Deck and Garden flowers
For decks with Southern exposure that have a little filtered shade during the day, try this winning combination: Hibiscus and Croton. The orange blooms and colorful leaves of the Croton plant are stunning and you will have non-stop color well into the Fall. Fertilize and never let the Croton get too dry or bake in the sun. Add to the mix a little Lantana in colorful yellow and orange, dracena for height, and some Vinca Vine or Ferns. Gorgeous!
Plan to water and fertilize regularly. Never let the Croton dry out and mulch in flower boxes. After trying combination after combination of flowers that just pooped out by August, the Hibiscus bloomed until the first frost in the fall here in New Jersey!
Photo by Lauran Corson