7 Perennials That Thrive in Pots and Containers

Coral Bells — Credit:
retrofutur / GETTY IMAGES

Perennials are a wonderful way to bring color to your garden year after year, whether it's a sprig of lavender or a cluster of chrysanthemums. However, for many, growing flowers and vegetables in containers is a more convenient option, especially if there's limited square footage in your backyard.

Fortunately, many perennials thrive in pots—but it's best to do your research before planting them, so you know exactly which varieties will favor this environment. Here, we asked gardening experts to recommend their favorite perennials to plant in pots and containers, from roses to coral bells and everything in between.

Hannah Ward Howland, perennials manager at Plants Unlimited
Ward Dilmore, founder and landscape designer at Petrus Landscape

01 of 07

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas will do well in larger containers, adding a colorful and sculptural statement to your garden. Growing them in containers lets you better control water and nutrients, too, which is very important when it comes to caring for these plants.

As an added bonus, growing hydrangeas in containers can have aesthetic benefits. "The flower color can be changed depending on the pH of the soil," says Ward Dilmore, founder and landscape designer at Petrus Landscape. "You could choose to have blue flowers one year and pink the next simply by adding a soil amendment to adjust the pH."

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 2 to 20 feet tall x 2 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full to partial sun; acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil

02 of 07

Roses

Roses come in many different colors and varieties, and they require plenty of water (and fertilizer) in order to thrive. Thankfully, containers provide a controlled environment where this is a relatively easy process.

"They will do well in a hot patio area where hardscape may create a warm microclimate," adds Dilmore. "This can cause them to grow faster and produce even more blooms than usual."

Zones: 5 to 11
Size: Depends on variety
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

03 of 07

Citrus Trees

fruit trees in pots — Credit:
Getty / jeanhoffmann

Growing fruit trees at home is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh produce, but it's a venture that can feel out of reach for those with smaller gardens. Thankfully, a handful of citrus trees, including lemons, limes, and mandarins, can thrive in containers.

"There are endless varieties of each to choose from, though all will require full sun and organic fertilizer added each growing season—plus lots of water," says Dilmore.

Zones: Varies
Size: Varies
Care requirements: Varies

04 of 07

Dead Nettle

Henbit weed — Credit:
Michael Meijer/Getty Images

Dead nettle has a shallow root system, so it's a great candidate for growing in a pot or container.

"I especially love to use this plant in containers because it gives you flowers all summer, which can be rare for a perennial," says Hannah Ward Howland, perennials manager at Plants Unlimited. "And it has beautiful leaf texture."

Howland also notes that it's very hardy, so it's one of the best candidates for surviving a winter. Just make sure to prune any overgrowth so that the plant maintains its aesthetic appeal.

Zones: 4 to 10
Size: 6 to 9 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Well-draining soil, partial to full shade with indirect sunlight

05 of 07

Pincushion Flower

Blooming Scabiosa — Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Pincushion flower is "a delightful choice for containers," says Howland. She notes that it has a "compact growth habit, long blooming season, and charming, delicate flowers that attract pollinators."

It does especially well in containers because it needs well-draining soil in order to thrive. Make sure to deadhead the spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering, Howland says—light fertilizing in the growing season will help it flourish.

Zones: 3 to 7
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 1 foot wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

06 of 07

Bugbane

Actaea — Credit:
MichelR45 / GETTY IMAGES

Bugbane doesn't tolerate drying out, says Howland, so a pot that has consistently nutrient-rich, moist soil is ideal.

"It's an excellent perennial for containers because of its striking foliage, tall flower spikes, and ability to adapt to smaller spaces," she says. Just make sure you check regularly to ensure the soil is moist, and apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall (up to 8 feet tall with flowers) by 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Partial to full shade; rich, well-draining soil

07 of 07

Coral Bells

"Coral bells are good for pots and containers due to their compact size, shallow roots, and ability to adapt to varying light conditions," says Howland.

As an added bonus, coral bells come in many different beautiful colors, so they make for elegant decorative displays. They can also adapt well to varying light conditions.