Container gardening is an excellent way to add color and life to a small outdoor space. When selecting plants for containers, choosing varieties suited to their environment is important. Geraniums, Dianthus, and Skimmia japonica are all ideal for container gardening and can add a stunning display of greenery and blooms to your outdoor area.

Geraniums offer colorful flowers in various shades, while Dianthus provide attractive evergreen foliage and bright blooms. Skimmia japonica is an evergreen shrub that offers white and pink blooms in the spring. With these plants in your container garden, you can create a beautiful and vibrant display that will last throughout the season. Read on to learn more about it.

Here are the 20 Best Flowers for Containers

1. Geranium

Geraniums are a classic choice for container gardens, and it’s easy to see why. With a wide range of varieties, they offer something for everyone – from the traditional to the more modern. They come in various colors, from bright pinks and purples to softer whites and blues. Their foliage is often just as beautiful as their flowers, making them a great choice even when not blooming.

Geraniums thrive in sunny spots, so place them somewhere with plenty of light. They can grow up to 18 inches tall and reward you with blooms from late spring through summer. With proper care, these hardy plants will provide you with vibrant color all season long – perfect for adding a cheer to your outdoor space.

2. Dianthus

Dianthus is a great choice for container gardening, offering evergreen foliage and bright blooms. It’s available in various colors, from white to pink and red. The flowers are often fragrant, making them an ideal choice for adding scent to your outdoor space.

Dianthus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a low-maintenance plant that will reward you with blooms from late spring through summer.

3. Skimmia japonica

Skimmia japonica is an evergreen shrub that offers white and pink blooms in the spring. It’s a great choice for container gardening, as it can be kept small and compact with regular pruning. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

4. Petunias

Petunias are a classic choice for container gardens, offering various colors and sizes. They’re available in single and double blooms, so you can choose the look that best suits your outdoor space. Petunias prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They’ll reward you with blooms from late spring through summer.

5. Lobelia

Lobelia is a great choice for adding color to your container garden. It comes in various colors, from bright blues and purples to softer whites and pinks. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil and will reward you with blooms from late spring through summer.

6. Impatiens

Impatiens are a great choice for adding color to your container garden. They come in various colors, from bright pinks and purples to softer whites and yellows. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil and will reward you with blooms from late spring through summer.

7. Alyssum

Alyssum is a great choice for adding color to your container garden. It comes in various colors, from bright whites and yellows to softer pinks and purples. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and will reward you with blooms from late spring through summer.

8. Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic choice for container gardens, as they offer various colors and sizes. They’re available in single and double blooms, so you can choose the look that best suits your outdoor space. Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They’ll reward you with blooms from late spring through summer.

9. Begonia

Begonias are a great choice for adding color to your container garden. They come in various colors, from bright reds and oranges to softer whites and pinks. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil and will reward you with blooms from late spring through summer.

10. Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a great choice for adding color to your container garden. It comes in various colors, from bright pinks and purples to softer whites and yellows. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil and will reward you with blooms from late spring through summer.

11. Geraniums

Geraniums are a classic choice for container gardens, offering various colors and sizes. They’re available in both single and double blooms, so you can choose the look that best suits your outdoor space. Geraniums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They’ll reward you with blooms from late spring through summer.

12. Pansy

In winter and early spring, pansies make popular flower choices for container gardens due to their hardiness in cold weather. They come in various colors, including dark red, orange, pale yellow, light blue, and even purple.

Most pansies have more than one color on their petals, making them an eye-catching addition to any garden. Ideally suited for shallow bowls or mixed plantings, these plants only reach 6-12″ in height.

However, pansies tend to burn out by mid-summer, so it’s important to keep them out of the hot sun once the weather warms up. This will help them last longer and give you more time to enjoy their beauty before they fade away. With proper care and attention, pansies can be a great way to brighten your garden during the year’s colder months.

13. Dwarf Zinnia

Dwarf zinnias are a popular choice for container gardening due to their small size and vibrant colors. These annuals only grow to be 18-36” tall, making them perfect for small spaces. They come in many colors, including pink, orange, yellow, red, and white. Dwarf zinnias have petals that form in layers and look like pom poms.

These flowers thrive in hot climates and need plenty of sunshine to stay healthy. They do best when planted in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Watering should be done regularly but not too often as they can become susceptible to root rot if overwatered.

Fertilizing every few weeks will help keep the blooms looking bright and vibrant throughout the season. With proper care, these cheerful little flowers will bring lots of color and life to your garden.

14. Snapdragon

Snapdragon flowers are a childhood favorite, with their unique dragon-like faces that open and close when squeezed. These colorful, playful spike flowers come in every rainbow shade and brighten any garden. Snapdragon plants love full sun, so they should be planted in an area with plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

It is important to pinch back snapdragons early in the season to encourage bushier plants and more prolific flowers. This will help them grow fuller and produce more blooms.

Snapdragons are easy to care for and make great additions to any garden or flower bed. They can also be used as cut flowers for bouquets or arrangements, adding a unique touch to any floral display. With their vibrant colors and fun dragon faces, snapdragons are sure to bring joy to anyone who sees them.

15. Alyssum

Alyssum, or Lobularia maritima, is a small and fragrant flower perfect for adding beauty to any garden. These petite blooms are a great way to accentuate larger centerpiece plants or trailing plants, as they provide an eye-catching contrast in size and color.

Alyssum also has the added benefit of being able to withstand hot temperatures without wilting, making them ideal for gardens in warm climates.

In addition to their hardiness, Alyssum flowers are known for their sweet scent and long blooming period. From spring through frost, these flowers will keep producing beautiful blossoms that fill the air with their delicate aroma.

They can be planted in beds or containers and come in various colors, including white, pink, purple, and yellow. Alyssum is an easy-to-care-for flower that will bring beauty and fragrance to any garden.

16. Lobelia

Lobelia is a beautiful and versatile flower that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. It is an annual plant with light, airy foliage and draping dainty flowers in shades of blue, violet, rosy, and white. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.

Lobelia is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. It thrives in sunny locations and does not need deadheading or pruning. It grows quickly and blooms profusely throughout the summer months.

This makes it ideal for adding color to beds, borders, containers, or hanging baskets. With its long flowering season and low maintenance requirements, Lobelia will surely bring beauty and joy to your garden all season long.

17. Fan Flower

The fan flower (Scaevola aemula) is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of grace to any garden. Its delicate, fan-like petals are held up by thin stems, giving the appearance of little fans blowing in the wind. The flowers come in white, pink, and purple shades and bloom from summer to fall.

This easy-to-care-for plant loves heat and can handle drought conditions without much fuss. It doesn’t need deadheading or pruning to keep it blooming all summer long. Fan flower is also an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance ground cover as it spreads quickly and easily. Its soft foliage helps soften edges and minds alike, making it an ideal addition to any garden or outdoor space.

18. Verbena

Verbena is an old-fashioned favorite that has been around for centuries. It is a beautiful flower that blooms from spring to hard frost and comes in shades of white, pink, corals, mauves, and royal purple. Using verbena, you can feel the warmth of summer for as long as you like with its cascading fragrant flowers.

Verbena is a great choice for gardeners because it thrives in the sun and doesn’t need deadheading. It also attracts butterflies and makes a lovely wild-flower-style bouquet. In addition, it is heat and drought-tolerant, so it can withstand even the harshest conditions. Verbena is a great way to add color and beauty to any garden or outdoor space.

19. Dwarf Sunflowers

Dwarf sunflowers, or Helianthus, are a great choice for those who love the look of sunflowers but don’t have the space to accommodate them. These smaller varieties are perfect for container gardening and can be used as a centerpiece with other plants to create a beautiful display.

Dwarf sunflowers will follow the sun throughout the day, so it is important to ensure they get plenty of sunlight.

These dwarf varieties come in many colors and sizes, making them an ideal choice for any garden. They are also easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. Sunflowers need regular watering and fertilizing, but they do not need pruning or deadheading like some other flowers. With proper care, these dwarf sunflowers will bloom all season long.

20. Verbena

In outdoor pots, verbena is often planted because of its solid or bicolor blossoms that bloom from the middle of summer until the end of fall. This plant can reach 3-4 feet heights, making it an ideal thriller in a mixed planter or as a dramatic stand-alone piece. Verbena prefers full sun but can also do well in dappled or partial shade.

Verbena is easy to care for and will reward you with beautiful blooms all season long. It requires regular watering and fertilizing but is fairly low maintenance otherwise. Deadheading spent flowers will help promote new growth and keep the plant looking its best. Verbena also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a great addition to any garden or outdoor space.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

1. What plants grow quickly in pots?

When it comes to plants that grow quickly in pots, a few options come to mind. One of the best choices is annuals, such as petunias, marigolds, and impatiens. These flowers will bloom all season long and can be easily replaced yearly. Another great option is herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. These plants are easy to care for and can be harvested throughout the season.

2. What are the best flowers for containers?

The best flowers for containers depend on your climate and personal preferences. The most popular choices include verbena, petunias, marigolds, impatiens, and dwarf sunflowers. These flowers will provide color and beauty all season long with minimal maintenance.

3. What plants can tolerate full sun in containers?

Many plants can tolerate full sun in containers, including verbena, petunias, marigolds, impatiens, and dwarf sunflowers. These flowers will thrive in the sun and provide color and beauty all season long. Other options include herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. These plants are easy to care for and can be harvested throughout the season.

4. What plants can tolerate partial shade in containers?

If you have a spot in your garden that gets partial shade, there are still plenty of options for container gardening. Some of the best choices include impatiens, coleus, begonias, and fuchsias. These flowers will thrive in the shade and provide color and beauty all season long. Other options include herbs like mint, chives, and thyme. These plants are easy to care for and can be harvested throughout the season.

5. What are the best plants for hanging baskets?

Hanging baskets are a great way to add color and beauty to your outdoor space. Some of the best choices for hanging baskets include petunias, impatiens, begonias, and fuchsias. These flowers will thrive in the sun or shade and provide color all season long. Other options include trailing plants like ivy, sweet potato vine, and creeping jenny. These plants will cascade down the sides of the basket for a beautiful effect.

Conclusion

There are many options for container gardening. The best flowers for containers depend on your climate and personal preferences. Popular choices include verbena, petunias, marigolds, impatiens, and dwarf sunflowers. These flowers will provide color and beauty all season long with minimal maintenance. With the right guidance and maintenance, any flower can grow up to enhance your container’s beauty.

About the Author

Virginia E. Hayes is a gardening enthusiast who loves to write about gardening tools, safety issues, and ways to keep gardens clean and safe. With her vast experience in gardening, she provides valuable insights and tips to help fellow gardening enthusiasts to enhance their gardening experience. Her passion for gardening and writing has made her a sought-after author in the gardening community.

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