Stone Trough Planting Suggestions

LoubyLoo

I have 2 stone troughs outside my front door. Every year so far I have filled them with Summer bedding plants which, as long as I water them, looks absolutely lovely. Here's the rub though because they are in the porch area so don't get any rain they must be watered. Since we are now planning to go away more in the Summer I really don't want to bother my neighbours again to water them for me.

I wonder if anyone can suggest any permanent small shrubs/plants I can put it which can survive up to 10 days without watering or am I asking too much? They are too heavy to pull out to get rain and wouldn't look right anyway so this is my only option apart from leaving them empty which I don't really want to do.

Thanks for anyone reading this ramble!

[Deleted User]

Alpines.

There are many different types available usually with very pretty flowers.

I have them planted on top of my insect hotel / house thingy and also in an old cracked sink and I never water them.

Do an internet search for 'alpine plants uk'* to get some good ideas.

* Don't search for 'Alpines UK' as this only shows pictures of a blue car which is a bit odd!

Farway

Sepervivums, low growing sedums?

[Deleted User]

Definitely alpines, I love them


There are soooo many gorgeous ones to choose from, going to a good local garden nursery/centre will show you just how many and what types there are.
Alpine dianthus I love !
Ground cover/low growing Erigerons could be used en-masse for a big display of just 1 species - love them too


I choose these over sempervivums because there's more scope for shape/form/colour during the year but if your eye prefers a plainer look then I would definitely go for the sempervivums.


Google gravel gardens for extra ideas too, they'll probably be talking about large areas in gardens but you could still get an idea which plants you're drawn to.

tori.k

Drip irrigation systems are cheap enough and give you a lot more flexibility on planting, Mediterranean plants would be your best bet top the pots with a mulch to help hold the water, Pelargonium ( would need over wintering), Gazanias and portulaca would work well, Lavender shrub wise for longevity I think you may be a bit disappointed with shrubs due to the limited flowering time unless climbers are a option Bougainvillea ? when your used to colour

madjackslam

Sepervivums, low growing sedums?

Second this. I've filled a trough with sempervivums. Once they get established they are weed-, watering and trouble-free.

andrewf75

I second the suggestion of Erigeron. Flowers all summer right into Autumn and barely needs any water

LoubyLoo

Sorry for the late reply. Great suggestions everyone. Thank you. I will try to get to the garden centre this weekend.

Thanks again.

Diana2014

You could combine some of these ideas for summer planting with a permanent shrub (or two) in each trough for year-round appeal. As long as you watered well before going away (and, if possible, mulched over the wet soil), any hardy shrub should withstand a few days without any more watering.
I've seen some stunning porch tubs with elegant evergreen shrubs which flower in winter or early spring, when other plants aren't actively growing.