It’s May, which means it’s almost time for our team to begin summer plantings! Exterior containers in the Midwest shift quickly with the season, especially in a climate like Columbus where ever-changing weather demands plants that can perform. Each year, our team looks for new varieties that can not only handle the climate, but bring something a little unexpected: color, texture, shape, or overall impact.
This season, our Exteriors team has selected a mix of new introductions and unique picks that we’re excited to incorporate into our summer plant designs. Here are five stand-outs to watch for this summer:
‘Ping Pong Purple’ Gomphrena
A unique new addition
This variety brings a playful, architectural element to summer containers. With its vibrant purple globe-shaped blooms and upright habit, gomphrena adds height and structure while still feeling light and whimsical. Beyond its visual appeal, it’s a strong performer in the heat. Drought tolerant and long-lasting, it holds up well in sunny, high-exposure areas and continues to look lively deep into the season. It also happens to attract pollinators, making it a great choice for more “living” displays.
‘Monarch Magic’ Ageratum
New for OGI this year
This isn’t your typical ageratum. ‘Monarch Magic’ has a more relaxed, spreading habit that works beautifully in mixed containers, softening edges and adding fullness without feeling heavy. Its soft texture and consistent blooms make it a reliable base plant, while its pollinator-friendly nature (especially for butterflies) adds an extra layer of movement and interest. It’s a great example of a plant that works hard behind the scenes, while still contributing to the overall design.
‘AngelFlare’ Black Angelonia
New for OGI this year
Angelonia is a summer staple for a reason, but this variety brings something a little different. ‘AngelFlare’ has a more open, flared look that gives containers a natural sense of movement and space. It thrives in heat and humidity, making it especially valuable during peak summer months downtown. With its upright blooms and light structure, it pairs well with trailing plants and other sun-loving varieties to create balanced, layered designs.
Bromeliads
A bold, unexpected choice
For a fun tropical look, bromeliads offer a completely different texture and form than traditional summer annuals. Their vibrant color and sculptural shape make them a natural focal point in containers, especially in partially shaded areas. Because they hold water within their structure and require minimal soil, they can be a surprisingly adaptable option in certain exterior applications. Used thoughtfully, they add a unique, high-impact element that stands out from more typical seasonal plantings. These aren’t commonly seen around Columbus — we’re proud to utilize them in our plantings this season!
‘Diva La Vida’ Mixmaster
A custom-grown combination for OGI
This custom mix was created specifically for balance, both in color and performance. Featuring complementary calibrachoa varieties in Cha-Cha Deep Blue and Cha-Cha Diva Hot Pink, it creates a full, trailing effect that brings immediate impact to containers. These combinations are designed and tested to grow together evenly, meaning you get a cohesive look from early season through peak summer. It’s a great example of how thoughtful plant pairing can simplify upkeep while maximizing visual impact.
Designed for Summer Performance
While each of these plants brings something unique, they all share one important trait: they’ve been selected to perform in real-life summer conditions. Summer containers in commercial environments face constant exposure — heat, sun, wind, and daily interaction. That’s why our exterior programs don’t just focus on design, but on long-term success through plant selection, placement, and ongoing care. With regular maintenance and proactive attention, container plantings will continue to evolve and thrive throughout the summer months.
Looking Ahead to Summer
As temperatures rise, these selections (and more!) will begin to show up across our exterior installations, bringing new energy and color to commercial spaces throughout Columbus and beyond. Summer is one of the most dynamic seasons for exterior plantings, and when planned well, it’s also one of the most impactful! We’re looking forward to seeing these varieties come to life.
Interested in refreshing your exterior containers for summer? Our team can help plan, install, and maintain seasonal displays designed to perform. Let’s collaborate!
