If you’re looking for a way to add a pop of the unexpected to your containers, including hardy edibles can be a wonderful way to increase interest and set your fall container apart. Brassicas such as kale and cabbage can be included to add rich color to your containers, while herbs such as oregano can lend texture interest. See below for ideas on how to include edibles in your autumn containers.

Add a touch of the unusual to the traditional (seen above)

A spray of wispy foxtail fern along with a touch of variegated ivy weave through a common mum-and-kale combination, adding a touch of flair to a staple fall arrangement.

1. ‘Cheryl’ chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum ‘Cheryl’, annual)

2. ‘Redbor’ kale (Brassica oleracea ‘Redbor’, annual)

3. Foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’, Zones 9–11)

4. ‘Glacier’ English ivy (Hedera helix ‘Glacier’, Zones 5–11)

Step it up a notch

The rounded shape of this container and the dominant cabbage and mum within it are calming in their familiarity, but the addition of a sprightly variegated grass gives the planter just the oomph it needs without making it too offbeat.

1. Variegated miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Variegatus’, Zones 4–9)

2. ‘Kamome Red’ ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea ‘Kamome Red’, annual)

3. ‘Pigeon Purple’ ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea ‘Pigeon Purple’, annual)

4. Foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’, Zones 9–11)

5. ‘Burnt Orange’ chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum ‘Burnt Orange’, annual)

6. ‘Glacier’ English ivy (Hedera helix ‘Glacier’, Zones 5–11)

Silver glows in the shade

Silver and variegated plants can illuminate a shady area. But silvery plants can feel cold and harsh when used alone. With the addition of a touch of deep purple flowers and foliage to tone down the brightness, the planting now glistens.

1. ‘Silver Falls’ dichondra (Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, Zones 10–11)

2. Variegated Japanese iris (Iris ensata ‘Variegata’, Zones 3–9)

3. ‘Amethyst Falls’ ornamental oregano (Origanum ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5–9)

4. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’, Zones 6–11)

5. Sorbet™ Blue Blotch viola (Viola cornuta ‘Sorbet Blue Blotch’, Zones 6–8)

6. ‘Goodwin Creek Gray’ lavender (Lavandula dentata ‘Goodwin Creek Gray’, Zones 5–9)

7. ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ euphorbia (Euphorbia characias ‘Tasmanian Tiger’, Zones 7–10)

8. Dusty miller (Senecio cineraria, annual)

9. ‘Redbor’ kale (Brassica oleracea ‘Redbor’, annual)

Illustrations: Elara Tanguy

Return to autumn container collection