You know I like to bring the outside inside with my interior design.
Similarly, in the summer, I like my porch decor and plantings to flow naturally from my interior spaces.
That means blue and white striped cushions and throw pillows on my porch furniture.
And, of course, a blue and white color palette for my container plantings!
Today I am sharing 16 easy-care blue and white annuals I used this year in the pots on my back deck and front steps.
Maybe you are still working on your summer plantings.
Or you might be doing a little refresh on annuals that are already tired from the heat.
Many of these plants also make a lovely transition to fall when paired with rose colored grasses, ornamental cabbages and golden-hued blooms.
Whichever it might be, I have you covered!
My Pot Plantings
I have a collection of blue and white pots on the back deck and stone-colored ones on the front steps that I fill with plants during the summer and into the fall.
As with my interior decor, for my potted plants I lean towards a casual cottage mix-and-match style. (Heavy on the mix!)
Not necessarily adhering to to the “thriller, spiller, filler” method, but rather groupings of smaller pots filled with plants of differing heights, colors, and textures.
I like things to be natural-looking, not stylized.
On the back deck I used only blue and white plants, but kept things interesting by using both darker, lighter, and different hues of “blue”.
On the front steps I also mixed in a few plants with yellow flowers for a pop of bright color.
For more on using texture and color in your plantings, check out my post from last year: Fresh Color and Texture for Your Planters Heading Into Fall.
This year I was thick in my Homeworthy prep and feeling a little frazzled when I shopped for my summer annuals. I grabbed a bunch of different plants, keeping my blue and white color-scheme in mind, but not feeling great about how they would all come together.
But once I got them planted, and particularly now that things have started to fill in, I am loving the combinations!
Remember I am going for a natural mix-and-match look.
NOTE: I get direct sunlight on the back deck from sunrise until late morning/midday. The front steps get afternoon/evening sun.
Let’s get planting!
Blue Plants
There are few true blue plants in nature.
Most “blue” flowers are really purple.
If it says “blue” on the tag, though, I treat it as that, mixing all the different hues together.
MYSTIC SPIRES BLUE SALVIA
There are both annual and perennial Salvia varieties. Mystic Spires is an annual, and the all-star of my garden and pots. It grows 24-30 inches tall and wide with deep purple-blue flower “spires” lasting from early summer until frost.
SALLYFUN SKY BLUE SALVIA:
I am a huge fun of annual salvias in general. This was a new one for me this year. It is smaller than the Mystic Spires. I love the paler “blue” color.
BLACK AND BLOOM SALVIA:
Another favorite Salvia variety. This one has striking black stems. Like the others, it puts on a show from early summer to first frost!
BLUEBERRIES AND CREAM COLORUSH PETUNIA:
How could I not choose this petunia for my Maine garden?! I love the deep purply-blue center with the creamy white edge!
TECHNO LIGHT BLUE SPREADING LOBELIA:
A spreading plant with almost true-blue small blooms. No dead-heading necessary!
SOLAR POWER BLACK HEART ORNAMENTAL SWEET POTATO VINE:
A foliage-only plant, with large heart-shaped leaves. It is a great dark accent to the lighter blues and whites.
MARINO BLUE HELIOTROPE:
A new one for me this year. It has large multi-headed fragrant blooms. So far so good!
CENTAUREA BLUE BOY (BACHELOR’S BUTTONS):
I adore Bachelor’s Buttons, because these are one of the few almost true-blue flowers. This is the first time I have ever tried them in a pot. (I tried planting some in the wildflower meadow with not much success…) Some of them just bloomed and I am in love!
SCAEVOLA HYBRID BLUE BRILLIANCE (FAN FLOWER):
Dark blue mounding plant. Dead-heading not necessary!
White Plants
The white plants really make the blue ones pop and always look fresh with the green foliage.
DYNAMO WHITE ZONAL GERANIUM:
A classic! Ball seeds describes it: “The ultimate geranium for garden beds, with big, bright flowers and crisp, medium green leaves. They do well in large containers, too!”
FIREHOUSE WHITE VERBENA:
With regular deadheading, this will bloom all summer long. Great for hanging pots. (I have it in some wall pocket planters.)
CANDYTUFT SUMMER SNOWDRIFT:
A “tender” perennial, which is an annual here in Maine. Profuse bloomer throughout the season. Low maintenance filler or ground cover.
BACOPA MEGACOPA WHITE:
Hundreds of white blooms cover these trailing plants all summer long.
SURFINIA WHITE IMPROVED PETUNIA:
Petunias are another classic that I always include in my pots. These don’t require deadheading to encourage more of the large funnel-shaped blooms, but I still like to remove the spent flower heads to keep things tidy!
ROCKET WHITE SNAPDRAGON:
Snapdragons are a classic cottage garden flower. This is the first time I have tried them in my garden and pots. They were teeny when I bought them, but growing steadily and have some flower buds.
PROFUSION WHITE ZINNIA:
This is the first time I have planted these zinnias, but they are coming in well. This is the only Zinnia with a large white daisy-like flower with proven disease resistance. They are supposed to flower summer into the fall with no pinching or pruning needed.
This Week Into Next
Happy guests
I had friends — former coworkers — visiting for the July 4th holiday.
We had beautiful weather on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Then woke to fog Friday for their departure.
It is always great to have old friends visit! We shared some home-cooked meals and toasted our friendship with prosecco, and, one evening fancy cocktails overlooking the harbor in Camden.
There was relaxing deck time and also a fun outing to the shops in town.
We explored the local cemetery, with headstones dating back to the 1800’s, many honoring those “lost at sea” or “drowned”. I love to try to imagine what this peninsula was like way back then.
They didn’t have the usual fireworks in our little village on the 4th, but we were able to catch some from the back porch!
All-in-all a fantastic visit!
Now I have a week off and then more friends arrive. I love summer!
Homeworthy
Most of you are probably aware that my Homeworthy episode came out last Sunday.
You can watch it HERE!
Thank you to all of you who have reached out with kind words! I appreciate them all so much.
I am of course grateful for this amazing opportunity and honored to have been featured.
But I was surprised that it has left me feeling somewhat exposed and rather vulnerable. And even quite drained.
I was fully aware that Homeworthy videos are viewed on YouTube, a platform that I have chosen not to involve myself with.
However, I hadn’t thought at all about the YouTube comments section… I have really only skimmed the over 200 comments on my episode. And the very large majority of them are amazingly kind.
But of course there are those that are decidedly not. And while I don’t really care that someone I don’t know had to stop watching because I said “um” so many times. Or that another stranger had to mute the audio because I apparently smack my lips.
It still stings, though. Especially for this introvert.
And then there are those who criticized my design sensibility. That smarts even more.
One of them had the audacity to call my beloved collections “nautical tchotchkes”. Someone else complained about all of my stripes. What? I received a mini-lecture on what a true New England home looks like, and it apparently only contains things that are used. No decorations.
I certainly don’t expect everyone to love my home. (Especially when they are a professed minimalist…) But you can still appreciate a home that is different than what you would choose for your own. And I feel that there is a big difference between what the haters always seem to call “clutter”, and the carefully curated items that I have filled my home with and which bring me joy.
And then to add insult to injury (or maybe more accurately injury to insult…) was the poor quality of the video itself. The local videographer they contracted had never done anything like this before, and unfortunately it showed. One of my favorite things about this home is how all the large windows make it feel so light and open. In many shots, though, it looks like I live in a cave. Believe me, it was not that dark in the house when he was filming.
I have watched the tour once, and I am proud that I did something that was scary for me. I am happy now, however, to hunker down for a bit, back in my comfort zone behind the camera and keyboard.
Thank you again to those of you who reached out with kindness and support.
On to the next adventure!
Well, maybe I will wait a while…
That’s it for this week! Zoë is on a trip to Newfoundland, so there is no In Zoe’s Kitchen newsletter.
I so appreciate that you chose to join me here this week!
Dear Molly,
I have been following you for a while now and so enjoy your journey to Maine. I have lived in the mid-Atlantic region all my life but share your love of Maine, where I have vacationed in fall over many years. I do not post and this is probably only my second comment to a posting. However, I wanted to tell you how talented you are in decorating and in sharing in words all of the things you love. It is unfortunate that some people feel that they need to share negative comments. You have to believe that they are probably very unhappy – either with themselves or with life in general. Please don’t ever let these unkind comments deter you from your wonderful gift of sharing.
Take care,
M
Hi Margaret — Thank you so much for taking the time to post and for your supportive words. My mind tells me to ignore the negative comments, but my heart has a harder time. As I said in my post, I am happy here behind the camera and keyboard.
I know some things were hurtful but consider the source and move on quickly! Because in the scheme of things it’s your house and you love it, your family and friends love it so smile and give those precious puppies a hug and add one for yourself! You are a brave, creative and talented person!
Oh my, Marci, thank you thank you for your kindness and support. I always encourage all of you to decorate in a way that brings you joy. Sometimes I need to listen to my own advice! Have a wonderful week!
Molly~I never knew there were so many varieties of blue flowers. Your outside is definitely just as lovely as the inside. I always appreciate the hard work and research you put into your informative blogpost each week, plus I feel like I’ve gotten to visit you and your beautiful property even if it is virtual. Speaking as an Uber introvert myself, putting yourself out there in front of a camera and video takes a lot of courage. What has made someone so bitter they feel they must make critical comments?
Loved seeing the deck and outdoors and the fog added an extra layer of beauty in my opinion.
Hi Julie — You have been supporting me and cheering me on since almost day one! Thank you for that. My heart just needs to be a little tougher, ha. And yes, the colors of the flowers do pop in the fog!
My first thought upon seeing the containers on the deck was “are you kidding me? They’re incredible “. Like wow did that combination in those pots on that weathered porch IN THE MIST look beautiful! I was so excited to watch your Homeworthy video, and I ❤️ it! You were great and I learned so much even thought I’ve read every post. You are so pretty and younger than I expected too, given your expertise in decorating. I have much to say but didn’t comment on the site. Seriously how can the trolls say those mean things? They have to be jealous miserable people. I would have a hard time feeling exposed and mocked if it were me. You were brave. And I’m so glad you were because I enjoyed it considerably.
Hi Pamela — I am so happy you enjoyed my Homeworthy tour. Even though it left me feeling vulnerable, I am still glad I did it. It is good to stretch outside my comfort zone, and yes probably good to hear the negative feedback too. I won’t be “um-ing” and smacking my lips on camera again anytime soon, though. 😉
You did a fantastic job. I loved every minute. Thanks for diving in and doing the interview. It was a great way to see all your collections. Your bed has always been a favorite of mine. Never listen to the nay sayers. They just weren’t brought up very well. Your home is lovely❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Deborah! I am glad you enjoyed all my “clutter”, ha! And yes, I think the bed is such a special piece, though I know it is not for everyone.
Oh Molly, I think you did an awesome job for the Homeworthy tour. Don’t let the “nay sayers” get to you….. unfortunately, they are out there. You should feel proud that Homeworthy chose you & your beautiful coastal home. And ….. M&C were on their best behavior!!!
Thank you, Janet! Yes, I am so very grateful for the opportunity. And I guess if I put myself out there I have to expect both the positive and negative feedback. I somehow just didn’t think of it. Having M&C by my side helped to calm my nerves a bit!
I thought your Homeworthy video was lovely. I especially enjoyed all the outdoor views and all your interior scenes and New England touches. Todays post about the flowers was very helpful, too. I’m kind of tired of the things I use every year and will perhaps try some of your suggestions. I just want to add, that as a young girl, in 1968 I lived with my Aunt and Uncle on a point (called McCarters) in Cushing, right above the St. George River. It was one of the most special times in my life. Anthing that reminds me of that time is a joy. Other than that, I have lived in Ohio, which is very different, but beautiful and home sweet home for me.
Hi Jean! Thank you! I hope today’s post proves useful for you and others! Cushing is right in my neck of the woods, no wonder my posts bring back memories for you! Have you been back since you were young? One of our daughters went to school at Denison University. Such a lovely area!
Oh Molly! I am so sorry that some reviewers were so unkind. I look forward to your post every week. So many of us find inspiration in your beautiful photos and warm descriptions of your home, family and that beautiful state of yours, Maine! Please continue to share your adventures with us. Your love of making a house a home shines through in every one of your posts, and I am always inspired by you to continue that process in my own life and home. Thank you for casting aside your “introvert” tendencies each week, and opening your home and heart to us! We’re out here; can you hear our applause?
Hi Lili — Thank you! It is for readers like you that I post each week. I need to remind myself of that when I hear the negative comments. Everyone is entitled to their opinion… I am glad that my love of home, whatever that might look like, shines through.
Molly, to start, you are AMAZING! As is your HOME. You created a wonderful space for your friends and family and most importantly you, your husband and pups to live in an enjoy.
I am sorry that you received any negative comments, especially from minimalists. Why would they even comment? It is not their style.
It is easier said than done not to read, listen or take notice of their comments. The house looked wonderful and so did you. I cannot even imagine how nerve wracking it is to be filmed.
Now, on to the flowers! They look beautiful! I have already taken not because I love blue and white flowers and have used several in my landscape in the front of the house. Apparently they are quite tasty because the deer love them too!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you, Elizabeth — You helped me get this blog off the ground and have always been so supportive. That means a lot to me. We have many deer in the area, but, knock on wood, they have avoided my plants so far. What did they eat?!
Your tour was terrific! There will always be naysayers, so ignore them. It is so easy to be mean behind a keyboard where you will never have to face the person. I love Maine! I lived there for three years and would have stayed, but I grew up in Oregon and home and family were calling after spending 23 years (20 in Montreal) on the east coast. I am not a blue person, but I am an antique collector (with parents who collected) and my transfer ware collection is brown!
Thank you, Cathi! I am so happy you enjoyed my tour. I love the brown transferware too and have a few pieces myself! I guess I should feel sorry for those who consider our treasured collections “tchotchkes” or “clutter”. They are missing out on some real joy in life! Happy collecting!
Hi Molly,
Just ignore the haters. You have designed a gorgeous home that reflects you and your family. Isn’t that what “home” is all about?
I loved the video and you were so warm, welcoming and personable. Also, I loved your dress! Care to share where you purchased it?
I enjoy your blog and look forward to it. Keep up the good work!
Hugs, a dreamer
Thank you, fellow dreamer! I never tell someone they need to decorate like me. I just encourage people to fill their homes with things that have meaning to them and that they love. I got my dress last year. It is made by Saint James. Not sure if they have something similar this year. Have a lovely week!
I love your flowers and the foggy backdrop, Molly. Just beautiful! It sounds like you also had a wonderful visit with your friends. I’d love to do that, but suspect we’ll all have to retire before we can coordinate our schedules.
I finally got to watch the Homeworthy tour today, and thought you did a great job! You have such interesting stories about creating a new life in retirement, moving to a place that inspires you, building and decorating your home, your collections, and starting social media accounts to document it all. In my career, I have to produce video and photo shoots and supervise the pros, so I know they would see all the windows and lighting as a challenge and probably prefer to film on a cloudy day. The time of day and some indirect interior lighting also would be critical. Regarding snarky internet trolls, I hope you can ignore them. I can’t imagine seeking out opportunities to be critical of something so lovely. The best homes reflect their inhabitants and tell stories, and you’ve aced it!
Hi Kerri — Thank you for your kind words. And I appreciate your informed perspective on the lighting. I have recessed lights in the living, dining, and kitchen. I wish they had told me to turn them on! Live and learn, though I don’t think that I have any other videos in my future, ha.
Your Homeworthy presentation was delightful. So enjoyed strolling with you through your home as you showcased your collections and unique combinations of furniture, patterns and textures. Your coastal Maine design style is so warm and inviting!
Thanks for sharing your home and creative ideas. Aloha
Hi Sandra! Thank you! I am so happy you enjoyed the tour!
I am so sorry for the unkindness of others. It is a hateful world sometimes these days. I loved your Homeworthy spot and felt the charm of Maine flow through you. My son and daughter live in Massachusetts and have bought a weekend place in Maine. It is truly a joy traveling there and I think you represent whats wonderful about the state and the folks that live there.
Hi Cheryl! Thank you so much! I think I just need thicker skin, ha. How fun to visit your son and daughter at their place in Maine! Where is it?
Molly You Rock!
No matter what we do there will always be those that are unkind, & just unhappy. You are amazing because you stepped up & stepped out with something you haven’t done before. That’s how we keep growing.
Keep on keeping on!
Molly in Texas ♥️
Hi Molly! I love your positive attitude! I think you rock too! I hope you are staying cool in Texas!
Molly, those pits are spectacular! And just perfect for your beautiful home.
It makes me sad that there are negative comments on the you tube video, but as wise Lenora once told me.. a person’s reaction says much more about them than about you! Would be a sorry life to be full
of so much venom. Lucky for us, you’re sharing warmth, beauty and kindness!
Thanks, Mary K! You will get to see the pots in person in just over a week! Yay! I like your mom’s wise words. That is a great way to look at it. Can’t wait to see you and Cindy!
You had me at “blue and White”. I too love blue and white flowers with either yellow or green as a 3rd color (and also consider purple as blue). Some of these flowers I have used or are familiar with, but you gave me some new choices. The Fan Flower is especially attractive and unusual so I will be researching to see if it will grow in my area.
I too enjoyed your video, and am so sorry you received the rude comments! Unfortunately social media sometimes brings out the worst in people.
I say you can’t go wrong with blue and white or blue and yellow! I am happy you enjoyed the Homeworthy tour. Thanks for watching!
Shake off the haters Molly! I’ve been watching Homeworthy tours for quite a while and I could never be comfortable in 90 percent of those homes. Honestly, they look like expensive furniture showrooms. Your home I LOVED, and you should be super proud of it. Lots of inspiration for me and many others I’m sure. Thank you for getting out of your comfort zone and sharing your beautiful Maine home with us. Relax and enjoy the rest of the summer!
Thank you, Karen! Shaking off the haters as I type! There are all kinds of homes and styles out there. We should all do what makes us happy. Thank you for joining me here in Maine!
Hi Molly,
I loved your Homeworthy video. It was as though I had come to your door, and you took the trouble to show me around. Forget about the glass half empty people, they’re not worth it. All the best to you.
Hi Susan! Thank you! If you had actually come to my door, I would have been much less nervous, you would have seen that my house is actually light and bright, and I would have shown you the guest cottage too, ha! Thanks for reaching out!
Thanks for sharing the plants and your pots. Such great inspiration as I also decorate mostly with blue and white. I loved the video and plan to watch it again so I can absorb every detail. I’m not sure why people feel the need to be unkind. I watch videos about decor styles I don’t use myself, but would never think to be critical. How boring the world would be if we all did everything exactly the same way!
Hi Kim — I agree totally! Each home should be tailored to the individuals that live there! I guess in some ways, though, that is why the negative comments hurt — my home is such a deep expression of who I am. So when they criticize my home, it feels like they are criticizing me. But ultimately, they don’t know me and I don’t know them, so I shouldn’t care. Thanks for reaching out!
You are in good company, Molly. Martha Stewart got zinged for her decorating choices this week, as well. Love your home and your style!
Hi Nicki — I had a look at Martha’s IG page after I read your comment, and yes, she certainly did. I don’t understand why people feel the need to criticize. I guess it makes them feel superior. I myself feel better when I spread positivity. I have the feeling you are that kind of person too. Thanks for reaching out!
Molly, I’m delighted that your Homeworthy episode has dropped, I’ve been looking forward to it … and just watched the entire thing. Your home looks beautiful, I enjoyed the photography and loved every minute of the tour including your commentary. Oh and your striped shirt dress … tres chic. I know you know … we all know … and yet still we allow mean-spirited comments to hurt our feelings. And I hope with a few days perspective you’ve been able to, in the immortal words of Taylor Swift, Shake Shake Shake, Shake It Off. Fooey on anyone who watched your beautiful tour and had anything other than high praise for your vision, design and creativity. Onto other topics, I’m glad you had a fun 4th with friends. Love all your blue and white plant suggestions. I’ve made a note of them and when our current heatwave subsides I’ll be off to the nursery. It’s time to do a little refresh of my containers and some of our border plants that proved too tempting for the local critters. Happy Monday! xo
Thanks, Juliet! I am glad I did the tour — it was a good experience for me! But I am moving on now… I have other friends arriving tomorrow. I love summer in Maine! From what I have seen, your gardens look spectacular! One year I would love to plant some raised beds with veggies. Add that to my list of “one years”, ha! Have a great week!
I loved your suggestions for blue and white in your pots. I’m glad you have been experimenting so I can just follow in your footsteps! I recently found bachelor buttons too and what a wonderful flower it is. I think your shade of blue is a little prettier than the ones I am growing at the farm! And I think your your Homeworthy tour was brilliant. I enjoyed it so much and loved hearing about how you collected the items in your house and how you considered displaying them. What a creative talent you have!!!! I didn’t bother to read reviews of it and I’m so sorry that people shared so much negativity. They know nothing! Low tide is one of my favorite views but in this case it is too bad the tour wasn’t filmed with bright blue full tide. And it is too bad that the videographer wasn’t better. But that has nothing to do with your beautiful home! And your amazing decor!
Thanks, Amy! Your garden and pots looked beautiful, as always! Too bad we didn’t get over to visit your farm plot. I would have loved to have seen it! And I would have been happy to pull a few weeds, ha!
Molly–
Many of us understand and applaud your bravery to be in front of the camera! You did a great job and it was fun to see your home this way in order to understand how the rooms flow. Thanks for sharing Maine, blue and white, and your meaningful pieces with all of us who don’t live in such a wonderful setting!
Hi Connie — Thank you for your wonderful support. I means so much to me, and helps me to carry on with this public life I have somehow found myself leading.
I’m sorry they didn’t get an experienced videographer for your tour, but I still feel that the video showed how wonderful your home is. You were brave to step out from behind the camera, but even braver to read the comments. I know that Mom is smiling down on you for what you have done and is proud of you. Enjoy your week off and I hope the remnants of Beryl don’t get you.
Thanks, Liss. I hope Mom enjoyed having her wonderful collections and antique pieces showcased. I didn’t read all the comments — just skimmed them. And I haven’t looked at them at all in a long while…. Thanks for your support!