Fragrant flowers and herbs, gravel paths and playful wooden pergolas: the charm of the Mediterranean garden is simply irresistible. With potted plants, water features, lanterns and of course lots of terracotta pots, you can bring a Mediterranean flair into your own outdoor area. Amphoras look particularly beautiful, bringing a romantic touch from the past and can be effectively staged as soloists in the middle of the flower bed or in an ensemble in front of the house entrance. Find out what makes amphoras so attractive, how you can plant an amphora and what you need to pay attention to.
Planting an amphora: an overview of the advantages and disadvantages
In ancient times, amphorae were used as disposable vessels for transporting food such as olives, oil, honey or wine. They had a bulbous shape with a narrow neck and a slender and pointed foot that allowed the amphora to tilt. At that time they were transported lying down. Nowadays, one or two ancient amphoras can still be found in museums, but the modern vessel with which we decorate our gardens has a solid base and can easily be placed upright. The terracotta pots can also be recognized by the two handles on either side of the neck, but these days the handles also appear more decorative and do not actually serve any function.
A modern amphora enhances the outdoor area and makes the Mediterranean oasis perfect. She is mostlymade from terracottaand looks very natural, especially when it develops a patina over time. The terracotta flower pots are made in numerous sizes, nowadays variants with a capacity of 5 L to over 60 L are available. So every hobby gardener can find the right one to suit their own needs. And if parts of the vessel chip off over time, there is still the option of placing the amphora on the ground and planting it that way.
However, the terracotta pots also have several disadvantages. On the one hand, the material is not winter-proof, so the containers should be placed in the garden shed or garage to be on the safe side. However, since they are usually large and therefore quite heavy, wintering them is a time-consuming and tedious task. They also take up a lot of space, so they are compared toPlastic flower potsfor example, impractical. Terracotta amphoras cost on average more than the wooden alternative. If you still decide to use terracotta flower pots, you should find out which plants are suitable before purchasing.
You have to pay attention to this when the vessel is standing!
If you want to plant an amphora and use it to set accents in the flower bed, you can choose between two variants: a standing and a lying amphora. The standing amphora can serve both as a vase in the house and as a planter in the garden. Above all, their shape poses a challenge to hobby gardeners. Especially with deep-rooted plants, there is a risk that roots will grow quickly in the amphora and that the large root balls will no longer fit through the narrow neck. Repotting, controlling pests and removing weeds become laborious tasks.
In this case, a plant pot insert is a possible solution. Optionally, you can avoid perennials and shrubs as well as flowers with deep roots and instead plant the amphora with ornamental grasses, herbs and ground cover plants. A good water outlet is an absolute must for the standing version. If water remains in the container, waterlogging will form, which most plants cannot tolerate. The location also plays a crucial role. Basically, the soil in terracotta planters dries faster because the material allows water to evaporate. A partially shaded location is therefore ideal. Plants that are well suited for a standing amphora include dwarf cypresses, lavender and spider plants.
Planting a lying amphora: tips and tricks
Lying amphoras offer numerous design options. They can be easily planted with several flowers and ground cover plants. There are no limits to your imagination; you can arrange several plastic flower pots in the amphora as you wish. In winter you can store the flowers in the garden shed and the amphora can stay outside. You don't have to worry if there are cracks on the surface, because they are what give the plant pot its Mediterranean charm.
Lying amphoras can be easily grouped together and form an attractive arrangement. For example, you can enhance garden corners or design the front garden flexibly. A large flower pot can also be used to hide unsightly spots outside.
Since the terracotta planters are available in different sizes, you can even plant a small amphora in the rock garden. Succulents or cacti that thrive in heat and strong sun and love dry soil work well there. Compact containers are also perfect for the balcony.
No matter whether lying or standing: an amphora is guaranteed to attract attention and become a highlight in the outdoor area. At the same time, it keeps the garden and terrace easy to care for and can be re-staged every year. Terracotta pots convey a Mediterranean ambience and spread a holiday feeling. They are offered in different sizes and colors and can be planted standing or lying down. Anyone who decides to use such a pot should think in advance about the choice of flowers and possible storage in the winter months. Since the material is not considered winter-proof, the amphoras should be stored in a garage or garden shed from November to March. So if you decide on larger containers, you also have to expect more effort in autumn and spring.
