Container gardening is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. It allows you to grow plants in small spaces, on balconies or patios, and even indoors. But when it comes to choosing the right plants for your containers, not all are created equal. In this article, we'll be focusing specifically on perennials that do well in containers. These are plants that will come back year after year, making them a great investment for any gardener.
The Best Perennials for Containers
1. Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant perennial that does very well in containers. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure to choose a container with good drainage holes. You can also add some sand or gravel to the bottom of the container to improve drainage. Lavender is drought-tolerant, so be careful not to overwater it.
How to Care for Lavender in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Prune back by 1/3 in the fall to encourage bushier growth
2. Hosta
Hostas are a shade-loving perennial that can add a lot of interest to your container garden. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you're sure to find one that fits your space. Hostas prefer moist soil, so make sure to keep the soil consistently damp.
How to Care for Hosta in Containers
- Keep the soil consistently damp
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
- Divide your hosta every few years to keep it from becoming overcrowded
3. Heuchera
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a beautiful perennial that comes in a variety of colors. It prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. You can pair it with other shade-loving plants like ferns or impatiens for a stunning container display.
How to Care for Heuchera in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Cut back any dead leaves in the fall
4. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a drought-tolerant perennial that does well in containers. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can also use it as a groundcover in larger containers.
How to Care for Sedum in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
- Prune back by 1/3 in the fall to encourage bushier growth
5. Coneflower
Coneflowers are a popular perennial that do very well in containers. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can also use them as a cut flower in your arrangements.
How to Care for Coneflower in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms
6. Daylily
Daylilies are a tough and hardy perennial that does well in containers. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can also pair them with other sun-loving plants like salvia or rudbeckia.
How to Care for Daylily in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Divide your daylily every few years to keep it from becoming overcrowded
7. Peony
Peonies are a stunning perennial that can add a lot of interest to your container garden. They prefer partial shade and well-draining soil. You can also use them as a cut flower in your arrangements.
How to Care for Peony in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Cut back any dead leaves in the fall
8. Salvia
Salvia is a sun-loving perennial that does very well in containers. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can also pair it with other sun-loving plants like daylilies or rudbeckia.
How to Care for Salvia in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms
9. Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are a popular perennial that does well in containers. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. You can also use them as a cut flower in your arrangements.
How to Care for Black-eyed Susan in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms
10. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a sun-loving perennial that does well in containers. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can also use it as a cut flower in your arrangements.
How to Care for Coreopsis in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms
11. Dianthus
Dianthus, also known as pinks, is a fragrant perennial that does well in containers. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can also pair it with other sun-loving plants like salvia or rudbeckia.
How to Care for Dianthus in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms
12. Yarrow
Yarrow is a drought-tolerant perennial that does well in containers. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can also use it as a cut flower in your arrangements.
How to Care for Yarrow in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms
13. Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a popular perennial that does well in containers. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can also use it as a cut flower in your arrangements.
How to Care for Echinacea in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms
14. Sedum 'Autumn Joy'
Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is a beautiful and hardy perennial that does well in containers. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. You can also use it as a groundcover in larger containers.
How to Care for Sedum 'Autumn Joy' in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
- Prune back by 1/3 in the fall to encourage bushier growth
15. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are a great choice for containers because they add a lot of interest and texture. There are many different varieties to choose from, so make sure to do your research and choose one that fits your space.
How to Care for Ornamental Grasses in Containers
- Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Cut back any dead or brown leaves in the fall
Choosing the right perennials for your containers can make all the difference in the success of your container garden. Make sure to choose plants that do well in your specific growing conditions, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
FAQs
1. Can I plant annuals with my perennials in containers?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to choose plants with similar growing conditions so they'll thrive together.
2. How often should I fertilize my perennials in containers?
You should fertilize them once a month during the growing season, using a slow-release fertilizer.
3. Do I need to water my perennials more in containers than if they were planted in the ground?
Yes, you will need to water them more often because containers tend to dry out faster than the ground.
4. Can I grow vegetables in containers with my perennials?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to choose vegetables that have similar growing conditions to your perennials.
5. Do I need to overwinter my perennials in containers?
It depends on the specific plant and your growing zone. Some perennials may need to be brought indoors or protected from harsh winter weather.
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