20 Gorgeous Shrubs for Containers

container shrubs

Shrubs are a lovely addition to any garden; they are slightly larger than your typical plant, but they can offer the same blooms and scents. I love the way that most shrubs look in my garden, but since I have put a patio space in my backyard, I really love the way that many of my favorite shrubs look in containers. Many of the options that I have chosen to place on my patio will look amazing in a rooftop garden or in a container on a balcony as well.

In this guide, we are going to discuss 20 different shrubs that will look amazing in a container. Most of these options are relatively small in size, but larger options will also work out well.

What shrubs look best in containers? Let’s take a look!

1. Andromeda

Andromeda

This is a plant that looks a bit exotic, but it will look great in a container. It can easily grow to be 2 meters tall, but it will only do well in zones five to nine. This is a plant that prefers to grow in acidic soil, but other than that it is easy to care for.

2. Aster

Aster In Container

This is another tropical plant that tends to do well in cooler climates when it is planted in a container. It will do best in zones three through eight, and it is fairly simple to grow. The plant can create a number of different blooms colors and combination that will either appear in the summer and the fall of the year.

3. Azalea

Azalea

Azalea is a large shrub that is designed to grow in zones four to nine. It will typically create a lot of blooms, but in most cases, it will do well in partial sun. When it comes to the soil that it can grow in, it will need to be moist and slightly acidic.

4. Brugmansia

Brugmansia

If you are looking for a shrub that can attract pollinators to your outdoor space, then this is a great option to consider. It will grow in zones nine to 11, and in areas where the temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The flowers on this plant smell great, well into the night.

5. Boxwood

Boxwood

Boxwood is a shrub that does not require a lot of care. It is incredibly versatile because it adapts well to its surroundings. It grows quickly, so it will need to be maintained, but it will do best in partial sun and well-drained soil. It can grow in zones five to 11 with ease.

6. Cistus

rockrose

This is a plant that is also known as rockrose. It will look great in a sunny location in a container. It will do best in rocky soil such as sand and other similar types of soil. Typically, it will do well in zones eight to 11, but when it is grown in a container, it can do well across the other zones.

7. Crepe Myrtle

Crepe Myrtle

This is a plant that is native to Australia and India. It is a bright, colorful shrub that does not require a lot of care, but it will need to be pruned from time to time to keep its shape. It grows best in zones seven to 10, and it will do best with full sun and well-drained soil.

8. Daphne

Daphne

This is a bush that grows in zones four to eight because it is a plant that prefers cool temperatures to grow in. It will do well in shady conditions, and the soil can be somewhat moist as it grows.

9. Flowering Maple

This is a subtropical shrub that can be seen growing naturally in zones eight to 1. They can also grow in colder climates, but they will need to be cared for in containers. This is a plant that can grow to be about a meter in height and to thrive, it will need to grow in partial shade conditions with regular watering.

10. Fuchsia

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a shrub that gets beautiful bell-shaped flowers that are striking to look at. The color is bright, and the plant is easy to maintain. It will grow in hardiness zones six through 11, and they will do best with well-draining soil and partial sunlight. This is a plant that will not do well with full sun.

11. Gaura

Gaura

This is a plant that produces lovely pink blooms that will attract pollinators to your garden. Depending on the variety, the shrub can grow to be up to 1.5 meters tall, and it is a great option to have outdoors in a container because it will bloom for three seasons of the year. It will do best in zones five to nine.

12. Gooseberry

Gooseberry

This is one of the few fruits that will grow in a container without a struggle. It is an ideal plant for balcony space, but you will not need a large container because it only grows to be about a meter in height. It can grow in most hardiness zones, but it will do best in zones three to 10.

13. Hibiscus

Hibiscus tree

Hibiscus is a shrub that can grow in nearly every zone, especially if you have it in a container. In fact, the root system of this plant is so shallow that it will not need a deep plant to do well. It does prefer well-drained soil that is slightly on the acidic side and at least five to six hours of direct sunlight a day.

14. Hydrangea

Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a very popular plant to grow in a container because it will do well in nearly every zone. It will do well in any type of soil, and it will do well in either full or partial sun. The flowers that this plant produces can be blue, pink, green, red, white, or purple.

15. Laurustinus

Laurustinus

This is a plant that will not do well in colder climates, so if you live in a zone below zone seven, it will do best being grown in a container. It is a bushy shrub that will look great along the edge of a garden, and the white and light pink blooms have a mild scent that you will love.

16. Pittosporum

Pittosporum

Seen growing in zones eight to 10, this is a tropical plant that can tolerate a little bit of cold. The blooms have a sweet smell, and they only grow to be 1.5 meters tall, so they are ideal for containers.

17. Potentilla

Potentilla

Potentilla does well in most hardiness zones across the country. It will do best in full sun and well-drained soil, but regardless of its location, it is fairly easy to maintain. The flowers that it produces can be red, orange, pink, or white in color.

18. Rosemary

Rosemary

Rosemary is a very aromatic shrub that will look great on a patio or a balcony. It is an edible herb that has blue flowers and foliage that is slightly silver in color. In zones six through nine, it will do best in full sun and sandy soil.

19. Spirea

Spirea

This is a plant that is ideal for containers, especially if you have a dwarf variety that you are looking to grow. It will do well in zones four through nine, but it prefers to grow with six or more hours of full sun a day. Soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic.

20. Wintergreen

Wintergreen

Seen growing in zones three through eight, this is a hearty shrub that is easy to grow. It will grow small white flowers during the blooming season, and it will also create red berries that the birds will love. This plant prefers acidic soil, and the leaves smell a bit like mint when they are crushed.