When you decide to grow your own plants, you will want to select plants that grow well in containers. These types of plants are usually annuals or Perennials. Heat-tolerant varieties are also great choices for small containers. You can read more about each of these types of plants in our article. But first, let’s review some of the most common varieties:
Evergreens
In the fall and winter months, evergreens will add interest to your container garden. Evergreens are easy to grow, hardy in zones 4 through 9, and can provide year-round interest without much maintenance. The best evergreens for container gardening are boxwood and variegated red-twig dogwood. You can also try smaller varieties of these evergreens for more manageable mounds of color. In any case, they are a great choice for container gardening.
Unlike plants grown in the ground, evergreens in containers don’t require extensive care. The main concern for them is adequate watering and feeding. Since plants in pots don’t receive nutrition from the soil, you will have to give them additional nutrients on a weekly basis. Fertilisers are available in slow-release granular form, or you can even use liquid seaweed feed. You can also fertilize your pots with liquid seaweed feed.
When planting evergreens in containers, you must choose the right type of container. For example, the soil you use for containers must be light and porous, as dark containers absorb heat from the plants. For this purpose, choose light-colored containers that don’t absorb heat. Wood containers offer a natural look, and are also a great choice. Terracotta and clay pots offer excellent drainage. The containers should be part-filled with soil around the base.
Perennials
Perennials are a great option for small spaces, but not all varieties are appropriate for this type of garden. Perennials with spreading foliage may overtake the other plants in the container. Perennials with vining form are a good choice because they can spill over the sides of a container without overtaking them. Shade container plants rely heavily on foliage to provide interest. Choose colorful, variegated, or heavily textured varieties.
Salvia, a hardy perennial, grows up to 18 inches tall and is an excellent choice for containers. Salvia grows well in USDA zones five through 10 and is available in a wide variety of colors. Geranium sanguineum spreads easily and is a good choice for containers. If you don’t want to risk spreading the plants, Lamium is a good choice. Lamium ‘Orchid Frost’ grows well in containers. It can be invasive in a landscape, so use caution when using it in a pot. You can also move pots inside during winter, which will provide extra protection for the plants.
Perennials in containers are not nearly as hardy as plants that grow in the ground. However, if you know what to look for, you’ll have a colorful display of flowers all year long. Consider using annuals to fill up the container. Some perennials may not have as much depth as those in the ground. So, before you start planting, choose your perennials carefully. If you want to expand your palette, choose xeric plants that would be miserable in the ground.
Annuals
While perennials are popular choices for container gardening, annuals can also be a great choice. Not only are annuals cheaper to buy, but they require less maintenance as well. Plus, they can be moved around if you grow tired of the same perennial. Once they’re gone, you can plant something new, or simply move the container to the garage. Alternatively, you can plant a winter-friendly annual.
The most popular types of annuals for container gardening include impatiens, zinnias, violas, and narcissus. Impatiens can be kept alive year-round indoors, and they’re known for their small, flat flowers. They’re great for beginners, and can grow eight to 24 inches tall. You can also choose from a variety of perennial verbenas.
Mint is an excellent choice for indoor or outdoor containers because of its aggressive spreading habit. Mint thrives in full or partial shade. In hotter climates, protection from afternoon sun will benefit the plant. Mint also requires a moist soil, and it’s best to water regularly. Mint also adds a fragrant element to your container garden, so you can plant a few of them. After all, if you’re planning to use them indoors, you might as well make them as fragrant as possible.
Another great choice for container gardens is euphorbia. Not only is this plant easy to grow, but it’s also a great filler plant for a mixed container. It’s easy to care for, grows quickly, and features striking, vibrant flowers that are visually captivating. Plus, they’re winter-hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Heat-tolerant
If you want to plant something that will grow in a container, it is important to choose plants that tolerate dry conditions. Geraniums, for example, can tolerate periods of dryness as long as they are watered regularly. However, they also prefer full sunlight and should be shaded when the weather turns particularly hot. Other plants that tolerate dry conditions include tropical salmon SunPatiens, which grow in both partial shade and full sun.
If you have limited outdoor space, heat-tolerant plants for container gardening can be a great way to make the most of your space. Start with one plant in a container and add more to it over time, or create a striking container garden that is suitable for cooler climates. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoor environment even when the temperatures climb. While there are many varieties of heat-tolerant plants, you must be sure to select those that will thrive in your area.
To maximize the drought-tolerant capacity of your container plants, use pots with substantial material. Pots with glazed surfaces will prevent water from evaporating through the walls of the pot. Also, use a high-quality potting soil that contains plenty of organic matter, as this will act as a reservoir between waterings. Mulch can be added to reduce evaporation and retain moisture in the soil.
Drought-tolerant
Choosing the right drought-tolerant plant for your container garden will depend on its hardiness zone, a scale developed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Each zone is represented by the lowest average winter temperature, from 1 (the coldest) to 13 (+the hottest). Plants with a high tolerance for drought have thick trunks that retain water and have glossy, hairy or waxy foliage and silver stems.
For example, the succulent species Aglaonema stoechas are excellent drought-tolerant choices, but you may want to consider something that is native to a dry region. Consider planting a drought-tolerant shrub, such as a cistus. These succulents are native to rock areas in Europe and the Middle East, and their long, silvery foliage and stunning purple flowers make them perfect container plants.
For a colorful garden, consider planting flowers that bloom through the summer. A good plant to start with is a perennial, such as speedwell. This perennial will grow to about 3 feet tall and is attractive throughout the summer months. In addition to its long bloom time, it will do well in containers with full sunlight. Other perennials to try include yarrow, lavender, evening primrose, and gaillardia.
Another way to maximize your plant’s drought-tolerant capabilities is to choose a container that has no pores. A large, nonporous pot will help maintain the soil temperature and retain water between waterings. Pots made of clayfibre or plastic are also ideal. A large, sturdy pot with glazed surface will also help keep water from evaporation through the walls. Lastly, make sure to select a drought-tolerant plant whose water needs are similar to each other.
Clematis
Clematis is a fantastic choice for your container garden, because they add height without being overbearing. There are several varieties of clematis available, including Sea Breeze, Filigree, and Silmakivi Clematis. For the best container displays, plant your clematis in early February and add some tender companion plants after the threat of frost has passed.
If you choose to plant your clematis in a ceramic pot, make sure to anchor the upper part of the trellis to your home. Otherwise, the plant could become heavy and pull over. In colder climates, plant clematis in a corner or near a protected wall. Clematis in a container need more care than a typical plant. If you follow these tips, you should have no problem with a beautiful, healthy clematis.
When planting clematis in a container, make sure to choose a container that has a deep, well-drained growing medium. Ideally, it would be best to use John Innes Compost No.3. The planting hole should be about 1.5 times wider and twice as deep as the rootball. Young clematis should be planted with their crowns a few inches below the soil surface. Ideally, the first true leaves should be planted about six inches below the soil line.
To install a trellis for your clematis, you should buy sweet pea netting. This is inexpensive and works well for this purpose. Another good choice for support is a metal obelisk or bamboo stakes. Various types of trellises will work equally well. Make sure to use a good top soil for the bottom of the hole. If you’re not planting clematis in a pot, you can choose another groundcover or annual to fill in the space in front of the trellis.
