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Container Gardening

drought tolerant ideas for new container?

7 years ago

I was just given this cement container and need drought tolerant and low maintenance ideas. Anything I have had in this blazing hot full sun location has had to be watered twice a day during July, Aug. and September. I don't even want to water daily - it needs to be able to go at least 2 days without watering during 95 degree weather. And I'd like to plant something that can stay there for years.

Is there anything besides a cactus that would fit the bill? If not, then I'd rather move the container elsewhere.

The planting depth of the container is abt 15" as is the width at the top. It tapers a little on the inside so the width of the bottom is probably 14".

Here is the container from 2 vantage points.

If it makes any difference, the overgrown nandina will be replaced this spring with a large trellis and a Lonicera "Major Wheeler". Also, the house is being vinyl sided in white with black shutters.

Thanks in advance for any advice. I'd really like to have something in that location but only if it's low maintenance.

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Comments (5)

Gibson Zone 9 (Central Valley, CA)
7 years ago
There are several grasses there are several tall grasses that would look nice. Some roses will make it a couple of days. Also, you could consider tree mallow / lavatera (pink ones are gorgeous.) My hibiscus makes it for two or three days. Rose of Sharon might work too. I'm less experienced than many of our readers - undoubtedly, you'll get great responses.
User thanked Gibson Zone 9 (Central Valley, CA)
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
7 years ago
Many plants will grow through drain hole into the soil and become increasingly drought tolerant.
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User
Original Author
7 years ago
I would like something evergreen if possible so the pot never looks empty. Apparently, wind is an issue for evergreens so it will need to be both drought tolerant and wind tolerant. I've been searching for dwarf evergreen shrubs or trees but often wind tolerance is not mentioned.

Also, some of the articles talk abt repotting every couple of years to a bigger pot. I want something that will stay small enough for my 15" pot.

Am I dreaming?
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years ago
"Am I dreaming?"

Pretty much :-) Plants that may be considered to be drought tolerant in an inground planting situation are NOT until properly established, somewhere between 2-5 years, depending on the plant. The same plant grown in a container, unless a quite large container, may NEVER be considered fully drought tolerant because it doesn't have access to that large soil mass and its ability to offer even minimal natural moisture levels.

FWIW, a 15" pot is not very roomy and depending on plant choice, will very likely not be offering the infrequency of watering that you prefer in your climate. And nothing but a plastic plant will grow in a 15" container indefinitely without attention to root pruning and periodic soil refreshing.

About the only thing I can think of that might work would be rosemary and particularly the rather compact cultivar 'Roman Beauty'. But I'm not sure how well rosemary would fare in your very humid summers. And it would need attention with regards to root pruning and/or up potting and soil refreshing at least every few years.
User thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
User
Original Author
7 years ago
I don't mind the root pruning, just don't want to have to perpetually buy larger pots. The objective is to use this pot which was given to me.

I think I will use the container in the backyard where it won't need evergreen plants. I can put a fern in it and it'll look good spring, summer and fall.

Thanks for the reality check, gardengal48.

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