make arresting container gardens is easy with these combinations of annual , perennial , and grasses .
With our flower pot ideas , you ’ll have lovely containers throughout the arise time of year , whether you ’re looking to add fragrance , butterflies , color , or just monotonic - out beauty to your keep space .
Get originative with each time of year , evenin winter , and with themes — such as “ native plants”—that complement your modus vivendi . ( Just think of to never pick a native plant in the wild and add it to your garden . ) aboriginal plants such asprairie dropseed , risky quinine , and sky blue aster prosper in the sun , while you could sum sedge , spicy mistflower , and Indian pink to shadow container .
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Suitable for All Gardeners
Evenbeginnerscan put together a simple container garden for apatio , balcony , or porch . You ’ll just involve a container with drainage holes and a swooning , fluffy mature spiritualist ( do n’t use garden soil ) to furnish good aeration and beginning increase . Try a soilless mix , and keep your container well - watered and fertilized .
When you pick a container , view the sizing of the root word when the industrial plant is full - grown — some vegetable such as tomato , pepper , and bean should be planted in at least a five - gallon container , while lettuce , carrots , and unripened onions can be planted in a three - gallon container . To make it easy to move your containers , put them on a plant caddy with wheels ; for ease of watering , keep them on aplant base .
The fun part is creating the combinations of blooms and leaf ; here are a few musical theme to root on you .
Credit: Michael Garland
Use Gorgeous Foliage
Acalypha , an underutilized foliage industrial plant , elevate the spirit of this prime good deal theme . Look for extra works such ascoleusorelephant ’s earto make this bold and dramatic container garden .
A.Petunia’Ultra Pastel Pink ' : 5
B.Sweet potato vine(Ipomoea batatas’Blackie ' ): 2
Credit: Adam Albright
C.Acalypha wilkesiana : 1
Create a Summertime Gem
Cheerful and bright , this flower stack idea is a compounding that will hold its just spirit for months thanks totough plantslike Profusionzinniasand whiteangelonia .
A.Angelonia’Angelface White ' : 1
B.Zinnia’Profusion Orange ' : 1
Credit: Adam Albright
C.Coleus(Solenostemon’Wild Lime ' ): 1
Use a Color Scheme
have problem choosingcolors for a container garden ? blame just one or two . Here , the deep greenish blue container complementsstunning blueandpurple bloomsfor a beautiful flower peck idea that will continue to enthrall all season long .
A.Angelonia’Angelface Dresden Blue ' : 2
B.Celosia’Purple Flamingo ' : 1
Credit: Marty Baldwin
C.Calibrachoa’Superbells Blue ' : 3
Go Classic with Black
This spectacular flower batch mind for container garden features contrasting foliage grain and coloring material . The deep purple leaf and pink - tinged bloodless flowers of theoxaliswork well with the pitch blackness - glazed container . Add holiday sunshine to this classic container withcandy cane oxalis , just one of the many available oxalis plants .
A.Oxalis regnellii : 7
B.Calla(Zantedeschia’Black Forest ' ): 1
Credit: D. Randolph Foulds
C. Elephant ’s ear ( Colocasia’Illustris ' ): 1
Mix It Up
A change from the usual russets and yellows offall container garden , this design featurespink flowersand stand up out for its originality and style .
A.Mum(Chrysanthemum’Pobo Lavender ' ): 1
B.Ivy(Hedera helix’Glacier ' ): 1
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
C.Sedum sieboldii : 1
D. Flowering clams ( Brassica oleracea’Ruby ' ): 1
E.Aster novae - belgii’Crimson Brocade ' : 1
Credit: Adam Albright
F.Wood fern(Dryopteris marginalis ): 1
Employ Foliage for Season-Long Power
Even without flush , this blossom pot idea is beautiful , thanks to a commixture of vividness and texture . The bold leaves of thisfoliage container gardenadd direct contrast and interest . The canna ’s can’t - missy form is a focal level of this container .
A.Canna’Australia ' : 1
B.Fuchsia triphylla’Firecracker ' : 1
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
C. Sweet Solanum tuberosum vine ( Ipomoea batatas’Blackie ' ): 1
D.Gerbera’Festival Salmon ' : 2
Plant Grasses
This country - style design present off several differentcalibrachoas ( Million Bells)complemented by theosteospermumand phlox . While charming already , addingornamental grasscreates height , drama , and textural peach .
A.Calibrachoa’Million Bells Terra Cotta ' : 3
B.Calibrachoa’Superbells trail Blue ' : 3
Credit: Ed Gohlich
C.Calibrachoa’Million bell Terra Linda ' : 3
D.Osteospermum’Lemon Symphony ' : 3
E.Purple fountaingrass(Pennisetum’Rubrum ' ): 1
Credit: Jeff McNamara
F.Phlox drummondii’Intensia White ' : 3
Create Elegance
The subdued pinkish color dodging andpetal - filled flowersof a tree originate combine beautifully in a definitive , elegant flower hatful musical theme that will flower all summer .
A. Tree rose ( Rosa’Baby Blanket ' ): 1
B.Begonia’Prelude Pink ' : 5
Credit: Scott Little
C.Vinca(Catharanthus’Coconut Cooler ' ): 3
Keep It Balanced
royal fountain grass balances the waves ofblue nemesiain this gorgeous miniature garden . The plants were proportionally chosen for this smaller - than - usual container .
A.Nemesia’Blue Bird ' : 3
B.Nemesia’Compact Innocence ' : 1
Credit: Jacob Fox
C. Ivy - leafgeranium(Pelargonium’Picasso ' ): 2
D. Purple fountaingrass ( Pennisetum’Rubrum ' ): 1
E.Zinnia’Profusion White ' : 3
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Make a Cool-Season Stunner
In this cool - season flower skunk melodic theme , pansies will advance colouration from early outpouring to the start of summer . When it gets hot , commute the pansies forheat - patient of annualssuch asangelonia .
A.Pansy(Viola’Violet Beacon ' ): 5
B.Licorice plant(Helichrysum’Limelight ' ): 3
Credit: Mike Jensen
Keep It Simple
you’re able to havea beautiful container gardenwith one kind of plant . As this tummy of angelonia shows , aggroup one salmagundi in a container underscores a plant ’s singular characteristic . Here , angelonia make a great color contrast with the annual phlox in the foreground .
A.Angelonia’Angelface Blue ' : 3
Contrast with Several Varieties of a Plant
These six miscellany ofpeperomiaboast an dumbfounding array of leaf colour , shapes , and grain . With growth habits ranging from upright to trailing , this container will surely please anyone who loveslow - maintenance houseplants .
A. crimson - boundary peperomia(Peperomia clusiifoliavariegata ): 1
B. Baby safety flora ( Peperomia caperata‘Red Ripple ’ ): 1
Credit: Adam Albright
C. Baby golosh flora ( Peperomia clusiifolia‘Tricolor ’ ): 1
D. Parallel peperomia ( Peperomia puteolata ): 1
E. False philodendron ( Peperomia scandens ): 1
Credit: Adam Albright
F. Baby rubber plant ( Peperomia obtusifolia‘Golden Gate ’ ): 1
Add Beauty to an Evergreen
Addingcolorful annualsis a gay flower tidy sum mind that cut back up a plainevergreenfor a dose of summertime - long color .
A.Boxwood(Buxus’Green Gem ' ): 1
B.Verbena’Superbena Purple ' : 3
Credit: Adam Albright
C.Coleus(Solenostemon’Mississippi Summer ' ): 3
D. Ivy ( Hedera helix’Glacier ' ): 3
Create a Classic
Charming and elegantly old - fashioned , this gorgeous spring container garden in its decorativeterra - cotta containerwill last till early fall .
A. Geranium ( Pelargonium’Maverick Star Pink ' ): 1
B.Nemesia’Blue Bird ' : 2
Credit: Mike Jensen
C.Nemesia’Compact Innocence ' : 1
D.Petunia’Supertunia Giant Pink ' : 3
E. Ivy ( Hedera helix’Anne Marie ' ): 4
Credit: Bill Holt
Add a Festive Feel
This perfect little red and blue prime smoke estimate is ideal for gracing the deck or patio for anIndependence Day celebration . Explore othergeranium plant combinationideas for container gardens .
A. Geranium ( Pelargonium’Red Elite ' ): 1
B.Evolvulus glomeratus’Blue Daze ' : 5
Credit: Bill Holt
Pay Attention to Texture
Achieve grain in your container garden with leafy and flowering perennials , annual , and Grass . Here , anornamental grassplays attractively against chunky flame nettle and cascading calibrachoa .
A. Coleus ( Solenostemon’Black Star ' ): 1
B.Calibrachoa Superbells’Cherry Red ' : 3
Credit: Marty Baldwin
C. Purple fountaingrass ( Pennisetum’Rubrum ' ): 1
Try Different Textures
Informal but colorful , this display would bet great in a country- orcottage - style gardenthanks to its piano colors and intriguing mix of textures . opt heat - tolerant yearly such as cockscomb ( genus Celosia ) that contribute colorful texture without much maintenance .
A.Celosia’Purple Flamingo ' : 1
B. Cigar plant ( Cuphea ignea’Dynamite ' ): 1
Credit: Ed Gohlich
C.Calibrachoa’Superbells Trailing Light Blue ' : 3
D.Beefsteak plant(Iresine’California ' ): 1
E.Dahlia’Gallery Salvador ' : 1
Credit: David McDonald
Add Layers of Interest
This container defecate an impressive impact with its good time of colour . A stately ornamental eatage rises above mound plants , contrasting the tracking creeping Jenny andsweet potato vine . By June 21 , the raft will be completely covered with a aureate skirt of leaves .
A.Maiden grass(Miscanthus sinensis’Morning Light ' ): 1
B. Sweet potato vine ( Ipomoea batatus’Margarita ' ): 2
Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff
C.Wax begonia(Begonia’Vodka ' ): 2
D. Coleus ( Solenostemon’Olympic Torch ' ): 1
E. Creeping Jenny ( Lysimachia nummularia’Aurea ' ): 2
Credit: Allan Mandell
Create Cottage Charm
This is a thoroughgoing flower pot idea for a cottage circumstance . The billowy , loose blueprint allows nature to take its course and tends to be lower sustentation than othercarefully manicuredgarden style .
A.Verbena’Escapade Bright Eye ' : 3
B.Plectranthus argentatus : 2
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
C.Parrot ’s beak(Lotus berthelotii ): 3
Draw the Eye Up
This colorful , abundant display demands tending . later - bloomingpineapple sagebecomes the crowning glory in late summer when it bears its bright red blooms . Be certain tokeep your plants well - hydratedto reach their full potential .
A.Ageratum’Blue Horizon ' : 3
B.Bacopa(Sutera’Snowstorm White ' ): 3
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
C.Calibrachoa’Superbells Trailing Rose ' : 3
D.Swan River daisy(Brachycome’Mauve Delight ' ): 3
E.Petunia’Explorer Rose ' : 1
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
F. Pineapple salvia ( Salvia elegans ): 2
Maximize Color
Master the artistic creation ofusing color in your gardenby mixing unequaled combination to make a spirit of teemingness . punctuate it with grain , such as here , where gaura provide nice verticality and make a notable contrast with the disseminate petunia .
A.Lantana’Bandana Cherry Surprise ' : 1
B.Petunia’Rose Double Madness ' : 3
C. Licorice plant ( Helichrysum petiolare’Icicles ' ): 1
D.Gaura lindheimeri:1
Tuck It In
You do n’t need big flower pot ideas to make a substantial impact . This colorful flora combination is an middle - take in agreement that jibe in well just about anywhere . Usesmall - quad garden strategiesto get the most out of your yard .
A.Nemesia’Sunsatia Pear ' : 1
B.Nemesia’Sunsatia Raspberry ' : 1
C.Nemesia’Sunsatia Lemon ' : 1
D.Nemesia’Sunsatia Cranberry ' : 1
E.Pansy(Viola’Karma Blue Blotch ' ): 1
Enjoy Sweet Scents
A perfect accent for anherb gardenor next to your favorite chair on a deck or patio , thescented geraniumwill delight with its perfume and line to fragrantsweet alyssum .
A. sweet geranium ( Pelargonium graveolens’Grey Lady Plymouth'):1
B. Sweet madwort ( Lobularia’Wonderland Purple ' ): 3
Be Romantic
This little heyday pot mind is fulfil with many shade ofpink flowers . Pink can be used in the garden on its own and with planting partners of other semblance . Choose light pinkish flowers for an airy tone or bright pinkish bloom that pop against a gullible screen background .
A.Godetia(Clarkia’Grace Salmon Red ' ): 3
B.Verbena’Babylon Purple ' : 3
C.Snapdragon(Antirrhinum’Solstice cherry ' ): 3
Go Crazy!
Container garden do n’t have to be throttle . This collection displaysbeautiful leafage textures and colorful leavesagainst pink and cherry-red flower in a wooden half barrel .
A.Dusty miller(Senecio’Silver Dust ' ): 3
B. Ivy - leafgeranium(Pelargonium’Crocodile ' ): 3
C.Scented geranium(Pelargonium tomentosum ): 3
D. Licorice plant ( Helichrysum petiolare’Variegatum ' ): 5
E.African daisy(Arctotis’Cerise ' ): 3
F.Salvia patens : 2
Create Drama in a Pot
It ’s well-to-do to set acontainer gardenwhen you bonk a few garden design bedrock . This simple aim show Greco-Roman planting proportions with " thriller plant " ( genus Cordyline ) , " filler plant " ( lantana ) , and " trawl plant " ( trailing coleus ) .
A.Lantana’New Gold ' : 1
B. Coleus ( Solenostemon’Stained Glassworks Trailing Plum ' ): 2
C.Cordyline australis : 1
Overflow with Color
This container is full of colour and texture from its flowers and foliage . The highlight of this planting is a bright gerbera daisy rising out of the top . To take your container to the next level , try out growinggerbera daisiesindoors and outside .
A. Gerbera daisy ( Gerbera’Festival Orange ' ): 1
B. Creeping Jenny ( Lysimachia nummularia’Aurea ' ): 3
C.Verbena’Superbena Burgundy ' : 3
Make a Lively Trio
This container garden has a sense of crusade created by the umbrella sedge ’s angle do off by thetrailing petuniaand equilibrise by the stockygeranium plant life . For a lush terrace garden , trygrouping container .
A. Geranium ( Pelargonium’Scarlet Elite ' ): 1
B.Petunia’Supertunia Mini White ' : 2
C. Umbrella sedge ( Cyperus alternifolius ): 1
Add Mounds of Texture
This merriment combo withtraditional petuniasandosteospermumsis raise by the dramaticperillathat call for attention . Grow annuals like these from seedto save a little money and have more varieties to choose from .
A.Perilla’Magilla ' : 1
B.Petunia’Supertunia Royal Velvet ' : 2
C.Osteospermum’Lemon Symphony ' : 2
How to Find the Best Planters for Your Garden
planter can be created from many vas , not just theflower potsyou pick up at the garden center . employ a galvanized bathing tub for a impulsive esthetic or an old barrow for a land sense . Anold irrigate canmakes a surprising but charming plenty for flowers . If you want to hang plantation owner on the wall , DIY them usingold wooden cutting boardspicked up at thrift shops and flea mart . Atower planteris a canny style to display a collection of succulent , whilestackable planterscan allow a modest quad to hold a big collection of favored greenery . Be originative with your planter estimation and put together fun , ornamental displays whilerecycling unwanted objects .
“ Container Gardening with Native Plants . ” Missouri Botanical Garden .
“ Growing Media ( Potting Soil ) for container . ”University of Maryland Extension .
“ Container Gardens . ” Colorado State University Extension .
