Well, it's just past Memorial Day and we're working up to the 4th of July (in the USA, at least) ... I am looking for recommendations on a set of three complementary varieties in Red, White and Blue to plant in a medium-sized round pot (about 15" wide). The site gets full sun in the morning, and stays hot all day during the summer with reflected light/heat from the buildings across the street. I've no real preference, just that I don't want a huge shrub.
I'm hoping for something like this (not necessarily these exact flowers, though):
I found this site that offers the following suggestions, but it is not clear to me how to pick a species that will thrive in my environment and with my gardening skill level:
Red Geranium Combination
Red geraniums are a great centerpiece for a fourth of July potted container because geraniums are a floral choice that keeps giving and giving. Geraniums, when deadheaded, can continue to bloom and bloom all summer long. Pair this flower with white alyssum with will drape over the side of your pot and also flower all summer, and purple or red salvia plants which add their own pop of color without dominating the combination.
Red Celosia
For a unique and interesting red flower, try Red Celosia, which slightly resembles the seeded head of bushy ornamental grass. These plumes should be planted at the center or towards the back of the container because they can grow from two to three feet in height under the right conditions. Pair these with blue lobelia, which produces masses of tiny flowers that drape when planted near the edges of the pot and Silver Dusters, which are shorter than celosia and have a great white color.
Red Petunias
Red Petunias come in several different varieties, and each is a great base for your patriotic potted combination. If you opt for tall, traditional petunias, they should be the centerpiece. Wave petunias are long growers and will drape themselves over the side and down the length of pots. Pair red petunias with white snapdragons, which push up tall spikes and flowers along the stem and blue bachelor’s buttons.
