Want to add a splash of lasting color to your patio or deck but don’t have a large garden bed? Container gardening with perennial plants is the perfect solution. Unlike annuals, which last for just one season, perennials return year after year, saving you time and money. With the right care, you can create stunning, long-lasting displays right outside your door.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing perennial plants for containers, from choosing the right varieties to ensuring they thrive. We’ll cover the best plants suited for Layton’s climate, soil, and container requirements, and essential care routines. Get ready to transform your outdoor living spaces into a vibrant oasis.
Why Choose Perennials for Your Containers?
Perennials are a fantastic investment for any gardener. They establish strong root systems and come back every spring, growing larger and more beautiful over time. For container gardening, they offer a sustainable and low-maintenance way to enjoy continuous blooms and foliage.
Many perennials are exceptionally hardy and can withstand the temperature fluctuations we experience here in Utah. By choosing the right varieties, you can create a container garden that provides visual interest through multiple seasons, from the first blooms of spring to the rich textures of fall.
Top Perennial Plants for Containers
Not all perennials are suited for life in a pot. The best choices are those that are relatively compact, drought-tolerant, and don’t have aggressive root systems. Here are a few reliable perennial plants for containers that do well in our climate:
- Lavender (Lavandula): Known for its fragrant purple spikes and silvery-green foliage, lavender is a perfect choice for sunny patios. It’s drought-tolerant once established and thrives in the full sun.
- Coneflower (Echinacea): With their classic daisy-like shape and prominent centers, coneflowers are a favorite for attracting pollinators. They come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, and white, and are incredibly tough.
- Hostas: If you have a shady spot, hostas are your best friend. Valued for their lush, decorative foliage, they come in endless shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns. They are low-maintenance and provide a beautiful, textured look.
- Coral Bells (Heuchera): Another excellent choice for shade or partial sun, coral bells are prized for their vibrant, ruffled leaves in shades of purple, amber, and deep red. They produce delicate bell-shaped flowers on tall stems in late spring.
- Sedum (Stonecrop): These succulents are almost foolproof. They are extremely drought-resistant and come in various forms, from low-growing groundcovers to upright varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’. Their fleshy leaves store water, making them ideal for hot, dry container spots.
Setting Up Your Container Garden
Success with perennial plants for containers starts with a solid foundation. Getting the container, soil, and placement right is crucial for healthy growth.
Choose the Right Container and Soil
Select a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system as it matures. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot at least 12-18 inches in diameter. Ensure the container has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling, which can lead to root rot.
For soil, use a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix. Avoid using garden soil, which is too dense and can compact in a container, restricting airflow and drainage. You can enhance your potting mix by adding perlite for better drainage or compost for extra nutrients.
Sunlight, Watering, and Fertilizing
Most perennials thrive with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, but always check the plant tag for specific requirements. Place sun-loving plants like lavender and coneflower in your sunniest spots, and save shadier areas for hostas and coral bells.
Container plants dry out faster than those in the ground. Check the soil moisture daily by sticking your finger an inch or two deep. Water thoroughly when the top layer feels dry. During hot Utah summers, you may need to water every day.
Perennials in containers also need regular feeding, as nutrients leach out with each watering. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, or use a water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
Design Tips for Stunning Containers
Ready to get creative? Designing your perennial containers is where the fun really begins. Try using the “thriller, filler, spiller” method for a balanced and professional-looking arrangement.
- Thriller: This is your tall, eye-catching centerpiece. An upright sedum or a vibrant coneflower works well.
- Filler: These are mounding plants that fill the space around the thriller. Lavender or coral bells are great options.
- Spiller: These plants trail over the edge of the pot, softening its appearance. A low-growing sedum or creeping thyme can be a beautiful choice.
Don’t be afraid to mix colors and textures. Combine the spiky flowers of lavender with the broad leaves of a hosta, or pair the deep purple foliage of a coral bell with the bright green of a sedum. By choosing plants with different bloom times, you can ensure your container has something interesting to offer all season long.
Start Your Container Garden Today
Creating a beautiful container garden with perennials is a rewarding project that adds lasting beauty to any patio, deck, or balcony. With the right plants and a little care, you can enjoy a stunning display that returns year after year.
Ready to start planting? Stop by J&J Nursery and Garden Center in Layton, UT. Our team of experts can help you select the perfect perennial plants for your containers and answer any questions you have. Contact us today to get started on your container garden journey!
