Evergreen trees for pots
Best trees to grow in pots: 15 beautiful compact varieties
The best trees to grow in pots can add much needed interest to patios, courtyards and other areas of your back yard.
With both deciduous and evergreen options, offering various leaf color, fruit and flowers through the seasons, potted trees are versatile container gardening ideas.
Growing pots in trees is a way to zone a secluded seating or dining area as a patio idea, flowering trees can add color and scent, while citrus or olive trees are ideal if you want to create a Mediterranean-style garden.
One of the big advantages is that you can grow tree species that wouldn't usually suit the growing conditions in your hardiness zone as the best trees to grow in pots can be moved indoors in colder months.
The best trees to grow in pots
Many different trees can thrive in pots, so look beyond the local garden center for inspiration. You could choose one of the best indoor trees that you move outdoors in warmer months to surround yourself with nature year round.
'There are many types of trees you can grow in pots and containers,' says small space gardening expert Emilly Barbosa Fernandes of Housegrail . 'They instantly brighten up any garden, and can become the main focal point.'
If you want a low-maintenance planting scheme, then the best trees to grow in pots must be compatible with your local climate, and require minimal pruning. An advantage of planting trees in pots is that you can control their soil type – perhaps growing an acid-loving tree in a chalky soil, or creating free-draining conditions in a garden with heavy clay soil.
Consider where you want the tree to be positioned in your garden, as whether it will sit in full sun or receive some shade will be a factor in which varieties will be suitable.
It's important to look at the maximum size of a tree species, and how many years it will take to reach maturity. Some trees are suited to pots for their whole life, while other slow-growing varieties can have a long pot life before needing to be eventually planted in the ground as part of your flower bed ideas.
Trees have hungry, thirsty roots, so container size is also key. Ensure you invest in a pot that's big enough for your chosen tree to flourish.
Remember that a tree planted in a pot will dry out more quickly than in the ground, and the smaller the pot size, the more often you will have to water it.
1. Peach tree
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Enjoy a delicious home harvest of fruit by growing a peach tree in a container. These are among the best fruit trees to grow, and ideal for trees to grow in pots, particularly as you can move the container to the sunniest and warmest positions throughout the year.
You will need a fairly large container for growing a peach tree – although not so large that you can not easily move it when required. Good drainage is important, so either add some crocs or stones to the bottom of a container, or raise it up on pot feet to aid drainage.
'You will need to water peach trees grown in pots almost every day in the growing season, and repot them every few years' explains Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the RHS .
2. Crab apple tree
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Producing lovely pink blossom in spring, followed by their ornamental fruits in fall, crab apples are among the best trees to grow in pots.
When planting crab apples in containers, use a pot that is approximately 12-15in. (30-40cm), in a good quality and free draining loam based compost, explain the experts at Pomona Fruits .
Keep them well watered in the first growing season, watering them daily in warmer weather. They are also among the best trees for autumn color.
3. Amelanchier
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
A small, compact deciduous tree, amelanchier – known by a number of other names including juneberry, shadbush and sarvisberry – offers interest through the seasons. It produces lovely starry white flowers in spring, red and purple berries in summer through to fall, and its bronze tinged young leaves turn through green to the fiery colors of orange and red, making this undoubtedly one of the best trees to grow in pots .
Amelanchier prefers a spot in full sun, so move the container to the best spot throughout the year. Plant bare root trees for the most economical option, in ericaceous compost in a large pot.
4. Japanese maple tree
(Image credit: Ian West / Alamy Stock Photo)
Japanese maples trees – or acer palmatum – are ideal for smaller gardens, as they are slow growing and require minimal pruning or training. They also offer lovely fall color.
‘With a variety of showy cascades in foliage and colors ranging from vibrant greens to deep blood reds, this is a showcase tree for container growing,’ says Tammy Sons, owner of Tennessee Nursery .
‘Japanese maple trees do not grow to extreme heights, seldom reaching over 15 feet. My favorite varieties are 'Crimson Queen' and 'Bloodgood', with their added attribute of spectacular fall foliage.’
Meanwhile, Lisa Tadewaldt, arborist and owner of Urban Forest Pro , particularly favors the dwarf maple 'Sharp's Pygmy'.
‘They can live in a pot for hundreds of years,' she says. 'You can ignore them or pamper them – either way they always look great. This is a favorite of serious bonsai artists, and what I personally have on my deck in pots.’
Position Japanese maples in a cool spot that receives some shade during the hottest part of the day, and water regularly in the summer. They are perfect to include for Japanese garden ideas.
5. Lemon tree
(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)
‘I always think there is something very romantic about a lemon tree growing in a pot,’ says Aaron Bertelsen, author of Grow Fruit & Vegetables in Pots . ‘Perhaps it is the way the scent of the blossom fills a room, or the knowledge that rich people in the past would build dedicated lemon houses to shelter their highly prized trees.’
While lemon trees make fantastic house plants during the winter, they can grow happily outdoors during the spring and summer. This is why planting them in pots is the best solution, so you can bring them indoors in frosty weather.
You can even learn how to grow lemon from seed, to surround yourself with these uplifting trees.
‘Lemons are hungry plants, so make sure you use a good, soil-based compost, adding some grit or sharp sand to improve drainage,’ adds Bertelsen, who recommends the Meyer variety as it flowers throughout the year.
Make sure you understand how to prune lemon trees to get the best out of them, and let them dry out between waterings.
6. Dwarf conifers
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Larger conifers are some of the best trees for privacy and screening in a backyard, but there are a number of smaller species that are perfect for pots.
Some recommended conifers to consider are dwarf varieties of cypress trees, yew trees, mountain pines, and Chinese juniper.
‘They are not top-heavy and have an equal branch structure from the central leader to the top,’ says Sons.
‘Evergreen conifers also offer year-round beauty and they can successfully be trimmed back in order for them to not overwhelm the container.
’
7. Crepe Myrtle
(Image credit: Biosphoto / Alamy Stock Photo)
Crepe myrtle – or crape myrtle – is a striking tree that offers year-round interest, and grows very well in pots.
‘This beautiful tree has large trumpet-shaped flowers that often have an orange tint to them,’ says Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield . 'Crape myrtles also have good fall color, with attractive peeling bark. I love how the branches are always thick enough to handle being in pots.’
Choose from flowers of white, pink or purple, which bloom from late spring through summer. Some varieties flower until the first frost in fall.
Crepe myrtle trees need full sun to thrive, and in frost-prone areas will need to be overwintered in a greenhouse or conservatory. Learn how to prune crepe myrtle to keep your trees looking their best.
8. Bay tree
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
As well as creating a sculptural feature, bay trees are aromatic herbs that have wonderfully scented leaves that can be used in cooking fresh or dried.
Bay trees look particularly stunning in pairs flanking a doorway, or can be positioned next to seating areas on the patio for outdoor dining ideas. They thrive in containers and can be clipped into attractive ball or pyramid topiary shapes.
‘A bay tree is very easy to look after, provided you give it a good sunny spot and feed it regularly,’ says Bertelsen. ‘Prune every spring, both to keep it at the size you want it and to reduce any congestion.’
It’s a good idea to repot bay trees every few years to keep them healthy and encourage fresh growth. Bay trees are an excellent choice for planter box ideas.
9. Banana tree
(Image credit: Oleksandr Sokolenko / Alamy Stock Photo)
Banana trees are some of the best trees to grow in pots if you want to add a tropical garden idea to your patio. But bear in mind if you are growing a banana tree in the garden this will generally be for their ornamental leaves, rather than for fruit, unless you live in a climate of at least 60ºF (15°C) for most of the year.
‘If you live in a cooler climate, then a banana tree still brings a taste of tropics to your landscaping,’ says Tadewaldt. ‘The growth of these trees is usually stunted by the colder weather enough that they can live in the pot for an extended period of time.'
Smaller varieties of banana tree are particularly well suited to climates with colder winters, as they can be brought inside and enjoyed as a houseplant.
10. Rhododendron
(Image credit: Gina Kelly / Alamy Stock Photo)
As well as the popular shrubs, rhododendrons are also available in tree form – R. arboreum. Although after several decades they can eventually reach great heights of over 40 feet, they are slow-growing trees that will live happily for years in a pot, so it is worth learning how to grow rhododendrons.
‘I really like rhododendron – it is such a pretty flowering tree with red and white flowers in the summer,’ says Hyland. As an evergreen tree, it possesses attractive dark green leaves year round.
‘My favorite thing about it is its ability to thrive in stunted, acidic, or shallow soil conditions.’
Be sure you know how to prune rhododendron to keep your potted specimens under control.
11. Olive tree
(Image credit: Darren Chung)
If you want to create a Mediterranean garden, olive trees are ideal and perfectly suited to growing in containers, as they can be moved to safety during excessively cold winters.
‘Olive trees are not fond of winter, so make sure to cover them if you know a frost is coming,’ says Barbosa Fernandes.
‘They love warmth and sun, and they also do well in dry areas. However, they do need the right conditions to produce olives.’
In order for the trees to fruit, they will need two months with temperatures below 50°F (10°C), but above 14°F (-10°C), as well as fluctuation between day and night temperatures. Although self-fertile, olive trees benefit from cross pollination.
‘If you don’t have the right conditions to grow olives, don’t be too disappointed, as they’re such elegant evergreen trees,’ says Barbosa Fernandes.
‘Fertilize them in the spring for the best results.’
You also need to know how to prune olive trees to improve their shape and increase the chances of fruit production.
12. Wedding Cake Tree
(Image credit: Steffen Hauser / Botanikfoto / Alamy Stock Photo)
Also known as Cornus controversa 'Variegata', the wedding cake tree is a variegated dogwood tree.
‘The white in the leaves adds interest and it naturally grows in layers – like the layers of a cake, hence its name – and pruning will help to emphasize this form,’ says Tadewaldt.
However, regular pruning isn’t essential, and as the tree is slow-growing, it will live happily in its pot for a long time, as long as the soil is fertile.
‘Eventually, however, this tree will outgrow the pot and need to be transplanted,’ adds Tadewaldt.
13. Apple tree
(Image credit: Unsplash)
Smaller varieties of apple tree are perfect for growing in pots on the patio.
Not only are varieties grown on dwarf rootstock usually quicker to fruit, but they are often better quality than larger trees.
When choosing a variety of apple tree, you need to consider pollination. ‘Self-fertile cultivars are available, although it’s generally recommended to have at least two different partner trees nearby for cross-pollination,' explains Period Living’s gardening expert Leigh Clapp.
When planting apple trees in pairs, 'opt for different varieties of apple tree that flower at the same time.'
If you only have room for one apple tree, Red Falstaff is a great choice as it is heavy cropping and very hardy. Apples trees are among the best fast growing fruit trees so you will enjoy a well sized tree before you know it.
14. Starry magnolia
(Image credit: Getty Images)
While most types of magnolia will grow too large to plant in pots, starry magnolia is a more compact, bushy tree that produces the most beautiful white, star-shaped flowers.
The tree flowers in the spring and exudes a delicate fragrance, adding a romantic air to a patio seating area.
Position starry magnolia in a sheltered spot, and plant in neutral to acid soil that is well drained.
When established, they are low maintenance, and require only mulching in spring, and learn how to prune a magnolia tree lightly in the summer.
15. Kumquat
(Image credit: Francesco Maltinti / Alamy Stock Photo)
Citrus trees make for some of the best indoor trees, but you can grow them outside in the right climates.
‘If you’ve never tried kumquat, then you most definitely should – you can eat the entire thing, skin and all,’ says Barbosa Fernandes.
Producing small orange fruits and flowers that bloom in the summer, these compact trees can be easily grown in pots, and are one of the hardiest citrus fruits.
‘Position them in full sun, and plant in moist, well-draining soil. However, you don’t need to worry about cross-pollination or cold weather killing it down to 18°F (-8°C),’ adds Barbosa Fernandes.
What trees can remain in pots?
Trees can remain in pots indefinitely if you can find a container large enough to accommodate their maximum mature size. Otherwise, you will need to plant them in the ground when they grow too large.
Opt for dwarf varieties of container-friendly trees, such as Japanese maples and small conifers. Bay trees, small citrus trees and olive trees are also good options.
Bear in mind that most trees will need potting on to a larger container every few years, when they have outgrown their pot.
(Image credit: Darren Chung)
Can trees survive in pots over winter?
Some trees can survive in pots over winter, but this will largely depend on your local climate.
In warmer regions, for example, citrus trees can stay outside year round, but in regions that experience cold winter nights of below 50°F (10°C), they will need to be brought inside.
Japanese maple trees are excellent choices for pots in most climates, and can survive very cold winters where temperatures reach as low as -20°F (-28°C).
What are the best evergreen trees for pots?
There are a number of best evergreen trees for pots. These include Rhododendron arboreum, bay trees, conifers, Japanese holly and Italian cypress – to name but a few. There are many other options you can find to suit the conditions in your garden and area where you live.
7 Best Evergreens for Containers
We are reader supported. External links may earn us a commission.
by Sara Marium
Backyard Gardening Tips & Guides
15shares
Brighten up those grey days with a pop of color from some evergreen plants – perfect for containers too! Evergreens are great plants to keep your garden alive throughout the year.
The vibrant foliage makes even the dreariest winter season bright and beautiful, while the plant provides wildlife food and shelter.
Evergreens also make excellent container plants, allowing you a little more flexibility to change the plant’s position and control the growing conditions. Here are the best evergreens to grow in a pot.
Table of Contents
1. Dwarf Mugo PineImage credits: sichkarenko.com via Shutterstock‘Dwarf Mugo’ pine is a slow-growing plant with dense branches of dark green needles and brown, ovoid cones. It has a spread and height of 2 to 3 feet each and requires very little maintenance to grace your garden with its interesting textures.
The pine is often used for landscaping, surviving in hardiness zones 2 through 7, so it prefers a cooler summer climate. To keep the plant happy, fill your container with moist, well-draining loamy, or sandy soil and position it in a spot with full sun.
The plant requires moderate watering, about once per week.
You can also prune the branches in late winter every year to keep the plant compact and well-maintained.
Boxwood shrub was a garden staple for a long time, used for landscape edging and screening for privacy. However, its recent decline in popularity does not diminish its prowess as a container plant. The shrub is laden with small, rounded, leathery leaves in a lush green color and grows about 2 to 3 feet wide and tall.
Plant your shrub in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5 and provide the plant with 1 inch of water every 10 days. Place the pot in an area with slight shade, up to around 20 percent, and protected from harsh winds and strong sun.
While the plant is hardy to zones 6 to 9, it may be more susceptible to temperature extremes in a container. Take care to choose a pot that allows for a shallow yet wide root system and is light in color, as dark colors can overheat the roots, damaging the plant.
Japanese skimmia is a dense, mounding evergreen shrub that produces large clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers in spring. It also features leathery, ovate dark green leaves. The female plants sport red or white berries, making them amazing ornamental plants to grow in containers.
The best soil for planting Japanese skimmia is rich, acidic, and well-draining. It is among the few plants that prefer part to full shade, as full sun can scorch its beautiful foliage. The undemanding shrub needs water during the dry spells in spring and summer until the roots establish.
Skimmias planted in containers can benefit from repotting every two to three years once the roots fill the old container. They can grow from 3 to 7 feet tall, and 4 to 5 feet wide, so occasional pruning will keep the shape compact.
4. Dwarf Blue SpruceImage credits: Roman Odintsov via PexelsAnother dwarf conifer to add to your container garden is the intriguing blue spruce.
The plant’s name comes from its ethereal blue-green or silver-blue, short, stiff needles that shoot outwards from the entire circumference of the branches.
The low-maintenance plant requires moist, well-draining, acidic soil and at least six hours of full sun to thrive year-round. Like most spruce trees, it does not need too much watering and can benefit from drying between watering sessions. Usually, weekly watering for newly planted evergreen trees is adequate.
The conifer is partial to cooler summer, surviving in zones 2 to 7. It does not appreciate drastic pruning that can leave bald spots, so opt for frequent, light trimming to help the plant maintain its height suitable for a container.
5. Blue Star JuniperImage credits: Pisitphol via Shutterstock‘Blue Star’ juniper is a beautiful evergreen shrub with interesting silver-blue needles packed into dense, awl-shaped foliage. The slow-growing plant is also a dwarf conifer that forms a compact mound.
They are perfect for growing in containers due to their limited height (1 to 3 feet) and spread (1 to 4 feet).
Keep the plant in moist, well-draining, sandy soil. It also performs well under full sun and in a sheltered spot but requires little maintenance. Water your plant once a week when established, reducing the watering to once per month in winter.
It is hardy to zone between 4 and 8 and rarely requires pruning, though you can trim the plant if you want to keep it in a particular shape and height.
6. English IvyImage credits: Kulbir via PexelsEnglish Ivy is a popular evergreen vine that often creeps on the sides of the building to shroud the wall with its unique, variegated leaves. However, it looks incredibly appealing, cascading down containers as well.
Grow your vines in moist, well-draining soil, though it can tolerate most soil varieties. Similarly, you can grow the trailing plant in any level of light, from full sun to full shade, and its foliage will continue to grow and flourish.
It requires moderate watering, enough to keep the soil moist, and is hardy to zones 4 through 9.
‘Dwarf Alberta’ spruce makes a striking container plant with its light green needles and dense foliage. It has a pyramidal shape resembling a small Christmas tree, and you can grow them ornamental pots for an elevated aesthetical appeal.
Place your plant in well-draining, loamy, acidic soil and position it in full sun, with at least six hours of daily sunlight, for best results. Between each watering session, ensure that the soil’s top 2 to 3 inches are dry.
While the plant can grow about 10 to 12 feet in height when mature, it can take 25 to 30 years to reach maturity. The plant thrives outdoors between zones 2 to 6.
Forever Buddies EvergreensSo there you have it; the best evergreens you can grow in containers to adorn your doorways, patios, gazebos, driveways, or balconies.
Most of these plants are pretty unfussy and require general upkeep while rewarding you with lush foliage regardless of the season.
Do you have a garden party all year round with evergreens? Which one do you have, or are you planning to buy? Share in the comments.
15shares
Categories Backyard, Gardening, Tips & Guides Leave a commentWhat evergreens to plant in the country? – 10 beautiful options that will delight all year round
Japanese Azalea
When it comes to Azalea, most people only think of small indoor flowers in pots on the windowsill. But nature has created many types of this shrub. We are also interested in Japanese Azalea, which is sometimes called evergreen.
In landscape design. During flowering (April - May), the Azalea is covered with so many flowers that sometimes it is even impossible to see the bush itself.
Due to its natural brightness, Azalea is often used in the center of compositions, for example, large flower beds. In addition, there are a huge number of varieties of almost any color on the market.
Care. Japanese azalea is one of the few evergreens that is extremely demanding on care. In order for this shrub not to die, it needs to provide a suitable place (partial shade is usually best), sufficient humidity, and shelter in winter.
Boxwood
Boxwood is a shrub with a noble appearance and a favorite of topiary art, which in capable hands can become the basis of an exquisite garden.
In landscape design. For the design of the evergreen garden, Buxus Sempervirens is used, which reaches 3 m in height. In addition to this, the variety Suffruticosa is often used, which has a dwarfed height, and for color variety, the variety Aureovariegata, whose leaves are covered with yellow spots. Due to its dense foliage and shrub shape, boxwood is best suited for green hedges, such as around the perimeter of a house or along paths.
Boxwood can also be used to create green sculptures.
Care. Boxwood is an unpretentious shrub that can easily tolerate strong winds and alkaline soil. Most of all, boxwood depends on light, so for good growth it must be planted in the sun or in partial shade. The most time-consuming part of caring for Boxwood is the endless trimming of branches, without which it will turn into an ordinary sloppy bush.
Bamboo
Bamboo is the perfect solution for those who want to dilute their evergreen garden with a touch of exoticism. Despite the fact that the climate of the middle zone is alien to this plant, bamboo takes root well and endures moderate frosts.
Landscape design. Since bamboo began to appear in domestic gardens quite recently, a consensus on its place in landscape design has not yet been formed. In my opinion, bamboo is best suited for forming small groves.
Care. As already mentioned, bamboo is one of the few exotic plants that takes root without problems in the conditions of central Russia and does not require special care.
However, in winter it should still be covered.
Aucuba
Aucuba is another shrub that can become a green decoration for an evergreen garden. The most commonly used for this is Japanese Aukuba.
In landscape design. Unlike Boxwood, it has less dense foliage and larger leaves, so it is not suitable for topiary art and is most often used for green hedges along the borders and walls of the house.
Care. This shrub grows almost anywhere and is able to survive in the middle lane. However, prolonged icy winds can damage new growth. To avoid this, Aukuba should be sheltered from the wind in winter.
Strawberry
Strawberry is another interesting plant that will help decorate an evergreen garden. At the end of autumn, this shrub (yes, this is not a tree) is filled with a large number of fruits, resembling strawberries from afar. However, in terms of taste, these fruits are very far from strawberries, since they are completely tasteless.
In landscape design. When designing garden decoration, it should be borne in mind that Arbutus grows very slowly. For example, it takes about 50 years to reach a height of 5 m. And some species, such as large-fruited Strawberry, do not grow above 2 m.
Depending on the planning horizon, Strawberry can be planted as a separate "tree" or as part of the overall composition.
Care. Most of all, the Strawberry tree needs light, so open space or partial shade is best for it.
Rosemary
Few people know that rosemary is not only a spice, but also a beautiful plant that does not shed its leaves all year round.
In landscape design. Usually rosemary is used to form "green mass" along the borders or along the edges of flower beds. During flowering (April - May), small flowers appear on the stems, differing in color depending on the species.
Care. Rosemary does not require much care and prefers an open sunny place or partial shade.
Erica
Flower lovers should definitely look at Erica. This beautiful plant looks like a small shrub that rarely exceeds 20-25 cm in height, and during flowering, Erika is filled with a huge number of small buds.
In landscape design. The main feature of Erica is a huge number of varieties that can be selected based on the month of flowering and the desired shade of flowers. Most often, Erica is used to decorate flower beds.
Care. Caring for it is very different depending on the species. For example, Erica ruddy is tolerant of lime, while Erica ash is completely unadapted to it. Therefore, care for this plant should be selected, primarily based on the selected species.
Trachycarpus
If you are a lover of exotic plants in the garden, be sure to look at Trachycarpus. This is the only real palm tree that can take root in the conditions of central Russia.
Landscape design. Palm trees are quite rare outside the southern regions, so they often look a little awkward.
Nevertheless, you can find a place for such exotics. Best of all, Trachycarpus will brighten up large areas of grass, and can also act as the central “figure” of any composition. In any case, wherever you plant Trachycarpus, the most common question will be “What is this, a palm tree?”.
Care. Trachycarpus is a plant that is quite resistant to cold and other adversities, which in most cases does not require special care. However, an icy wind can destroy a palm tree. Therefore, in winter, Trachycarpus must be sheltered from the wind. This plant does not require any other special care.
Cordilina
Cordilina is another plant that palm lovers should pay attention to. However, Cordilina only looks like a palm tree, but in reality it is not.
In landscape design. The fate of this plant is the same as that of Trachycarpus, only instead of a real palm tree there will be its imitation. Best of all, Cordilina is suitable for decorating borders and growing near the house.
And with Purpurea (purple leaves) and Torbay Dazzler (white-striped foxes), you can add color variety.
Care. Like other southern plants, Cordilina requires a lot of sunlight, does not particularly take root in the middle lane and is best suited for decorating gardens in regions with a milder climate.
This problem can be solved by growing Cordilina in special pots, which should be taken to a heated room with the onset of cold weather.
Yucca
Yucca is a plant with an extremely exotic appearance that simultaneously resembles a palm tree, a sea urchin and something extraterrestrial. Nevertheless, Yucca is a rather “native” plant to us, as it grows in the wild nature of the Crimea and the Caucasus.
Landscape design.
Please note! Yucca glorious should not be planted at the edge of the road, as it has pointed leaves.
Care. Yucca, although accustomed to growing in the warm climate of the southern regions, takes root well in the latitudes of central Russia, therefore it does not require special care.
However, it needs plenty of sunlight to grow well.
These are not all evergreens that can be used to decorate the garden. However, even from the above examples, you can organize a garden for every taste. The main thing to remember is that evergreens are predominantly of southern origin, so in winter, many of them require care.
10 plants for year-round containers!
When the air turns cool in autumn, gardeners often discard, propagate or find a home for their outdoor potted plants. Too bad, because most of it is a waste of effort and plants. Many perennials and shrubs can live in a container for several years. By taking advantage of this feature, you can reduce the amount of time and money you spend on your plants. Your containers can be of year-round interest, depending on the plants you choose, and you can bring consistency to your designs.
For a plant, life in a container is very different from life in the open field. Containers can provide excellent drainage, however plants are dependent on water and nutrients.
Shrubs and large perennials often remain smaller in a pot, although this depends on the plant, climate, and container. In addition, open ground does not insulate the plant's roots from winter temperatures.
The general rule of thumb for container plants to survive the winter is that the plant should be cold hardy and have a hardiness zone of 3 or 4.
Tips for winterizing plants in containers
Choose a frost-resistant container. Choose a pot with a drain hole at the bottom and made from fiberglass, lead, iron, heavy plastic, or stone. Most terracotta will crack at low temperatures.
Use good potting soil. There are mixtures specifically designed for container use that provide the necessary drainage required by potted plants.
Stop feeding in autumn. If you are using a water soluble fertilizer, stop feeding your plants about six to eight weeks before your first frost date. This will prevent any tender growth that won't survive the winter.
Start fertilizing again when the plants resume growth in the spring.
Watering in winter. Water as needed until the soil in the container freezes. Do not water frozen pots because the plants are unable to absorb water.
Repot every few years. While some plants will live longer in a container, repot your plants every three years to be on the safe side.
Container perennials
Through trial and error, we have found many plants that can live in a container year after year.
We've selected the top 10 plants that are not only strong enough to survive, but also look great while doing so.
1. Yucca Filamentosa
This yucca pairs with just about anything. Its 4 cm wide sword-like leaves have thin and dark green margins with curly fibers. Having a prickly architectural form, it grows by 30–90 cm wide with equal spacing. This yucca tolerates some shade but thrives in sunny, dry conditions. In summer, creamy-white, fragrant flowers appear from the center of the plant on stems as high as 180 cm.
In late winter, the foliage may become a little flat, but in spring it will revive again. Remove old foliage to keep a neat appearance.
2. Boxwood Evergreen
Planting in a container will keep it within limits. And therefore, the box will have a lower height than under normal conditions.
Place the boxwood away from strong winds in a semi-shady area. If possible, rotate the pot periodically to balance the effect of the light on the plant and avoid developing bare sides.
Boxwood is a slow growing shrub that retains a dark green color throughout the winter. The shrub lends itself well to pruning, and you can give it any shape.
3. Coin Loaf
Coin Loaf is a really reliable container performer. This plant, 12 cm high, lays beautifully on the edge of the pot. Its coin-shaped bright green leaves look good with all neighbors. It loves partial shade but loves water so much that it will do well in a water garden. The loosestrife can take full sun, but you must keep the soil moist.
4. Japanese Pieris
This pest resistant shrub (Pieris japonica) is an excellent container candidate. Although its evergreen foliage is of interest at any time of the year, spring growth on Japanese pieris is particularly impressive, ranging in color from glossy red to salmon pink and even creamy white depending on the variety.
In winter the flower buds are showy, usually dark red with some hints of pink. Thin brushes from 9up to 12 cm of urn-shaped white flowers appear in early spring and are lightly scented. Graceful branches of this shrub naturally cover the edges of pots.
Japanese pieris grows in both full sun and full shade areas. Keep it away from harsh winter winds and strong sun.
5. Thuja Smaragd
Thuja Smaragd (Thuja occidentalis Smaragd) provides excellent year-round interest. Even in winter, it retains its rich green color. The vertical, narrow habit of this variety fits the bill for the vertical accent that many containers need.
The shape and texture of its foliage makes it easy to combine with other plants. Plant this thuja in the sun or in the shade.
6. Bergenia
With their green, glossy, oval leaves, bergenia or bergenia are among the most interesting plants. Bergenia is a strong manufacturer that provides a bold element in container design. The leaves are 20 to 40 cm long and 20 to 32 cm wide, and take on a magnificent burgundy color in autumn. Bergenia blooms in early spring on stems 25 to 30 cm long. Pink flowers resemble hyacinths.
The plant looks better in containers than in flower beds, perhaps because of the excellent drainage. Grow it in full sun or light partial shade.
7. Dogwood Elegantissima
Another shrub that does well in a container is the variegated red-branched dogwood (Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'). Its leaves have white edges and grayish green centers, and the bright red stems shine in winter, especially if they have an evergreen background.
The variegated leaves of the bush make a beautiful frame for hydrangeas in the ground on both sides. Dogwood's deepest color appears on young stems, so remove older branches in early spring. Place this shrub in full sun. Or in partial shade.
8. Geichera
Geichera are attractive, low-growing perennials that contrast with the tall plants in a container. Their lobed foliage can be showy, often veining silver through green or purple leaves. Geichera are especially suitable for containers because they like well-drained soil and recover easily from winter.
Most geuchera grow into a mound of 24 to 36 cm in diameter and in summer throw out flower panicles with white, pink or red flowers. First of all, they can grow in full sun. But they can also be in full shade, depending on the variety.
9. Blue Star Juniper
Has a useful color. The low growing 'Blue Star' juniper (Juniperus squamata Blue Star) has densely spaced steel blue needles 0.
