Potted plants come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Figuring out which plants are best for your container can be overwhelming. So I’ve put together a list of my favorite outdoor potted plants to get you started.
Shopping for container garden plants is fun and exciting, finding new combinations to try every summer.
Everyone is eager to grow beautiful outdoor pots, which makes container gardening very popular.
But if you’ve ever gone to a garden center to pick out potted plants in the spring, you know it can get overwhelming quickly!
Don’t worry anymore! This list of summer potted plants has something for everyone. You might even find some exciting new container garden plants this year.
Which plants grow well in pots?
Which plants are best for container growing? This is a very common question many new gardeners ask themselves.
There are countless different types of plants that are suitable for growing in pots, but it can be difficult to figure out which ones are best.
However, finding the best plants for potting becomes easier if you narrow down your selection a bit. So, first answer these questions
- How much sunlight does your plant receive?
- What color do you prefer?
- How Much Water Are Your Plants Absorbing?
- What is your pot size?
- What type of pots will you be using?
- Do you want flowers, leaves or both?
- Choosing plants for a container garden is much easier once you have some ideas.
12 Best Container Plants For Pots Outdoors
1. Coleus are colorful potted plants that can grow in a variety of sun exposure conditions. They are perfect container plants because they grow well in any size pot.
Coleus grown as container plants need regular watering and well-drained soil.
2. Succulents – Succulents make great container plants and can be grown in small pots or combined into larger pots.
These are low-maintenance outdoor potted plants that need full sun, although some species tolerate partial shade. Just make sure the soil drains quickly and allow it to dry completely between watering.
3. Begonias – There are a variety of begonia plants on the market today. Some have beautiful flowers of different colors.
Other species do not flower, but are grown for their wonderful foliage. They are both excellent potted plants in the garden.
4. Creeping Jenny – The Creeping Jenny is a glowing hanging plant that is perfect for any outdoor container garden.
It grows quickly, so don’t be afraid to prune it back if necessary. They are one of the best plants for container gardens, but they can penetrate the soil.
Impatiens – Impatiens are common potted plants that make perfect additions to any size container. They are also available in different colors.
Unlike most flowering plants, impatiens actually prefer partial shade to sunny locations (although there are some new varieties that can grow in full sun!).
5. Canna Lily – Cannas are no ordinary container plant, but they do well in pots. This tropical plant comes in a variety of colors and is a great focal point plant.
Canna lilies are the perfect plant for large pots in the sun. They require little care as long as you give them enough water.
6. Dracaena —Dracaena leaves are tall and spiky, making them suitable for outdoor potting. They come in a variety of colors and are great for adding height to your containers.
Check the species you want to grow, as some like shade while others grow better in full sun.
7. Fountain Grass – Fountain grass is an ornamental plant that grows wonderfully in containers. She is one of the best plants in large pots in part shade to full sun.
Long brush-like feathers sway in the breeze, adding height and interest to your container garden.
8. Hibiscus – This tropical shrub has large, beautiful flowers of various colors. These are large potted plants that need frequent watering to keep the soil from drying out.
9 Sorrel – Sorrel is a cute little plant with unique, colorful leaves and tiny flowers. Mix and match in any mixing planter to add a pop of color and break up all the greenery.
They are perfect plants for container gardening and keep a compact shape.
10. Petunia – Petunias are very easy outdoor potted plants to grow and do well alone or in groups.
11. Chlorophytum – While spider plants are most commonly grown as houseplants, they are also excellent shade potted plants.
The spiky leaves can be light green or variegated, providing a nice contrast to other plants. Learn how to care for them here.
12. Sweet Potato Vine – Sweet potato vines are very easy to grow in pots. They grow very fast, tendrils will grow up the sides of the container.
