Top Plants for Container Gardens

No matter how small your garden, you can enjoy a full range of annuals and perennials, climbers, creepers, and trailers by growing in containers. Virtually any type of plant, except perhaps really large trees and shrubs, can be planted in containers- as long as you select the most suitable type of containers, compost and location. Most bedding plants and many herbaceous perennials and culinary herbs also grow well in containers. Good soil is the main ingredient for a successful container garden.

Scented Plants for containers (aromatic foliage and perfumed flowers)

These are my favourite type of container plant especially if they are situated in a nice spot such as next to a path, seat or patio.

Sarcococca

There are two varieties of Sarcococca that are commonly grown. The taller of the two and most suitable for containers is Ruscifolia which grows about three feet high and is absolutely beautiful for entrances and next to a garden seat the fragrance is intense and the foliage lovely. These do well in a shady spot. I have these at either side of my patio doors and get many compliments on their fragrance.

Syringa Lilac

Most of the flowers have a delicious scent - powerful but not over-powering. This requires little care once grown. The plant prefers a full sunny position. They originate from East Asia and South East Europe

Climbing Plants For Containers

Climbers can present a problem when grown in a container. Once twining up a support or clinging to a wall it is extremely difficult to re-pot them without causing damage. For this reason I prefer climbers that can be cut down hard or lie down in the winter of their own accord.

Passiflora

 Is an extremely fast growing and beautiful plant.It has intricate, scented flowers that have an almost surreal appearance.

Honeysuckle - Lonicera japonica Halliana

Evergreen Foliage and very long flowering period with masses of fantastically fragrant, tubular scented flowers. This Hardy Perennial Climber.The plant is happy in sun or partial shade. This plant looks stunning when planted alongside Clematis

Dwarf/Compact Shrubs Suitable For Containers

Juniperus procumbens "Nana"

Also called "Dwarf Japgarden juniper", this variety has short, crowded sea green needles. It has wide spreading form; lays flat on ground if given adequate space or mounds up in center if crowded

Lavandula Lavender

It is a native of the Mediterranean and a lover of dry, sunny, rocky habitats. Lavender plants will tolerate many growing conditions, but it thrives in warm, well-drained soil and full sun. Potted lavenders require a well-drained potting mixture as well as good drainage at the base of the container.

L. angustifolia 'Nana Alba'

A short-statured lavender, 'Nana Alba' reaches only 1 foot in height, putting on very short spikes of white flowers in early summer. Because of its size, this variety is exceptionally well-suited for container gardening.

Small trees For Containers

Acer Palmatum Japanese Maple

The smaller forms of this deciduous tree or shrub, and there are many, are highly suited to potted culture. The hand like leaves, often deeply divided, are various shades of green, purple or bronze and often beautifully tinted in autumn before they fall.The weeping or arching varieties are particularly pleasing in a container especially the oriental glazed terracota types.They are normally grafted so be prepared to pay a little more.Those suitable for containers include:-

Dissectum Viride Group - pale green, deeply divided leaves

Dissectum Atropurpureum Group - the same but with deep purple foliage

Oshu-Beni - leaves change from bright red to bronze turning scarlet in autumn

Red Pygmy - slow, dwarf with reddish leaves

Citrus trees

Particularly suited for container growing as they can be kept at manageable sizes. People tend to enjoy their trees in decorative pots on a patio or apartment balcony. Citrus prefer infrequent, deep watering to frequent, shallow sprinklings. Deeper watering promotes deeper root growth and strengthens your tree

Growing a lemon tree is not that difficult. As long as you provide their basic needs, growing lemons can be a very rewarding experience.

Plants For Containers In The Hot Sun

Abutilon

Abutilon is also known as the flowering maple or Chinese Bellflower it is native of South America. Although it is no relation to the maple tree, Abutilon does have maple-like palmate leaves. They will continually bloom if given lots of sun and warm temperatures. I love abutilon because they are evergreen and heavy bloomers. They can grow fairly quickly if in a large enough container and can be easily trimmed and shaped into a smaller shrubs as all abutilon have flexible wood so are very easy to train; they also attract the beautiful hummingbird.

Achillea

Achillea also known as yarrow are hardy North American natives.There are about 85 species of achillea, but most garden selections have ferny, often feathery foliage and flat headed flowers. If de headed regularly they will continue to bloom. In rich soil, Achillea will grow tall, 1-3 feet, and may require staking. Excellent for cut and dried flowers it is fragrant and attracts butterflies

Calibrachoa or Million Bells

Plant calibrachoa in moist, organically rich, well-drained soil. While partial shade is tolerated, flowering is best in full sun.Water frequently if your calibrachoa is in a hanging basket or other container. No deadheading is needed as spent flowers drop off cleanly. If plants begin looking a bit ragged about midsummer, cut the plants back a bit and fertilize with water-soluble fertilizer. They will respond with new growth

Plants For Containers In The Shade

Torenia or Wishbone Flower

Torenia, also known as wishbone flower,  is heat tolerant and really easy to take care of. It will flower all summer even in full shade. You don’t even have to deadhead it. Wishbone flower is great in combinations or, in the right container, they can be beautiful on its own. You can use it in hanging baskets, window boxes or in any container with good drainage. It is relatively short, two to six inches, and will trail over the side of your container

Bergenia Winter Glow

An evergreen that is sure to be noticed with its shiny, cabbage-like leaves and clusters of bright red flowers from early to late spring.Bergenia is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade

Small selection of Perennials And Bulbs Suitable For Containers

• Snow drop
• Tulip
• Iris
• Narcissus
• Viola
• Primula
• Geranium