Can You Put Flowers In Pottery?
Planting flowers in pottery vessels is a timeless and visually pleasing way to display beautiful blooms. Ceramic, terracotta, porcelain, and other pottery materials have been used to hold and showcase floral arrangements for centuries. Pottery offers numerous benefits for growing and enjoying flowers at home or in the garden.
When selected and cared for properly, pottery planters provide an attractive home for many types of flowers. Theirporous nature allows for drainage and air circulation that flowers need. Pottery comes in endless shapes, colors, and styles to complement different spaces and decor themes. Planting in pottery vessels gives flexibility to move arrangements into optimal lighting conditions or for eye-catching display. This article will overview key considerations for choosing pottery and flowers, proper planting techniques, care tips, creative uses, and advantages of displaying florals in pottery.
Types of Pottery Vessels for Flowers
There are several common types of pottery vessels that can be used to display cut flowers and arrangements:
Vases
Vases are the most popular and versatile option for displaying flowers. Ceramic and terra cotta vases are classic choices that add visual interest and complement floral designs. Vases come in many shapes, sizes, and styles to suit different decor needs. Tall, narrow opening vases work well for large individual stems while wide, open vases can hold full bouquets.
Bowls
Bowls and wider containers allow flowers to spread out attractively. Both round and square bowls make unique vessels for massed flower designs. Shallow bowls keep blooms low and accessible on a table while deeper bowls give height to an arrangement. Terra cotta bowls bring an organic feel while ceramic bowls make a sophisticated statement.
Jugs
The casual chic look of put-together bouquets in a simple jug is a charming, easygoing way to display flowers. Both ceramic and glass jugs as well as pitchers make appealing options. Farmhouse, vintage, and rustic styles pair nicely with casually arranged or wildflower type bouquets.
Teapots
Whimsical and decorative, teapots make fun containers for mini flower arrangements or just a few blooms. Vintage teapots bring nostalgic charm while colorful ceramic teapots add a punch of vibrant personality. Small teapots can sit nicely on shelves, mantles or side tables as floral accents.
Choosing Flowers for Pottery
When choosing flowers for pottery, there are a few key factors to consider:
Height and Size
Choose flowers that will fit the size of your pottery vessel without overcrowding or getting too leggy. For large pots and planters, go for taller flowers like sunflowers, lavender, or dahlias. Smaller pots are best for compact annuals and perennials like violas, pansies, and dwarf marigolds. Trailing flowers like petunias or creeping Jenny are perfect for hanging baskets and planters.
Color
Play with color combinations to make your pottery flowers really stand out. Group blooms with coordinated or contrasting colors for visual impact. Bright citrus colors like orange or yellow pair well with blue and purple flowers. For a monochromatic look, stick to a single hue like all red or pink flowers. White blooms provide a clean, minimalist contrast against colorful pottery.
Scent
Fragrant flowers will emanate pleasant aromas when planted in pottery, especially near walkways, patios, or indoors. Some wonderfully scented options include gardenias, lilies, lavender, jasmine, roses, citrus trees, petunias, and sweet alyssum.
Preparing the Pottery
Before planting any flowers, it’s important to properly prepare the pottery container. Two key steps here are ensuring adequate drainage and cleaning the vessel.
For drainage, make sure the pottery has holes at the bottom to allow excess water to flow out. The holes should be large enough for water to easily pass through. If your pottery does not have built-in holes, you can drill some yourself with a power drill. Place at least 2-3 holes spaced evenly apart at the base.
In addition to drainage holes, put a layer of gravel or small rocks at the bottom of the pottery before adding any soil. This will further improve drainage. You can also place a paper coffee filter or small piece of mesh over the holes to prevent soil from washing out.
Cleaning the pottery thoroughly before use also helps plants grow successfully. Use warm, soapy water to wash the interior and exterior of the vessel. This removes any dust, dirt, or residue from manufacturing and storage. You can use a soft cloth, sponge, or brush to scrub the pottery clean. Be sure to rinse off any soap residue afterwards.
With proper drainage and a clean container, your pottery will be ready for planting flowers! Just add fresh potting mix and your botanicals of choice.
Planting the Flowers
When planting flowers in pottery, it’s important to arrange them artfully for maximum visual appeal. Choose a mix of heights, colors, and textures to create an interesting composition. Taller flowers can go in the back or middle, while trailing varieties can spill over the edges. Group plants with similar needs together. For a cohesive look, limit the color palette and repeat plants throughout the arrangement. Leaving some negative space instead of overcrowding will let each flower shine.
The planting mix you use will impact how well your flowers grow. An all-purpose potting soil enriched with compost provides drainage and nutrients. For moisture-loving plants like ferns or impatiens, use a soil formulated for containers with good water retention. Cacti and succulents thrive in a sandy, fast-draining cactus mix. Whichever soil you use, make sure it is loose and not compacted so roots can spread freely.
When placing your flowers, plant them at the same level they were growing in the nursery pot – the top of the root ball should sit level with the rim of the container. Planting too deep can cause stem or crown rot. Annuals can be tucked in more shallowly at 1/4″ below the rim. Pat the soil gently around new plants to eliminate air pockets. Resist burying stems too deep or packing soil tightly, as this prevents proper moisture and oxygen from reaching roots.
Sources:
https://unsophisticook.com/planting-a-perfectly-proportioned-garden-vase-in-3-steps/
https://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/tutorial-how-to-plant-flowers-in-a-pot/
Caring Tips
Proper care is crucial for flowers to thrive in pottery vessels. Here are some key tips on watering, feeding, and sunlight:
Watering is one of the most important factors. Check the soil moisture regularly by touching the surface. Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Allow excess water to drain out the bottom.
Feed your potted flowers every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for optimal blooms. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Slow release granular fertilizers added to the soil work too. Feed less often in winter.
Most flowering plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Move pots around to positions that receive sufficient light. Rotate occasionally for even exposure. Protect from hot afternoon sun in summer.
Other care tips include pruning spent blooms, cleaning pots, monitoring for pests, and repotting when roots fill containers. With proper maintenance, potted flowers can thrive for many seasons.
Creative Uses of Pottery
Pottery vessels with flowers can make beautiful decorative accents and centerpieces in the home. Here are some creative ways to use pottery with flowers:
Centerpieces
A pottery vase filled with fresh flowers or plants makes an elegant centerpiece for a dining room table or entryway table. Opt for symmetrical rounded shapes like spheres or cylinders for a balanced look. Add some greens like ivy or eucalyptus for texture. Position the arrangement in the middle of the table for maximum impact.
Wall Hangings
Hang a pottery vessel with flowers or vines on the wall for unique wall art. Opt for a style that complements your decor, like rustic terra cotta or polished porcelain. Use a hanging kit or mounting hardware to display. This is an easy DIY project for creating a beautiful focal point.
Wedding Decor
Pottery vases with floral arrangements can add a rustic, natural touch to wedding decor. Use assorted vessels down the center of long tables or cluster arrangements on side tables or the mantel. Fill with seasonal flowers like peonies or roses for a romantic look. For the ceremony, line aisles or the altar with pottery planters overflowing with blooms.
Source: https://za.pinterest.com/diesel4503/pottery-flowers/
Advantages of Pottery for Flowers
Pottery planters provide many benefits for displaying and growing flowers. Some key advantages of using pottery for flowers include:
Aesthetic Appeal
The natural beauty of clay adds artistry when showcasing flowers. Unglazed terra cotta, glazed ceramics, and other pottery styles create an organic and earthy look that complements floral arrangements. The textures and colors of pottery enhance the visual appeal of the plants. According to an article from Green Goddess, “The natural, earthy appearance [of ceramic containers] adds to the overall aesthetic” (https://greengoddess.com/ceramic-container-benefits/).
Long-Lasting
High quality pottery can stand up to years of outdoor exposure and frequent watering needed for flowers and plants. An article from Gardenesque states, “Frost proof [ceramic] pots…can withstand all weather conditions year after year” (https://www.gardenesque.com/blogs/the-garden-journal/advantages-of-clay-pots-vs-plastic-pots). The durability and longevity make pottery a smart investment.
Versatile
Clay pots and planters come in an endless array of shapes, sizes, and designs. This versatility allows choosing the perfect pottery vessel to complement different flowers and fit any space. Pottery works well for indoor and outdoor displays, hanging baskets, window boxes, and more. The variety of pottery styles provides creative flexibility when planting flowers.
Potential Issues
Ceramic planters do have some potential downsides to be aware of when using them for flowers and plants:
Weight – Ceramic pots are typically heavier than other pot materials like plastic or terra cotta. This can make them more difficult to move around or hang up [1].
Brittleness – Ceramic is more brittle than other materials, so the pots can crack or break if dropped or struck against a hard surface. Use care when handling ceramic planters [1].
Mold – The porous nature of ceramic makes it prone to developing mold if kept overly wet. Allow pots to dry out between waterings and check regularly for any mold growth [2].
Conclusion
Placing flowers in pottery can be an extremely rewarding and creative endeavor. With some basic knowledge of the pottery vessels available, which flowers work best, and proper care techniques, beautiful living arrangements can be achieved. Choosing the right pottery, flowers, soil, and location will help ensure success. Watering properly and providing sunlight is also critical. While some challenges like drainage issues or plant diseases may arise, they can be mitigated with careful preparation and attentive maintenance. Overall, planting flowers in pottery allows for unique, artistic, and lovely displays.
When deciding whether to place flowers in pottery, first consider your goals, the space you have, and the time you can dedicate to upkeep. Make sure to choose pottery suited for holding soil and plants. Pick flowers that will thrive together and fit the sunlight conditions. Prepare the pottery and soil thoroughly before planting. Water and care for the arrangement consistently. Address any problems right away. With the right approach, potted floral designs can flourish and add beauty to any indoor or outdoor setting. The rewarding results are well worth the effort.
