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.
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When choosing your pot, stick to just one or two different materials. Take your cue from the style of the house and garden – red brick buildings are enhanced by terracotta containers, while a modern plot is the best backdrop for galvanised metal 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.
To recreate the pot pictured above, you will need to plant Zinnia marylandica 'Zahara Yellow', Lantana 'Lucky Pure Gold', Bidens aurea, yellow tagetes, Helichrysum 'Silver Mist' and Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sonata White'.
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Alan Titchmarsh shares his five favourite plants for containers, in this short video from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine.
Best plants for pots all year-round
Some plants work well in pots all year round. These include hardy evergreen foliage plants like yucca, English ivy variegated euonymus and heuchera, and flowering plants like Skimmia japonica and hebes. Evergreens tend to be best for year-round pot displays as they are always in leaf and therefore always have something to offer the display. Match them with plants that flower at different times – from spring through to winter. Planting long-flowering plants like perennial wallflowers, which may bloom for 12 months of the year if mild, will add to your display.
Browse our list of 10 plants for pots and containers, below.
The best 10 plants for pots and containers
Euonymus
Variegated foliage is a real pick-me-up all year round. For a striking display, try it with creeping Jenny, Lysimachia nummularia, tulips, golden narcissi or primroses.
- Buy Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold'from Thompson & Morgan, Crocus, J Parker's and Suttons
Pittosporum tenuifolium
This elegant evergreen shrub has rich mahogany leaves that emerge a pale creamy colour before darkening. Slightly tender, it will need a sheltered spot over winter.
- Buy Pittosporum tenuifolium from Thompson & Morgan, Crocus, J Parker's and Suttons
Skimmia japonica
This male form is blessed with glossy evergreen leaves, and an abundance of tiny red buds through the winter, which open to pinky-white flowers in spring.
- Buy Skimmia japonica from Thompson & Morgan, Crocus, J Parker's and Suttons
Hosta
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.
- Buy hostas from Thompson & Morgan, Crocus, J Parker's and Suttons
Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
Fountain grass is a real show-stopper. Grow in large pots with alliums for dramatic impact, or on its own to make a statement. 'Rubrum' has graceful stems and red-tinged, squirrel-tail flowers that fade to beige in autumn. Protect from frost in winter.
- Buy Pennisetum setaceum from Crocus, Suttons, J Parker's and Sarah Raven
Buddleia 'Buzz'
The 'Buzz' series of buddleias is compact, making them perfect for growing in pots. While they don't flower all year round and need to be pruned back in spring, they will form a perennial display that you can complement with other plants that flower at different seasons.
- Buy Buddleia 'Buzz' from Thompson & Morgan, You Garden, J Parker's and Van Meuwen
Hebe
Many hebes are compact enough to grow in pots. Most have evergreen leaves and their flowers last well into autumn and even winter when conditions are mild. Flowers range in colour from pinks to purples and whites.
More like this
- Buy Hebe from Thompson & Morgan, Crocus, J Parker's and Suttons
Agapanthus
Agapanthus work well in pots, as they do best when their roots are slightly restricted. Grow them on their own or pair with other plants that flower at different times of year. Most agapanthus are evergreen but there are some deciduous types.
- Buy Agapanthus from Thompson & Morgan, Crocus, Suttons, J Parker's and Sarah Raven
Cornus
Many varieties of dogwood, including cultivars of Cornus alba, Cornus sanguinea and Cornus sericea, have beautifully colourful winter stems, and work well in pots. They make an excellent backdrop for other winter perennials, and you can choose plants (such as the lavender, hebe and phormium shown in this pic), which will take centre stage when the leaves grow on the cornus stems in spring, dulling its display.
Heuchera
Heuchera are evergreen foliage plants and come in a range of vibrant colours. They're perfect for using as a foil for other plants, and make excellent long-lasting displays.
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- Buy Heuchera from Crocus and J Parker's
As a seasoned horticulturist with a wealth of practical experience and a deep understanding of gardening principles, let me delve into the concepts covered in the provided article on planting in pots and containers.
1. Material Selection for Pots: The article emphasizes the importance of choosing pots wisely based on the style of the house and garden. It suggests sticking to one or two materials for coherence. For instance, terracotta containers complement red brick buildings, while galvanized metal pots are suitable for modern settings. This recommendation aligns with the principles of design and aesthetics in gardening, where the choice of materials contributes to the overall visual harmony of the space.
2. Impact of Pot Size: Larger pots are highlighted for their greater impact, providing more space for plants to grow and reducing the frequency of soil drying out. This aligns with basic horticultural knowledge that larger volumes of soil retain moisture better and provide a more stable environment for plant growth. The article also notes that an eclectic group of small containers can create a dynamic, ever-changing scene, showcasing the versatility of container gardening.
3. Design Principles: The article touches upon design principles used by gardeners, such as the effective use of repetition. Garden designers often employ three or more identical containers planted with the same plants to maximize visual impact. This design strategy follows the principles of rhythm and unity in garden design, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
4. Plant Selection: The article provides a specific example of recreating a pot with plants like Zinnia marylandica, Lantana, Bidens aurea, yellow tagetes, Helichrysum, and Cosmos bipinnatus. This demonstrates an understanding of plant compatibility, color coordination, and varying blooming times. Additionally, the article offers a list of plants suitable for pots all year round, considering factors like evergreen foliage and flowering periods.
5. Year-Round Container Gardening: The article recommends using hardy evergreen foliage plants like yucca, English ivy, variegated euonymus, and heuchera for year-round pot displays. This aligns with the knowledge that evergreens maintain visual interest even during the dormant seasons. It also suggests pairing them with plants that flower at different times, promoting continuous visual appeal throughout the year.
6. Best Plants for Pots: The article provides a list of the best 10 plants for pots and containers, including Euonymus, Pittosporum tenuifolium, Skimmia japonica, Hosta, Fountain grass, Buddleia 'Buzz', Hebe, Agapanthus, Cornus, and Heuchera. Each plant recommendation is accompanied by considerations such as growth habits, flowering characteristics, and suitability for container gardening.
In conclusion, the article combines practical advice, design principles, and specific plant recommendations to guide readers in creating visually appealing and successful container gardens. The information provided reflects a comprehensive understanding of horticulture and garden design principles.
