Patriotic planters in red, white and blue

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May to commemorate the men and women who have died in military service. Any display should feature flower colors that fit a patriotic theme and consist of a combination of red, white and blue. In addition to choosing the correct shades of color, it is important to select flowers that will hold up well with minimal care. Memorial Day planters overflowing with red, white and blue flowers make a bold statement on your front steps or at Memorial Day ceremonies. Placed on the grave of a veteran these patriotic planters create a display of honor that continues to produce blooms all year. Making your own Memorial Day container garden or planter is relatively easy and allows you the freedom of choosing the flowers you prefer. Select a planter or container in the size you prefer. A half whiskey barrel makes a stunning display, but any container will do. Fill the container with a mixture of equal parts commercial potting soil, peat moss and perlite to make a lightweight container that drains well. If you intend to place the planter on graves, consider potting soil mixtures that contain moisture control pellets that swell when wet and slowly release moisture as neededRed White and Blue Petunia PlanterSelect petunias in red, white and blue to fill the container. These easy to care for plants require little care other than watering and bloom profusely from late spring until the fall frost. Look for varieties labeled as self-cleaning to eliminate the need for deadheading. Arrange sections of each color to create a wheel of color or intermix for brilliant colors that pop with red, white and blue.Red Geraniums, Blue Lobelia, and White Alyssum This container garden requires a bit more care, but provides brilliant color. Place one or two brilliant red geraniums in the center of the planter and surround with pure white alyssum and trailing blue lobelia. Deadhead geraniums to encourage continued bloom and water regularly to keep soil moist. This dramatic planting is eye-catching with brilliant red in the center and white and blue trailing over the sides.Red Cock’s Comb, Blue Lobelia and White CandytuftPlace red cock’s comb in the center of the container and surround with white candytuft. Place trailing blue lobelia around the edge to create a bold display of red, white and blue. Check soil often and water when dry.Red Begonia, White Heliotrope and Blue Florist CinerariaPlace a fiery red begonia in the center of the planter and surround with white heliotrope. Edge with blue florist cineraria. Water often to keep soil moist and deadhead as necessary.Don’t forget the living this Memorial Day. A red, white and blue planter to display in the yard makes a great gift for veterans and provides a constant reminder of how much they are appreciated.