If you’re looking for the best plants for metal containers, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve listed some of our favorites, including ‘Blue Star’ juniper, ‘Angelonia’ and ‘Geranium’. Read on to discover more. And if you want to add a pop of color to your metal container, you can even plant a couple of potted herbs to bring in the scent of the season.
‘Blue Star’ juniper
This slow-growing shrub grows low to the ground and has dense foliage. It is a low-maintenance plant, but it should not be planted near other plants that are susceptible to fungus. Like other juniper varieties, Blue Star juniper prefers moderate moisture when young, but needs little to no water once it is fully established. You should avoid planting Blue Star juniper near plants that are susceptible to root rot.
Blue star juniper is one of the most popular home garden plants. This species is a cultivar of Juniperus squamata, a species native to the Middle East. It differs from oneseed junipers in that it produces modified cones with one seed. Most Juniperus species produce several seeds per berry. Blue Star juniper makes a great choice for metal containers, as it does not require extensive care once it is established.
When choosing a plant for a metal container, you must remember to choose a native species. The Chinese variety is a good choice because it is hardy in zones four to eight. The foliage and flowers of this plant will look beautiful in a metal container. However, it needs to be planted under the protection of a tree to avoid damage. This is a very easy process, as it only requires a few simple steps.
The compact size of the Blue Star juniper makes it an excellent choice for small spaces. It will provide year-round color and contrasts well with other foliage colors. It is a good choice for small spaces and looks great when massed together in larger gardens. Once established, it is hardy in USDA zones four through eight and tolerates average soils well. It also looks great planted near a paver or rock garden.
The soil that you choose for your juniper needs to be slightly acidic and well-drained. However, it can tolerate a wide variety of soils. The first year, your plants will need some regular watering. In its second year, they will be ready to plant. During the first growing season, the soil should be kept in a shady area, which will give them a good chance of thriving.
‘Angelonia’
Angelonia is a hardy, low-maintenance, heat-tolerant annual plant with beautiful, multicolored flowers. These blooming annuals are perfect for cool-season containers, and are excellent color contrasts, complementing annual phlox. Angelonia comes in six different species with different leaf shapes and textures. You can choose from trailing, upright, and dwarf forms, depending on the height and container style.
‘Geranium’
Geraniums are often thought of as the star of the container garden. But they can also be excellent supporting cast members. You can use them to match other bold plants such as sweet potato vine or canna, or pair them with flowers from a companion plant. You can even choose colors that compliment each other’s blooms, creating a cohesive look. Simple companion plantings can have the greatest impact.
If you’re looking for a colorful plant to liven up your container, try a scented geranium. The fragrance of this flower will send people inside. You can also try a plant like Kent Beauty oregano, which has trailing bracts that look like hops. Another beautiful plant to plant with geraniums is the heat-tolerant cuphea.
A potted geranium will need more watering than a plant planted in the ground. Pot soil dries quickly, so a deeper watering is required to keep the plant healthy. In hot weather, watering the plant every two or three days is sufficient. If rain is insufficient, you can store the water in a barrel for use during periods of drought. Always be sure to water deeply to saturate the soil thoroughly. Otherwise, you may risk developing root rot.
There are a number of reasons why the Geranium is one of the best plants to grow in a metal container. Its easy care and low maintenance make it a great choice for a metal container. In general, geraniums don’t require much water, though you should water them more frequently during hot weather. In addition, geraniums don’t do well in soil that gets waterlogged.
‘Blue Ageratum’
Ageratums are easy to grow from seed. They will flower from late spring to early summer and will not require deadheading once they are established. Plants like this do not mind being shaded, but they do not grow well in acidic soil. For this reason, they are one of the best plants for metal containers. Listed below are the characteristics of ageratums. To grow them, start them indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost.
The smallest ageratums are about a half-inch in diameter. However, some varieties may grow larger. For this reason, it is best to buy multiple plants rather than just one plant. You can plant the plants indoors and then transplant them outdoors after the first frost-free day. Ageratums prefer a rich soil that is evenly moist. The best time to plant them is six to eight weeks before the average last frost date.
Ageratums require constant moisture for establishment. While they tolerate short periods of drought, they perform best when watered regularly. Use mulch to preserve moisture. Ageratums thrive in full sun in cold climates, but prefer afternoon shade in the South. Their soil doesn’t need to be acidic, so you can irrigate around the base of the container. If they do get damaged, you can cut off the affected area and let it sprout again.
If you are looking for plants that do well in metal containers, consider choosing one from the daisy family. Trailing Lobelia has several different shades of blue and will look gorgeous in your metal container. You can use the ‘Blue Danube’ cultivar for an upright look or choose another one for spiller status. The ‘Snowstorm Blue’ variety is the most colorful.
