Early in the year I start planning for my containers. I like to get a jump on figuring out what I want, so I can be sure and get to the nursery early enough to shop from the best selection. Trailing plants are an important part of nearly every container I plan. They’re great spilling over the sides of taller pots or creating curtains of foliage along the edges of window boxes. The following plants are ones I’d consider to be “super trailers.” They put on a lot of growth quickly and are extremely eye-catching in whatever application you choose to use them.
Learn more: Plants for a Wow-Worthy Container
‘Glacier’ English Ivy
(Hedera helix* ‘Glacier’, Zones 4–9)
Photo: Susan Calhoun
This is a wonderful addition to many container combinations. Good in both sun and shade, ‘Glacier’ is a variegated form of ivy that can take the occasional drought caused by forgetting to water. In many areas of the country, this plant will remain evergreen, looking parched in winter but staying attractive. English ivy is considered invasive in some states when planted in the garden, so a container is a great place to enjoy it safely.
St. Augustine Grass
(Stenotaphrum secundatum ‘Variegatum’, Zones 9–10)
Photo: FineGardening.com
This trailing grass drapes beautifully over the edges of a container providing excellent textural contrast. It likes sun, even moisture, and well-drained soil. You’ll often find it in local nurseries, but it is also available as plugs from online sources if you’re looking to plant a wall of it.
Illumination® Series Begonias
(Begonia cv., Zones 9–11)
Photo: Proven Winners®
Flowering super-trailing plants can also be the star of the show, versus simply providing a backdrop of foliage. There is a plethora of trailing begonias that are always attractive additions to shady containers and planters. Tuberous forms are especially stunning, thanks to their attractive dangling flowers. A range of colors are available for every taste and style, with most preferring rich, well-drained soils and frequent fertilization. The newer Illumination® series begonias mound up quickly and fall over the edge of a container with a lush array of blooms and dark leaves (Illumination® Scarlet pictured). The tubers can be collected after the first frost and stored like dahlia bulbs for planting the next year.
String of Pearls
(Senecio rowleyanus, Zones 9–11)
Photo: Diana Koehm
The growing interest in succulents in the garden has moved into the container realm as well. One particular super-trailer succulent that is worth mentioning is string of pearls, which can grow all the way to the floor from a hanging pot in short order. The “pearls” look so intriguing dangling from the edge of full-sun pots. In all but the warmest zones, you’ll need to bring this plant in for the winter, but it does make an excellent houseplant in a sunny spot.
‘Silver Falls’ Dichondra
(Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, Zones 7–11)
Photo: Michelle Gervais
No list of extreme trailing plants is complete without my favorite dangler, ‘Silver Falls’ dichondra. This is a great plant for mixing into nearly any plant combination. The tiny silver leaves grow strongly during the season without much care and are very drought tolerant. Mix it with dark colors or other silver-colored plants for instant wow. It’s surprisingly hardy into Zone 7 and is occasionally used as a lawn substitute. Grown it in full sun in average soil.
Just thinking about these great trailing plants makes me anxious to start planning for great containers this year!
To discuss these ideas or ask other gardening questions, chat with the author on the Gardening Answers forum.
To read more on Pacific Northwest gardening, go here.
*These plants are considered invasive in some areas of the country. For more information, please visit: https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/.
Susan Calhoun is the owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Photos credited throughout.
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