13 Best Perennials for Containers

perennials for containers

Finding perennials that grow well in containers can be difficult; however, if you can find a good mixture of plants that are easy to grow, you can make a colorful display.

In this guide, we are going to look at several options that grow well in containers, so you will be able to find plants that you can easily grow together in your indoor or outdoor space all year long.

Some are plants that have colorful bloom, while others are more like ferns and succulents that will not require a lot of your attention.

Let’s take a look at 13 different plants so that you can determine which ones best fit into the garden that you are trying to create.

Ferns

fern

There are over 12,000 different species of ferns that you can grow in your garden, and they make an excellent option to grow in a container. These plants are easy to grow, but they will need to grow in a relatively moist location that is humid. They prefer to grow in shady locations that are positioned in zones four through seven.

Clematis

Clematis

If you are looking for a climbing perennial that is going to look great in your garden, then the clematis, which is a lovely plant with bright blue blooms, is worth considering. Some varieties even have red or yellow blooms. To thrive in zones four through nine, these plants need to have well-drained soil as well as six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Bergenia

Bergenia

If you are looking for a plant that prefers to grow in a shady area, then a bergenia is a great option. It will grow to be about 16 inches tall, which means that it will work well in a container. With pink, purple, and white blooms, this is a plant that requires a well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. This is a plant that can grow in any part of the country, but it will do best in zones two through nine.

Bellflower

Bellflower

Bellflower, which is also known as campanula, is a perennial that will grow well in cooler temperatures. Blooming in June and July, these plants can have multiple colored blooms that are pink, white, lavender, or blue. This is a plant that will grow best in zones four and above; however, with some additional care, they can easily grow in zone three as well.

Alchemilla (Lady’s Mantle)

Ladys Mantle

This is a charming perennial that is easy to maintain. It makes a lovely ground cover, especially when the yellow blooms become visible. With full sun to partial shade, these will thrive in zones three through eight. It will grow best in slightly acidic soil; in fact, it can easily grow to be a foot or two tall.

Dianthus

Dianthus

This is a plant that is going to bloom the most in the spring of the year. The blooms can either be single or double, and they often come in shades of pink. This plant can grow to be about three feet tall, especially when planted in well-draining soil and full sun. It will do best in zones three through nine.

Heuchera ‘Electric Plum’ (Coral Bells)

Heuchera coral bells

This is a unique plant that has bright purple foliage. Known more common as coral bells, this grape-colored plant can grow to be about 10 inches high, which makes it ideal for most containers. It also grows in zones four through nine with quite a bit of sun. It is also a great plant to attract butterflies to your garden.

Vinca ‘Illumination’ (Myrtle, Periwinkle)

Vinca Illumination

This is a plant that is easily noticeable because it has bright yellow leaves that stand out in any garden. It will grow in most soil types and in the spring, soft periwinkle blooms will appear. This is a plant that can grow in any USDA zone, but it will do especially well in zones four through nine.

Tickseed

Also known as coreopsis, this is a brightly colored gold, yellow, orange, or red bloom that resembles that of a daisy. It grows best in full sun, but partial shade is fine as well. They grow best in zones six through 10, and since they rarely grow more than a foot, they are ideal for a container.

Daylily

Daylily in container

Seen growing in zones three through nine, these beautiful flowers will enhance any garden. There are several different variations of this plant, but most of them create yellow blooms that have a trumpet shape. This plant can grow from six inches to about three feet tall with the right care.

Sempervivum (Hen & Chicks)

Sempervivum

If you are looking for a succulent that you can easily grow in a container in your garden, then this is a great option to consider. It does not require a lot to care for these plants, and there are several varieties that will offer you a different color plant. This can be seen growing in zones five and above.

Foamflower

Foamflower

This is a plant that loves growing in shady conditions, so if you have a garden that does not get a lot of sunshine during the day, this may be a great choice to consider in zones three through nine. Growing to be about a foot in height, this plant will create pink and white flowers that you can enjoy during the spring of the year.

Cranesbill

Cranesbill

This is a type of hardy geranium that is seen most in zones four through nine. Annually, it will grow to about 20 inches in height. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Pests are not typically an issue for this plant, and it can even tolerate drought conditions.