10 Fast-Growing Flowers That Thrive in Pots and Containers, According to Experts

Roses

Roses grow fairly rapidly. They will start producing blooms as summer approaches and will last most of the season.

"They're an outstanding choice for flowering container plants," says Megan McConnell, horticulturist and plant information director at Monrovia. "[You just need] one plant to fill a [pot], adding a pop of color to any space."

Depending on how large the rose gets, you'll need to select a container that's at least 2 feet by 2 feet. Some larger varieties may need an even bigger pot.

• Zones: 4 to 11
• Size: 4 feet tall x 4 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining fertile soils
  

Hydrangeas

If you'd like a plant that will bloom profusely from late spring all the way through fall, then get a hydrangea. However, for it to work in a container, you need to look for the right variety.

"Compact selections include macrophylla, paniculata, or even arborescens, create beautiful, colorful container displays," says McConnell.

Since hydrangeas can grow quite a bit, aim for a container that's at least 2 feet in diameter. Make sure to select smaller hydrangeas that grow to be about 3 to 4 feet tall, McConnell says. Otherwise, they may outgrow a patio container.

• Zones: 5 to 9
• Size: 24 inches tall x 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining acidic soils; keep moist
  

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a container plant that will bloom profusely from spring to fall, or year-round if you live in a tropical climate.

"It's a perfect choice for containers to add height or a trailing design," says McConnell. For a mature plant, aim for a pot size of about 1.5 to 2 feet in diameter. If you live in a colder climate, make sure to bring the plant in before frost.

• Zones: 9 to 11
• Size: 36 inches tall x 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining fertile soils
  

Honeysuckle

It's hard to resist the sweet-but-creamy scent of honeysuckle, a vining plant that blooms all summer. An added bonus? It will also attract favored pollinators, like hummingbirds.

"Every hummingbird garden needs a honeysuckle, and they're a great choice for containers," says McConnell. Aim for a container that's about 16 to 20 inches and add a trellis to support the bloom-heavy branches.

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Size: 36 inches tall x 15 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining fertile soils; keep moist
  

Sunflowers

For a cheerful planter through fall and early winter, you can't go wrong with sunflowers. These fast-growing plants come not just in yellow, but also in deep maroon, red, and other hues.

"[They add] sunshine to any container, and they’re flowers that pollinators also love," says McConnell. Because sunflowers are so top-heavy, they do need a pot that's at least several gallons—otherwise, they may tip over.

• Zones: 2 to 11, annual
• Size: 12 to 48 inches tall x 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soils; light to medium watering
  

Hibiscus

With their iconic, saucer-shaped flowers, a blooming hibiscus can make any space feel like a beach vacation.

Choose a pot that's at least several gallons in size, with well-draining soil—and be careful not to overwater them. With the right care, hibiscus will bloom continuously through the season.

• Zones: Depends on variety
• Size: 18 inches tall x 30 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining fertile soils
  

Marigolds

If you're growing from seed, marigolds are probably the fastest-growing flowers you can find, says Laura Irish-Hanson, a horticulture educator at the University of Minnesota Extension.

As smaller plants, marigolds can do well in a variety of containers, but they'll fare better in pots that are about 10 to 12 inches in diameter.

• Zones: 2 to 11, annual
• Size: 12 inches tall x 4 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; moderate watering.
  

Million Bells

For anyone who wants near-constant blooms in a hanging basket, million bells should be a top pick. The basket size can range for these plants, but for a big display, aim for a planter roughly 12 inches in diameter—or larger.

• Zones: 7 to 11
• Size: 12 inches tall x 20 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; frequent watering
  

Zinnias

Another option is zinnias, which germinate within a week and bloom within two months or less.

"Some of the dwarf varieties actually go from seed to flowering pretty quickly, and there are so many [different] types and colors to choose from," says Irish-Hanson. Plant seeds in a container that's roughly 12 inches in diameter for good results, and deadhead spent blooms for a longer flowering season.

• Zones: 2 to 11, annual
• Size: Depends on variety
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soils; moderate watering
  

Cornflower

Cornflowers, also known as bachelor's buttons, can tolerate a range of soils and are extremely easy to grow from seed.

"These can flower pretty quick, usually within 50 days or less!" says Irish-Hanson. These beautiful blooms can be bright blue, pink, or even dark maroon. They also make for a lovely cut-flower bouquet.

As for a container, you may want to choose a heavier terracotta pot that's about 8 to 12 inches deep. This will give your cornflowers enough room to grow and keep them from toppling over.

• Zones: 2 to 11; annual
• Size: 12 to 36 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining, fertile soils; keep moist