Before you decide which type of plant to grow in a container, you must first consider the space of your garden. Container gardening can be a very effective way to decorate your home. Here are some suggestions for the best plants to use in your containers: Heucheras, Coleus, Succulents, Ivy, and more. These are all great choices if you have limited space. Listed below are some of the most popular containers and their best uses.
Heucheras
A good rule of thumb for heucheras is to plant them in a container that is large enough for their root ball. They grow best in a planting pot that is at least two to three times the size of the root ball. You can choose the color of your container depending on the overall design of your home and other plants in the space. Heucheras have an interesting shape and color and make a lovely container plant.
Heucheras are excellent year-round container plants because their foliage changes color throughout the growing season and lasts through the winter. Many varieties exhibit color on the top and bottom of their leaves, adding to their interest. These plants are also relatively resistant to deer. They are closely related to the cactus Tiarella. They are a combination of Heuchera and Tiarella and feature bottlebrush-shaped flowers. Heucheras are generally grown 1 to 2 feet apart.
Coral bells are easy-to-grow and produce small flowers. These plants can grow in part shade and full sun. You can determine the amount of sunlight your coral bells need by looking at the color of its leaves. Lighter-colored leaves will appear red or coral, and darker-colored leaves will be a good sign that it’s too much sunlight. Coral bells prefer rich, well-drained soil with a high organic content. Compost mixed with manure makes a good soil mix for this purpose. You’ll also need to make sure that your soil is well-draining and has adequate drainage. If you’re planting heucheras in a container, use an all-purpose potting soil.
Ivy
Ivy is a hardy perennial that can grow in containers of varying sizes. It grows best when the soil is kept moist but allows itself to dry in between waterings. It doesn’t require fertilization and will grow well in containers. It can be propagated from cuttings or tip cuttings. The root ball of ivy should be at least 1/2 inch away from the side of the pot.
This tough, unfussy plant can tolerate sun or shade, and is fully hardy. It can also tolerate drought conditions, and it’s fully hardy. However, it can grow to enormous proportions. So it’s important to protect it from harsh winters. In addition, cutting off large stems will wear out the plant over a two-year period. Hence, ivy is the best plant for containers.
It grows quickly in pots with a diameter of 6 inches. If you’re planting ivy in a container, make sure that the pot is at least 6 inches wider than the root ball. The color of the container should match the surrounding environment. Using a container that matches the color of the plant’s leaves will help it grow well. You can buy an inexpensive pot to plant ivy in.
Coleus
Coleus is a wonderful plant for containers, because of its low-lying trailing habit. Its foliage adds height and interest to containers and makes an unexpected substitute for ivy. Some coleus varieties can grow to several feet tall, and they trail over the edge of the container. They also look lovely in hanging baskets. They are low-maintenance and can be bought in self-watering pots to make them easy to maintain.
Coleus is easy to grow, but it is susceptible to disease and pests. You should periodically pinch off the flowers to keep the plant full. Slugs and mealy bugs can cause damage to your plant, so treat slugs with insecticide soap or beer. However, you don’t have to water your plant every day if it’s a houseplant. It will still thrive if kept well watered.
If you have a sunny window, a coleus cutting will overwinter well. It’s important to treat the cutting gently for the first few weeks, and then transplant it into a container. Make sure the soil has good drainage holes, since coleus is not fond of standing water. Coleus prefers a slightly acidic soil, so you need to amend the soil with some organic matter to make it more suitable. The soil pH of coleus should be between 6.0 and 7.0. However, make sure not to overwater it, as it will cause root rot.
Succulents
Succulents are hardy plants that grow in dry conditions. They are native to the southwestern United States and Baja California. Unlike other succulents, which have different growing seasons, they grow in containers. Their unique form and flower are especially striking. Their rosette-like leaves and fleshy “petals” make them an excellent choice for container gardening. They are also excellent cut flowers. Listed below are some succulents that are particularly good for containers.
Succulents add height and color to any container arrangement. They can be arranged in groups to create an impactful focal point. To make a striking container display, place spillers along the sides. Then, place trailing succulents on the edges. Alternatively, you can place fillers between the spillers and the thriller. These will tie the whole group together. If you’re unsure of which succulents to choose, opt for the tallest ones. A dark-leaved variety can grow to 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. You can also plant a trio of these.
Succulents have hair roots and taproots that extend deep into the soil. While hair roots grow near the surface to absorb moisture, taproots reach deeper into the soil, where they access lower levels and store excess moisture. If you want to plant a plump green succulent, take its root structure into account when selecting the pot. A small container will suffocate its roots, disrupting their growth. So, when choosing a pot for your succulents, make sure it’s at least 10% larger than its width.
Amaranths
Amaranths are a good plant for containers as they don’t need to be planted in the ground. The seeds can be planted in rich soil when the weather is warm. You will need about one plant per six to 18 inches. After planting the seeds, thin the plants by pulling any that don’t look like the original. They grow to a height of 8 feet. They are also drought-tolerant and will tolerate high temperatures.
While amaranths are very durable, they can be susceptible to pests like root gall nematodes. These microscopic worm-like creatures create bumps on the plant’s roots, which can make the plant look unhealthy. To control these pests, spray the leaves and stems with organic soil soaks or use neem oil. Infested plants can also be pruned or sprayed with neem oil.
Planting amaranth seeds in your container is easy. You should start planting them six to eight weeks before transplanting them outdoors. Unlike some other plants, amaranthus seeds should be sown every 15 cm or more. If you don’t have enough space, thin the plants to 45cm (18 inches) apart. Taller varieties will require at least 60cm between plants. Moreover, the tender shoots from the plant can be used in salads.
Butterfly pea
If you have a garden, you may be interested in trying butterfly pea plants for containers. Although their seeds don’t germinate very well, they do grow well in containers and will produce flowers for a long time. If you’re not sure how to grow them, you can start them by taking stem cuttings. You can then transplant them outdoors when they’re ready to bloom. They’ll flower for several months before they begin to die.
Once you’ve purchased seeds, the next step is getting them started. The butterfly pea seedlings need regular watering, and should be pruned when they’re young. If you’re in a mild climate, you can direct-seed your butterflies. In the north, you’ll need to start them indoors and transplant them outside after the first frost has passed. They’ll grow to be about four or five inches tall, and they’ll tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but they don’t like standing water on their roots.
The name butterfly pea comes from a greek word meaning ‘bean’. The flower’s pods can be eaten raw or cooked. Their mild, green taste makes them a favorite among non-Yakkakans. This plant is also a good plant for revegetation, as the seeds form rhizobia and help to fix nitrogen in the soil. And if you want to add another layer of beauty to your container, consider planting more than one butterfly pea plant in a single container.
Japanese pieris
When it comes to container gardening, Japanese Pieris is among the best options. This shrub thrives in containers and can be grown in a container if cared for properly. Make sure you plant the Japanese pieris shrub at a depth of twice as deep as it is in its nursery pot. Once the plant has grown into a proper container, backfill the hole with growing media. Water the plant well with rainwater.
For the best results, place Japanese pieris in a moist, slightly acidic soil. A high pH can cause root rot, so be sure to use an acid fertilizer to keep the pH level at 5.1 to 6.0. You can find Japanese pieris at Great Big Greenhouse, though availability is limited and prices vary depending on the variety. If you’re looking for the best container plants, make sure you choose the type that will fit in your space.
Although this plant looks attractive in its natural state, Japanese Pieris is also toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. The grayanotoxins in Japanese pieris can be harmful to humans and pets even with minor ingestion. Make sure to keep the container away from pets and children, especially young ones. This plant grows best when placed in full sun and a temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above.