What should I plant here?

last year

I have this 14" diameter planter in my backyard. What can I plant that is pretty low maintenance as far as watering, but can also make it through the winter? (Zone 6a in central Indiana). I don't have a preference as far as shrub or flowers. TIA!

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Comments (12)

Paul F.
last year
Add some pictures taken from further back... a wider shot of the area.
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mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
last year
Is the planter going to make it through the winter? It looks like it is ceramic, and those often don't.

Aside from that, I wouldn't count on anything surviving the winter. There are annuals that can work, and strategies for less watering of the annuals that can work. However, winter is reliably done with painted branches, cut conifers, and other arrangement material.
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Kara Gladish
Original Author
last year
@Paul sure thing, here's another photo.

@Mad_gallica Thanks. Yes the planter has made it through a winter. I previously had a lavender plant which didn't make it though. I was eyeing a boxwood shrub but wanted to explore other options first.
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enajasereht
last year
A soft touch holly would fit there but in the ground not a pot. It's only grows a few feet high and wide.
Kara Gladish thanked enajasereht
beeboo22
last year
I pinned this conifer the other day. Stays small and green https://mrmaple.com/products/buy-chamaecyparis-obtusa-chirimen-dwarf-hinoki-cypress
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Kara Gladish thanked beeboo22
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last year
For anything to survive over winter in a container, it needs to be hardy to at least 2 zones lower than yours. In your zone 6, you will need a plant that is hardy to at least zone 4..... and preferably lower.

Dwarf Alberta spruce is a possibility.
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Kara Gladish thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
partim
last year
Boxwood is not a good choice. It's susceptible to an increasing number of leaf diseases and insect problems.
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Kara Gladish thanked partim
partim
last year
How about some native plants? https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/container-gardening-with-native-plants
Kara Gladish thanked partim
Kara Gladish
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
@beeboo22 ah that is cute!

@gardengal ahh that is very helpful!

@Partim good to know, thank you. From the list you sent, I'm thinking maybe a little bluestem!
floraluk2
last year
Do you intend to leave the pot in that position? If so I think it is too small to make an impact. I'd plant up the flowerbed and use the pot elsewhere.
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Eileen
last year
last modified: last year
Containers need daily watering in the summer, and since you may miss some days, I suggest something drought tolerant. Kent Beauty oregano is an ornamental oregano with interesting blue-green foliage and pink bracks. It would be very pretty in the blue pot and will cascade down the sides. Make sure you use the proper planting mix, not soil from your yard.

https://www.hortmag.com/container-gardening/ornamental-oregano
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Kara Gladish thanked Eileen
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last year
Highly unlikely the oregano will overwinter in a container in zone 6.
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