The Red Geranium
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Specializes in unique container designs, seasonal flower gardens, wreaths, and indoor planters Visit our website at: www.the-red-geranium.com
Our favorite combination for shade flower scapes: caladiums, sun patiens, begonias, and Japanese grasses. Simple, elegant and bursting with lush goodness all summer long. (And y’all know I love caladiums almost as much as I love coleus!)
Fun fact: For those of us in zone 8A and higher, sun patiens really do not enjoy the sun at all. Our southern sun is way too extreme for them. They actually prefer semi-shade to shade, with a little bit of morning sun.
There are six of these large flower beds on this property, and here’s what we used in each:
- Postman Joyner Caladiums
- Carolyn Whorton Caladiums
- Soft Pink Dragon Wing Begonias
- Cherry Red Sun Patiens
- Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ Hakone Japanese Forest Grass
The begonias will need to be trimmed back every couple of weeks, but other than that, this is a very low maintenance combination. The Japanese grasses have that stunning chartreuse shade, which sets off the beautiful reds, creams, and pinks beautifully. And, they are a perennial, and will spread slowly to create a beautiful border.
To make your containers and your flower scapes pop, try adding lime green (creeping jenny, potato vine, Japanese grasses) silvery gray (like dusty miller or artemisia)), and/or white (euphorbia, fan flower, begonias) and promise you won’t be disappointed.
06/08/2026
Full sun perennial combinations are seemingly endless. And that’s the best news ever for a gardener, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro.
I like to pair bright, airy, upright flowers like salvia and guara with mounded perennials like artemisia and lantana, and then blend in some low growers like catmint and oregano to fill in along the bottom.
The combinations are endless, as is the joy you will receive every time you come across the perfect pairing. Remember, most perennials are fairly hardy, so if they don’t work out where you have them, simply move them to another part of the garden where they will be happier.
There are no wrong answers in gardening. I always say “plant what you love, and love what you plant.” And now is the prime time to get out there and play around in your garden and come up with some combinations that make you swoon.🤍🌸
What are your favorite combinations in the garden? Share them below so we can all help each other out. And, as always, if I can answer any questions, drop them in the comments below.😊🌸
We design and install flower scapes and container gardens in some of the most beautiful spaces throughout Northwest Georgia. Follow along as we take you on our gardening adventures, share some tips and unique recipes, and have a whole lot of fun along the way. 😊
Gardenias may be one of the most beautiful shrubs in the garden, but when it comes to deadheading, a little patience goes a long way.
Many gardeners see a bloom starting to turn yellow and immediately pull it off. The problem? If the flower doesn’t release easily, you can accidentally damage the plant stem.
Instead, only remove blooms that are completely spent, those crispy brown flowers that have finished their show. If a bloom is yellowing, let nature do its thing. When it’s truly ready, it will practically fall into your hand with the gentlest touch.
A few more tips for keeping your gardenias looking beautiful all season:
🌿 Keep them consistently watered, especially during hot weather. Gardenias don’t like to completely dry out.
🌿 Mulch around the base to help maintain even soil moisture and keep roots cool.
🌿 Remove any dead or damaged branches as you spot them to keep the shrub tidy and healthy.
🌿 Feed with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants according to label directions to encourage healthy growth and deep green foliage. I typically use the same 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer that I use for my azaleas and camellias. I have found that makes a great one that is multi-use.
Sometimes the best thing you can do in the garden is nothing at all. When it comes to yellowing gardenia blooms, patience pays off!
Do you grow gardenias? I love “Diamond Spire” with its curly, textured leaf, and compact design. I’m also a big fan of the traditional “August Beauty.” Tell me your favorite variety below. 👇
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Kennesaw, GA
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