Year round plants for pots
10 Plants for Year-Round Containers
When the air turns chilly in fall, gardeners often discard, propagate, or find a home in the ground for their outdoor potted plants. It’s a pity, because much of this is a waste of effort and plants. Many perennials and shrubs can live for several years in a container. By taking advantage of this characteristic, you can reduce the amount of time and money you spend on your pots. Your containers can provide you with year-round interest, depending on the plants you choose, and you can lend consistency to your designs.
For a plant, life in a container is much different than being in the ground. Containers can provide excellent drainage, but the plants depend on you for water and nutrients. Shrubs and larger perennials often stay smaller in a pot, though this depends on the plant, climate, and container. Also, containers don’t insulate a plant’s roots from winter temperatures.
The general rule of thumb for container-plant survival through the winter is that the plant should be hardy to two zones colder than your USDA Hardiness Zone. But in my Maryland garden, which barely qualifies as Zone 7, I have successfully overwintered plants that shouldn’t have made it, and I have failed with some that should have. Through trial and error, I have found a wide array of plants that can live year after year in a container. I have selected the 10 best that are not only tough enough to survive but also look great while doing it.
1. ‘Golden Sword’ yucca combines with almost anything
SummerOne pot, four seasons. Yucca and bergenia are the core plants in this container, shining in summer and fall. In winter, when the bergenia has died back, stems from yellow and redtwig dogwoods add to the yucca’s colorful display. In spring, before the yucca and bergenia have returned to form, pansies and lamium steal the show.
| Fall | Spring | Winter |
I highly recommend ‘Golden Sword’ yucca (Yucca filamentosa ‘Golden Sword’, Zones 4–11) because it combines easily with so many plants.
Its 2-inch-wide, swordlike leaves have margins that are thin and dark green, centers of golden yellow, and curly fibers along the edges. Having a spiky, architectural shape, it grows 2 to 3 feet high with equal spread.
This yucca tolerates some shade but thrives in sunny, dry conditions. In summer, creamy white, fragrant flowers emerge from the center of the plant on 3- to 6-foot-tall stems. In late winter, the foliage may get a little flat, but it will perk up again in spring. Pull off the old foliage to maintain a tidy appearance.
2. ‘Green Mountain’ boxwood keeps its color all year
It’s tough, but living in a container will keep it smaller than its normal 5-foot height and 3-foot width. Place ‘Green Mountain’ away from strong winds in a semi-shaded location. If possible, periodically rotate the pot to balance the plant’s exposure to light and to avoid the development of bare sides. ‘Green Mountain’ boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Mountain’, Zones 4–9) is a slow-growing shrub that, unlike many other boxwoods, retains a dark green color throughout the winter.
I particularly like this cultivar because it grows into a graceful pyramid rather than turning into a meatball-shaped shrub.
3. Golden creeping Jenny is perfect for the edge of the pot
Golden creeping Jenny spills over the pot’s edge, and Japanese pieris has colorful new growth.Golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, Zones 4–8) is truly a reliable performer in a container. This 4-inch-tall plant cascades beautifully over the rim of a pot. Its golden, coin-shaped leaves look good with everything. It likes partial shade but loves water, so much so that it will grow in a water garden. It can take full sun too, but you need to keep the soil moist.
4. Japanese pieris has colorful new growth
This deer-resistant shrub (Pieris japonica and cvs., Zones 6–8) is an excellent candidate for containers. Though its evergreen foliage provides interest in all seasons, the spring growth on Japanese pieris is especially striking, varying in color from glossy red to salmon pink to creamy white, depending on the cultivar.
In winter, the flower buds are showy—usually dark red, with some opening to shades of pink. Delicate 3- to 6-inch-long racemes of white, urn-shaped blossoms appear in early spring, and they bear a slight fragrance. The graceful branches of this shrub drape naturally over the edges of pots.
Compact forms such as ‘Dorothy Wyckoff’ grow densely so that smaller plants are not always necessary for an attractive container display. Japanese pieris grows in full sun to full shade. Protect it from winter’s harsh winds and strong sun.
5. ‘Emerald’ arborvitae works where you need some height
‘Emerald’ arborvitae adds height, and bergenia’s bold leaves add shine.The shape and texture of this arborvitae’s foliage make it easy to combine with other plants. A container will keep it well under its natural size of 15 feet high and 4 feet wide. Plant it in full sun or light shade. ‘Emerald’ arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald’, syn. ‘Smaragd’, Zones 2–7) provides excellent year-round interest because it maintains its rich green color in winter.
The upright, narrow habit of this cultivar of our native arborvitae fits the bill as the vertical accent that many containers need.
6. Bergenia has bold leaves that shine in containers
With its green, glossy, oval leaves, bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia and cvs., Zones 3–8) is one of my favorite plants because it is a strong grower that provides a bold element in a container design. The leaves are anywhere from 10 to 20 inches long and 6 to 8 inches wide, and they turn a gorgeous burgundy in fall. Bergenia flowers in early spring on 12- to 15-inch-long stalks; the pink blossoms resemble hyacinths. The plant actually performs better in my containers than in my beds, perhaps because of the excellent drainage. Grow it in full sun or light shade.
7. Variegated redtwig dogwood is big and beautiful
Heucheras provide small spots of interest, while redtwig dogwood is big and beautiful.The shrub’s variegated leaves are a handsome foil to the hydrangeas in the ground on either side of it, and a mass of variegated Solomon’s seal near the base of the container conceals it most of the year.
The dogwood’s deepest color appears on young stems, so remove old branches in early spring. Place this shrub in full sun to half shade, and watch out for an attack by Japanese beetles in summer. Another shrub that performs nicely in a container is variegated redtwig dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’, Zones 2–8). Its leaves have white margins and grayish green centers, and the bright red stems shine in winter, particularly if given an evergreen backdrop. A single ‘Elegantissima’ growing in a 24-inch-wide, blue ceramic pot has worked for three years as a focal point in one of our borders.
8. Heucheras provide small spots of interest
Heucheras (Heuchera spp. and cvs., Zones 3–8) are attractive, low-growing perennials that excel at providing interest below the taller plants in a container. Their lobed foliage can be showy, often possessing silver veins through green or purple leaves. Heucheras are particularly suited for containers because they like well-drained soil and recover easily from winter.
Most heucheras grow into a 12- to 18-inch-diameter mound and toss up flower panicles with white, pink, or red blossoms. They can grow in full sun to full shade, depending on the cultivar.
9. ‘Blue Star’ juniper has a useful color
‘Blue Star’ juniper and ‘Fuldaglut’ sedum provide useful color in this planter box.The low-growing ‘Blue Star’ juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’, Zones 4–9) has tightly arranged, ¼-inch-long, steel blue needles. This color makes the plant stand out in winter. It reaches 3 feet tall with a 3- to 4-foot spread, but it is slow growing. It works well in containers because it combines easily with most colors and the branches arch elegantly over the rim of a pot. It prefers full sun but will take partial shade. It doesn’t like humid conditions.
10. ‘Fuldaglut’ sedum is a small plant that makes a big splash
The dominant feature of ‘Fuldaglut’ sedum (Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’, Zones 4–9) is the bronze-red leaf color that becomes red in winter.
The delicately scalloped leaves are larger than those of most of the species, and in late summer it is topped with cerise blooms that last as long as three weeks. At only 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide, this sedum dresses up a container’s edge and even makes a good cut flower for small bouquets. It likes full sun but will grow in partial shade.
Select a frostproof container
Choose a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom and that is made of fiberglass, lead, iron, heavy plastic, or stone. Most terra-cotta will crack in cold temperatures, but I have had luck with glazed pottery.
Use a good potting soil
There are mixes specifically made for use in containers, which provide the essential drainage that plants living in pots need.
Stop feeding in fall
If you use a water-soluble fertilizer, stop feeding your plants about six to eight weeks before your first frost date. This will prevent any tender new growth, which wouldn’t survive the winter.
Begin fertilizing again when the plants resume growth in the spring.
Water into winter
Water as needed until the soil in the container is frozen. Do not water frozen pots because the plants are unable to absorb the water.
Apply an antidesiccant
Use products such as Wilt-Pruf on broadleaf evergreens and conifers to protect against damage from winter winds.
Repot every few years
Though some plants will live longer in a container, repot your plants every three years to be on the safe side.
Muffin Evander designs containers in Hunt Valley, Maryland.
Photos by Steve Aitken
From Fine Gardening #108
Best plants for pots all year round: 10 standout varieties
(Image credit: Darren Chung)
When choosing the best plants for pots all year round, they need to be true multitaskers – offering interest throughout the seasons, and standing up to different weather extremes.
While so much emphasis is placed on potting up containers with annual flowers, it’s important to include hardy evergreen varieties in your container gardening ideas, as they will add structure and texture in even the bleakest months of the year.
'Planted containers are great when you have limited space and are looking for small garden ideas, or need a broad brush of color,' says Stuart MacKenzie, master arborist at Trees.com .
'Consider different plants' texture, sturdiness, color and effect. Temperature ranges and hardiness zones are also a significant factor.'
How to choose the best plants for pots all year round
‘While choosing the best plants for pots all year round, you need to figure out what growing conditions you can provide,’ says botanist expert Nastya, from the NatureID educational plant identification tool.
‘Take into account light levels, average temperatures, and the amount of time you can spend on plant care.’
Check your USDA hardiness zone , and ensure that the variety you choose can stand up to the local environment.
'Try to choose young plants, as they acclimate to new growing conditions better,' says Nastya. 'If you are looking for low maintenance, then I don’t recommend flowering plants for pots all year round, as they require special care when blooming is over – opt for evergreens.
'
As you will be leaving your plants outside in all weathers, invest in high-quality frost-proof pots that will stand up to harsh winters.
1. Hebe
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Hebes are delightful, compact evergreen shrubs that grow perfectly in pots. The leaves are often ornamental, and in the spring or summer – and sometimes into the fall – the plants will yield beautiful flowers in shades of pink, purple or white that are beloved by pollinators.
However, not all hebes are frost tolerant, so you must choose a variety that is suited to your hardiness zone. In general, those with small leaves are tougher than those with larger leaves.
You can easily find hebes to grow in USDA zones 7-11, though there are a few varieties that can survive winters in zone 6, including 'Sutherland' and 'Great Orme'.
Avoid heavily pruning hebes – a light touch is all that is necessary – and keep containers well watered in the summer.
2. Pieris japonica
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Pieris japonica is such a great container plant, and its beautiful branches naturally droop over the sides of containers,’ says Mit City Farm owner Nikitia.
‘Though the evergreen foliage of pieris japonica is interesting throughout the year, the spring growth is particularly glorious, ranging in color from rich red to salmon pink to creamy white, depending on the variety.
‘Compact varieties like "Dorothy Wyckoff" grow so densely that smaller plants aren't necessarily required for a pleasing container display.’
This compact evergreen shrub thrives in a wide range of conditions, but likes acidic soil and to be positioned in some shade. Its nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
You should be able to grow pieris japonica in hardiness zones 4b-8b.
‘Water the plant frequently enough to keep the soil moist all of the time, and fertilize with an acid-loving plant fertilizer in the winter and early summer,’ says Nikitia.
3. Herbs
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
‘Herbs are some of the best plants for pots all year round as you can move them around as needed and place them in easy-to-access areas, like on a patio,’ says Sandra Nanka, owner of Mudbrick Herb Cottage .
‘Most are generally quite compact plants and will thrive in small spaces.’
The best evergreen herbs for pots include thyme, sage, rosemary and bay. However, though it dies back over winter, you should also consider adding perennial mint to your container herb garden ideas.
‘Mint is notorious for running rampant in the garden and will quickly take over a garden bed if given half the chance, so it's the perfect plant to pot up,’ says Nanka.
‘It's very hardy and can thrive in mostly sun or partial shade, and most climates. Do take note – there are dozens of varieties of mint so you have endless options in choosing the perfect variety to suit your specific needs.’
4. Bonsai trees
(Image credit: Musat / Getty Images)
‘Bonsai trees offer a great dramatic outdoor container planting that can be outside all year,’ says MacKenzie.
Bonsai is an artform, and the trees will require regular pruning to keep them to the desired shape and size. So while stunning, they are not a low-maintenance option.
However, evergreen varieties such as juniper and pine will provide a striking feature in the garden year round, while deciduous Japanese maple trees are some of the best trees for autumn color.
MacKenzie recommends attending a local class, or joining an online community, to learn how to take care of your bonsai tree.
‘You need to know when your bonsai has its dormant season, and what could compromise your tree. But most importantly have fun, it could be a generational endeavor – they can last for hundreds of years!’
5. Golden Sword yucca
(Image credit: Alamy)
The Golden Sword yucca is an amazingly versatile and hardy plant. Though it thrives in a sunny spot in the garden, the small evergreen shrub also tolerates shade.
It has a broad suitability, and can grow in USDA zones 4-10. However, yuccas in general are some of the best plants for pots all year round, and there are varieties that will grow in zone 3.
‘The fascinating thing about the plant is that the thin and dark green sword-like leaves gorgeously combine with other shrubs that you plant near it,’ says Aaditya Bhatta, founder of Plantscraze .
‘The yucca is equally admirable when kept alongside other plants or even when it is on its own.’
Golden Sword yuccas are easy to grow and thrive in a variety of soil types, as long as the potting mix is free draining.
‘The foliage may get a little dull in late winter, but new leaves will emerge in spring. It's preferable to pull off old leaves to keep a tidy appearance,’ adds Bhatta.
6. Olive trees
(Image credit: Darren Chung)
Though associated with the Mediterranean, olive trees are surprisingly adaptable evergreen plants suited to a variety of locations.
‘Olive trees are actually extremely hardy – surviving in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°c). On a frosty morning they look incredible,’ says Toby Campion, MD of bespoke plant provider Exubia .
Where possible, however, olive trees do love warmth and sunlight, and they need the right conditions in order to bear fruit.
Temperature is the biggest factor, as they 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.
‘In terms of maintenance, all they require is light pruning around springtime to encourage further growth,’ adds Campion.
You can grow olive trees in USDA zones 6-11, although in zones 6 and 7 you will struggle to get any fruit. However, the trees still make an attractive feature in the garden.
7. Heuchera
(Image credit: Clare Gainey / Alamy Stock Photo)
Heucheras are much underrated evergreen plants that add texture and color all year round. As the plants are compact and low-growing, they don’t dominate containers, and their foliage – ranging from greens and silvers to red and purple – will gently trail over the sides.
In the summer, the plants also produce small flowers.
A woodland native, heurchera grows best in light shade, in moist, well-drained soil, mimicking its natural environment.
Heucheras are easy to look after, and simply need regular watering in the summer, and some fertilizing. Remove faded leaves in the fall to keep them in good shape.
Then plants are quick to bounce back after a harsh winter, and you can grow them in zones 3-8.
8. Euonymus
(Image credit: Getty Images)
With its variegated evergreen foliage, euonymus makes a striking addition to containers and is the perfect foil for flowering plants.
‘Hardy euonymus can be kept in containers all year round. These evergreens are ideal for year-round pot displays since they are always in leaf and thus have something to give the arrangement,’ says Nikitia.
There are a wide range of types and sizes available, but for pots you should choose a compact variety, such as 'Macrophyllus Albovariegatus' or 'Harlequin'.
Euonymus thrives in sun but will tolerate shade, and is compatible with most soil types. You can grow it in zones 4-9, depending on the variety.
9. Skimmia japonica
(Image credit: thrillerfillerspiller / Alamy Stock Photo)
An attractive evergreen shrub, skimmia japonica offers color and interest to the garden for most of the year.
‘Skimmia has risen in popularity lately, and that can be attributed to the plant’s bright red buds, which begin to form in the fall,’ says Campion.
‘The plant will then begin to flower in spring, which ensures that your garden is vibrant all throughout the darkest three-quarters of the year.’
Perhaps one of the most appealing characteristics of skimmia japonica is that it thrives in full or partial shade, making it ideal for dark corners in the garden, where its red berries and sweetly scented white to pink flowers will shine through.
‘In terms of hardiness, the shrubs can survive temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°c), making them tough plants for pots all year round.’
You should be able to grow skimmia japonica in zones 6-9.
10. Dwarf conifers
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
A dwarf conifer is simplicity itself, and offers structure and interest on even the bleakest days of winter, perfect if you're looking for trees for pots.
There are a wide variety of conifers available, but they generally thrive in acidic, well-draining soil.
‘Conifers make really nice containerized gardens – I particularly like the dwarf alberta spruce,’ says MacKenzie. This can be grown in zones 3-8
Make sure you do choose a dwarf variety, or it will quickly outgrow the container. Other options include thuja, Norway spruce, bald cypress and mugo pines.
Can you keep plants in pots over winter?
You can keep plants in pots over winter, especially if you choose the best winter plants for pots and borders, but it's wise to take some precautions to ensure the plants survive – particularly if their tolerance is at the limit of your local hardiness zone.
'Move containers to a sheltered spot, such as against a house wall or into a porch, unheated greenhouse or veranda, if the weather is going to be very cold,' says Isabel Palmer, founder of The Balcony Gardener .
'Tender specimens may need to be brought indoors over winter. If the container is very heavy and can't be moved, wrap it with an old blanket and protect the plant with horticultural fleece.
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How do you plant a container for year round interest?
You can plant a container for year round interest by complementing evergreen perennials with showy annuals.
'The joy of gardening with permanent plants in containers is that you can use underplanting to ring in the changes each season,' says Palmer.
'Make a splash by planting around the edge of the container with bulbs and bedding plants. Use a narrow trowel to do this, to avoid damaging the main plant's root system.
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.
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 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 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 geichera grow into mounds 24 to 36 cm in diameter and in the 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 0.5 cm long. This color makes the plant stand out in winter. It reaches 90 cm in height and spreads to 90-120, but it grows slowly.
Blue Star works well in containers because it blends easily with most colors.
Its branches elegantly curve around the edge of the pot.
Prefers full sun but will accept partial shade. In addition, this juniper does not like wet conditions.
10. Sedum 'Fuldaglut'
Sedum 'Fuldaglut' (Sedum spurium 'Fuldaglut') is dominated by a bronze-red leaf color that turns red in winter. The delicately serrated leaves are larger than most species and are covered in late summer with pink flowers that last for three weeks. Measuring just 12 cm high and 24 cm wide, this sedum graces the edge of a container. He loves full sun. However, will grow in partial shade.
Read also What should be done in the flower garden in September?.
Garden plants on the open balcony in winter: mission possible?
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29.01.2018
Landscaping
Russian winter leaves little space for gardeners to express themselves. Of course, during this period, it remains possible to temporarily switch to indoor floriculture, in particular, the creation of plant compositions in flowerpots on city balconies and loggias.
Let's say right away - there are few solutions for the cold season, many difficulties. Even if you manage to choose frost-resistant plants that can grow well in pots in winter, alternating snowfalls and heavy rains threaten to negate the entire decorative effect of landscaping an open balcony.
Yet true gardening enthusiasts are up for the challenge! We have selected plants that can decorate an unglazed balcony in winter. So it is quite possible to create a frosty oasis that will not lose its charm even under a layer of snow.
Important! The vast majority of winter frost-resistant plants do not tolerate stagnant water in the soil. Therefore, task number 1 is to choose the right pots for the balcony. It should have thick walls and good water and air permeability characteristics. Additional insulation of the pot inside will not hurt either. Terracotta and ceramic pots and planters are best suited, but glass and metal are best left until warmer times.
Heather
Of course, heat-loving indoor flowers on the balcony will not survive, but some types of plants tolerate winter conditions well, retaining their beauty and decorative effect. For example, heather is an evergreen perennial with a lilac-purple color that contrasts beautifully with white snow. In a garden in winter, heather requires shelter, as it is adversely affected by excessive moisture during thaws. But the atmosphere of the city balcony is quite to his liking - it is enough to transplant a heather bush into a planter and provide a "roof over his head."
Ornamental cabbage
Ornamental cabbage is a new favorite of landscape designers and gardeners in Russia. Unpretentiousness, frost resistance and expressive leaves that become brighter with the onset of cold weather make it an excellent solution for decorating a balcony. Ornamental cabbage easily tolerates transplanting into a container, winters well outdoors without additional insulation and is an excellent "companion" for decorative compositions in flowerpots.
Conifers and evergreens
The classics of winter gardening of a balcony in our latitudes are evergreen trees and shrubs. Dwarf spruce, pine, thuja, cedar in large pots will not only improve your view from the window, but will also become the basis for stunning Christmas compositions. Conifers in flowerpots, some snow and a couple of garlands are a traditional recipe for a good mood in winter.
Euonymus
Euonymus is an evergreen shrub or tree, the main decoration of which is bright leaves that turn into various variations of pink, crimson and purple. Pleasing with unusual shades and fruits-boxes, which sometimes persist until the very frost. Many varieties of euonymus feel comfortable at a temperature of -35 0 C - however, only in the garden. When planted in a flower pot, the frost resistance of the plant decreases, although they are still able to withstand a small minus.
Hellebore
A beautiful winter flower that can live in a pot on a balcony up to -10 0 C.
Its natural flowering starts in November and ends in spring. Expressive snow-white flowers look spectacular in flowerpots, as well as in bouquets and decorative compositions with dried flowers and moss. In severe frosts, the plant "hibernates" and looks frozen, but this impression is deceptive - the hellebore simply draws moisture from the buds to prevent them from freezing. To protect the flower from frost and temperature changes, it is recommended to cover the plant with coniferous spruce branches.
Outdoor balcony garden in summer
It is not a problem to decorate a balcony with plants in the spring and summer period - many plants grow well on an open balcony in the warm season. Dwarf trees in large pots, flower arrangements on the windowsill, climbing and liana-like plants falling from the brackets for hanging planters - the balcony can be turned into an urban “garden branch” (and we will definitely devote a separate article to this issue!).
