Potted plants are an excellent way to add color and beauty to your space. Growing your plants in containers makes it easy to control the soil and water conditions. It also makes it a breeze to move plants and switch up the appearance of your garden.
Growing low-maintenance plants in containers is a game changer. You spend less time caring for them while still experiencing the joy of gardening.
There are some low-maintenance options for a container garden, most of which are personal favorites. However, there are many others you can include, depending on your budget, location and preferences.
Succulents
There are numerous varieties of succulents to choose from for your outdoor container garden. You can plant more than one variety in a pot or individually; there are no rules. Succulents are low-maintenance and slow-growers.
They are drought-tolerant and store water in their stems and leaves. According to The Spruce, they prefer moist but not wet soil. Let the soil dry a little before watering your plants.
Caladiums
I love caladiums, and the white queen is my absolute favorite variety. The heart or arrow-shaped foliage comes in various colors and patterns. You can pair them with other plants to create a stunning and visually pleasing arrangement. Caladiums are low-maintenance and low-effort when their ideal growing conditions are met.
They love bright indirect light and thrive in rich, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, but don’t overwater to prevent root rot.
Azalea
Azaleas are flowering shrubs that come in various colors and begin to bloom in the spring. They are cold-tolerant and low-maintenance. The evergreen foliage, combined with the colorful blooms, makes these flowers a stunning addition to your container garden.
It is ideal to choose varieties native to your region and cultivars best suited for container gardening. Azaleas grow well in good-quality potting soil and require at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they will still grow in partial sun.
Marigolds
Marigolds are famous for their bold, bright flowers in vivid orange, yellow, white, or copper shades. This stunning annual is easy to grow and care for, and even grows well in pots. Marigolds are great container plants because they have a compact growing habit.
They are also known to repel bugs and attract pollinators. They love direct sunlight and thrive in fertile, well-draining soil.
Hellebores
Also called Lenten rose, this flowering perennial is characterized by its gorgeous, colorful blooms and leathery leaves. Hellebores come in various varieties and different colors, sizes, and shapes. They’re easy to grow in containers and are relatively low-maintenance.
Lenten roses prefer shady locations and moist, well-draining soil. Airy, good-quality potting soil will nourish your plants and prevent root rot.
Rosemary
I find rosemary easy to grow in containers. This aromatic herb can grow into a massive shrub; however, there are dwarf varieties that are better suited for growing in pots. You can grow any variety in pots, but they might require more maintenance to prevent them from growing too big.
Rosemary thrives in full sun and requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Coleus
Another favorite of mine is coleus, which comes in various striking colors. Its beautiful velvety foliage always stands out. Coleus is a fantastic candidate for your outdoor container garden. It is low maintenance and will grow in either full sun or medium shade, depending on the type.
Numerous coleus varieties exist. Choose one that is ideal for your location and climate. Remember to deadhead, prune, and pinch stem tips to promote new growth and make the plant bushier.
Hydrangeas
You can plant almost any hydrangea in containers, but some varieties need more pruning while others don’t. If you choose the right variety, they can be low maintenance. These deciduous flowering shrubs are great for your container garden. They can be planted on their own or paired with other plants.
Hydrangeas change color based on the soil pH. A lower pH turns them blue, and a higher pH pink. Different varieties have different growing requirements.
Hosta
Hosta varieties come in numerous colors, shapes, and sizes. It’s a low-maintenance perennial foliage plant that does well in containers. They produce bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, white, or lavender. Hostas are versatile and add texture to your garden.
According to Homes and Gardens, hostas prefer dappled sunlight to direct sunshine. Most varieties are shade-tolerant, and direct sunlight scotches their foliage. Plant them in rich potting soil and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Elephant Ear
Elephant ear proves plants don’t always need blooms to be aesthetically pleasing. With its large heart-shaped foliage, this stunner grows large and needs a large container to accommodate it.
However, there are elephant ear varieties that don’t grow overly large. None of the varieties tolerate cool temperatures; they prefer warmer conditions. They will grow in full or partial sun, and light shade.
Canna Lily
Canna lilies will add a tropical flair to your container garden. There are numerous varieties of cannas, and they come in a variety of foliage and flowers. This beautiful perennial is adaptable and easy to grow and care for.
Canna lilies are sun-loving plants that love heat and humidity, so place them in the sunniest spot for the best results. Because they can grow large, choose an appropriate container size when growing canna lilies.
Hibiscus
This stunning perennial shrub is popular for its big, bright, showy flowers. There are more than 200 species of hibiscus to choose from. Different species of hibiscus have different growing habits, but they can all be grown in containers.
Hibiscus is a perfect addition to your container garden because it’s low maintenance. Plus, it’s stunning and attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. Hibiscus drives in full sun, likes a lot of water, and grows well in quality potting mix.
Roses
Roses are gorgeous, fragrant, and attract pollinators. Their bright flowers liven otherwise dull spaces. Plenty of rose varieties are better suited for pots because they’re compact. Some popular patio and miniature varieties include Raspberry Royale, Anna Ford, and Sweet Dream.
Potted roses grow well in well-draining loam-based compost. Grow them in pots big enough for their roots to spread out, and ensure that the pots have proper drainage.
Lavender
Grown for its fragrant leaves and flowers, lavender is a versatile evergreen shrub with many benefits. Once established, the perennial shrub is low maintenance and easy to grow. Choose the right variety for your container garden, as some varieties may require more maintenance than others.
Some of the benefits of growing lavender are that it attracts pollinators like bees and repels bugs, making it a useful addition to your garden. According to The Spruce, lavender requires a minimum of 6 hours of bright, direct light daily.