If you don’t have a huge garden (or maybe just want less weeding like I do), then you should definitely consider container gardening.
With container plants, you get to decorate and add more life to spaces like balconies, patios, or even windowsills. Plus, you can move them around to catch the best light (no heavy lifting required!).
I’ve got a few plant favorites that do great in pots and need minimal care. If you want to make your space more colorful and fun, consider growing these best flowers for container gardens!
1. Marigolds Will Bring You Cheer
Marigolds are bright, easy-to-grow annuals that love full sun and well-draining soil. Just water regularly and deadhead spent blooms, and they’ll fill your container garden with colors all season!
Also read: 5 Mind-Blowing Facts About Marigolds You Probably Didn’t Know
2. Fuchsias Are Elegant And Classy
I love Fuchsias because they bring elegance with their drooping flowers that come in pink, purple, and red. Plant them in partial shade, keep the soil moist, and they’ll produce the prettiest blooms that also attract hummingbirds!
Also read: Growing Fuchsias In Pots For Bright, Long-Lasting Blooms
3. Lobelia’s Cascade Of Tiny Flowers Are Perfect For Containers
Lobelias have the loveliest cascade of tiny flowers in shades of blue, pink, and purple that look absolutely gorgeous in containers. They’ll need well-draining soil, partial shade, and regular watering for a magnificent, cascading display.
4. Nasturtium Are Known For Their Peppery-Flavored Blooms
Nasturtiums are known for their peppery-flavored blooms in shades of red, orange and yellow. Well-draining soil, full sun, and some water is all it takes to keep this cheerful flower blooming.
Also read: A Complete Guide For Growing Nasturtiums From Planting To Harvest
5. Sweet Alyssum Produce Delicate, Fragrant Flowers
Sweet Alyssum will make your containers delicate and fragrant with its tiny flowers in white, pink, and purple. Plant in well-draining soil, give it some sun or partial shade, and keep the soil moist for a soft, trailing look that blooms for a long period of time.
6. Dianthus Flowers Make Containers More Colorful And Vibrant
Dianthus also has fragrant, frilled flowers that come in pink, red, white, and purple shades. For best results, grow them in soil that drains well and place the container in full sun. Water moderately to keep the soil slightly dry between waterings.
7. Salvia Can Also Attract Pollinators
Salvia adds lively spikes of color to your container garden and attracts pollinators. Full sun and soil that is well-draining is important, though you should also water salvia regularly. I would also recommend you deadhead spent flowers for continuous blooming.
Also read: Problems With Salvias And How To Solve Them
8. Bacopa Is A Trailing Plant That’s Just Ideal For Growing In Containers
Bacopa is a lovely trailing plant with small, colorful flowers. Plant in well-draining soil, place in full sun to partial shade, and keep the soil moist. Water regularly and fertilize every 2-4 weeks for continuous blooms (I usually do it every 3 weeks, but check what works best for your plant!).
Also read: 19 Beautiful Annual Flower Bed Combinations For A Show Stopping Flower Display
9. Verbena’s Small Flowers Look Absolutely Adorable In Pots
Verbena has small, colorful flowers that look absolutely adorable in containers. They need good soil, a lot of sunlight, and some watering – just let the soil dry slightly between waterings. You can also add fertilizers every 2-4 weeks to encourage new blooms.
Also read: Use These Tried-And-True Tips To Grow Your Verbena And Get More Blooms And Pollinators
10. Nemesia Is Adored For Its Pretty Pink And Purple Flowers
Nemesia is a lovely annual that is admired for its pretty little flowers that come in shades of pink and purple. Make sure to plant your nemesia in high-quality soil and keep it moist by regular watering. You can put the container in full sun, though nemesia can handle some shade too.
11. Osteospermum’s Daisy-Like Blooms Will Bring You Joy
Osteospermum produces these daisy-like flowers in purple, pink, white, and yellow. You need to place them in full sun and water regularly (just make sure that the soil dries out between watering). You could also feed them every two weeks with balanced fertilizer to encourage flowering.
12. Zinnias Burst With Bold Colors In Every Container
Zinnias are popular flowers that add color to any garden (including the container ones!). A lot of sunlight and some watering is all it takes to keep zinnias happy. Deadhead blooms for more flowers and feed them with fertilizer every few weeks.
Also read: Plant Zinnias At The Right Time Of Year And See Them Bloom Like Crazy
13. Calibrachoa’s Million Bells Are Perfect For Overflowing Baskets
Calibrachoa, or million bells, is perfect for container gardens thanks to its bell-shaped flowers that come in various colors. Regular watering and full sun exposure will keep your million bells a million times happier! No need to deadhead – these self-cleaning plants drop their spent flowers on their own.
Also read: Add These 5 Plants To Your Hanging Baskets And Enjoy Their Cascading Blossoms
14. Impatiens Add A Pop Of Color To Shady Spaces
Impatiens are ideal for adding color to shady spots in container gardens. Native to East Africa and Asia, they bloom in pink, red, white, and purple. Plant in well-draining soil, keep them in partial to full shade, and don’t forget to water them. They self-clean so no deadheading is needed.
Also read: 7 Fast-Growing Shade Plants To Brighten Up Your Garden
15. Mix And Match Begonias To Have The Prettiest Container Garden
Begonias can also grow in shaded areas. They come in different types like wax, tuberous, and rex begonias, each with unique flowers and foliage. Grow them in well-draining soil and mist occasionally for added humidity. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season to aid new growth and blooming.
16. Petunias Add A Vibrant Touch To Any Container
When you’re looking for a splash of color, petunias are a fantastic choice. Their striking flowers add a dramatic effect, making them ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, or small garden containers.
To keep petunias blooming strong, make sure they’re planted in well-draining soil and given plenty of sun each day. Water them regularly, but be careful not to overdo it – let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
17. Lavender Offers Fragrant Beauty And Stunning Purple Flowers
Lavender’s stunning purple blooms aren’t just for show – they also bring a soothing fragrance that can transform any area into a relaxing retreat. Ideal for containers, lavender’s compact size and elegant look make it a go-to for smaller spaces.
For the best results, plant lavender in well-draining soil and ensure it gets plenty of sun – at least 6 hours a day. Water sparingly, as lavender prefers dry soil and can be prone to root rot in overly moist conditions.
18. Geraniums Are Bold And Beautiful In Pots
Geraniums are a fantastic way to brighten up any outdoor space with their vibrant, bold blooms. These flowers come in a stunning array of colors, from fiery reds to soft pinks, making them perfect for adding a splash of personality to your container garden.
They thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil. Water them regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid over-watering. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers and keep them looking their best all season!
19. Coleus Brings Colorful Foliage To Shady Spots
Coleus is another plant perfect for adding a burst of color to those shady corners of your garden. Its vibrant foliage in shades of red, purple, and green thrives in low light and brings a tropical feel to any space.
Keep it in a spot with partial to full shade, and water regularly to maintain its lush, vibrant look. Coleus is easy to grow and doesn’t require much maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned gardeners alike!
20. Angelonia Adds Spikes of Color And Elegance
Angelonia brings a touch of sophistication and charm to any garden space. Its tall flower spikes, bursting with vibrant colors like purple, pink, and white, create a stunning vertical display.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, this plant requires minimal care, needing only regular watering to keep the soil slightly dry between waterings. Once established, it rewards you with months of effortless beauty, making it a must-have for a colorful and elegant garden
Pick and choose some of these plants to create the ultimate container garden! Even if you’re short on garden space, these flowers will bring your space to life with their vibrant colors and delicate fragrances.
Also read: 30 Breathtaking Varieties Of Rex Begonias Ideal For Indoor Gardening