Do you have a front door that is crying out for some easy-to-care-for color? This pot arrangement might just do the trick.
Nurseries should be spilling over with begonias, so look for some in gallon containers that are already 8 inches tall. Get three of them, along with some variegated Vinca major (either gallon or six packs is what you will most likely find). This vinca works especially well in pots as a trailing plant. You will need to remove stubborn stems that insist on growing vertically, but soon, you will have a nice cascading effect for your pot.
These plants do nicely with a strong hose spray to deadhead and keep powdery mildew and insects at bay. Also, spray with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks for nice growth.
As for temperatures: The begonia is cold-sensitive, but will be fine if kept in a protected area. I have had this pot continue for three years!
If you only have 20 minutes in your desert potted garden this week: Deadhead and fertilize all potted flowers this week!
Marylee is the founder and former owner of The Contained Gardener in Tucson, Ariz. She has become known as the Desert’s Potted Garden Expert. E-mail her with comments and questions at potteddesert@gmail.com, and follow The Potted Desert on Facebook.