Are you looking for easy-care plants to spruce up your outdoor container gardens this season? If so, perennial plants may be just what you need. A few well-chosen perennials can provide interest, texture, and vibrant colors in a pot throughout the growing season.
Perennials are ideal for containers because they don’t need to be replaced after flowering like annuals, and most of them remain evergreen, providing more visual appeal during winter months. And when grown in pots, they thrive with plenty of sun exposure.
Choosing the right perennials for your pot is essential to ensure success. Numerous plant species tolerate full sun and often have colorful blooms that draw attention to any setting. Read on to learn about perennial plants.
Table of Contents
Here are Some of The Best Perennial Plants for Full Sun
1. Albus
Centranthus ruber ‘Albus’ is a beautiful white flowering perennial that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden. This hardy plant has a USDA hardiness rating of 5-8 and grows to a height of 3ft (90cm) with a spread of 2ft (60cm).
The gray-green leaves provide the perfect backdrop for the small white flowers in abundance throughout the summer.
This drought-tolerant plant requires very little maintenance and is an ideal choice for low-maintenance plants. It is also an excellent choice for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
The long flowering season makes it an attractive addition to planter boxes or flower beds, providing color all summer long. Centranthus ruber ‘Albus’ is sure to bring beauty and life to any garden.
2. Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia is a fragrant, evergreen perennial that produces beautiful purple flowers in summer. This hardy plant has a USDA hardiness rating of 5-9 and grows to a height of 2ft (60cm) with a spread of 1ft (30cm). The gray-green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for abundant fragrant purple flowers throughout the summer.
This drought-tolerant plant requires very little maintenance and is an ideal choice for low-maintenance plants. It is also an excellent choice for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
The long flowering season makes it an attractive addition to planter boxes or flower beds, providing color all summer long.
3. Coreopsis
Coreopsis verticillata is a beautiful yellow flowering perennial perfect for adding a touch of brightness to any garden. This hardy plant has a USDA hardiness rating of 4-9 and grows to a height of 2ft (60cm) with a spread of 1ft (30cm). The bright green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for abundant small yellow flowers throughout the summer.
This drought-tolerant plant requires very little maintenance and is an ideal choice for low-maintenance plants. It is also an excellent choice for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
4. Verbena
Verbena bonariensis is a beautiful purple flowering perennial that is perfect for adding a touch of color to any garden. This hardy plant has a USDA hardiness rating of 5-9 and grows to a height of 4ft (120cm) with a spread of 2ft (60cm).
The bright green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for the small purple flowers in abundance throughout the summer.
This drought-tolerant plant requires very little maintenance and is an ideal choice for low-maintenance plants. It is also an excellent choice for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
The long flowering season makes it an attractive addition to planter boxes or flower beds, providing color all summer long. Verbena bonariensis is sure to bring beauty and life to any garden.
5. Sedum
Sedum spectabile is a beautiful succulent perennial that is perfect for adding texture and interest to any garden. This hardy plant has a USDA hardiness rating of 3-9 and grows to a height of 2ft (60cm) with a spread of 1ft (30cm). The thick, fleshy foliage provides the perfect backdrop for abundant small pink flowers throughout the summer.
This drought-tolerant plant requires very little maintenance and is an ideal choice for low-maintenance plants. It is also an excellent choice for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
The long flowering season makes it an attractive addition to planter boxes or flower beds, providing texture and interest all summer. The Sedum is sure to bring beauty and life to any garden.
6. Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia is a beautiful purple flowering perennial that is perfect for adding a touch of color and fragrance to any garden. This hardy plant has a USDA hardiness rating of 5-9 and grows to a height of 2ft (60cm) with a spread of 1ft (30cm). The bright green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for the small purple flowers in abundance throughout the summer.
This drought-tolerant plant requires very little maintenance and is an ideal choice for low-maintenance plants. It is also an excellent choice for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
The long flowering season makes it an attractive addition to planter boxes or flower beds, providing color and fragrance all summer long.
7. Coreopsis
Coreopsis grandiflora is a beautiful yellow flowering perennial perfect for adding a touch of brightness to any garden. This hardy plant has a USDA hardiness rating of 4-9 and grows to a height of 2ft (60cm) with a spread of 1ft (30cm). The bright green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for abundant small yellow flowers throughout the summer.
This drought-tolerant plant requires very little maintenance and is an ideal choice for low-maintenance plants. It is also an excellent choice for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
The long flowering season makes it an attractive addition to planter boxes or flower beds, providing brightness all summer. Coreopsis grandiflora is sure to bring beauty and life to any garden.
8. Salvia
Salvia nemorosa is a beautiful purple flowering perennial that is perfect for adding a touch of color to any garden. This hardy plant has a USDA hardiness rating of 4-9 and grows to a height of 2ft (60cm) with a spread of 1ft (30cm). The bright green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for the small purple flowers in abundance throughout the summer.
This drought-tolerant plant requires very little maintenance and is an ideal choice for low-maintenance plants. It is also an excellent choice for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
The long flowering season makes it an attractive addition to planter boxes or flower beds, providing color all summer long. Salvia nemorosa is sure to bring beauty and life to any garden.
9. Silver Moon
Agapanthus ‘Silver Moon is a stunning addition to any garden or patio. With its hardiness rating of USDA 7-11, it can be grown in many climates and reach a height of 28in (70cm) and a spread of 20in (50cm).
This relatively new introduction has variegated foliage that adds to its ornamental value, making it an eye-catching feature in any outdoor space.
The best way to display this agapanthus is as a solo plant in a tall container. This will help to emphasize the sky-blue blooms and create an attractive structural accent for your patio or balcony. It requires very little attention, apart from dividing and repotting every few years.
With its striking foliage and beautiful blooms, Agapanthus ‘Silver Moon’ is sure to bring life and color to any outdoor area.
10. Stipa Tenuissima
Stipa tenuissima is a semi-evergreen grass that adds movement and texture to any container display. This ornamental grass has golden, feathery foliage that looks good until late summer and winter. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-11 and grows to a height of 24 inches (60cm) with a spread of 12 inches (30cm).
This type of grass looks best when planted in multiples of three, so choose a large enough container to accommodate the desired number of plants. Stipa tenuissima needs minimal maintenance, but it should be combed through lightly in spring to tidy up old growth.
This soft and wispy grass is an excellent choice for adding interest and texture to any garden or patio display.
Some Tips for Planting Perennials in Containers
When planting perennials in containers, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, choose the right type of container for your plants. Make sure it is large enough to accommodate the root system of the perennial and has adequate drainage holes.
Next, use quality potting soil specifically designed for container gardening. This will help ensure that your plants can access all the necessary nutrients.
Finally, make sure to water your plants regularly and fertilize them every few weeks during the growing season. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a beautiful display of perennials in containers all year round.
When selecting perennials for containers, it is important to consider the amount of sunlight they will receive. Some plants require full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Consider the location of your container and choose plants suited to the amount of light they will receive.
It is also important to select plants suitable for the climate in which you live. Many perennials can be grown in various climates, but some are more suited to certain areas. Research the plants you are interested in and ensure they thrive in your area. With these tips in mind, you can create a beautiful display of perennials in containers that will last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. What container loves the sun the most?
Some of the best full-sun plants for container garden selections include succulents, Portulacas, and Zinnias. Each of these types of plants loves full sun conditions.
2. What perennials are best for containers?
Some of the best container perennials include Agapanthus, Stipa tenuissima, and Lavender. These plants are all relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in various climates. They also provide a range of colors and textures for any container garden display.
3. What is the best soil for container gardening?
When selecting perennials for containers, it is important to consider the water they need. Some plants require more frequent watering than others, so research the plants you are interested in and determine their water needs. Also, choose a pot with adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot.
4. What plant likes the all-day Sun?
Full sun is the favorite flower of sunflowers, the sunniest of all flowers. That’s not surprising. Those big yellow blooms need at least six hours of sunlight daily. Summer and fall are the best times to bloom on these sturdy plants.
5. What plant likes hot afternoon sun?
A succulent border or small garden can be a wonderful addition to any landscape in the afternoon sun, as many succulents thrive in the sun. They are extremely drought resistant, low maintenance, and come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and textures, and they require little water to grow.
Conclusion
When selecting perennials for containers, it is important to consider the amount of sunlight they will receive and choose plants suited to the climate in which you live. Quality potting soil specifically designed for container gardening and regular watering and fertilizing is also important. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a beautiful display of perennials in containers all year round.
