Best pot plants for container gardening

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Want to set up the garden of your dreams while living in the city? Container gardening is the practice of growing plants, herbs, and flowers in pots, tubs, or any small enclosed space. 

Container plants can add color and vibrancy to your home. Moreover, these plants can relax and refresh your senses after a long day at work. You can even harvest, cook, and eat some container plant–making them a fresher, more affordable alternative to store-bought greens.  

If you’re looking to get started on your container garden, we’ve rounded up the best plants for containers. Check out some of our container planting ideas below:

What are the best pot plants?

Container gardens are easy to manage and maintain, as long as you choose container plants that naturally thrive across the United States.

Take note that some plants are annual and only thrive during one season. Others are perennial, so they die during the winter and grow back in the spring. Finally, some plants are evergreen and maintain their foliage throughout the year. 

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with various types of plants so you can pick which ones will suit your home best.

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Best evergreen pot plants

Evergreen container plants remain lush and vibrant throughout the year. Even during rainy days or bitter winters, you can rest assured your container garden can still look . Here are some excellent evergreen container plants.

Begonias

beautiful red begonia flowers in container garden

Begonias are simple yet gorgeous and can thrive in containers. This flowering plant can go through long periods without water. But remember to still water them regularly and keep the soil moist. 

There are different types of begonias, and you can pick the trailing and mounding varieties, which you can place in terracotta pots or window boxes.

Geraniums

Indoor gardening, red geranium flowers in pot near window

While geraniums often grow in flower beds, you can easily grow them as potted plant arrangements. Geraniums need at least six to eight hours of sunlight, so make sure to place them in a sunny part of your home or outdoor area. With tender loving care, you can raise your geraniums to be absolutely beautiful. 

Best winter pot plants

Not all plants die during the winter. In fact, winter container plants need cold, bitter temperatures to grow. Your container garden can still look beautiful in the snowy season. Here are pot plants that will look beautiful amid the frost. 

Witch hazel

closeup yellow witch hazel flowers

The witch hazel plant can tolerate the bitter winters of the eastern coast. This plant has medicinal properties, which make them great to have at home. You can grow witch hazel in containers and use it for home remedies. The leaves, bark, and twigs contain tannins that can help reduce swelling and fight harmful bacteria. 

Poppies

closeup red poppy flower in pot

Despite their delicate appearance, poppies are surprisingly hardy and can live through harsh weather conditions. They also come in all kinds of colors, such as white, purple, red, and pink. You’ll need the correct sized pot, quality soil, and enough light and water to easily grow poppies in containers. Your local nursery can help you choose the best variety of poppies for your home. 

You might also like: Best vegetables to grow in winter

Best summer pot plants

Here are some heat-tolerant container plants you can plant even during hot summer months. 


Hydrangeas

Purple hydrangeas in large pot in backyard

Hydrangeas are a classic for any home, and they can be planted at almost any season (except freezing winters). They’re plump, gorgeous, and absolutely elegant. They’re also easy to cultivate in the warmer months, especially if you have the Hydrangea Polestar, which boasts a blush-pink hue in the summer.

Hydrangeas may be resilient, but make sure they don’t endure the heat too often! Otherwise, the leaves might wilt and only come back by fall rain or next spring.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus pot plant in the bedroom by the bed

Eucalyptus is a medicinal plant you can grow in your home. Also, eucalyptus has delightful blue-green leaves that will elevate the look of any simple garden or indoor space. You can boil their leaves to create a soothing tea for a sore throat.

Plant combination ideas for gardens

If you really want an eye-catching garden that thrives and flourishes across the year, then it’s best to know which plants pair well together. Below are plant combination ideas for container gardens. You can book a garden maintenance service to help you maintain these various plant combinations.

Echeveria, donkey tail, and thyme

Who says a container garden can’t look classy and elegant? A combination of echeveria, donkey tail and thyme produces a variety of textures and eye-catching colors. This pot plant combination is best for the summer season, as echeveria is a succulent that grows best in warmer weather. Also, this plant combination is perfect for a garden with a contemporary design. 

Cosmos and zinnias

pink cosmos and orange zinnias flower combination in pot

Cosmos and zinnias are types of wildflowers, making them easy to grow and maintain. They also come in a variety of bold colors and can stay vibrant even during autumn. Cosmos and zinnias tend to attract butterflies and bees, so you’ll appreciate seeing a bit of wildlife in your home garden, too! 

How do you look after pot plants?

While container plants are relatively easy to manage, you should make sure to keep the soil moist and well-ventilated. Ensure your plants are generously exposed to sunlight but keep them away from harsh areas that may overheat the leaves and flowers. Also, do a lot of research before buying your plants, as plants have varying needs. 

Container gardening can sometimes be challenging and confusing for a beginner. But you can hire a gardening specialist to guide you through or do the initial work. 

Get your plants delivered to your doorstep.

Excited to display these beautiful pot plants in your home? A plant delivery service can save you the trip to the local nursery or tedious search for the perfect pot plant. Get your plants delivered to you quickly and safely through Airtasker, whether you need an indoor plant for your desk or an entire garden of hydrangeas.  

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