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Continuing on from my previous post about selecting annual plants for pots to give summer colour in the garden, i often use perennials plant too. These will happily survive in pots for several years if given the right care. I'm planning a future post about making the post of your garden plants so check back soon....

Perennials & Grasses for Summer pots
Perennials offer a more long-term solution, often looking good for several years before they need revamping or moving on into the garden.  I have several pots which contain a mixture of perennials to give colour on and off all through the year.  My favourites are the Hardy Gerberas and Hardy Osteospermum like O. ‘Tresco Purple’which will reliably flower from June onwards, rest during the winter and then start again the following spring. For small post in a sunny position, Scabiosa shown in the picture are perfect as they flower for months on end with little care.
Along with the perennials I plant grasses like Carex ‘Evergold’, Ophiopogon nigrescens (the black grass) and Festuca ‘Elijah Blue’. These all give evergreen colour and texture.  For the trailers I use Thyme or Ajuga (Bugle) for evergreen foliage and colourful flowers – usually available in the alpine section at the garden centre/nursery.

​Shrubs can also be planted in pots for summer interest. In my next post i'll be suggesting a few to give summer colour to the garden.