Are you someone who is looking for a way to add a natural touch to your home’s outdoor spaces? In the concrete jungles of the urban world, having a conventional elaborate garden is not very feasible. In such a situation, container plants are a practical and aesthetic solution for some refreshing and eye-pleasing greenery. These plants do not take up a lot of space and are compatible with various outdoor spaces. In this article, we have curated a list of 20 plants that can be easily grown in containers and be used to turn your outdoor space into a natural retreat.
See also: Summer plants for balcony gardens
Lavender
The soothing fragrance and colour of lavender flowers make them a perfect addition to beautify any space. Add a Mediterranean feel to your outdoor space by planting these in terracotta pots. Make sure to periodically prune them after flower to prevent legginess and promote new and bushy growth.
Geraniums
Flaunting a host of vibrant colours, geraniums are best paired with ceramic pots of different designs to achieve a striking and playful display. Encourage compact growth by regularly deadheading spent blooms and pinching back leggy stems.
Petunias
Petunias are highly preferred for decking up outdoor spaces due to the whimsical visual impact they create. These flowers are best displayed in hanging baskets or window boxes to achieve a graceful, cascading display of colour. To ensure continuous blooms, periodically trim back leggy growth and keep the soil well-fertilised.
Succulents
With their distinctive appearance and easy-care requirements, succulents are a highly sought-after choice for beginners for both indoor and outdoor usage. Use a shallow, wide container to plant different types of succulents and achieve a striking display. It is advisable to water them sparingly and regularly remove dead or damaged leaves to keep the plants looking tidy.
Herbs
Herbs like rosemary, basil and thyme not only add beauty to your space, but can also be utilised for their beneficial properties and culinary applications. These are best arranged in a tiered herb garden for easy access. Trim them regularly to encourage bushy growth, and make sure to prevent flowering in order to ensure optimal flavour.
Ferns
Ferns are delicate plants that can add grace to any space. Consider planting them in textured containers, such as moss-covered baskets, to resemble a woodland-like vibe. These plants demand consistently moist soil and high humidity. Therefore, make sure to mist the leaves as well alongside watering regularly.Â
Dwarf citrus trees
With dwarf citrus trees, you can create a mini orchard in compact spaces. Plant them in stylish ceramic or resin pots with drainage holes. Make sure to water consistently and feed it citrus-specific fertiliser during the growing season for optimal growth.
Coleus
Create a vibrant burst of colour by mixing and matching different varieties of coleus in a single container. Maintenance includes pinching back growing tips to prevent legginess and promote fullness. This is sure to add ample visual interest to your outdoor space.
Salvia
Salvia boasts of unique, showy flowers with a spiky appearance. Plant them in tall slender pots to highlight the flower spikes. Additionally, deadhead the spent blooms regularly and trim back after flowering to retain the shape.
Dwarf fountain grass
Dwarf fountain grass is perfect for a contemporary look and can prove to be a more practical and manageable alternative to regular grass. Plant them in sleek, minimalist containers and trim back dead foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Dwarf Japanese maple
Dwarf Japanese maple’s elegant structure is sure to add grace and uniqueness to the space. Plant it in a decorative ceramic pot to highlight its elegant form and place it in a cool area. This plant requires consistent watering and protection from strong winds.Â
Nasturtiums
These flowers are often preferred for their radiant appearance. Best paired with vintage-style or repurposed containers, they can add a whimsical touch to your space. To keep the plant lush and thriving, regular deadheading of spent blooms and consistent watering is necessary.
Pansies
Pansies are known for their playful appearance that is reminiscent of a tiny face. Achieve a cottage garden feel by planting them in colourful, mismatched containers. Encourage continuous flowering by removing spent blooms and fertilising regularly.
Dwarf hydrangea
Hydrangea’s timeless grace and beauty is best complemented by elegant pots. Being smaller than regular hydrangeas, they do not take up much space. It is important to prune these plants after flowering and monitor the level of moisture in the soil to prevent wilting.
Dwarf boxwood
Classy and compact, the neat structure of dwarf boxwood is best paired with modern, geometric containers for a sleek look. Make sure to trim it regularly to direct the growth as desired and maintain the shape and size.
Lantana
Flaunting their vibrant hues in bunches, the small blooms of the lantana plant can be paired with terracotta pots for a Mediterranean vibe. To ensure optimal growth, make sure to deadhead the spent blooms and prune back leggy growth to encourage bushiness.
Oregano
Make a charming addition to your kitchen or herb garden by growing oregano in small, rustic containers. To maintain the appearance of the plant and ensure optimal flavour for culinary uses, harvest them regularly and encourage new growth.
Alyssum
Incorporate this graceful plant into your outdoor space in hanging baskets or window boxes for a delicate, trailing effect. Deadhead the spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering and trim as required to maintain the cascading effect.
Dwarf azalea
Highlight the vibrant blooms of azalea by showcasing them in decorative, glazed pots. The dwarf forms of this plant are easier to grow in containers. These plants thrive best in partial shade and consistently moist soil.
Dwarf olive tree
Bring home the classic Mediterranean charm by planting mini olive trees in artistic terracotta pots. Maintain the size and shape of the plant by pruning regularly and provide consistent water and shade.
FAQs
How often should I water container plants?
While the watering frequency depends on various factors, it is advisable to check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
What type of soil should I use for container plants?
A well-draining potting mix formulated for container gardening is the best choice. Garden soil should be avoided as it might hinder drainage.
How do I choose the right container size for my plants?
The container should be proportionate to the size of the container. Larger plants require larger containers to accommodate the root system.
Can I grow vegetables and herbs in containers?
Many vegetables and herbs can thrive in containers. Make sure to choose the compact varieties for best results.
Do container plants need fertilising?
Container plants benefit from regular fertilising as it replenishes the nutrients depleted from the potted mix. A balanced, water-soluble fertiliser works best.
How do I prevent pests and diseases in container plants?
Ensure hygiene by removing infected foliage promptly and treat with organic or chemical controls as needed.
Can container plants survive outdoors in winters?
Plants may survive winters outdoors if they are native to your region. However, some sensitive plants may require special attention.
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