8 Flowers You Should Never Grow in Pots or Containers

flowers in pots — Credit:
Getty / Anna Blazhuk

Container gardening is a wonderful option for those who don't have a large garden or who want to bring their beloved blooms indoors. Unfortunately, not every flower loves being in a pot. Some varieties may require more space for their roots, while others may struggle with the lack of moisture in a smaller container.

So while these flowers are certainly beautiful, you're better off planting them in the ground, where they can spread out and thrive. Don't worry, though—we've also listed what you should try growing instead if you're short on space.

01 of 08

Peonies

Containers simply aren't large enough for peonies. "[They] have deep, tuberous roots, and don't like being disturbed," says Tabar Gifford, partnership cultivator and master gardener at American Meadows. A close-quarters environment doesn't provide the necessary depth or stability for them to thrive.

Instead: Dahlias provide a "similar lush, layered look," says Gifford, noting that they grow beautifully in containers. Just make sure to water consistently and give them enough sun.

02 of 08

Delphinium

These beautiful blooms need consistent moisture, which can be hard to achieve in a container. They're also top-heavy and have deep roots that don't handle confinement well, says Gifford. You'll need to stake them and protect them from the wind, too, so you're better off growing them in a garden, rather than on your porch.

Instead: Salvia has a "similar vertical form and saturated color," notes Gifford. However, it's more compact and drought-tolerant, so it will perform well in containers.

03 of 08

Hollyhock

Hollyhock can grow to be a whopping 6 to 8 feet tall, so it's simply too big and too unstable to grow well in pots and containers. "They’re also prone to rust, especially in humid or crowded spaces, like a container grouping," notes Gifford.

Instead: Dwarf sunflowers add a similar charm, but are small enough that they can fit into a container.

04 of 08

Bee Balm

Bee balm "spreads via rhizomes, and can quickly outgrow a container," says Gifford. There's also the risk of powdery mildew, which increases if the plant doesn't receive excellent airflow.

Instead: Zinnias are another colorful pollinator magnet, but they're resistant to mildew, and will thrive in a container—so long as they get plenty of sun.

05 of 08

Milkweed

"Most milkweeds have deep taproots and don't like being transplanted," says Gifford. "They're best left to establish in one spot long-term." A container will also restrict their root growth, and the lack of consistent moisture isn't ideal either.

Instead: While technically a member of the milkweed species, butterfly weed specifically is much more suitable for container gardening.

06 of 08

Echinacea

Over time, echinacea will develop large roots that can cause the flower to become root-bound. Moisture fluctuations that are common in containers will also stress the plant, says Gifford.

Instead: Coreopsis has similarly daisy-like blooms, but "thrives in containers with compact, tidy growth," she adds.

07 of 08

Joe Pye Weed

Joe Pye Weed is the perfect storm: It grows to be very tall, and it needs consistent moisture—two growing conditions that are difficult to meet in pots.

Instead: Dwarf agastache will also attract pollinators and has a more compact size that will perform much better in containers, according to Gifford.

08 of 08

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans spread quickly, so they can become root-bound very easily—this "[leads] to stress and reduced flowering," says Gifford. "Poor drainage or airflow in pots can also lead to mildew and rot."

Instead: Calibrachoa provides yellow, gold, and orange blooms that resemble black-eyed Susans. They're more compact, however, and will look beautiful in pots.

8 Flowers You Should Never Grow in Pots or Containers, According to Experts