The best outdoor plants for containers include versatile performers like petunias ($3-6), geraniums ($4-8), and marigolds ($2-5) that provide continuous blooms in pots and planters, productive edibles such as tomatoes ($4-8), peppers ($3-7), and herbs ($3-6) that offer fresh harvests from deck and patio gardens, and structural plants like ornamental grasses ($8-20), small shrubs ($15-40), and dwarf trees ($25-75) that create year-round interest in large containers. Container plants typically cost $2-75 each depending on size and type, offering exceptional value by transforming patios, decks, and balconies into vibrant outdoor living spaces while providing flexibility to rearrange displays seasonally, protect tender plants during harsh weather, and garden successfully in limited spaces without traditional ground beds, making beautiful outdoor gardens accessible to anyone with containers and proper plant selection.

Understanding Container Growing Conditions

Container gardening presents unique challenges and opportunities that require specialized plant selection based on the confined growing environment where roots are restricted to pot volumes, drainage and watering needs are more intensive than ground planting, temperature fluctuations affect roots more dramatically in above-ground containers, and plants depend entirely on added fertilizer and fresh potting soil for nutrition rather than natural soil ecosystems. Successful container plants must adapt to these conditions with compact root systems that don't require extensive soil volume, tolerance for more frequent watering cycles and occasional drought stress, ability to thrive in portable containers that can be moved for optimal growing conditions, and robust enough to withstand exposure to wind, sun, and weather extremes that containers experience more intensely than garden beds.

Best Flowering Plants for Outdoor Containers

Annual Flowers for Continuous Color

Season-long blooms in containers:

Petunias (Petunia x hybrida)

Growth habit: Upright and trailing varieties
Flower colors: Purple, pink, white, red, yellow, bi-colors
Bloom period: Spring through frost
Container size: 8-12 inches minimum diameter
Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Cost: $3-6 per plant

Geraniums (Pelargonium species)

Varieties: Zonal, ivy, and scented geraniums
Growth types: Upright and cascading forms
Colors: Red, pink, white, salmon, purple
Heat tolerance: Excellent for sunny containers
Overwintering: Can be stored indoors
Cost: $4-8 per plant

Marigolds (Tagetes species)

Size range: Dwarf (6") to tall (18") varieties
Flower types: French, African, and signet marigolds
Colors: Yellow, orange, red, burgundy
Heat tolerance: Excellent for hot climates
Pest resistance: Natural insect deterrent
Cost: $2-5 per plant

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)

Shade tolerance: Excellent for partial shade containers
Colors: White, pink, red, purple, orange, bi-colors
Growth habit: Mounded, bushy form
Water needs: Consistent moisture required
Heat sensitivity: Prefers cooler locations
Cost: $3-7 per plant

Perennial Flowers for Containers

Long-term flowering plants:

Daylilies (Hemerocallis species)

Bloom period: Multiple flushes throughout season
Colors: Yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, bi-colors
Growth: Clumping, 12-36 inches tall
Container size: 14-18 inches minimum diameter
Cold hardiness: Zones 3-9 depending on variety
Cost: $8-20 per plant

Hostas (Hosta species)

Primary feature: Decorative foliage plants
Leaf varieties: Green, blue, yellow, variegated
Flowers: Fragrant white or purple spikes
Shade tolerance: Excellent for shaded containers
Container size: 12-24 inches depending on variety
Cost: $6-25 per plant

Coral Bells (Heuchera species)

Foliage colors: Purple, burgundy, lime, silver
Growth: Compact 6-12 inch mounds
Flowers: Delicate spikes above foliage
Light tolerance: Partial shade to full sun
Container size: 8-12 inches diameter
Cost: $8-15 per plant

Coneflowers (Echinacea species)

Flower colors: Purple, pink, white, orange, yellow
Growth: 18-36 inches tall, upright habit
Bloom period: Summer through fall
Pollinator attraction: Excellent for butterflies
Container size: 12-16 inches minimum diameter
Cost: $6-15 per plant

Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets

Cascading plants for overhead displays:

Trailing Petunias

Wave series: Vigorous spreading habit
Growth: Trails 2-4 feet from containers
Colors: Wide range of vibrant colors
Maintenance: Self-cleaning, no deadheading
Heat tolerance: Excellent for hot locations
Cost: $4-8 per plant

Bacopa (Sutera cordata)

Flower appearance: Small white, blue, or pink flowers
Growth habit: Delicate trailing stems
Bloom period: Continuous throughout season
Heat sensitivity: Benefits from afternoon shade
Water needs: Consistent moisture
Cost: $4-8 per plant

Trailing Verbena (Verbena x hybrida)

Flower clusters: Dense clusters of small blooms
Colors: Purple, pink, red, white
Growth: Spreads 12-18 inches
Drought tolerance: Good once established
Fragrance: Light, pleasant scent
Cost: $3-7 per plant

Ivy Geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum)

Growth habit: Trailing stems up to 3 feet
Flowers: Dense clusters in various colors
Heat tolerance: Better than standard geraniums
Drought tolerance: Excellent once established
Container use: Perfect for hanging baskets
Cost: $5-10 per plant

Design your perfect container garden with GardenUp's garden design app to create stunning combinations that thrive in pots and provide continuous color and interest.

Edible Plants for Container Gardens

Vegetables That Thrive in Containers

Productive plants for patio harvests:

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Varieties: Determinate types best for containers
Container size: 5-gallon minimum for full-size plants
Support needs: Cages or stakes required
Light requirements: 6-8 hours direct sun
Harvest period: Continuous production
Cost: $4-8 per plant

Peppers (Capsicum species)

Types: Bell peppers, hot peppers, ornamental
Container size: 3-5 gallon containers ideal
Growth habit: Compact, bushy plants
Heat tolerance: Excellent for sunny patios
Harvest: Continuous picking throughout season
Cost: $3-7 per plant

Lettuce and Greens

Varieties: Leaf lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale
Container size: 6-8 inches deep sufficient
Growth: Quick maturity, 30-60 days
Succession planting: Continuous harvest
Cool preference: Best in spring and fall
Cost: $2-4 per plant or seed packet

Herbs

Basil: Sweet, Thai, purple varieties
Parsley: Flat-leaf and curly types
Cilantro: Cool weather herb
Oregano: Perennial in warm climates
Thyme: Compact, drought-tolerant
Cost: $3-6 per plant

Fruit Plants for Containers

Fresh fruit from patio gardens:

Strawberries

Varieties: Everbearing types for containers
Container size: 8-12 inches diameter
Growth habit: Compact with trailing runners
Harvest: Continuous fruiting in season
Perennial nature: Multi-year production
Cost: $5-12 per plant

Blueberries

Varieties: Dwarf cultivars for containers
Container size: 18-24 inches diameter minimum
Soil needs: Acidic potting mix required
Pollination: Plant 2+ varieties for best fruit
Long-term: Multi-year fruit production
Cost: $15-30 per plant

Dwarf Fruit Trees

Apple: Dwarf varieties on rootstock
Citrus: Lemon, lime, orange (warm climates)
Peach: Dwarf varieties for containers
Container size: 20-30 gallon containers
Pruning: Annual pruning maintains size
Cost: $25-75 per tree

Grape Vines

Varieties: Compact varieties for containers
Container size: 15-20 gallon minimum
Support needs: Trellises or stakes
Pruning: Annual pruning essential
Harvest: 2-3 years to full production
Cost: $15-35 per vine

Herbs for Container Gardens

Culinary and aromatic herbs:

Mediterranean Herbs

Rosemary: Evergreen, drought-tolerant
Thyme: Low-growing, spreading habit
Oregano: Perennial in warm climates
Sage: Silvery foliage, aromatic
Lavender: Fragrant flowers and foliage
Cost: $4-8 per plant

Annual Herbs

Basil: Heat-loving, continuous harvest
Cilantro: Cool weather, succession plant
Dill: Self-seeding, feathery foliage
Parsley: Biennial, continuous cutting
Chives: Perennial, onion-flavored
Cost: $3-6 per plant

Specialty Herbs

Mint: Contained spreading, various flavors
Lemon balm: Citrus-scented, bee-friendly
Stevia: Natural sweetener plant
Vietnamese coriander: Spicy, tropical
Curry plant: Aromatic, ornamental
Cost: $4-10 per plant

Structural Plants for Large Containers

Ornamental Grasses

Plants that add movement and texture:

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum species)

Growth: Arching, fountain-like form
Height: 2-4 feet depending on variety
Flowers: Feathery plumes in summer
Container size: 12-18 inches diameter
Movement: Graceful swaying in breeze
Cost: $8-20 per plant

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)

Growth: Mounded, cascading habit
Foliage: Bright green or golden varieties
Shade tolerance: Excellent for shaded containers
Container size: 12-16 inches diameter
Seasonal interest: Color changes through seasons
Cost: $12-25 per plant

Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)

Growth: Compact, blue-gray tufts
Size: 8-12 inches tall and wide
Drought tolerance: Excellent once established
Container size: 8-12 inches diameter
Year-round interest: Evergreen in mild climates
Cost: $6-15 per plant

Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora)

Growth: Upright, columnar form
Height: 3-5 feet tall
Flowers: Feathery plumes in late summer
Container size: 16-20 inches diameter
Winter interest: Persistent through winter
Cost: $10-20 per plant

Shrubs for Containers

Permanent structure plants:

Dwarf Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

Growth: Compact, evergreen shrub
Pruning: Shapes well for formal gardens
Size: 2-4 feet depending on variety
Container size: 16-24 inches diameter
Year-round: Provides constant structure
Cost: $15-40 per plant

Hydrangeas (Hydrangea species)

Flower types: Mophead, lacecap, panicle
Colors: Blue, pink, white, green
Growth: 3-6 feet depending on variety
Container size: 18-24 inches diameter
Seasonal interest: Flowers summer through fall
Cost: $20-45 per plant

Dwarf Conifers

Varieties: Dwarf spruce, pine, juniper
Growth: Slow, maintaining container size
Evergreen: Year-round color and structure
Container size: 14-20 inches diameter
Winter interest: Structure during dormant season
Cost: $20-60 per plant

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Varieties: Dwarf cultivars for containers
Foliage: Green, red, or variegated leaves
Fall color: Spectacular autumn display
Container size: 18-30 inches diameter
Seasonal interest: Changes throughout year
Cost: $30-75 per plant

Small Trees for Large Containers

Specimens for dramatic impact:

Dwarf Fruit Trees

Apple: Columnar varieties space-efficient
Pear: Dwarf varieties on rootstock
Cherry: Dwarf sweet and sour varieties
Container size: 20-30 gallon containers
Production: Fruit in 2-3 years
Cost: $35-75 per tree

Ornamental Trees

Dogwood: Flowering varieties for containers
Redbud: Early spring blooms
Serviceberry: Flowers, fruit, fall color
Container size: 25-40 gallon containers
Seasonal interest: Multi-season appeal
Cost: $45-100 per tree

Evergreen Trees

Dwarf Alberta Spruce: Compact, pyramidal
Dwarf Mugo Pine: Rounded, slow-growing
Dwarf Blue Spruce: Compact, blue needles
Container size: 20-30 gallon containers
Year-round: Constant color and structure
Cost: $40-80 per tree

Container Selection and Setup

Choosing the Right Containers

Matching pots to plants:

Size Guidelines

Small plants: 8-12 inches diameter
Medium plants: 12-18 inches diameter
Large plants: 18-30 inches diameter
Trees and shrubs: 20-40 gallon containers
Depth: Minimum 8 inches for most plants
Rule: Container should be 1/3 the height of mature plant

Material Options

Terracotta: Porous, natural appearance
Ceramic: Decorative, glazed finishes
Plastic: Lightweight, moisture-retaining
Wood: Natural, insulating properties
Metal: Modern, heat-conducting
Cost: $10-200 depending on size and material

Drainage Requirements

Drainage holes: Essential for plant health
Saucers: Protect surfaces but allow drainage
Elevate containers: Improve drainage and air circulation
Gravel layer: Optional, may reduce soil volume
Drainage materials: Broken pottery, gravel
Prevention: Avoid waterlogged soil

Soil and Growing Medium

Proper soil for container success:

Potting Mix Selection

Commercial potting soil: Balanced, sterile blend
Soilless mixes: Peat or coir-based
Organic amendments: Compost, aged manure
Drainage materials: Perlite, vermiculite
Avoid garden soil: Too heavy for containers
Cost: $8-25 per large bag

Soil Amendments

Slow-release fertilizer: Sustained nutrition
Water-retaining crystals: Reduce watering frequency
Organic matter: Compost, aged manure
pH adjusters: Lime or sulfur as needed
Mycorrhizal inoculants: Enhance root function
Cost: $15-40 for complete soil enhancement

Seasonal Soil Care

Annual refresh: Replace or amend top layer
Fertilizer renewal: Add slow-release fertilizer
Compaction prevention: Avoid soil settling
Drainage maintenance: Ensure proper water flow
pH monitoring: Test and adjust as needed
Cost: $10-30 per container annually

Watering and Care for Container Plants

Watering Requirements

Proper hydration for container plants:

Daily Watering Needs

Hot weather: Often twice daily watering
Container exposure: Dry faster than ground plants
Soil moisture: Check daily in summer
Thorough watering: Water until drainage occurs
Morning timing: Best for plant absorption
Consistent schedule: Prevents plant stress

Watering Systems

Hand watering: Personal attention and control
Drip irrigation: Automated, efficient delivery
Soaker hoses: Even water distribution
Self-watering containers: Built-in reservoir
Timer systems: Consistent automated watering
Cost: $20-300 depending on system complexity

Water Conservation

Mulching: Reduces evaporation
Grouping containers: Creates humid microclimate
Shade cloth: Reduces heat stress
Water-retaining crystals: Extend watering intervals
Efficient containers: Self-watering systems
Rain collection: Utilize natural precipitation

Fertilization Programs

Nutrition for container plants:

Regular Feeding Schedule

Liquid fertilizers: Weekly application during growing season
Slow-release fertilizers: Monthly granular applications
Organic options: Compost tea, fish emulsion
Bloom boosters: High-phosphorus for flowering
Seasonal adjustment: Reduce feeding in fall
Cost: $25-50 per season for fertilizer program

Container-Specific Nutrition

Higher nutrient needs: Frequent watering leaches nutrients
Balanced formulas: NPK ratios for container growing
Micronutrient supplements: Prevent deficiencies
Organic alternatives: Compost, worm castings
Water-soluble: Quick absorption for containers
Fertilizer concentration: Follow container plant rates

Application Methods

Granular: Work into soil surface
Liquid: Apply with watering
Foliar: Spray on leaves for quick uptake
Slow-release: Mix into soil at planting
Organic: Side-dress with compost
Timing: Early morning or evening application

Seasonal Maintenance

Year-round container care:

Spring Setup

Soil refresh: Replace or amend growing medium
Plant selection: Choose appropriate varieties
Container preparation: Clean and inspect pots
Planting: Proper spacing and depth
Initial watering: Establish good soil moisture
Time: 2-4 hours per container setup

Summer Care

Daily watering: Monitor moisture needs
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers
Fertilizing: Maintain regular feeding schedule
Pruning: Control size and shape
Pest monitoring: Watch for insect problems
Time: 15-30 minutes daily maintenance

Fall Preparation

Plant replacement: Switch to cool-season varieties
Soil assessment: Evaluate growing medium
Container cleaning: Prepare for winter storage
Harvest: Collect seeds and final produce
Protection: Prepare for temperature drops
Time: 1-2 hours per container transition

Winter Care

Storage: Protect containers from freezing
Minimal watering: Reduce for dormant plants
Planning: Research new varieties for next year
Equipment maintenance: Clean and store tools
Container care: Prevent freeze damage
Time: Minimal winter intervention

Seasonal Container Plant Ideas

Spring Container Combinations

Cool weather plants for early season:

Cool Season Flowers

Pansies: Colorful faces, cool weather bloomers
Primrose: Bright spring colors
Sweet alyssum: Fragrant, cascading habit
Dianthus: Spicy-scented flowers
Snapdragons: Tall spikes, cool weather
Cost: $15-35 per spring container

Spring Vegetable Containers

Lettuce: Quick-growing, cool weather
Peas: Climbing varieties for vertical interest
Radishes: Fast-growing, space-efficient
Spinach: Nutritious, cool weather greens
Broccoli: Compact varieties for containers
Cost: $20-40 per vegetable container

Spring Herb Collections

Parsley: Flat-leaf and curly varieties
Chives: Perennial, onion-flavored
Cilantro: Cool weather herb
Dill: Feathery foliage, self-seeding
Sage: Aromatic, silvery foliage
Cost: $15-30 per herb container

Summer Container Gardens

Heat-tolerant plants for peak season:

Heat-Loving Flowers

Petunias: Continuous blooming, heat tolerant
Marigolds: Bright colors, pest resistant
Zinnias: Colorful, easy care
Vinca: Drought tolerant, continuous blooming
Geraniums: Classic container plants
Cost: $20-45 per summer container

Summer Vegetable Containers

Tomatoes: Determinate varieties for containers
Peppers: Heat-loving, productive
Eggplant: Compact varieties available
Okra: Heat tolerant, productive
Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme
Cost: $25-50 per productive container

Drought-Tolerant Collections

Succulents: Various shapes and colors
Lavender: Fragrant, drought tolerant
Rosemary: Evergreen herb
Ornamental grasses: Movement and texture
Sage: Aromatic, drought adapted
Cost: $25-60 per drought container

Fall Container Displays

Autumn color and interest:

Fall Flowering Plants

Chrysanthemums: Classic fall bloomers
Asters: Purple fall flowers
Ornamental cabbage: Colorful foliage
Pansies: Cool weather return
Ornamental peppers: Colorful fruits
Cost: $20-40 per fall container

Fall Vegetable Containers

Kale: Colorful, cold-hardy
Brussels sprouts: Compact varieties
Lettuce: Cool weather return
Radishes: Quick-growing fall crop
Spinach: Cold-hardy greens
Cost: $15-35 per fall vegetable container

Autumn Foliage Containers

Japanese maple: Spectacular fall color
Burning bush: Bright red fall foliage
Ornamental grasses: Autumn seed heads
Coral bells: Colorful foliage
Sedums: Fall blooms, succulent foliage
Cost: $30-70 per foliage container

Winter Container Interest

Cold-hardy plants for winter display:

Evergreen Containers

Dwarf conifers: Year-round color
Boxwood: Formal, evergreen structure
Holly: Berries and evergreen foliage
Ivy: Trailing evergreen
Winter-flowering plants: Cyclamen, pansies
Cost: $30-80 per winter container

Winter Vegetable Containers

Kale: Extremely cold hardy
Brussels sprouts: Improve with frost
Leeks: Cold-hardy, slow-growing
Winter lettuce: Cold-adapted varieties
Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage
Cost: $20-45 per winter vegetable container

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Container Plants

The best outdoor plants for containers offer unlimited possibilities for creating beautiful, productive, and flexible gardens that adapt to any space, climate, and gardening skill level while providing the freedom to rearrange displays seasonally and bring tender plants indoors during harsh weather. Container gardening proves that spectacular outdoor gardens don't require traditional ground space, making gardening accessible to anyone with a patio, deck, balcony, or even a small outdoor area.

Ready to create your perfect container garden? Use GardenUp's garden design app to design stunning container combinations that provide continuous color, fresh harvests, and year-round interest for your outdoor space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the easiest outdoor plants for containers?

Marigolds, petunias, geraniums, and herbs like basil are excellent choices for beginners. They're forgiving, provide continuous color or utility, and adapt well to container growing.

How big should containers be for outdoor plants?

Minimum 8-12 inches diameter for most flowers and herbs, 14-18 inches for vegetables and perennials, and 20+ gallons for shrubs and trees. Larger containers provide better root space and moisture retention.

Do container plants need daily watering?

In hot weather, yes. Container plants dry out faster than ground plants. Check soil moisture daily and water when the top inch feels dry.

Can I grow vegetables in containers?

Absolutely! Many vegetables thrive in containers including tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, herbs, and even dwarf fruit trees. Choose compact varieties and provide adequate container size.

What's the best soil for outdoor containers?

High-quality potting mix designed for containers. Avoid garden soil which is too heavy and doesn't drain well. Add slow-release fertilizer and water-retaining crystals.

How do I protect container plants in winter?

In cold climates, move tender plants indoors, wrap containers to prevent freezing, or store in unheated but protected areas. Choose cold-hardy plants for year-round outdoor containers.

Create Your Dream Container Garden Today

Container gardening opens up endless possibilities for creating beautiful, productive outdoor spaces regardless of your available ground space or gardening experience. The right plant selection and proper care create spectacular results that provide continuous color, fresh harvests, and the flexibility to adapt your garden to changing seasons and needs.

Start your container garden today with plants perfectly suited to pot growing, creating beautiful outdoor displays that transform any space into a thriving garden paradise while providing the satisfaction of successful gardening in any location.

Best Outdoor Plants for Containers: Perfect Plants for Pots and Planters