When choosing outdoor plants for pots, consider the following: Succulents, Dracaena, Million Bells, and Sedums. These plants will thrive in zones 9-10 and are heat-tolerant. To get an idea of how large they can grow, read our plant-specific information below. There are many more varieties of these plants. If you’d like to add a different type of plant to your pot, check out our guide to the best outdoor plants for pots.
Succulents
If you want to plant a succulent outdoors, you’ll need a pot that is at least a few inches bigger than its nursery container. The type of pot is a personal choice, and each has its pros and cons. Unglazed ceramic pots are best for smaller succulents and unglazed ones are better for larger varieties. Choose the right one based on your preferences and climate. Read the list below to learn how to choose the best pots for your succulents.
For plants that will thrive outdoors, try a succulent with a flat growth habit. Flat-growing varieties are perfect for a flat-lying pot, and trailing varieties are best for shallow or hanging planters. A slanted bottom is another benefit. The plant will overwinter outdoors and benefit from the warmth of a hardscape, but it is essential that the soil remains moist. If you live in a cold climate, you can try a succulent species with a creeping growth habit.
Dudleya is one of the most beautiful varieties of succulents. It comes from the southwestern United States and Baja California and is a beautiful plant with rosette-shaped leaves and fleshy “petals”. They are often confused with Echeverias, but have opposite growing seasons. In addition, Dudleya’s leaves have a chalky powder coating, making them suitable for patio containers.
Dracaena
Dracaenas are the quintessential houseplant. They require little maintenance, yet give maximum impact in a container or garden. You can choose from many different species to best suit your space. These plants are ideal for waterwise gardens, pots, and mixed gardens. Read on to learn more about the different uses for dracaenas. This plant can grow to be up to 12 feet tall and two to four feet wide.
While dracaenas do not require much care, they can get quite tall if not properly pruned. Ideally, dracaenas should be pruned while actively growing. Always use a sharp knife to cut dracaenas, and dip the blades in water and bleach before cutting. This helps prevent the transmission of plant diseases. Once the plant has gotten large enough to fill its pot, prune the canes at an angle.
Unlike many other species of dracaena, dragon trees do better in drought. While they may suffer brief periods of cold weather, they can survive indoor temperatures and thrive without much attention. These pot plants do not need much water, but they need adequate lighting and moisture. If you’re looking for a pot plant for indoors, try Dracaena arborea. This species resembles a small palm tree. It has sclerified bark and sword-shaped leaves. This plant is perfect for those who love tropical foliage.
Million Bells
If you are looking for a beautiful and easy to grow plant for your outdoor pots or containers, Million Bells is a great choice. Million Bells are drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, and even tolerate mild frost. Million Bells are a perennial and do well in containers and hanging baskets. When planting Million Bells in containers or hanging baskets, use container compost for the bottom layer of soil. Make sure to provide good drainage for the plants. Million Bells are also an excellent ground cover plant – just make sure you plant it in a large enough area so that it covers the entire area. This plant is not aggressive, but it does need to be watered regularly during extended droughts.
Million Bells require regular feeding. To grow in containers, it requires a liquid feed every two weeks. The plants are fairly low maintenance, but they will need some occasional pruning if they get too big. If you notice your plant has yellowing leaves, you need to check for two issues. One problem is too much fertilizer or too little. You can try a low-pH treatment to correct the issue. Another issue is inconsistent watering. If the leaves are brown, the problem is more likely a lack of nutrients in the soil.
Million Bells are prone to pests and diseases. Several varieties of this plant need to be kept well-watered during the summer and fall. If you do not want to deal with aphids, use a neem oil spray or water and dish detergent. If you do see aphids, try sprinkling the plant with dishwashing detergent. You can also use a slow-release plant fertilizer. You can apply it every other week or once a month.
Sedums
The sedum is hardy in USDA zones three through eleven and tolerates dry, hot weather. They like a climate with little humidity. When planting in pots, space the plants at least four to 28 inches apart. Sedums also tolerate poor soil. If you’re not growing them outdoors, you can plant them in containers or in your kitchen or bathroom. If you’re planting them in a pot, be sure to add some Miracle-Gro Quick Start Planting Tablet to the soil.
Stonecrops grow very fast in containers. They are resistant to common insect pests, including slugs and snails. Only occasionally will they be attacked by scale, mealybugs, aphids, and weevils. But these plants are hardy enough to remain outdoors in a pot. They can survive harsh winter conditions. Listed below are some examples of sedum varieties that grow well in pots.
The sedum ‘Dazzleberry’ has a tall and narrow habit. Its flowers are reddish-purple in spring, then age to a deep copper color in the fall. They can be hardy in zones three through eleven. This plant is hardy and can grow up to 18 inches tall. Its flowers are long-lasting and can be displayed in a vase during the colder months.
Ivy-leafed trailing geraniums
Ivy-leafed trailing Geraniums are generally trouble-free when grown outdoors. Indoors, they can suffer from pests and diseases, but can be trouble-free if taken care of properly. While they are often grown for their showy flowers, they can also be used as ground cover in warm climates. The leaves can even be eaten.
Ivy-leafed trailing Geraniums are fast-growing and can fill in blank spaces in your garden or hanging baskets. Most of their growth occurs in spring. Ivy-leafed Geraniums benefit from cooler weather as they grow well in shade. They do need occasional maintenance, but there are self-cleaning varieties available, so care isn’t too complicated.
Because ivy geraniums need some sun to thrive, they need some shade, but they do not like too much light. Ivy Geraniums benefit from a balanced fertilizer that will encourage flowering and growth. Moreover, they will need less fertilization over a longer period. Ask the seller if they have pre-enriched their plants with fertilizer before buying. If not, you should ask for details, such as which kind of fertilizer is used and how long it will last.
Ivy-leafed Trailing Geraniums are a stunning option for hanging baskets and window boxes. They produce vibrant colors throughout the summer. Choose a variety from the Geranium Plug Plant Selection, which includes Geranium Trailing Moonflair Burgundy and Geranium Trailing Medio Lollipop Nixe Dark Red. This selection is tested and guaranteed to give you maximum effect with minimal effort.
Marigolds
While it is true that marigolds are drought-tolerant, they will still need a weekly watering to keep their roots healthy and growing. Marigolds grow best when their soil stays moist, so consider purchasing a self-watering pot or container watering system. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you can also add decorative water bulbs to your marigolds’ pots to extend their watering time.
There are many different varieties of marigolds to choose from. Marigolds come in many different colors, including yellow, orange, and red. Some varieties have bright yellow petals with dark red centers, and others have small flowers. If you want to grow marigolds in a pot, it’s best to buy seeds from a seed catalog. Marigolds can be grown from seed, and burpee sells packages of 500 seeds.
Marigolds are easy to grow from seed. Plant seeds about 1/8 inch deep, and cover them lightly with potting soil or vermiculite. Keep the seeds moist to the touch, but don’t allow them to dry out. Marigolds are tolerant of cold and hot temperatures, and they don’t require indoor starting. You can plant seeds directly into the soil, or buy transplants. Once it’s warm enough, you can expect blooms within two months.
While marigolds are generally easy to grow, they can be susceptible to damping off disease, which causes the fragile stems to die off. The disease is caused by many different fungi, but it can be prevented by using clean pots and sterile potting mix. Also, make sure to have plenty of space between seedlings and watering them from below. Once your marigolds are well-established, you can enjoy your beautiful potted outdoor plants in a pot.
