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what plants are best for large containers

by Andreanne Mills Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Coleus is a type of large outdoor potted plant that is known for its colorful leaves. It is a popular choice for containers because it is heat tolerant and easy to care for. Coleus can be planted in the spring or summer and will typically bloom from June to September.

Best plants for pots all year-round
  • Euonymus.
  • Pittosporum tenuifolium.
  • Skimmia japonica.
  • Hosta.
  • Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
  • Buddleia 'Buzz'
  • Hebe.
  • Agapanthus.
Jan 25, 2022

Full Answer

What are the best outdoor container plants?

These survivors can stay in pots for years, lending consistency to your designs

  1. ‘Golden Sword’ yucca combines with almost anything. One pot, four seasons. ...
  2. ‘Green Mountain’ boxwood keeps its color all year. It’s tough, but living in a container will keep it smaller than its normal 5-foot height and 3-foot width.
  3. Golden creeping Jenny is perfect for the edge of the pot. ...
  4. Japanese pieris has colorful new growth. ...

More items...

What are the best flowers for small containers?

The Best Spiller Plants for Container Gardens

  • Bidens (Bidens ferulifolia)
  • "Million Bells" (Calibrachoa)
  • Annual Candytuft (Iberis)
  • Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
  • Nasturtium (Tropaeolum)
  • Fan Flower (Scaevola)
  • Verbena (Verbena peruviana)
  • Wave Petunias (Petunia x hybrida)

What are the best plants for large pots?

What are the best plants for outdoor pots?

  • Hardy plants for outdoor pots. Hardy plants are those that can hold their own in tough conditions, from low temperatures to periods of drought.
  • Perennial plants for pots. ...
  • Evergreen plants for pots. ...
  • Luma apiculata. ...
  • Tall plants for privacy in pots. ...
  • Best plants for pots in full sun. ...
  • Shade plants for pots. ...
  • Best flowering plants for pots. ...

What plants grow in small pots?

The Best 11 Vegetable Varieties for Growing in Containers

  • Beans
  • Beets
  • Chard
  • Chili Peppers
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Radishes
  • Spinach
  • Sweet Peppers. As a general rule, hybrid and dwarf varieties of plants are usually a good bet in pots, as they require less space to grow.

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What to put in large planters to fill space?

Options for Lightweight Pot FillersRecycle Plastics. Plastic Water/Soda Bottles. ... Reuse Packing Materials. ... Unused Plastic Pots Turned Upside Down.Recycled Crushed Cans.Natural Materials. ... Recycled Cardboard, Newspaper (Also for short term use only.)

What perennials do well in large pots?

Perennials that Typically Overwinter Well in ContainersAchillea (Yarrow)Ajuga (Bugleweed)Alchemilla (Lady's Mantle)Armeria (Common Thrift, Sea Pink)Aster.Bergenia (Heartleaf Bergenia, Pig Squeak)Brunnera macrophylla.Campanula (Bellflower)More items...•

What plants are good in pots all year round?

I have selected the 10 best that are not only tough enough to survive but also look great while doing it.'Golden Sword' yucca combines with almost anything. ... 'Green Mountain' boxwood keeps its color all year. ... Golden creeping Jenny is perfect for the edge of the pot. ... 4. Japanese pieris has colorful new growth.More items...

What plants will survive winter in a container?

12 Best Winter Plants for PotsViolas.Pansies.Erica carnea.Gaultheria procumbens.Clivia.Hellebores.Sedum.Boxwood.More items...•

What container flowers bloom all summer?

Easy Annual Plants That Bloom All Summer LongTuberous Begonias. These are actually tender perennials typically grown as annuals. ... Impatiens Walleriana. Also known as busy Lizzie, this subshrubby perennial is usually grown as an annual. ... New Guinea Impatiens. ... Petunias. ... Geraniums. ... Marigolds. ... Calibrachoas. ... Zinnias.More items...

What tall plants can be grown in pots?

Below you will find eight of the best plants for screening to integrate into your garden, starting with bamboo which also works well in pots for screening:Fargesia Murielae Bamboo. ... Photina Red Robin. ... Magnolia grandiflora. ... Dogwood – Cornus. ... Prunus Laurocerasus – Cherry Laurel. ... Cypress Trees. ... Elaeagnus x ebbingei – Silverberry.More items...

What is the most low maintenance outdoor plant?

14 Low-Maintenance Plants for Easy LandscapingOrnamental Grass: Ribbon Grass. ... Ornamental Grass: Fescue. ... Tree: Thornless Honeylocust. ... Shrub: Juniper. ... Flowering Perennial : Hardy Geranium. ... Flowering Perennial: Dianthus. ... Flowering Shrub: Hydrangea. ... Sedge: Gold Sedge.More items...

What shrubs do well in containers?

The Best Shrubs for Container GardensWhen choosing “compact” shrubs for containers make sure that they will stay compact.Anna's Magic Ball® arborvitae and Oso Easy® Lemon Zest rose are perfect for containers. ( ... Buddleia Lo & Behold® Blue Chip Jr. ... Compact English patio roses stay small but don't have miniature flowers.More items...

Can perennials grow in planters?

Perennials are less cold-hardy when grown in containers, so there is a greater chance for injury. Keep in mind that the bigger the pot, the higher success rate you will have in overwintering.

Is there a perennial that blooms all summer?

Daylily – Perhaps the easiest of all summer perennials to grow, daylilies are true to their name. They have yellow, orange or reddish blooms that open in the morning and close tight at night. Daylilies will tolerate a bit of shade, but they really do need at least 6 hours of sun every day to thrive.

What tall plants can I grow in pots?

Below you will find eight of the best plants for screening to integrate into your garden, starting with bamboo which also works well in pots for screening:Fargesia Murielae Bamboo. ... Photina Red Robin. ... Magnolia grandiflora. ... Dogwood – Cornus. ... Prunus Laurocerasus – Cherry Laurel. ... Cypress Trees. ... Elaeagnus x ebbingei – Silverberry.More items...

What is the most low maintenance outdoor plant?

14 Low-Maintenance Plants for Easy LandscapingOrnamental Grass: Ribbon Grass. ... Ornamental Grass: Fescue. ... Tree: Thornless Honeylocust. ... Shrub: Juniper. ... Flowering Perennial : Hardy Geranium. ... Flowering Perennial: Dianthus. ... Flowering Shrub: Hydrangea. ... Sedge: Gold Sedge.More items...

What is the best vegetable to grow in a pot?

15. Lettuce. The lettuce vegetable is a great plant that grows under the sun and can be grown in containers. Growing Lettuce in large pots is the ideal solution for people that have a small garden, patio, or balcony.

How to grow hibiscus in a pot?

In growing hibiscus plants for large pots in sun, ensure that you use a well-drained potting mix. Make sure that you use a shallow container or pot to help the plant when developing its roots. Different species of hibiscus plants can grow to different sizes.

What is an agave plant?

Agave is a superb and exquisite plant that gives a beautiful and architectural flair to any pot or container. Agave comes in different varieties of size and appearance. It also comes in different shades of blue and green. Some of the most popular species that are mostly grown reach a few feet in height and weight.

How big can a bluestem grow?

The plant has the potential of growing up to 4-6 feet tall and a width of 2-3 feet.

How tall does a sweet bay plant grow?

When the sweet bay is grown in the open or its natural environment, it can grow as tall as 50-60 feet. The plant is drought tolerant and heat tolerant. In growing a bay in the container, ensure that you use a large and strong pot or container in other for it not to get cramped. Container Growing Info.

How big is a bamboo plant?

Size: 2-5 feet. 5. Bamboo (Bambusoideae) Source. This fast-growing plant can be dreadful for most gardeners due to the rate at which it grows on the ground. But when grown in a large container, it is a gardener’s delight since it cannot escape. This perfect plant for large pots is ideal for people that seek privacy.

Is banana a hardy plant?

The Banana is a good and hardy plant that can thrive in tropical areas. The banana plant comes with big leaves that give a towering presence in the landscape or environment.

What is the best plant for pots?

Ivy. 10 plants for pots and containers – ivy. Ivy is one of the most useful and attractive plants for pots. Hedera helix ‘Ivalace’ has dark-green, shiny leaves with curled edges. 6.

What plants should I plant with variegated foliage?

For a striking display, try it with creeping Jenny, Lysimachia nummularia, tulips, golden narcissi or primroses.

What is the purpose of pots and containers?

Pots and containers offer the gardener great versatility, and are a fantastic way to experiment with planting and design. From short-term bedding displays to permanent features of small trees and topiary, planting in pots adds another dimension to the garden, softening corners, brightening dull spots and providing instant, yet easily changeable, results.

Why do you use three or more identical pots?

Bigger pots have more impact and plants growing in them won’t dry out as quickly, but an eclectic group of small containers creates a quirky, ever-changing scene. Repetition can be effective – garden designers often use three or more identical containers planted with the same plants, for maximum impact.

Can hostas be used in containers?

Hostas make beautiful architectural plants, and work well in containers, either alone or with other plants. Try combining with bleeding heart, or other foliage plants, such as heucheras.

What is the best plant for a container garden?

Fountain grass Fountain grass is an ornamental plant that grows amazingly well in containers. It’s one of the best plants for large planters in partial shade to full sun. The long, brush-like plumes sway in the breeze, adding both height and interest to your container garden. 12.

What are some good plants to plant in a container?

They are good container plants for sun, and like plenty of water. Petunias are one of the best plants for container gardening. 16. Purple queen – This gorgeous purple plant will cascade over the tops of your containers, and add superb color to any grouping. If you prefer a bushier plant, just pinch off the ends.

What is the best plant to grow in a pot?

1. Coleus Coleus are colorful pot plants that can grow in a range of sunlight conditions. They’re the perfect plants for containers because they grow well in any sized planter. Coleus growing as a container plant will need regular water and well-draining soil.

What is a tropical shrub that has big, beautiful flowers that come in a range of colors?

12. Hibiscus – This tropical shrub has big, beautiful flowers that come in a range of colors. Hibiscus are large container plants that will need frequent watering so the soil doesn’t dry out.

Is dracaena a good plant for pots?

Dracaena – Dracaenas are good plants for outdoor pots because of the tall, spiky foliage. You can find them in a few different colors, and they’re nice for adding height to containers. Check the type you plan to grow, because some prefer shade while others grow better in sunny areas. 11.

Do potted plants need water?

These large outdoor potted plants grow quickly with little care. Since they’re a tropical plant, they love the sun. They also need well-drained soil and regular watering.

Can lilies grow in pots?

Canna lily – Cannas aren’t common container-grown plants, but they do very well in pots. This tropical plant comes in a variety of colors, and makes a lovely focus plant. Canna lilies are the perfect plant for large pots in sun. As long as you give them plenty of water, they require little to no attention.

What is the best plant for a container?

This deer-resistant shrub ( Pieris japonica and cvs., Zones 6–8) is an excellent candidate for containers. Though its evergreen foliage provides interest in all seasons, the spring growth on Japanese pieris is especially striking, varying in color from glossy red to salmon pink to creamy white, depending on the cultivar.

How long can a perennial plant stay in a pot?

It’s a pity because much of this is a waste of effort and plants. Many perennials and shrubs can live for several years in a container.

What is a bergenia plant?

With its green, glossy, oval leaves, bergenia ( Bergenia cordifolia and cvs., Zones 3–8) is one of my favorite plants because it is a strong grower that provides a bold element in a container design. The leaves are anywhere from 10 to 20 inches long and 6 to 8 inches wide, and turn a gorgeous burgundy in fall. Bergenia flowers in early spring on 12- to 15-inch-long stalks; the pink blossoms resemble hyacinths.

What is the best shade for a emerald tree?

Plant it in full sun or light shade.Emerald arborvitae ( Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald’, syn. ‘Smaragd’, Zones 2–7) provides excellent year-round interest because it maintains its rich green color in winter.

How tall does a blue star juniper get?

This color makes the plant stand out in winter. It reaches 3 feet tall with a 3- to 4-foot spread, but it is slow growing. It works well in containers because it combines easily with most colors and the branches arch elegantly over the rim of a pot. It prefers full sun but will take partial shade. It doesn’t like humid conditions.

How to grow green mountain boxwood?

It’s tough, but living in a container will keep it smaller than its normal 5-foot height and 3-foot width. Place ‘Green Mountain’ away from strong winds in a semi-shaded location. If possible, periodically rotate the pot to balance the plant’s exposure to light and to avoid the development of bare sides. ‘Green Mountain’ boxwood ( Buxus ‘Green Mountain’, Zones 4–9) is a slow-growing shrub that, unlike many other boxwoods, retains a dark green color throughout the winter. I particularly like this cultivar because it grows into a graceful pyramid rather than turning into a meatball-shaped shrub.

Can creeping Jenny grow in a pot?

Its golden, coin-shaped leaves look good with everything. It likes partial shade but loves water, so much so that it will grow in a water garden. It can take full sun, too, but you need to keep the soil moist.

Know your Intention

Are you trying to create some form of focal definition on your patio? Looking for a way to break up an aesthetically displeasing dead zone in your garden? Perhaps you just want a defined and beautiful talking point for your balcony or front yard.

Solo or Groups?

One of the first decisions that you have to make when looking at large container planting ideas is whether you want those containers to stand alone or as part of a group. This will be an entirely personal opinion, although it might also be affected by how much space you have to spare.

Maintenance Tips

You’ve designed the perfect outdoor space and your large containers are in place and filled with the perfect plants. Unfortunately, the work isn’t over. They might be in the perfect spot, but they still need to be maintained.

Use Your Own Large Container Planting Ideas

The best thing about plant containers large enough to host a single tree, focal point plant, or an array of cascading leaves is that you’re really only limited by your imagination. Always start with research, and take the time to have a good look at your outdoor space.

What is the best agave to grow in a pot?

Agaves are a nice choice for adding dimension and character to colorful patio pots and home entrances. Smaller species like agave colorata and agave bracteosa are especially suitable for growing in pots.

What is the best way to add a green element to a room?

This evergreen plant is the best way to add a green element to any space. You can also trim it in various shapes and sizes!

Can coral bells live in containers?

Coral bells is THE plant of choice if you live in a colder climate. It will be more than happy to dwell in containers while looking fantastic all the time!

Can cacti be grown in pots?

Don’t think that cacti are only meant for small spaces and pots. They also come in tall varieties that you can grow in architectural planters for a dramatic look.

Is yucca a good plant for indoors?

A mainstay in contemporary gardens, yucca is one of the best architectural plants with evergreen spiky leaves. Being drought resistant, they are easy to grow indoors as well.

Do hydrangeas bloom in pots?

The colorful and large Hydrangea flowers are a must-have in any garden. The plant will be more than happy to thrive in large pots, filling it with magnificent blooms in no time!

Can bamboos grow in containers?

Famous for taking over gardens with their invasive underground rhizomes, bamboos are a finicky plant to grow in containers. They demand root space and lots of care, but with the right variety, big containers, and potting soil, it should be easy .

Some Like It Hot

Craving sweater weather? For a harvest-like feel even in warmer temperatures, try these fall-inspired pot and container plants.

Frost-Forgiving Summer Beauties That Tough Out Cooler Temps

An extensive group of annuals and perennials provide their best show way past Labor Day. Our shortlist is below, but noteworthy contenders are Snapdragon, Alyssum, Dianthus, Calendula, and Salvia.

Tough as Nails Plants That Flourish in Fall

If autumn bites with temperatures well below 40° F, here are some plants that will take the freeze with ease.

Final Thoughts

Make the most of fantastic fall plants by planting up beautiful fall pots and containers.

Why is it important to choose plants for a large container?

It can be a challenge to choose plants that complement each other and contribute interest and balance to your container design. Particularly in large containers, the container design principle of using "thriller, filler, and spiller" plants can provide proper structure and balance.

How to make a container garden?

Creating a container garden begins with selecting the right planting medium to fill your container. Use a good quality soilless potting mix to fill large containers because it is lightweight and drains well; adequate drainage is crucial for successful container gardening. When water does not drain from a container, water fills the soil air pores, ...

How to keep a container looking healthy?

Besides locating your container where it receives the appropriate amount of sunlight for the plants you've selected, follow these horticultural practices to keep your containers looking healthy and beautiful: 1. Keep up with deadheading.

What is a spruce container?

The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy. A lovely, large container can be a piece of art and a focal point of your yard, deck, or garden. Many big beautiful containers also have big beautiful price tags. The only requirement for a container is that it must have drainage holes at the bottom, otherwise water cannot drain.

What is a thriller plant?

Thrillers are tall plants that add drama and a vertical element to a container. Think of a thriller as the star of the container. If your container is large enough, you might want to add more than one thriller. Examples of thrillers are tall annuals and perennials, ornamental grasses, and perhaps small trees and shrubs.

How to keep flowers from dying in pots?

1. Keep up with deadheading. While some flowering plants don't require deadheading, many do require deadheading. It's beneficial to remove faded flowers to keep the flowering plants in your containers looking neat, to encourage more blooms, and to discourage the plants from going to seed. 1 .

What are some examples of thriller plants?

Examples of thrillers are tall annuals and perennials, ornamental grasses, and perhaps small trees and shrubs. Using trees, shrubs, or large perennials that can survive the winter in your area provides the added advantage of being a year-round container.

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