A Few Plants Can Make a Finished Display
Pansies don’t need lots of companions to look good. A container filled with one variety can make a lovely statement, especially when you repeat it on both sides of an entrance. Mixing colors adds a more relaxed, collected feel.
If you want a little more variety, pair pansies with a cool-season accent such as ornamental cabbage or kale. Their larger leaves provide a different texture alongside the smaller flowers. Choose companions with similar light and watering needs, and give each plant enough room to grow.
Think about where you’ll see the container most often, too. A pot beside the steps should have flowers visible as you approach. A planter viewed from the sidewalk may benefit from a simple color combination that reads clearly from a distance.
You can finish the display without adding another plant: set a pumpkin beside the container, group it with a smaller pot, or move it closer to a bench. Give the flowers room to be seen, and keep your walkway clear.
The Refresh Is Easier Than You Think
Once you have your plants and supplies ready, the planting itself is straightforward. Gather your pansies, fresh potting mix , gloves or a hand trowel, and a watering can (links for all of these items), then give your container a quick refresh:
- Clear out tired plants. Remove spent summer flowers and their roots. Keep healthy companions that will work for the cooler season.
- Check the potting mix and drainage. Replenish loose, well-draining mix as needed. Replace mix that’s badly compacted or drains poorly, and make sure drainage holes are clear. If the previous plants had disease problems, start with a clean container and fresh mix.
- Arrange before you plant. Set the pansies in place while they’re still in their nursery pots. Move colors around until you like the combination, following the spacing on the plant tags.
- Plant at the right depth. Gently remove each nursery pot and loosen tightly circling roots. Set each pansy at its original growing depth, fill around it, and lightly firm the mix. Keep the crown, where the stems meet the roots, uncovered.
- Water everything in. Leave a little room below the planter’s rim, water thoroughly, and let the excess drain away.
Keep That Freshly Planted Look
Choose a spot with plenty of fall sunshine, and make checking your planters part of your usual porch routine. A little regular attention goes a long way:
- Check for moisture. Water when the surface of the potting mix begins to dry. Water thoroughly when needed, and empty any saucer that holds standing water.
- Pinch off faded blooms. Remove spent flowers and seedpods to keep the planting tidy and encourage more blooms.
- Feed as directed. Follow the fertilizer label and account for any fertilizer already included in your potting mix. Our team can help you choose an option and explain how to use it.
- Watch the forecast. Pansies enjoy cool weather, but containers may need a sheltered spot during prolonged hard freezes.
These are small jobs you can work into a few moments outside, checking the soil on your way to the mailbox or removing a faded flower as you head through the door.
