27 Beautiful Perennials To Grow In Pots & Containers

Growing perennials in pots and containers is a fantastic way to bring lasting beauty to your outdoor spaces. Whether you have a big garden or a cozy balcony, these plants adapt wonderfully to all kinds of container setups. This guide shows you 27 of the best perennials for pots and containers, to brighten up your outdoor space!

Geranium perennials growing in pots.YayImages

Best Perennials To Grow In Pots & Containers

Let’s jump straight into the best perennials for growing in pots and containers:

1. Geraniums

Geraniums flowering in a basket on a patio.YayImages

Geraniums are a timeless choice for container gardening, offering vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They thrive in both sunny and partially shaded locations, making them adaptable to various conditions. 

These perennials bloom profusely from late spring to fall, adding continuous color to your pots. Geraniums are also low-maintenance and ideal for gardeners of all experience levels.

2. Heuchera

Heuchera coral bells in a pot with other winter container plants.YayImages

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is prized for its vibrant foliage that comes in shades of burgundy, lime green, and amber. These shade-tolerant perennials are perfect for adding color and texture to containers, thriving even in low-light conditions. 

Their low maintenance needs make them ideal for busy gardeners. With proper care and occasional pruning, Heuchera can provide year-round interest in your container garden.

3. Agapanthus

the agapanthus Africanus flower on blurred background.YayImages

Agapanthus, or Lily of the Nile, is a stunning perennial known for its tall, elegant stems topped with clusters of blue or white flowers. These perennials thrive in sunny spots and well-draining soil, making them ideal for pots and containers. 

Their blooms add a tropical flair to patios or balconies during summer. Pair Agapanthus with other sun-loving plants for a striking container display.

4. Lavender

flower pot attached to wall of front porch with lavender flowers growing on aYayImages

Lavender is a classic choice for container gardening, known for its fragrant blooms and silvery foliage. These perennials thrive in sunny locations and require well-draining soil, making them perfect for pots. 

Lavender not only adds beauty to your garden but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plus, its calming scent makes it a delightful addition near seating areas or windows.

5. Verbena

Verbena flowers growing in a pot in front of a white background.YayImages

Verbena is a cascading perennial that produces clusters of small, vivid flowers, perfect for spilling over the edges of containers. These plants love full sun and are incredibly easy to care for, requiring minimal watering once established. 

Verbena blooms continuously from late spring to fall, providing non-stop color. Use them in hanging baskets or as a filler in mixed container arrangements.

6. Coneflowers

Coneflower care.YayImages

Echinacea, commonly known as coneflowers, is a hardy perennial with striking, daisy-like blooms in pink, orange, and white. They are perfect for containers, thriving in sunny locations with well-draining soil. 

Echinacea attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding life to your garden space. Their resilience and beauty make them a favorite among beginner and seasoned gardeners alike.

7. Blue Fescue

Blue fescue ornamental grass for xeriscaping.Hans / Pixabay

Festuca glauca, or blue fescue, is an ornamental grass that adds texture and color contrast to container gardens. Its compact size and spiky, blue-green foliage make it a versatile choice for pots. 

This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in full sun and requires minimal care. Pair it with flowering plants to create a dynamic and low-maintenance container display.

8. Penstemon

Penstemon plant with purple flowers growing in a field.YayImages

Penstemon brings bold, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red, making it a showstopper in container gardens. These sun-loving perennials bloom from summer to fall, providing a long-lasting display. 

They thrive in well-drained soil and require moderate watering to stay healthy. Group Penstemon with other flowering perennials for a vibrant and colorful arrangement.

9. Cordyline

Colorful Cordyline Australis plant in the garden.

Cordyline is an architectural perennial that brings height and drama to container gardens. Its spiky foliage, often in shades of green, red, or bronze, adds bold texture to any arrangement. 

Cordyline thrives in full sun to partial shade and is remarkably low-maintenance. Use it as a focal point in your containers or pair it with trailing plants for a layered effect.

10. Daylilies

Orange perennial daylilies growing in a gardenYayImages

Daylilies are a versatile choice for container gardening, offering cheerful blooms in a variety of colors. They thrive in sunny conditions and well-drained soil, making them easy to grow in pots. 

These perennials bloom repeatedly throughout the season, providing long-lasting beauty. Their low-maintenance nature makes them perfect for gardeners seeking effortless elegance.

11. Sedum

Spanish stonecrop sedum perennial plant growing in full sun.YayImages

Sedum, or stonecrop, is a drought-tolerant succulent known for its fleshy leaves and vibrant blooms. These hardy perennials thrive in containers, requiring minimal care and thriving in sunny spots. 

Sedum is available in a wide range of shapes and colors, making it easy to customize your container garden. Combine it with other succulents for a striking, low-maintenance arrangement.

12. Hosta

Top view of hosta foliage.YayImages

Hostas are shade-loving perennials with lush foliage in shades of green, blue, and gold. These plants are ideal for containers placed in low-light areas, bringing elegance to patios or porches. 

Their broad leaves create a bold statement, even without flowers. Hostas require well-draining soil and regular watering to thrive.

13. Bergenia

Pink perennials bergenia.YayImages

Bergenia, also known as Elephant’s Ears, is a bold perennial with large leaves and vibrant spring flowers. These plants thrive in partial shade, making them perfect for containers in sheltered spots. 

Bergenia’s foliage remains attractive throughout the year, providing year-round interest. Use them as a filler or border plant in mixed container arrangements.

14. Peonies

Peonies in sunlight. Soft focus image of blooming pink and white peonies in sun light.YayImages

Peonies are loved for their large, fragrant blooms that add a touch of romance to any garden. These perennials thrive in well-drained soil and sunny locations, making them ideal for large pots. 

Peonies bloom in late spring, offering a stunning display of pink, white, or red flowers. Their long-lived nature makes them a worthwhile investment for container gardening.

15. Salvia

salvia flowers growing in pots in front of white backgroundYayImages

Salvia, with its vibrant spikes of blue, purple, or red flowers, is a perennial favorite for container gardens. These sun-loving plants thrive in well-draining soil and are highly drought-tolerant once established. 

Salvia attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making your garden a lively and colorful space. Use it as a centerpiece or combine it with trailing plants for a striking arrangement.

16. Ajuga

Blooming blue Ajuga or bugleweeds growing in a meadow.YayImages

Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, is a versatile ground cover that works wonderfully in containers. Its low-growing habit and colorful foliage, ranging from deep purple to bronze, add texture and interest to any arrangement. 

Ajuga thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for shaded spots on patios or balconies. Its small, vibrant flowers in spring add an extra layer of charm to your container garden.

17. Brunnera

Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla), close up of the flower headYayImages

Brunnera, with its heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers, is a shade-loving perennial perfect for containers. The foliage often features silvery markings, adding a touch of elegance to your garden. 

These plants thrive in moist, well-draining soil and require minimal maintenance. Pair Brunnera with ferns or hostas for a lush, woodland-themed container display.

18. Ferns

Shade loving maidenhair fern growing outdoors in a shaded garden.YayImages

Ferns bring a lush, green backdrop to container gardens with their feathery fronds and elegant structure. They thrive in shady conditions and prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil. 

Ferns are perfect for creating a tranquil and natural ambiance on patios or in garden corners. Their low maintenance requirements and timeless appeal make them a popular choice for container gardening.

19. Lamb’s Ear

Lambs ear plant growing in a rock garden.YayImages

Lamb’s ear is a unique perennial prized for its soft, velvety foliage in silvery-gray tones. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny spots and well-draining soil, making it a great addition to container gardens. 

Its texture and color contrast beautifully with other vibrant flowering perennials. Use lamb’s ear as a filler plant to add subtle elegance to your arrangements.

20. Clematis

Blue flowering clematis on tendril.YayImages

Clematis is a climbing perennial known for its show-stopping blooms in a variety of colors and shapes. This versatile plant thrives in pots with a trellis or support structure, bringing vertical interest to your container garden. 

Clematis prefers sunny locations with its roots shaded, so companion planting is recommended. Its long flowering season makes it a standout choice for gardeners looking to maximize color.

21. Dianthus

Brightly coloured clump of sweet williams, dianthus barbaticus,in shades of pink, red, purple, scarlet, cerise.YayImages

Dianthus, or “pinks,” are fragrant perennials with charming, fringed flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. These compact plants thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, making them perfect for pots. 

Their blooms appear from late spring to early fall, adding continuous color to your garden. Pair Dianthus with other sun-loving perennials for a vibrant and cheerful display.

22. Creeping Jenny

Bright green leaves of creeping jenny trailing plant.Jan Haerer / Pixabay

Creeping Jenny is a trailing perennial that adds a splash of bright green or yellow foliage to container gardens. It thrives in partial to full sun and moist, well-draining soil, making it adaptable to various conditions. 

This plant cascades beautifully over the edges of pots, softening their appearance and adding movement to your arrangements. Use it as a ground cover or filler in mixed containers for a lush effect.

23. Foamflower (Tiarella)

Close up image of pink tiarella sky rocket flowersYayImages

Foamflower is a delightful perennial with heart-shaped leaves and airy sprays of delicate white or pink blooms. These shade-loving plants thrive in moist, well-draining soil, making them perfect for shaded container gardens. 

Foamflower’s foliage often features unique patterns or colors, adding visual interest even when not in bloom. Combine it with ferns or Brunnera for a woodland-inspired arrangement.

24. English Ivy

Hedera Helix or Devil's ivy in a pots for a winter hanging basket.YayImages

English Ivy is a classic trailing perennial that adds a timeless touch to container gardens. Its evergreen foliage cascades gracefully over pot edges, providing year-round interest. 

Ivy thrives in partial to full shade and adapts well to different soil types, making it an easy-care choice. Use it to soften the edges of your containers or pair it with upright plants for a balanced look.

25. Astilbe

Astilbe perennial flowers growing in a garden in the shade.YayImages

Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial known for its feathery plumes of flowers in pink, red, or white. These plants thrive in moist, well-draining soil and are perfect for adding height and texture to container gardens. 

Astilbe blooms in mid to late summer, bringing a burst of color to shaded spots. Pair it with hostas or ferns for a lush and layered container display.

26. Lungwort

Pink lungwort flowers.YayImages

Lungwort is a charming perennial with spotted foliage and clusters of blue, pink, or purple flowers. These shade-loving plants prefer moist, well-draining soil, making them ideal for shaded container gardens. 

Lungwort’s unique appearance adds a whimsical touch to your arrangements, and it’s also deer-resistant. Combine it with other shade perennials like ferns or Brunnera for a cohesive look.

27. Lamium (Dead Nettle)

Purple dead nettle plant growing in a garden.YayImages

Lamium, or dead nettle, is a versatile ground cover with variegated foliage and delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. It thrives in partial to full shade and adapts well to container environments. 

This low-maintenance plant adds both color and texture to your arrangements, making it an excellent filler or border choice. Use Lamium to create a soft, cascading effect in mixed container displays.

Geraniums growing in a flower garden container outside in the sun.YayImages

Conclusion

Perennials are a fantastic choice for growing in pots and containers, offering long-lasting beauty and versatility for any space. Whether you’re working with a sunny patio or a shaded balcony, there’s a perennial to suit your needs. 

From the lush foliage of ferns to the vibrant blooms of dianthus, these plants transform your containers into thriving garden displays. Start experimenting with these perennials and elevate your gardening game today!

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