There are many types of planters available on the market today, from terra cotta to wood and plastic. Some are hanging baskets while other new designs provide an easy way to fasten a planter on a deck or window. On a little more imaginative side, any items that would have an adequate growing space for the plants you are choosing (galvanized wash tubs, antique watering cans, old golf bags) can be excellent prospects for a container garden.

Good drainage is essential for whatever container you choose. Plants do not like having their roots sit in water, so be sure to drill a few holes in the bottom the container if needed. And while you want excess water to drain from the planter, keep in mind that containers need a little more care and watering than a flower bed. Clay pots, for example, are nice because they have a natural appearance, provide good drainage, and allow air to permeate their surface. On the other hand, these characteristics mean they must be watered at least daily, and even twice a day when it’s really hot or windy. Plastic planters certainly will retain moisture a bit better, but may not look as nice in the garden.

When shopping for plants suitable for containers, the possibilities are truly endless. The plants you choose will depend upon the effect you wish to create in your landscape and the growing conditions. You can have multi-plant containers just bursting with color and form, or hang a lovely basket of salmon-colored impatiens to give a spot of color in the shady area near your front door.

If you wish to have a colorful accent on your patio, choose a container at least 18" in diameter—large enough to provide a nice display for the area you have to work with. Form, color and texture are keys to creating a show-stopping display. For an 18" planter, for example, choose one plant that is a taller, spike form such as a dracaena or purple fountain grass; two or three plants with a more rounded habit like geraniums (Pelargonium sp.), heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens), or coleus (Solenostemon scutellerioides); and a couple of plants with a more flowing form such as trailing verbena (Verbena hybrid ‘Tapien’) or Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula). All plants should enjoy similar light requirements.

The color scheme you choose is really up to you. Plantings can be monochromatic such as all white flowers or all red flowers; be a little more daring with a combination of complimentary colors like purple and orange; create a feeling of coolness with the softer shades of white, blue, purple, and pink; or provide a hot display of pinks, reds, yellows, and oranges.

Some lush container plantings don’t use flowers at all, but rather plants prized for their foliage, interesting form and texture. Coleus, Caladium, tropical house plants, and even some perennials work well in containers. Try putting Hosta sieboldiana ‘Elegans’ in a large planter to give a cool, yet tropical feel to a shady patio or to add a taller focal point in a garden haven.

Don’t feel like you are limited to only one container in a particular area. Groupings of potted plants can help create "rooms" in your landscape. Individually potted plants used in groupings also allow you to refresh your arrangements as plants like Asiatic lilies (Lilium) or Chrysanthemums go in and out of their blooming season. Also keep in mind, if you don’t care for how something looks, containers allow you to change your design with little effort or expense—perfect conditions for gardeners who like to be creative in their landscape!

Fun Annuals for Containers