There are many choices of outdoor plants for pots and containers. We’ve listed a few below. Heucheras, Boxwood, Hostas, and Helichrysum petiolare. These plants have proven their ability to thrive in containers. You can choose any one to complement your garden and your space. But what are the best outdoor plants for pots? Read on to find out more! And enjoy! You’ll be glad you did!
Hostas
If you want a lush green plant in your pot, try growing a hosta. You can choose from different colors, and they can grow in either a vase or round shape. Hostas will fill up a pot quickly, and you’ll need to replant them every three years. You can also move them to a larger pot when they become overcrowded. They can also develop fungal rot in the crown if they are overwatered.
In general, hostas grow smaller in containers, but this can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on what you want to achieve with the plant. Choose cultivars that grow up to four feet tall. If you don’t mind growing smaller, you can choose any kind of hosta. But remember to cut the bottom portion of the pot so that it has a hole for the roots. Otherwise, the pot may crack during freeze-thaw cycles.
Hostas are great for pots because they can be kept sheltered from the sun and provide some shade. Their foliage is attractive and develops elegant shapes under the influence of light. Their flowers are also attractive and often scented, attracting bees. They also come in many different leaf patterns, colors, and sizes. They can be used to add drama to shady areas, too.
If you want to choose a miniature hosta for a pot, check out the ‘Blue Cadet’ hosta. It has heart-shaped leaves and blooms in mid-summer. In addition, ‘August Moon’ hosta is another excellent choice that can grow up to 40cm. Its large dark green leaves are edged in gold. In July, the plant produces masses of purple flowers.
Boxwood
The boxwood shrub comes in many species. While some are shaped into tight, uniform ovals, others send out branches that spill over the edge of the pot. They grow from two to six feet tall and are hardy in zones four to nine. Boxwood is a common choice for containers because of its drought-tolerant habit. The boxwood variety that you choose should be hardy in your region, but it is important to be aware of its winter-hardiness.
A large container is the best choice for boxwood. Its shallow roots require a large pot that is at least 12 inches wide. A container larger than this should be used for annual flowers. This will allow the roots to spread naturally without being crowded. If you’re planting a spiral boxwood, you may want to use a larger container. The wider the pot, the better. It’s also important to rotate the container for the boxwood to maintain its shape.
Boxwood does well in pots and does well in cold weather. A large container with a drainage hole is ideal. Unlike some other shrubs, boxwood can tolerate some winter damage, so make sure the container has enough room for the roots. For added protection, choose a container with a formal look. Choose a pot with a unique shape or color. It’ll look beautiful in a container and add a splash of color to your outdoor space.
If you choose to keep a boxwood in pots, you should prune it in the fall and cover it with an inch of compost. This will replenish the nutrients lost in the water. Boxwood can be replanted every three years, depending on its variety and container. If you notice its growth slowing, you should repot it. Otherwise, your plant may look weird for a season. If it seems like your container-grown boxwood needs a new pot, you should plant more.
Heucheras
Heucheras are great for pots because they grow in the same way as trees, with rings of foliage that stack on top of each other. This makes it easy to divide them and plant new ones. Planting is easy, but you must be careful not to bury the woody parts of the plant. Then, divide each new plantlet into two or three and replant them in the pot.
As with most ferns and other plants, Heucheras need adequate watering to grow. A balanced fertilizer applied once a year will keep it healthy and strong. They can be planted outdoors as long as the container is well-drained. In winter, Heucheras should be moved inside or to a shady place away from direct sunlight. Heucheras are best placed in a location where it receives less direct sunlight and less wind.
The most striking feature of Heucheras is their colorful foliage. Large, heart-shaped leaves are often variegated or ruffled. Heucheras have year-round interest thanks to their long-lasting flowers. Their versatility makes them excellent choices for potted plants. They can be planted in groups or individually, and are great in a mixed perennial border. They can also be grown as ground covers in a container with other shade-loving perennials, such as impatiens or hosta.
Heucheras can be a great choice for the pot as they can be both attractive and functional. They produce blooms in spring and early summer, and can be pruned to prolong the flowering period. To encourage flowering, remove dead flower stalks from the plants, as these can restrict air circulation and increase the risk of fungal diseases. They also benefit from mulching. And if they become bare, they can be easily transplanted into another pot.
Helichrysum petiolare
The perennial Helichrysum Petiolare is a wonderful plant to add color to your garden. They are best planted in cooler areas and should be brought inside at the first sign of frost. In addition to Petiolare, Helichrysum gymnocephalum is another excellent choice for pots. This subshrub, which can reach a height of 60cm, is cultivated for its aromatic oils.
Helichrysum petiolare is native to southern Africa and has a unique, liquorice-like scent. It has trailing stems, plush silver leaves, and tiny white flowers. Helichrysum petiolare is very hardy and can grow from one to two feet tall, spreading up to three to four feet across. Its foliage and flowers can last into the fall, making it an excellent choice for pots.
The plant is easy to propagate by stem cuttings, but the plant also produces seeds. It is best if the seeds are soaked in water for one day. Sowing the seeds in soilless potting mix is another easy way to propagate Helichrysum petiolare. Seeds will germinate in two weeks. They prefer plenty of light, bottom heat of 68-70 degrees F, and regular moisture.
Helichrysum petiolare Silver has striking foliage that can be used as a container plant. The silvery gray foliage provides an interesting cascade in a container garden. Licorice is a great companion plant and has a beautiful, contrasting foliage. Its foliage is often used for dried flower arrangements. In addition, Helichrysum Petiolare Silver is an excellent choice for a hanging basket.
Carol Mackie
A shrub that thrives in partial shade is one of Carol Mackie’s best outdoor plants for containers. Its compact habit and sweet-smelling pink flowers make it the perfect edging plant for a perennial border. It grows in zones four to eight and requires soil that drains well and is not too acidic. Daphne also needs a bit of protection from too much sun in hot climates.
This Carol Mackie shrub grows to around 3 feet tall and wide at maturity and is a beautiful addition to any garden. The flowers are fragrant, accompanied by small red berries in the winter. The shrub is slow-growing and requires some protection from windy conditions in winter. However, it will live up to 20 years in perfect conditions. It is best planted in a pot or nursery pot. Its variegated leaves add beauty to the container.
Another Carol Mackie shrub is the Daphne. This plant has variegated foliage and can grow as an upright, spreading shrub. In spring it produces clusters of fragrant shell pink tubular flowers. The foliage is creamy white-variegated green and is highly ornamental. Daphne is a great foundation plant and a great specimen for shrub borders. The blooms are fragrant and attract hummingbirds.