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Part Sun Container Recipe: 12-Inch Wicker Basket Idea | Fernlea

Container Garden Recipes

Part Sun Container Recipe: 12-Inch Wicker Basket Idea

Looking for a Part Sun planter idea? Try our "Wicker Basket Recipe." We list the exact plants you need—including Super Spikes and Balloon Flowers—to create a lush, textured display.

By Fernlea Flowers

12-inch wicker basket planter on a wooden porch featuring a central Dracaena spike, pink New Guinea Impatiens, red Begonias, blue Balloon Flowers, and silvery trailing Lamium.

Container Garden Recipe: Part Sun Wicker Basket Planter (12” Round)

Looking for a charming, rustic addition to your porch? This Part Sun Container Recipe uses a classic 12-inch wicker basket to create a lush, textured display.

This design is perfect for areas that receive 4 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. By mixing the height of spikes with the trailing beauty of Lamium, you get a balanced look that thrives in partial shade.

Part sun wicker basket container garden with impatiens, begonias, lamium, and vertical spike

Quick Summary

Container Recipe #3: A 12-inch round wicker basket planted for part sun (4–8 hours/day), featuring a central spike, colorful bloomers, and trailing foliage. Ideal for porches, decks, and shaded patios.

Key Points

  • Sun exposure: Part sun (4–8 hours daily)
  • Container size: 12” round wicker basket
  • Design style: Thriller, filler, spiller
  • Best use: Front steps, patios, balconies
  • Maintenance: Low with regular watering

Plants Used in This Part Sun Container

This recipe balances height, color, and trailing foliage to keep the container full and attractive all season.

Circular planting diagram with letter A in the center and letters B, C, D, and E arranged around it in different colors.

The Plant Recipe

Container Size: 12-inch Round Container (Wicker Basket or similar).

Light Requirement: Part Sun (4-8 hours/day).

Plant List (See Diagram)

  • A: Super Spike (1) – The “Thriller.” Adds vertical height.
  • B: Platycodon (Balloon Flower) (1) – Unique blue buds that pop open into stars.
  • C: New Guinea Impatiens (2) – Large, vibrant blooms that tolerate more sun than standard impatiens.
  • D: Begonia (2) – Reliable color for partial shade.
  • E: Lamium (3) – The “Spiller.” Silvery foliage that brightens up shady spots.
Note: You can adjust the quantity of plants depending on how “instant” you want the full look to be.

👉 Learn more about Sun or Shade Garden? & Container Garden Recipes

External references:

RHS Plant Finder Toronto Master Gardeners: Gardening Guides


How to Plant Your Wicker Basket Garden

Step 1: Assess Your Lighting

Before planting, confirm your location. This recipe is designed for Part Sun.

Tip: Not sure if you have Part Sun or Shade? Read our Sun vs. Shade Guide to measure your light levels.

Step 2: Prepare the Container

If using a real wicker basket, ensure it has a plastic liner to hold soil, but make sure it has drainage holes. Without drainage, smaller containers will waterlog the roots. Remember that small 12-inch pots dry out faster than large ones, so be prepared to water often.

Step 3: The Soil Mix

Fill your container with a Soilless Media containing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This mix ensures proper drainage while holding enough moisture for thirsty plants like Impatiens.

👉 Learn more about soil components in our Soil Health Guide.

Step 4: Feeding Strategy

You have two options for fertilizer:

  • Slow-Release: Mix granules (like Osmocote 14-14-14) into the soil before planting. This lasts 3-4 months.
  • Water-Soluble: Use an all-purpose liquid feed weekly or bi-weekly.

👉 Read our Nutrient Guide to understand which numbers (N-P-K) your plants need.

Step 5: Planting Technique

Start with the Super Spike in the center and work your way out.

  1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball.
  2. Tip the plant upside down and gently pinch the bottom of the plastic cell to remove it.
  3. Loosen the root ball gently to encourage roots to spread.
  4. Fill with soil to 2 inches from the top.

Soil & Fertilizer Tips

Healthy soil is essential for container success. Soilless mixes drain well while retaining enough moisture for roots.

👉 Learn More about Soil Basics & Plant Nutrients Guide

External resource:

Old Farmer’s Almanac: Container Gardening

3 Expert Tips for Success

  • The Soda Can Trick: For deeper pots, crunch up aluminum soda cans and place them in the bottom. This creates bulk using less soil and makes the pot lighter to lift.
  • Pinch for Power: Pinch off existing buds and flowers from annuals before planting. This helps them settle in and put energy into root growth rather than sustaining old blooms.
  • Watch the Variegation: Plants with variegated foliage (like Lamium) often burn if exposed to too much hot afternoon sun.
  • Add fragrant plants near seating or walkways.
Hand dumping soil into large pot wearing gardening gloves
Gloved hands removing flower from plastic pot to transfer into large pot
Gloved hands removing flower from plastic pot and massaging the roots

FAQ: Part Sun Container Gardens

What is part sun?

Part sun means 4–8 hours of sunlight per day, ideally morning sun.

Can I swap plants?

Yes. Keep the same structure (thriller, filler, spiller) and substitute plants with similar light needs.

How often should I water?

Check daily in warm weather. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

External Resources

For more detailed care on the specific plants in this recipe, check these trusted guides:

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