Growing perennials in containers is a fantastic way to enjoy long-lasting plants without the commitment of a full garden bed. If you’re working with a balcony, patio, or even just a doorstep, a well-chosen selection of perennials can provide year-round interest with minimal effort. And the best part? You don’t have to start from scratch every spring!
Now, before grabbing the nearest pot and stuffing it with soil, it helps to pick the right plants. Some perennials thrive in containers better than others, and choosing wisely means less hassle and more beauty. Here are some of the best ones to consider.
1. Lavender (Lavandula)
Let’s be honest—lavender makes everything better. That unmistakable scent, the soft purple blooms, and the ability to attract pollinators make it a solid choice for container gardening. It loves plenty of sun and well-draining soil, so make sure your pot has good drainage holes. Once established, it doesn’t need much water, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardeners.
2. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
If you want colour without relying on flowers alone, Heuchera is a top pick. Its foliage comes in shades of deep burgundy, lime green, and even silvery purple, adding instant vibrancy to any space. It’s compact, handles shade well, and works beautifully in mixed arrangements.
3. Hosta
For a lush, leafy look, hostas are unbeatable. They’re ideal for shadier spots and can thrive in containers for years. Their bold, textured leaves range from deep green to variegated white and green, making them an excellent contrast to flowering plants. Slugs might love them as much as you do, though, so keep an eye out!
4. Sedum (Stonecrop)
If you’re after a plant that practically takes care of itself, sedum is a winner. This hardy succulent is drought-tolerant and thrives in containers with well-draining soil. Varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’ produce pink flowers that fade into a beautiful rusty hue as the season progresses. Plus, bees adore it!
5. Japanese Anemone
For late-season blooms, Japanese anemones are a fantastic addition. These elegant flowers rise above attractive green foliage, swaying in the breeze from late summer into autumn. They prefer partial sun and will need a deep container to accommodate their root system, but once settled, they put on a stunning display year after year.
6. Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)
Unlike the more delicate pelargoniums often called geraniums, hardy geraniums are true perennials. They offer a low, sprawling habit that spills beautifully over the edges of pots. Their long-lasting flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and blue, and they’re incredibly easy to care for.
7. Agapanthus (African Lily)
If you love striking, architectural plants, agapanthus should be on your list. With tall stems topped with clusters of blue or white trumpet-like flowers, it’s a real showstopper. It prefers full sun and benefits from a snug fit in its container, as this encourages better blooming.
8. Dianthus (Pinks)
Dianthus is a charming addition, offering fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. It blooms for months on end and does well in small to medium-sized pots. With its compact growth habit and low water needs, it’s an easy choice for brightening up a space.
9. Erysimum (Wallflower)
Erysimum, often called wallflower, is a short-lived perennial but well worth including. It produces clusters of bright, fragrant flowers in spring and early summer, often in rich purples and yellows. Deadheading encourages more blooms, and it does well even in poorer soil.
10. Salvia
Salvia earns its spot thanks to its long flowering period and attraction to bees and butterflies. It loves a sunny spot and thrives in well-draining soil. Varieties like ‘Caradonna’ or ‘Hot Lips’ provide plenty of colour and structure to container arrangements.
Caring for Perennials in Containers
While perennials are generally low-maintenance, keeping them in containers does require a little extra attention. Here are a few tips to keep them looking their best:
- Choose the right pot. Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Use quality soil. A well-draining potting mix ensures healthy root growth.
- Water wisely. Some perennials like it dry (lavender, sedum), while others need more consistent moisture (hosta, Japanese anemone).
- Feed occasionally. A balanced liquid fertiliser in spring and summer helps maintain strong growth and blooms.
- Protect in winter. Some plants may need a little insulation during colder months—wrapping pots in fleece or moving them to a sheltered spot can help.
Mixing Perennials for Stunning Displays
One of the best things about growing perennials in containers is the chance to experiment with combinations. Pair plants with different textures, colours, and bloom times to keep things interesting. You can also mix heights and growth habits to create a layered, dynamic display. For example:
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Lavender + Heuchera + Sedum: A mix of scent, foliage colour, and structure. Lavender provides a vertical element, Heuchera adds vibrant foliage, and Sedum spills gently over the edge for a soft, cascading effect.
- Hosta + Japanese Anemone + Hardy Geranium: A lush and elegant display for partial shade. The bold, broad leaves of Hosta contrast beautifully with the delicate blooms of Japanese Anemone, while Hardy Geranium adds a gentle, spreading groundcover effect.
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Agapanthus + Salvia + Dianthus: A sun-loving trio with bold flowers and long-lasting interest. Agapanthus offers striking height, Salvia brings a long-lasting burst of colour, and Dianthus provides compact, fragrant blossoms that fill in gaps beautifully.