Town Park Urns - Bright New Look

I was going to write about the collection of coleus around town but thought I'd introduce the two newest members to the container collection.  There are two beautiful black metal urns just inside the Jefferson Street gates of the Town Park and the original plantings done by the City didn't survive the intense heat we just had so I added some new plants that are a little tougher and can withstand all day sun.  Just like the other containers, I added some moisture beads, then slow release fertilizer and a thick layer of mulch -- the basic recipe for success.   Let's check out what went into the urns......

The Skypencil Holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil') was original to the urn and is in the center; on either side is Euphorbia x martini 'Ascot Rainbow'; in front and back is Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' (commonly referred to as "Asparagus Fern" although it is not truly a fern); with one Lantana 'Chapel Hill' tucked in the center for a pop of bright yellow color that will echo the yellow in the euphorbia. 

Euphorbia x martini 'Ascot Rainbow'


20" tall x 20" wide
Reddish stems with green/yellow variegated leaves
Heat and drought tolerant

Easy to care for plant although watch for mealy bugs.

Lantana 'Chapel Hill'

16" tall x 24" wide
Heat and drought tolerant
Deer resistant
Butterfly and hummingbird attractor

Is considered a perennial in Zone 8
Blooms reliably from June until frost











Although the asparagus fern likes some shade, it can do fine in the sun.  This will be a great test for it in these urns -- not a bit of shade.  The Skypencil holly mature size can be 10 feet tall by 2.5 feet wide, but it is such a slow grower that there is no concern about it overtaking this pot. 

The asparagus fern, lantana and holly are easy enough to find in most nurseries.  Euphorbia 'Ascot Rainbow' is a little harder to find but you can get it at Thomas Orchards Greenhouse in Bishop, Georgia. 

Next time -- the "Under The Sea" collection of coleus -- a great array of colors and leaf shapes.