet feet,” and stagnant water can lead to root rot, a detrimental condition that can lead to the demise of your plant. Ensure your chosen container has several holes at the bottom. If it doesn’t, don’t hesitate to add a few more with a drill. Remember, a healthy Jasmine plant starts with a good home, and that home is the container you choose.
Considerations for Choosing the Perfect Container for Your Jasmine Plant
- Size matters: Select a container that is large enough to accommodate the mature size of your jasmine plant. It should provide enough room for the roots to spread comfortably without being overly cramped. However, avoid choosing a container that is excessively large, as this can result in the plant becoming dwarfed and less visually appealing.
- Material considerations: Take into account the material of the container when making your selection. Plastic pots are lightweight and cost-effective, but clay or terracotta pots offer better aeration for the roots and help prevent the soil from becoming overly saturated. Clay pots also have the added benefit of being more visually appealing and can contribute to the overall aesthetics of your garden.
- Adequate drainage: Ensure that the container you choose has sufficient drainage holes at the bottom. Good drainage is crucial for jasmine plants as they are susceptible to root rot caused by stagnant water. If the chosen container does not have enough drainage holes, you can create additional ones using a drill. Remember, proper drainage is non-negotiable for the health and well-being of your jasmine plant.
- Aesthetics versus practicality: While it’s tempting to choose a container that matches the style and aesthetics of your garden, prioritize the practical aspects over appearances. Functionality should be the primary consideration, as a healthy jasmine plant relies on a container that meets its needs for space, drainage, and aeration. Look for a balance between functionality and visual appeal to ensure both the plant’s well-being and the overall beauty of your garden.
- Consider climate and location: Take into account the specific climate and location where your jasmine plant will be placed. If you live in an area with extreme temperature variations, consider choosing a container that provides insulation to protect the plant’s roots from temperature fluctuations. Additionally, if you plan to place the jasmine plant in a windy location, select a heavier container or consider using stakes or supports to prevent the plant from tipping over.
Remember, the right container sets the foundation for your jasmine plant’s success. By considering the size, material, drainage, aesthetics, and the specific needs of your plant and environment, you can ensure that your jasmine thrives and adds beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space.
Soil and Potting Mix
Jasmine plants aren’t overly fussy about soil, but they do appreciate well-draining, fertile ground. When it comes to outdoor jasmine container gardening, consider using a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil. Potting mixes are designed to be light and airy, offering better drainage and root aeration compared to the denser garden soil, which can compact over time and stifle the roots.
Apart from choosing the right soil, it’s important to prepare it correctly. A slightly acidic pH between 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for jasmine plants. You can easily amend the pH of your soil with garden lime or sulfur, available at most garden centers. It’s also beneficial to mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to boost the nutrient content of the soil. This will give your jasmine a healthy start and keep it thriving throughout the growing season.
Watering and Drainage
Watering is both an art and science, and it’s no different when it comes to jasmine plants. Jasmine prefers moist, but not waterlogged soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and the buds to drop. The key is to maintain a consistent watering schedule based on the plant’s needs, which can change with the seasons and the plant’s growth stages.
Drainage plays a critical role in the watering process. The excess water needs a way out of the container to prevent the soil from becoming saturated. Hence, ensure your container’s drainage holes are unobstructed and working efficiently. If your jasmine is placed on a patio or decking, consider using a saucer or drip tray underneath the pot to catch any excess water and prevent staining. Remember to empty the saucer regularly, though, to avoid water logging the roots.
Fertilization and Nutrient Requirements
Jasmine plants, while not heavy feeders, will benefit from regular feeding during the growing season. A balanced liquid fertilizer, with equal amounts of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K), applied every two to four weeks can help support lush growth and abundant flowering. However, avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
In addition to balanced fertilizer, your jasmine may appreciate a little extra dose of phosphorous and potassium to encourage blooming. You can supply this through a bloom booster fertilizer or natural sources like bone meal and potash. Also, remember to check the pH of your soil periodically. An optimal pH will ensure the plant can absorb all these nutrients effectively.
Pruning and Training in Containers
Pruning is an essential part of jasmine care in containers. It not only helps to maintain the plant’s shape and size but also encourages better blooming by directing the plant’s energy towards flower production. Pruning should be carried out in early spring before the new growth starts. Cut back the previous year’s growth by about one third, removing any weak, dead, or diseased stems in the process.
Training your jasmine is as important as pruning, especially when growing it in a confined space like a container. Training involves directing the growth of your jasmine plant, often with the help of trellises or frames. This can help to create a more compact, tidy appearance and can even allow you to grow jasmine in a small patio or balcony garden. Choose a sturdy trellis or frame, and tie the jasmine stems loosely to it using soft garden ties.
Pruning and Training Techniques for Container-Grown Jasmine Plants
Pruning Techniques:
- Timing is key: Pruning jasmine plants in containers should be done in early spring, before new growth begins. This allows the plant to focus its energy on producing new blooms throughout the growing season.
- Maintain shape and size: Regular pruning helps to control the shape and size of your jasmine plant. By cutting back about one third of the previous year’s growth, you can prevent the plant from becoming unruly or overgrown in the container.
- Remove weak or diseased stems: During the pruning process, remove any weak, dead, or diseased stems. This promotes overall plant health and reduces the risk of pest infestations or diseases spreading within the container.
Training Techniques:
- Guide growth with trellises or frames: Training your jasmine plant is essential, especially when growing it in a limited space like a container. Use a sturdy trellis or frame to guide the growth of the plant and prevent it from sprawling or tangling. This not only creates a more compact and tidy appearance but also allows you to grow jasmine in small patio or balcony gardens.
- Secure stems with soft garden ties: Tie the jasmine stems loosely to the trellis or frame using soft garden ties. Avoid using materials that can damage or constrict the plant. The ties should be loose enough to allow for growth and movement but firm enough to support the stems as they develop.
- Regularly check and adjust: As the jasmine plant grows, periodically check and adjust the ties and supports to accommodate its expanding branches. This helps maintain proper growth direction and prevents any potential damage or strain on the plant.
By combining proper pruning techniques with effective training methods, you can promote healthier growth, encourage abundant blooming, and ensure that your container-grown jasmine plant remains well-maintained and visually appealing throughout the growing season.
Protecting Jasmine in Winter
Winter can be a challenging time for your container-grown jasmine, especially if you live in an area with harsh winters. The root system of container plants is more exposed to the elements than those in the ground, making them susceptible to freeze damage. To protect your jasmine, consider wrapping the pot in bubble wrap or burlap to insulate it. Alternatively, you can bury the pot in the ground or move it to a more sheltered location.
Remember, jasmine plants are semi-evergreen, which means they will lose some of their leaves during the winter. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s a normal response to the colder conditions. However, ensure your jasmine doesn’t dry out completely during winter. While it requires less water than in the growing season, it will still need some moisture. Water sparingly, but don’t let the compost dry out completely. Come spring, your jasmine will reward your care with a flush of fresh growth and intoxicating blooms.
FAQ
Can you grow jasmine in a container outside?
Jasmine can be successfully grown in containers outside, making it a versatile plant for various gardening situations. Container planting allows for greater control over the growing conditions and offers flexibility in terms of placement and mobility. With proper care and attention to watering, fertilizing, and providing adequate sunlight, jasmine plants can thrive and bloom beautifully in outdoor containers.
Does jasmine grow well in a container?
Yes, jasmine grows well in a container. While some jasmine species are more suitable for container cultivation than others, many varieties adapt well to container environments. Container planting provides the opportunity to create a controlled growing space, ensuring proper soil conditions, drainage, and mobility for sunlight exposure. Regular pruning and fertilization, along with suitable pot size, promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
How big a container does jasmine need?
Jasmine plants require a container that provides ample space for their root system to grow and spread. Generally, a container with a capacity of at least 10-15 gallons (38-57 liters) is recommended for accommodating the root growth and allowing for proper nutrient uptake. However, the size of the container may vary depending on the specific jasmine variety and its growth habit. It’s important to select a container that provides enough room for the plant to develop without becoming root-bound.
