Creating successful combinations can be a puzzling situation. Will the plants grow well together? What are the most popular colors?
Will home gardeners like the combination once you’ve spent weeks growing it?
Here are some simple tips to creating successful combinations.
1. Pay Attention to the Color Trends Predicted by ExpertsThe “Color of the Year” from Pantone has embodied the spirit of the modern consumer from fashion to home decorating. For 2019, Pantone chose Living Coral, a color that “embodies our desire for playful expression.” For gardeners looking to express themselves in a lighthearted color like Living Coral, try these varieties: Illumination® Salmon Pink Begonia
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2. Track Winning CombinationsFour Star’s bar code tracking of retail sales gives accurate data on real buyers’ preferences. This information can help you plan for solid 2020 sales by growing the most popular combinations. Here are the Top 20 combinations from Spring 2019:
To see what varieties are in our best selling combinations, go to www.pwfourstar.com/combinations and download the Hanging Basket and Upright Combination PDFs. |
Gypsy |
3. Grow Proven Winners® Nationally Promoted RecipesTake advantage of Proven Winners national advertising and millions of marketing impressions by growing one or all of the 2020 recipes. Previous nationally promoted combinations continue to have excellent sales at retail. Don’t forget to continue to grow Above & Beyond, Bahama Beach and Bermuda Skies, which continue to be best sellers. |
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4. Give Customers the Colors They LoveWhat is their favorite flower color? |
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5. Select Varieties using Vigor RatingsChoose varieties with the same vigor rating to ensure all plants will grow at the same rate.
Fairy Fun |
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6. Mix Traditional Annuals CombinationsWho doesn’t love surprises? Creative growers are introducing non-traditional elements to make combinations more versatile for home gardeners with evolving tastes. Mixing in perennials, shrubs, tropical, even herbs and vegetables, can add value for gardeners interested in getting more out of their combinations.
Thank Me Later: |
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7. Don’t forget combinations for the shade!Combinations with shade-loving varieties continue to grow in popularity, especially when retailers highlight them with P.O.P. Many new varieties have been developed to thrive in both sun and shade, and are ideal for both hanging baskets and upright containers.
Dramatic Dragon: |