Gardening in small spaces doesn’t mean settling for less variety or color. With the right plants, you can enjoy beautiful flowers all year, even in pots.
Perennials make container gardening easy, giving you the flexibility to arrange them to fit your space. Here are 28 great perennials—plus 5 that bloom with minimal effort—perfect for balconies, patios, and small gardens!
1. Lavender
Nothing quite matches the soothing fragrance of this plant. Lavender, with its silvery leaves and purple blooms, makes an excellent choice for pots. It thrives in sunny locations and well-draining soil.
Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth. Place it in a prominent spot for maximum enjoyment of its calming scent and beautiful appearance.
2. Hosta
The dramatic foliage of this plant adds texture and interest to any space. Hosta is ideal for shady areas, boasting beautiful leaves in various shades of green.
In pots, they are easy to manage and can be moved to protect from harsh weather. Just ensure regular watering, and they’ll reward you with lush growth.
3. Pansy
These cheerful blooms are hard to resist. Pansies bring color to your garden with their wide variety of hues. Perfect for cooler climates, they thrive in partial sun.
Plant them in well-draining soil and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Their compact size makes them great for filling gaps in your container garden.
4. Salvia
Beautiful spikes of color characterize this plant. Salvia thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it a standout in any container garden.
Regular watering and occasional fertilizing keep it blooming profusely. Its tall, colorful spikes add height and drama to your plant arrangements.
5. Geranium
The classic charm of this plant never goes out of style. Geraniums are renowned for their blooms and ease of care. Perfect for sunny spots, they require moderate watering.
Trim spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Their versatility makes them suitable for any garden theme or color scheme.
6. Fuchsia
With its exotic appearance, this plant captivates anyone who sees it. Fuchsia thrives in shaded areas, producing stunning bell-shaped flowers.
Keep the soil consistently moist and protect from strong winds. Their pendulous blooms are perfect for hanging baskets and add elegance to any space.
7. Coral Bells
Striking foliage is the hallmark of this plant. Coral Bells, with their vibrant leaves and delicate blooms, are ideal for containers.
They prefer partial shade and well-draining soil. Regular watering and occasional feeding keep them healthy. Their varied leaf colors make them a versatile choice for mixed plantings.
8. Daylily
Resilience and beauty define this plant. Daylilies are tough and adaptable, thriving in sunny locations. Their bright blooms last just a day, but new flowers replace them quickly.
They require minimal care but appreciate regular watering during dry spells. Their reliability makes them a favorite among gardeners.
9. Sedum
The hardy nature of this plant is unmatched. Sedum is a succulent that thrives in sunny, dry conditions, perfect for pots.
Its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers provide year-round interest. Water sparingly, and ensure good drainage. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for busy or novice gardeners.
10. Heuchera
Colorful foliage is what this plant is all about. Heuchera, or coral bells, boasts leaves in an array of colors, from deep burgundy to lime green.
They thrive in partial shade and prefer well-draining soil. Their compact size and striking leaves make them a standout in any container.
11. Dianthus
Sweetly scented blooms are the highlight of this plant. Dianthus, often called pinks, have fringed petals in shades of pink, red, and white.
They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Regular deadheading encourages more blooms, ensuring a long-lasting display of color.
12. Astilbe
The soft, feathery plumes of this plant are a delight. Astilbe thrives in shaded, moist conditions, making it perfect for a cool spot in your garden.
Ensure consistent moisture and occasional feeding for best results. Its elegant blooms and fine foliage add grace to any container garden.
13. Campanula
Bell-shaped blooms grace this charming plant. Campanula, or bellflower, thrives in full sun to partial shade. Its delicate flowers add a whimsical touch to pots.
Regular watering and well-draining soil help it flourish. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden.
14. Bleeding Heart
The romantic look of this plant captures attention instantly. Bleeding Heart, with its heart-shaped flowers, thrives in shady, moist conditions.
Consistent watering is essential, and mulching helps retain moisture. Its unique flowers and fern-like foliage make it a standout choice for containers.
15. Russian Sage
This plant’s airy appearance is captivating. Russian Sage thrives in sunny, dry conditions, producing spikes of lavender-blue flowers.
Minimal watering and well-draining soil keep it happy. Its tall, wispy stems add movement and texture to any pot arrangement.
16. Yarrow
The sturdy nature of this plant is notable. Yarrow is a hardy perennial that thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil. Its clusters of tiny flowers are a magnet for pollinators.
Minimal maintenance is needed, making it a practical choice for busy gardeners.
17. Black-Eyed Susan
Cheerful blooms characterize this plant. Black-Eyed Susan brings sunny color to any garden with its yellow petals and dark centers.
It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring regular watering. Its long-blooming nature makes it a favorite for continuous summer color.
18. Coneflower
Resilience and grace mark this plant. Coneflowers, or echinacea, thrive in sunny spots with well-draining soil. Their daisy-like blooms are a magnet for butterflies.
Regular deadheading prolongs the flowering period. Their sturdy stems and bold colors make them a garden staple.
19. Coreopsis
The sunny disposition of this plant is delightful. Coreopsis, with its bright yellow flowers, thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
Regular deadheading keeps it blooming through the season. Its cheerful blooms and easy care make it a favorite for container gardens.
20. Creeping Jenny
Trailing foliage adds a lush look to any space. Creeping Jenny thrives in partial shade and moist soil, making it great for hanging pots.
Its green leaves cascade beautifully, softening hard lines. Regular watering ensures its lush growth, making it a versatile ground cover in containers.
21. Japanese Anemone
The elegance of this plant is undeniable. Japanese Anemone thrives in partial shade, producing delicate white or pink flowers.
Regular watering and rich soil keep it healthy. Its tall stems and graceful blooms make it a standout choice for late-season interest.
22. Bergenia
The sturdy foliage of this plant is striking. Bergenia, often called pig squeak, thrives in shaded spots with rich soil. Its large, glossy leaves and pink flowers add texture and color.
Regular watering and occasional feeding encourage lush growth. Its ability to thrive in less than ideal conditions makes it a reliable choice.
23. Shasta Daisy
The classic look of this plant is timeless. Shasta Daisy, with its bright white petals and yellow centers, thrives in sunny locations.
Well-draining soil and regular watering keep it blooming. Its cheerful appearance and easy care make it a popular choice for container gardens.
24. Alchemilla
The delicate nature of this plant is enchanting. Alchemilla, or lady’s mantle, features soft, green leaves and tiny yellow flowers.
It thrives in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil. Regular watering and occasional feeding support its growth. Its understated elegance adds a touch of charm to any pot arrangement.
25. Lobelia
The cascading blooms of this plant are a delight. Lobelia thrives in full sun to partial shade, producing blue flowers.
Regular watering is essential, especially in pots. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or as a spiller in mixed plantings.
26. Foxglove
The towering presence of this plant is impressive. Foxglove thrives in partial shade, producing tall spikes of tubular flowers.
Rich soil and regular watering support its growth. Its dramatic blooms make it a focal point in any container garden.
27. Japanese Painted Fern
The unique foliage of this plant is captivating. Japanese Painted Fern thrives in shaded areas, with its silvery leaves adding interest to pots.
Moist, well-draining soil is essential for its health. Its delicate appearance belies its hardy nature, making it a reliable choice.
28. Ajuga
The low-growing habit of this plant is practical. Ajuga, or bugleweed, thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas. Its dark leaves and blue flowers add depth.
It requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners. Its creeping nature makes it a great ground cover in containers.
29. Primrose
The cheerful blossoms of this plant are welcoming. Primrose thrives in cool, shaded areas, producing bright flowers in various colors.
Well-draining soil and regular watering keep it healthy. Its compact size and colorful blooms make it a delightful addition to any pot.
30. Hellebore
The early blooms of this plant are a treat. Hellebore, or Lenten rose, thrives in shaded areas with rich soil. Its nodding flowers appear in late winter to early spring.
Regular watering and mulching help retain moisture. Its evergreen foliage and early blooms make it a valuable addition to containers.
31. Brunnera
The delicate look of this plant is charming. Brunnera, or false forget-me-not, thrives in shaded conditions with moist soil.
Its heart-shaped leaves and tiny blue flowers add whimsy. Regular watering and rich soil support robust growth. Its shade tolerance and charming appearance make it a garden favorite.
32. Pulmonaria
The speckled foliage of this plant is unique. Pulmonaria, or lungwort, thrives in cool, shaded areas with moist soil. Its spotted leaves and pink flowers are distinctive.
Regular watering and well-draining soil keep it healthy. Its early blooms and decorative leaves make it a standout in any container garden.
33. Sweet Woodruff
The fragrant nature of this plant is appealing. Sweet Woodruff thrives in shaded areas, producing tiny, star-shaped white flowers.
Moist, well-draining soil and regular watering support its growth. Its sweet scent and low-growing habit make it perfect for containers.