It’s mid-summer and our attention moves from Mother’s Day, Graduations and Father’s Day to July 4th. Wanting to show a little national pride and spruce up your outdoor spaces? Consider making a patriotic planter to celebrate Independence Day. 

The first step in choosing your plants!  

There are so many options for red, white and blue flowers. Here are some great ideas:

Red: Geranium (partial sun to full shade & a continuous bloomer), Asian Poppies (tall, striking flowers that like full sun), Ranunculas (rose-like blooms that are deer resistant), Cone Flowers (intensely red and fragrant as well as drought-tolerant) and Pentas (lovely cluster flowers that bloom all summer long with 6-8 hours of sun).

White: Shasta Daisies (a classic, long-lived perennial with frilly double blooms), Angelonia (also known as ‘Summer Snapdragon’ this is dough tolerant, and requires no dead-heading), Tall Phlox (full sun to part shade, fragrant and attracts pollinators), Sweet Alyssum (resilient with beautiful blooms and also tolerates some shade) & Impatiens (a lovely little annual that is flexible: full sun to part shade. Bright white with dark green leaves).

Blue: Delphiniums (tall & striking, these make a great focal point in your planter), Hula-Hoop Petunias (blue, ringed with white, they will need lots of water, but so pretty), Blue Nemesia (a subtle beauty that blooms through fall in well-drained soil) & Isotoma ( a low-growing plant with star shaped blossoms remind me of fireworks).

Next, Choose Your Container:

The idea is using red, white and blue plants. That said, you could easily use a neutral container and still have the desired effect. However, these are some fun ideas:

1. Use all red, white or blue containers.
2. Another impactful design idea is to use one of each and fill with loads of red, white and blue flowers
3. Use old pots painted in chalkboard paint and add your own messages with chalk (for instance: “Star Spangled,” “Land of the Free,” “Home of the Brave,” “USA” and “America”)
4. Select fun containers that already complement your theme. 

Here are some of my favourites, but get creative and look around. You’ll be amazed at how many great options you’ll find:

American Flag Grow Bags

Fade-Resistant Art Pots

Classic Ironstone Metal Planter in Red

White Resin Self-Watering Planter

Deep Blue Planter with Color Variation

USA Planter & Drainage Plate

Finally, Fill ‘Er Up!

How to Make a Patriotic Planter? You’ve selected your plants, planter and now it’s time to assemble. Choose a top quality potting soil like Miracle Grow. 

Fill your container loosely and arrange your plants, adjusting them to your liking. It’s always a good idea to keep tall specimens towards the back or centre of the arrangement so that smaller plants still can be well-seen AND get enough sun. When you’re pleased with your design, gently tip the roots out of each plant and settle them in place in the soil. Back fill as needed to fill your planter and secure plants in place. Water in place, giving the planter a good soak. Place your pot in desired location and enjoy your festive new look!