The best container plants combine a tall thriller, a mounding filler and a trailing spiller. Annuals give the longest color, but compact perennials, grasses and herbs work too.
- Balloon Flower — Compact perennial for pots.
- Coral Bells — Colorful foliage all season.
- Stonecrop — Thrives in hot, dry pots.
- Lavender — Fragrant and drought tolerant.
- Fescue — Blue grass for texture.
- Plantain Lily (Hosta) — Shade pots, safe from slugs.
- Petunia — Trailing summer color.
- Geranium — Classic sunny pot plant.
- Coleus — Bold leaves for shade.
- Basil — Herbs grow well in pots.
Balloon Flower 'Pop Star Blue'
Platycodon 'Pop Star Blue'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
Balloon Flower 'Pop Star Pink'
Platycodon 'Pop Star Pink'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
Balloon Flower 'Pop Star White'
Platycodon 'Pop Star White'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue'
Platycodon 'Sentimental Blue'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
Tips
- Use potting mix, not garden soil.
- Make sure every pot has drainage holes.
- Water daily in summer and feed every week or two.
Frequently asked questions
What soil should I use in containers?
A quality potting mix — garden soil packs down and drains poorly.
Can perennials live in pots over winter?
In Maine, move them to an unheated garage or plant them in the ground in fall.
How big a pot do I need?
Bigger pots dry out more slowly — 14 inches or wider for a mixed planter.
How often should I fertilize container plants?
Every one to two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.