Question
How do Hydrangas do in pots?  What about Gerber Daisies?  I will soon be moving to a condominium where I will not planting space.  I cannot imagine being without a garden so I'm hoping to container garden.  However, I've not had a lot of luck growing things in pots outside so I could use some help.  Any tips?  Thank you.

Answer
Hydranga is a perennial. It will grow very well in a pot. The problem is, perennials only look their best when they are blooming, and that sometimes isn't very long. The rest of the time you are looking at the plant, without flowers.
While the Hydranga is beautiful when it is blooming, unfortunately, in the winter when it goes dormant, it is very ugly.
I don't recommnend Gerber Daisies, unless you are an experienced grower. They are fussy, and take very exacting care to do well.
I would suggest buy large attractive pots. Then fill them with seasonal blooming annuals. I don't know what climate zone you are in, but there are some semi-hardy plants that will bloom in the winter, such as winter pansies, and primroses. Bulbs can also be added. Plant the bulbs deep enough so that you can put the annuals over them, or take them out when they are through blooming, and store them to be replanted in the fall. When the danger of frost is past, then you can remove the winter plants, and plant a colorful display that will last all spring and summer, until you replant the winter plants again. It is possible to have flowers all year. Check with your local nursery to see what they sell for winter bloom. They will be able to tell you what will grow in your area.
If you are having bad luck with your plants, there are many places to go for information on how to care for your plants. In books, on the web, magazines, TV, or you county extention office.
Watering is probably the biggest killer of plants.
I tend to under water, rather then over water. I check the plants every day. If they look dry, I give them a deep watering. I make sure the roots are very wet. Then let it dry again before I water again. Don't forget to check the soil every day.
Use a very good potting soil. Try to find one that has fertilizer and soil moisture control in it. It will be more expensive, but it will be worth it. When you plant, fill the pot up to the top. Put in the plants, then gently press them in, so that the roots have contact with the soil, but don't compact the soil by pressing too hard. Then water so that the soil is saturated.
If you pay close attention to the soil, and moisture, your plants will thank you by blooming their heads off.

bakerplanter.