Best Flowering Plants For Container Gardening

Pots and containers offer the gardener great versatility, and are a fantastic way to experiment with planting and design. From short-term bedding displays to permanent features of small trees and topiary, planting in pots adds another dimension to the garden, softening corners, brightening dull spots and providing instant, yet easily changeable, results.

When choosing your pot, stick to just one or two different materials. Take your cue from the style of the house and garden – red brick buildings are enhanced by terracotta containers, while a modern plot is the best backdrop for galvanised metal pots.

Bigger pots have more impact and plants growing in them won't dry out as quickly, but an eclectic group of small containers creates a quirky, ever-changing scene. Repetition can be effective – garden designers often use three or more identical containers planted with the same plants, for maximum impact.

The best 10 plants for pots and containers

10 plants for pots and containers – Coreopsis tinctoria

Coreopsis looks great in a large pot combined with other annuals and perennials. Try combining with phormiums, euphorbia, nasturtiums and purple basil.

10 plants for pots and containers – cosmos

The cottage-garden feel of daisy-like cosmos flowers adds a sense of informality and movement to pots and containers. They work well with plants with silver foliage, but they're also effective on their own.

Busy Lizzies (impatiens)

10 plants for pots and containers – busy Lizzies

Busy Lizzies are the perfect choice for shady gardens. Deadhead them regularly to ensure they flower into autumn.

10 plants for pots and containers – clematis

Some clematis are suitable for growing in containers. Evergreen clematis is often sold tied to an upright stake, but its trailing habit makes it perfect for the edge of a container. Partner with spring bulbs for a dash of colour.

10 plants for pots and containers – ivy

Ivy is one of the most useful and attractive plants for pots. Hedera helix 'Ivalace' has dark-green, shiny leaves with curled edges.

Euonymus 'Emerald 'n' Gold'

10 plants for pots and containers – euonymous

Variegated foliage is a real pick-me-up all year round. For a striking display, try it with creeping Jenny, Lysimachia nummularia, tulips, golden narcissi or primroses.

10 plants for pots and containers – pittosporum

This elegant evergreen shrub has rich mahogany leaves that emerge a pale creamy colour before darkening. Slightly tender, it will need a sheltered spot over winter.

10 plants for pots and containers – skimmia

This male form is blessed with glossy evergreen leaves, and an abundance of tiny red buds through the winter, which open to pinky-white flowers in spring.

10 plants for pots and containers – hosta

Hostas make beautiful architectural plants, and work well in containers, either alone or with other plants. Try combining with bleeding heart, or other foliage plants, such as heucheras.

Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)

10 plants for pots and containers – fountain grass

Fountain grass is a real show-stopper. Grow in large pots with alliums for dramatic impact, or on its own to make a statement. 'Rubrum' has graceful stems and red-tinged, squirrel-tail flowers that fade to beige in autumn. Protect from frost in winter.