lavender in a pot

These Perennial Flowers Are Perfect For Growing In Pots

Container gardening is a delightful way to bring vibrant colors and lush greenery to small spaces. Whether you have a cozy balcony, a sunny patio, or just a small corner of your garden, growing perennial flowers in pots can add a touch of beauty and charm. As an avid gardener, I’m thrilled to share some of the best perennials that thrive in containers, providing continuous blooms year after year!

In this article, we’ll explore a selection of perennial flowers that are perfect for container gardening. These plants are not only beautiful but also well-suited to the constraints of pot life, offering you the joy of a flourishing garden even in limited spaces. Let’s dive into these wonderful perennials and discover how they can enhance your potted garden!

Geranium (Pelargonium)

perennial geraniums
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Geraniums are a popular choice for container gardening due to their vibrant flowers and easy-care nature. These perennials come in a wide range of colors, from bright reds and pinks to soft pastels and whites. They bloom profusely from spring through fall, adding continuous color to your pots.

Plant geraniums in well-drained soil and place them in a sunny location. They require regular watering, but be careful not to overwater as they are prone to root rot. One of my favorite

Lavender

lavender plant
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Lavender is a beloved perennial that thrives in pots, thanks to its compact growth habit and fragrant blooms. Its silvery-green foliage and spikes of purple flowers add a touch of elegance to any container garden. Lavender is not only beautiful but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

To grow lavender in a pot, choose a well-draining soil mix and place the pot in a location that receives full sun. Lavender prefers dry conditions, so be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. I love the soothing scent of lavender and the way it brings a sense of calm to my patio garden!

Hostas

hostas
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Hostas are shade-loving perennials that do exceptionally well in containers. They come in a variety of sizes and leaf colors, from deep green to variegated patterns. Hostas are prized for their attractive foliage and delicate, bell-shaped flowers that appear in the summer.

Plant hostas in a rich, well-draining potting mix and place them in a shady or partially shaded area. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. I enjoy the lush, tropical feel that hostas bring to my shaded garden spots, making them a favorite in my collection!

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

coral bells
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Heucheras, commonly known as coral bells, are fantastic for container gardening. These perennials are known for their striking foliage, which comes in a wide range of colors including burgundy, lime green, and deep purple. They also produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds.

Heucheras thrive in well-draining soil and can tolerate both sun and shade, although they prefer some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Regular watering is essential, but make sure the soil isn’t soggy. I adore the colorful foliage of heucheras and how they add a splash of color to my garden all year round!

Dianthus

dianthus
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Dianthus, also known as pinks, are charming perennials perfect for pots. They produce masses of fragrant, frilled flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Dianthus are relatively low-maintenance and bloom from late spring through summer.

Plant dianthus in a well-draining potting mix and place them in a sunny spot. They prefer cooler temperatures and should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. I love the delightful scent of dianthus flowers and the vibrant colors they bring to my container garden!

Coreopsis

coreopsis
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Coreopsis, or tickseed, are cheerful perennials that brighten up any container garden. They produce abundant daisy-like flowers in yellow, pink, and red shades, blooming from early summer to fall. Coreopsis are drought-tolerant and attract butterflies, making them a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Plant coreopsis in well-draining soil and place them in full sun. They require regular watering but can tolerate dry conditions once established. I enjoy the long-lasting blooms of coreopsis and how they bring a sunny disposition to my garden!

Salvia

Cardonna Salvia
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Salvia is a versatile perennial that thrives in containers. With its tall spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, salvia adds height and drama to any potted garden. These flowers are also magnets for pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Plant salvia in a well-draining potting mix and place them in a sunny location. They prefer regular watering but can tolerate drought conditions. I love the vibrant colors and vertical interest that salvia adds to my container garden, making it a standout feature!

Astilbe

astilbe
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Astilbes are shade-loving perennials that do wonderfully in pots. They produce feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white, adding a touch of elegance to shaded areas. Astilbes are also known for their attractive, fern-like foliage.

Plant astilbes in a rich, well-draining soil mix and place them in partial to full shade. Keep the soil consistently moist, as astilbes do not tolerate dry conditions. I appreciate the graceful beauty of astilbes and how they brighten up the shady corners of my garden!

Japanese Anemone

Japanese Anemone
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Japanese anemones are stunning perennials that thrive in containers. They produce delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple, blooming from late summer to fall. These flowers add a touch of elegance to any garden.

Plant Japanese anemones in well-draining soil and place them in partial shade. They prefer consistently moist soil, so regular watering is essential. I love the ethereal beauty of Japanese anemones and how they add a late-season burst of color to my garden!

Daylilies

day lily
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Daylilies are hardy perennials that are perfect for container gardening. They produce trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors, blooming profusely from early summer to fall. Daylilies are known for their resilience and low-maintenance nature.

Plant daylilies in well-draining soil and place them in full sun to partial shade. They are drought-tolerant but appreciate regular watering. I enjoy the vibrant blooms of daylilies and how they add a splash of color to my garden throughout the growing season!

Sedum

Sedum Kamtschaticumcan
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Sedum, also known as stonecrop, are succulent perennials that thrive in pots. They produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and yellow, blooming from late summer to fall. Sedum is highly drought-tolerant and perfect for sunny spots.

Plant sedum in a well-draining soil mix and place them in full sun. They require minimal watering and are very low-maintenance. I love the unique texture and vibrant blooms of sedum, making them a standout addition to my container garden!

Hellebores

Hellebore
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Hellebores, or Lenten roses, are elegant perennials that do well in pots. They produce nodding, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and green, blooming from late winter to early spring. Hellebores are perfect for adding early-season color to your garden.

Plant hellebores in rich, well-draining soil and place them in partial to full shade. They prefer consistently moist soil, so regular watering is important. I appreciate the early blooms of hellebores and how they brighten up my garden when most other plants are still dormant!

Shasta Daisy

shasta daisy
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Shasta daisies are cheerful perennials that thrive in containers. They produce classic white daisy flowers with yellow centers, blooming from early summer to fall. Shasta daisies are easy to grow and attract butterflies, adding a lively touch to your garden.

Plant Shasta daisies in well-draining soil and place them in full sun. They require regular watering but can tolerate dry conditions once established. I love the simplicity and charm of Shasta daisies, making them a favorite in my container garden!

Cody Medina
Small Scale Farmer
Hi there! I'm Cody, a staff writer here at The Garden Magazine and a small-scale farmer living in Oregon. I've been gardening most of my life and now live on a quarter-acre farmstead with chickens, ducks, and a big garden.