16. THE ENDURING POPULARITY OF BLUE PLANTERS

Blue, blue, we all love blue. Could this be why blue planters continue to be so popular? Today’s consumers do indeed gravitate toward planters with natural, neutral shades and basic colors like black, white, and gray. But retailers have found that cobalt blue planters are standing the test of time and are still being sought out by planter lovers. It may be because blue is America’s favorite color. We love blue flowers and blue Crayola crayons. In fact, Classic Blue was the 2020 Pantone Color of the Year. We cannot get enough blue in our lives.

It’s no wonder, then, that there is such a great variety of blue containers available. The most common is the glazed cobalt blue planter. Anything that is planted in this deep, rich color seems to pop. But before you buy a ceramic planter, you should determine if it is a quality product. The only way to know is to ask and find out how the pot was made. Glazed ceramic pots can be waterproof and frost proof, provided the clay is fired at a high enough heat. The ceramic glaze that provides the color also affects the pot’s durability. You do not want cracks, and you won’t want the color to fade in the sun. Many ceramic pots cannot stay outside in very cold winter weather. Also make sure the planter comes with one or more drainage holes. This is essential.

Large, deep-blue glazed pots, unquestionably, are eye-catching. They make a stylish statement wherever they are placed. The combination of blue with green foliage is a soothing visual treat for the eyes, and it adds instant color to a deck or balcony. They can flank a front door, sit at the corner of a terrace, or even be placed within a plant bed.

Tall blue planters add a splash of enduring color to a patio or deck. Matching ones double the fun, as shown here. My friend, Joanne Goldstein, combined delicate blue lobelia and orange-toned Diascia, or twinspur.

An early spring planting in a cobalt-blue planter. The planting mix includes pansies, Johnny-jump-ups (Viola), white sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima), and yellow Nemesia (Nemesia strumosa). By Michael’s Garden Gate Nursery, Mount Kisco, New York.

A shiny, textured blue-glazed urn makes quite a statement next to green plants in the garden. No flowers necessary.

This blue pot is placed atop pot feet. This allows water to drain out of the pot—very important. The flowers greet visitors as they enter. Photo by Laura Hendrix McKillop.

The silver-gray foliage of ‘Silver Falls’ dichondra (Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’) spills exuberantly over a rustic wooden window box. The metallic gray foliage contrasts nicely with the large, deep green leaves and pink blooms of hybrid begonias.

Tall, slender planters like this one are perfect for the long, luxuriant yellow-leaved strands of creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’).

Myrtle (Vinca minor) is a tough, reliable trailing plant most often used as a ground cover. It offers evergreen foliage and blue spring flowers. Varieties include blue, white, or wine-purple flowers. Its dark green leaves look great when hanging over a white pot beneath brightly colored zinnias, as shown here.