Chris Thompson writes:

"David E. Ross" wrote in
:

On 8/1/11 12:42 PM, Chris Thompson wrote:
Hi all

I just inherited a rectangular planter, about 3 feet by 16 inches by
16 inches deep. I am looking for suggestions on what to stick in
there. I live in Rockaway, NYC, close to the ocean, so salt might be
an issue. We do get hard freezes here. I would prefer some kind of
hardy perennial. Would some lilacs do OK in that size planter? I
don't know if they could take the winters. Thanks

Chris

Lilacs enjoy a cold winter. My daughter lives in Saskatoon, Canada,
where winter temperatures below -30F are common and lilacs are so
common that they are a cliche.

Salt should not be an issue if the potting mix in the container drains
well. You might want to add a little gypsum once a year to help
remove salt from the soil, but salt in the air should not be a major
problem.

However, lilacs are woody shrubs that can grow quite large. I don't
think your container is deep enough.

The best source of a recommendation might be a nearby comprehensive
nursery (not a hardware store or lumber yard).

Do you think one of the "dwarf" varieties might do well, if I kept it well-
pruned?

Lilacs bloom in early spring and are relatively unattractive the rest of
the year.

Dwarf lilacs are 4 to 8 feet tall.

I have 2 outside a window that I appreciate in spring but once I start
spending time outside, they're done.

I'd be inclined to fill a planter with annuals.


--
Dan Espen