How to Arrange Annual Flowers in a Pot

Pick a container that has plenty of depth for root growth. It must also have a drainage hole at the bottom. Consider the style and colors of the exterior of your home when choosing a pot. If you are in doubt, natural clay pots seem to go with everything.

Choose plants according to color and size. First, pick a taller plant (focal point) for the center of the arrangement. Mid-sized flowers will be planted all the way around the center plant. Last, choose two varieties of small flowers, such as bedding plants. Keep in mind the color combination. For easy color choices, stick to three color families, such as yellow, orange and blue. You may mix in neutral, white blooms with any other colors.

Forget about the container you've chosen, for now, except for the diameter. All the annuals you've chosen need to fit inside the pot. Place your individual potted plants onto a workspace and move them around until you have an arrangement you like.

Place stones over the drainage hole in the pot. This will ensure that the water moves out of the soil and doesn't puddle at the roots.

Fill the pot with potting soil to the bottom height of the tallest plant. Usually this is the center focal flower. Remove this plant from its pot and place it in the center. The top of the plant's original soil should reach ½ to 1 inch below the top of the new pot. Work enough soil around the tall annual to keep it in place.

Remove your mid-sized secondary plants from the pots and place them around the tall, center annual. Work soil between them to fill in air gaps.

Drop in the final smaller flowers around the mid-sized ones. Work soil into any remaining air spaces and between the small annuals and the inside of the pot.

Water the annual arrangement thoroughly. Keep the soil moist, but never sopping.