Full Sun Planter Ideas - Containers that Will Last All Season

Learn about full sun planter ideas including which containers to use, plants to purchase, and how to arrange them.

Recently I showed you some tips and ideas for a shady planter. Today I'll show you my favorite full sun planter ideas, along with a few other tips. 

Growing a lush and beautiful planter in full sun is easy. There are many choices at the nursery, so it helps to have a game plan in mind before you go.

Here's a similar planter photographed in the middle of the season last year.

Full Sun Planter list for video

Salvia 'Black and Blue' - 1
Stock 'Harmony Purple'- 6 pack
Calibrachoa (million bells) Minifamous Double Pink Vein 3 - 4 in pots
Alyssum 'Clear Crystal White' - 2 - 4 packs
Lobelia 'Palace Blue' - 6 pack

Best Containers for Full Sun Planters

I like to plant in large containers. Typically fiberglass and plastic these days, because the industry is producing really pretty ones for today's market. They hold up well, are easy to move, and help retain water longer so that you don't need to get out the watering can or hose every day.  Larger planters can also mean that your plants will have some extra room to grow and pull moisture from. Finally, larger means more plants, resulting in a very beautiful and lush planter.

Basic formula and my favorites for sunny spots

You've probably heard of the Triller, Filler and Spiller formula. I love it and find that it always works well when creating flower planters.

Thrillers

Any tall plant for the middle or back if your planter is going to be up against the wall.
Salvia (shown),  Angelonia, Cannas, Grasses like purple fountain grass

Fillers

Several mid-sized mounding type plants, to plant around the tallest or directly in front of it.
Supertunia, Verbena (shown), Stock, Geraniums. 

Spillers

Any trailing or vining plants to spill over the edge.
Calibrachoa (shown), Lobelia, Alyssum, Lantana, Vinca Vine

More Full Sun Planter Tips:

1. Don't be afraid to crowd the flowers into the container. For the short amount of time they will be growing, usually 4-5 months the tight space will not make a difference.
2. Make sure you leave about an inch of space between the soil and the lip of the planter so that water does not run over the edge.
3. My watering schedule is every 3 days, with a good soaking, preferably in the morning. If it rains (not just a passing shower) you can skip watering. During the peak of summer, or if you live in a very hot climate with many days in the '90s, you may have to water more often.
4. Consider adding a slow-release fertilizer to your potting soil like Osmocote.
5. The choice is yours but I believe choosing colors in a similar hue is more pleasing to the eye. I tend to favor cooler colors but if you prefer warm tones, there are tons of reds, yellows, and oranges, many in the varieties listed above, that will work just as well.

Creating a full sun planter is a great way to relieve stress and enjoy the beauty of nature. Gather your flowers and plant a stunning planter for everyone to enjoy, the entire growing season.

P.S. I have a list of favorite annuals that work well for me in my flower containers that you may be interested in. I also plant perennials in my containers. Some of them come back every year, and sometimes I'll transplant them into the ground after the summer.

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