Trees for outdoor pots
Best trees to grow in pots: 15 beautiful compact varieties
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
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.
As editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties. I live in a rural village just outside the Cotswolds in England, so am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful homes and countryside, where I enjoy exploring. Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Melanie is interested in all aspects of homes and gardens. Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. She has an English degree and has also studied interior design. Melanie frequently writes for Homes & Gardens about property restoration and gardening.
Best Container Trees and Shrubs for Home Gardens
Container Care
1/12
To enjoy container-grown shrubs for as long as possible, select a pot that holds a minimum of 3 gallons of soil or potting mix; for trees, 5-gallon pots (or larger) are best. Before buying, research the tree’s mature size, especially if you want to cultivate it indoors or bring it inside over the winter. Plants that spend the winter outdoors should be hardy (perennial) in your location. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Map to determine whether the tree you want is well-suited to your region. Slower growing trees and shrubs will provide years of shade, foliage, and blooms, making them a better investment than varieties that quickly outgrow a planter or pot. The varieties we’ve selected will thrive for many years, becoming more beautiful and valuable as they grow.
istockphoto.com
Ficus
2/12
Ficus trees (Ficus benjamina) can grow quite tall when planted in the yard—up to 55 feet or higher—but when they’re planted in a container, they maintain a much smaller form, usually around 5-6 feet in height. Also called a “weeping fig,” the ficus tree can be grown as a single specimen or as a tight grouping of three trees with their narrow trunks braided for a decorative look. The ficus tree features a leafy crown of glossy dark leaves that will complement any decor. While the ficus is hardy only in zone 10, it can be grown as an indoor potted plant in other zones. Feel free to move it to a protected spot on your patio during the summer when nighttime temps won’t drop below freezing.
Related: 7 of the Best Trees You Can Grow Indoors
istockphoto.com
Dwarf Peach
3/12
With a dwarf peach tree (Prunus persica) on the patio, you’ll be picking delicious, ripe peaches while enjoying the look of a specimen container tree. This small, attractive fruit tree can produce a couple of bushels of peaches. It thrives in zones 4-8 but doesn’t do well indoors over the winter because the tree needs below-freezing temps to encourage next year’s peach development. Opt for dwarf varieties, such as Golden Glory or El Dorado that won’t get taller than 5-6 feet. Plant in a container that holds at least 5 gallons of soil mix. Dwarf peach trees love a sunny spot on the patio or terrace.
istockphoto.com
Advertisement
Sweet Bay
4/12
If you’re looking for an aromatic tree, look no further than Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis) with dark green leaves that double as a culinary seasoning for savory fare. Hardy in zones 8-10, sweet bay can spend the summer on the patio but in colder zones, it should be moved indoors for the winter, preferably to a sunny window and somewhere its aromatic scent can be enjoyed by passersby. This slow-growing evergreen tree will reach up to 8 feet when planted in a container and it can be pruned into a conical or globe shape for a geometric design element or topiary look.
istockphoto.com
Crepe Myrtle
5/12
While crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia x Natchez) can be pruned to a single trunk and made to look like a small tree, it’s really a shrub that bursts into showy blossoms that range in color from soft pink to deep purple and stunning red, depending on the species. In zones 6-9, crepe myrtle can be left outdoors to overwinter, which is preferable to moving it indoors where it may drop most of its leaves. Crepe myrtles are some of the showiest shrubs around and they will add a welcome splash of color to a patio or deck, blooming from summer until mid-fall.
istockphoto.com
Boxwood
6/12
For lush deep green to yellow-green foliage it’s tough to beat boxwood shrubs, (Buxus) which come in a variety of species, all well-suited to containers. Some boxwoods, such as Petite Pillar Dwarf, grow in a tight, uniform oval shape with a more formal look, while others, such as Golden Dream, send out branches that casually drape over the edge of the planter or container. Choose from dozens of species that range in size from 2- to 6-feet tall at maturity and are suited for zones 4-9 (check zones for individual species). One of the easiest shrubs to grow in a container, boxwoods will provide your patio with years of beautiful foliage to your patio, and will maintain their leaves even over winter.
Related: 20 Plants to Use as Lawn and Garden Borders
istockphoto.com
Advertisement
Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree
7/12
Grow your own Meyer lemons right on your patio with a dwarf Meyer lemon tree (Meyer lemon Citrus x meyeri) and enjoy fresh-squeezed lemonade on a hot summer’s day. This diminutive lemon tree reaches an average of 6 feet in height and will produce a bushel of bright lemon fruits preceded by heavenly scented white blossoms. While a dwarf lemon tree can be left outdoors in zones 8-10, it should be overwintered indoors near a sunny window in colder regions.
istockphoto.com
Hydrangea
8/12
For a bevy of bountiful blossoms in colors ranging from white to purple (or even green), the Hydrangea shrub (Hortensia) is the way to go. Hardy in zones 3-9 (check individual species), this showy shrub thrives in large containers—that will hold 6-8 gallons of growing mix—and the shrub requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil in order to maintain its bloom color. A fertilizer made specifically for hydrangeas is suggested. Hydrangea can be left to grow as a shrub with wide-arching branches or trained to a single trunk for a tree-like appearance. In late spring, large clusters of blooms appear and will continue appearing until late summer.
Related: 9 of the Best Shrubs for Any Garden
istockphoto.com
Kumquat
9/12
A kumquat tree (citrus japonica) will brighten a southern patio or terrace in zones 9-10, and can bear edible citrus fruit 2-4 years after planting. In colder zones, plan on bringing the tree indoors before the first frost and locating it in front of a sunny window to overwinter. In a container, the slow-growing kumquat tree typically reaches around 5-7 feet in height, although it can reach 13 feet when planted in a yard. It prefers well-drained soil and should be transplanted to a slightly larger pot every 2 or 3 years to give its roots a bit of growing room.
istockphoto.com
Advertisement
Japanese Maple
10/12
Available in dozens of species, the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) adds a graceful element to a patio container in zones 5-8. Prized for its delicate, feathery leaves that come in a range of colors, including bright red, variegated pink, and deep maroon, this slow-growing tree will become a focal point in the backyard. Opt for dwarf varieties such as Velvet Viking or Red Dragon which will reach a mature height of just 5 feet, making them the perfect accent in a courtyard. In zones colder than 5, this small tree should be overwintered indoors.
istockphoto.com
Golden Sword
11/12
With striking (and sharp!) muted yellow, sword-like leaves, the Golden Sword (Yucca filamentosa) shrub sends up tall floral spikes in late spring and early summer topped with dramatic clusters of white blooms. This low-maintenance container shrub tolerates hot temps and moderate droughts. It will add texture and interest to any patio, but it’s especially prized in southwestern-themed yards. It needs a sunny spot and well-drained soil and is well-suited to zones 4-9. The shrub reaches up to 3 feet in height at maturity and the flower spikes can extend as high as 6 feet tall.
istockphoto.com
Close Quarters
12/12
These are the best plants to grow in containers, whether inside our outdoors.
bobvila.com
Don't Miss!
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
what and what to grow in
There are places that you can't decorate without plants in containers - for example, paved squares, city streets, windowsills of houses, roofs, balconies, terraces. Basically, flyers are used for these purposes - and this is justified: bright, abundant flowering all summer, and you don’t have to think about what to do with them in winter. Woody plants in containers are no less interesting, but so far not very common.
Woody plants in containers are very interesting, but not yet common
Woody in containers
To decorate with standard roses or other ornamental woody plants in containers next to the house means to create the atmosphere of a mini-garden. Container plants, unlike those planted in the ground, are mobile. They can be moved, forming different compositions, including not only plants, but also stones and sculpture.
Using trees in containers, you can create a mobile mini-garden next to your house
When the decorative effect of the plants is lost, they can be removed from view and replaced with others. For example, trees ornamental almond or forsythia are fabulously spectacular during flowering, but after flowering they are unremarkable.
It cannot be said that the fashion for trees in containers has appeared recently. For example, one of the elements of the manor estates of the past is tubs with trees, and not only indoor subtropical ones ( lemons , coffee ), but also pears , grapes , apricots , Persians ...
In containers, relatively heat -loving species can be grown in containers - Stamping roses , Mackerel , Palmoid maple and others who often freeze to the level of snow. In winter, they need a dormant period, so they cannot be kept in a warm room. In the open ground, they are covered for the winter, sometimes it is quite laborious. Containers are easier. You can put it together with the plant in the finished hole, without injuring the roots, put it in a cool, but not freezing basement or garage. In this case, the container makes it possible to admire the plants characteristic of the more southern zones in summer. nine0006
Trees in containers are not uncommon on the streets of European cities
Especially often trees in containers can be seen on the streets of European cities. True, usually water is supplied to each such container for automatic irrigation, and the winters are warm - there is no need to protect the plants from frost.
But not all plants tolerate container growing conditions well. If there is no automatic watering, then drought and heat tolerant varieties are preferable, with a compact root system that responds well to pruning, which maintains a balance between the underground and aboveground parts of the plant. This balance and feeding helps him to endure unusual conditions. nine0006
In containers you can grow heat-loving drought and heat-resistant species
All kinds of spicy- lavender , Timyana , drought-resistant dwarf bushes and Miniature trees , obtained well-known and well-groomed and well-groomed, and well-offs are perfect their conditions.
At one time there was an opinion that indoor plants also need a change of scenery and it is better to take them outside in summer. However, outdoor conditions can be detrimental to them. A sharp change in temperature, lighting leads them to stress. In addition, some plants even react to the usual rearrangement or turning over of a pot or tub by dropping buds (as lemon , for example).
Ads byContainers
In order to remove heat-loving species for the winter and move them from place to place, it is better that the container is light, plastic. Usually is used in two containers - the inner one, in which the plant is located, and the outer one - a decorative planter (ceramic, wooden, clay, etc.).
The type, volume and material of the container also matter
Between these two containers, an air gap is formed, which helps to protect the roots of plants from overheating. In addition, when watering, excess moisture is stored inside.
The color of the container also matters. Blacks warm up faster than whites in hot weather, and plants can experience temperature stress. The shape of container is also important: some plants have round roots at the bottom; to avoid this, it is recommended to use square ones. nine0006
Drying out of a clod of earth is one of the problems when growing plants in containers. To reduce the evaporation of moisture, the ground is mulched with various materials - from a scattering of small stones to pine bark and pine nut shells.
More benefits
Containers can be useful when forcing plants. In autumn, having planted lilac , forsythia , bean , chaenomeles in a container , let them enter the dormant stage, then bring them into the house in December and, having created conditions for good lighting, heat and watering, you can see them blooming . nine0006 Some plants do not tolerate transplantation well - oaks , magnolias . For subsequent planting in a permanent place, it is better to grow them in containers. Plants in a container allow you to get creative in your garden. For example, you do not always immediately imagine the composition of the purchased plants, you cannot see how they will fit into the garden environment. Container trees and shrubs can be rearranged as you like until you achieve the desired effect, and after that they can be planted in the ground. nine0005 ), cotoneaster horizontalis ( Cotoneaster horizontalis ), shrub cinquefoil ( Potentilla fruticosa ), Japanese spirea ( Spiraea japonica ). Weeping forms common larch , Japanese larch , dwarf varieties common spruce , Canadian spruce0002 Irina Bondorina You may also be of interest to publications: Grab a list of perfect plants for large pots and containers and go get seedlings! nine0006 Cache-pots are not only small flowerpots for indoor ampelous plants, but also impressive outdoor pots. We tell you what kind of plants to "populate" exactly such containers in order to decorate a veranda, patio, a recreation area in front of the house or even a balcony with them. Begonia is one of the main favorites of urban gardeners: this flower can be found in flowerbeds, flower beds and in balcony containers. It blooms all season (from May to October), does not require complex care, tolerates return frosts. This makes it an ideal plant for outdoor outdoor planters. nine0006 Begonia seedlings can still be planted at the beginning of summer. Violas or pansies are long-awaited guests in any flower garden. They do not lose their beauty even at low temperatures and prolonged rains. These unpretentious little ones have only two requirements for growers: timely watering and sufficient lighting. Therefore, you should not plant violas too close to each other - maintain a distance between plants of 20 cm. Find out more about viola propagation in our material: Geichera are delightful plants that delight with a huge variety of colors. Breeders have bred a large number of ornamental varieties with beautiful leaf color. We have collected the most popular of them in one article: Geichera prefer partial shade, so planters with them should not be placed in a sunny place. Hydrangea paniculata is one of the most common types of hydrangeas in gardens. To the delight of all lovers of container gardens, many varieties of this species are undersized. For example, hydrangea with delicate white-pink inflorescences or pale green Little Lime grow only up to 70 cm in height and 50-100 cm in width. nine0006 You can also plant Hydrangea variety Pastel Green in large containers - a new selection in 2016. Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant perennial. Fashion for him has not passed for many seasons. Lavender is perfect for outdoor planting in summer. This culture loves the sun and does not need frequent watering. You don't have to worry about it drying out in the hot summer sun. Blue fescue is a perennial ornamental grass that looks great in large outdoor planters. The height of the bushes is only 15-30 cm, but over the years they become more magnificent and denser. Like lavender, fescue does not need to be over-moistened and fed. Shaggy pinnasetum (or pennisetum) is a perennial in nature, but because of its thermophilicity, it grows in cultivation as an annual. Of course, if you have the opportunity to transfer it to the greenhouse for the winter, it can delight you with its beautiful appearance in the next season. nine0006 In the middle lane, the hairy pinworm is grown through seedlings, since when sown in open ground it will bloom too late. Petunia is without exaggeration the main star of container gardens. It blooms all summer and fills the flower garden with its sweet aroma. Among the types and varieties of petunias there is a flower for every taste: there are stately grandiflora petunias, miniature multiflora petunias, and ampelous pendula petunias. nine0006 A detailed classification of this crop and a list of tested varieties can be found in our selection: Common ivy is not only one of the most "reference" garden vines, but also an excellent plant for high outdoor planters, in which it grows as an ampelous culture. The main advantages of ivy are that it is shade-tolerant, unpretentious, evergreen and boasts beautifully shaped leaves. Boxwood is a good choice for growers who want to experiment with topiary haircuts. From this low ornamental shrub, very interesting topiaries can turn out! Small-leaved boxwood does not exceed 1. 5 m in height, so it is suitable for growing in large pots and containers. Dwarf globular thuja is an ideal "inhabitant" for outdoor planters. Plants of this variety are quite compact, they will feel great in a large container. nine0006 Thuja does not need extra advertising: this culture looks decorative all year round, endures both heat and frost, and cleans the air well. Fuchsia is notable for its unusual shape of inflorescences - they look like outlandish two-color bells. This spectacular plant can be safely planted in outdoor planters: it grows quickly, luxuriantly and blooms for a long time. Hostas are another favorite of landscape designers. This picky beauty will decorate even the most shady corner of the garden with her rich foliage. Most importantly, remember the rule: the darker the color of the hosta, the less demanding it is for lighting. nine0006 There are countless varieties and species of this crop, but still we tried! Look for a detailed classification of the most common types and varieties of hostas in our selection: Dwarf globular chrysanthemums literally flood garden shops in late summer and early autumn.
Plants in containers allow you to get creative in your garden
14 best plants for outdoor planters
Begonia
Viola
Heuchera
Several types of geyher are grown in culture: cylindrical, American, small-flowered, gooseberry-leaved, blood-red, hairy, hybrid. Hydrangea paniculata
Lavender
Blue fescue
Shaggy chamois
Petunia
Ivy
Small-leaved boxwood
Thuja globular
Fuchsia
Hosta
Chrysanthemum multiflora