container plants... Container plants are an extremely versatile way to provide colour and create a feature in the garden or on the patio. Containers can create a focal point or form a display at an entrance. They come or can be made in all shapes and sizes and are a great way of introducing instant quick displays in even the smallest of spaces. Container plants are perfect for small gardens and courtyards where growing space can be limited.
You can use containers for permanent plantings of trees, shrubs or topiary, frost tender plants can be moved into sheltered situation during frosty or windy conditions in winter. Containers can be planted with seasonal plantings and each year you can change the variety of plants grown in them. Most plants will grow happily in containers. The choice is almost endless with plenty of varieties to give you colour either in the form of flowers or foliage. Most are annual plants but you can grow lots of other plants in containers too.
Top container annuals
Coreopsis tinctoria 'Mahogany Midget' These dwarf annuals look great combined with Phormium 'Bronze Baby' for height, along with nasturtiums and purple basil for good measure.
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sonata Series' The cottage-garden feel of these daisy-like flowers adds a sense of informality and movement to containers. They work well with silver foliage, but they're also effective on their own.
Impatiens walleriana 'Fiesta White' Busy Lizzies are the perfect choice for a shady terrace. Helped along by plenty of deadheading, they'll flower well into autumn.
Top climbers for pots
Clematis x cartmanii 'Joe' This evergreen clematis is often sold tied to an upright stake, however, its trailing habit makes it perfect for the edge of a container. Partner the white blooms with spring bulbs for a dash of colour.
Hedera helix 'Ivalace' Ivies are one of the most useful and attractive of all plants for pots. This one has dark-green, shiny leaves with curled edges.
Top shrubs
Euonymus fortunei Emerald 'n' Gold' Variegated foliage is a real pick-me-up all year round. For a striking display, try it with creeping Jenny, Lysimachia nummularia, tulips, golden narcissi or primroses.
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' This elegant evergreen shrub has rich mahogany leaves that emerge a pale creamy colour before darkening. Slightly tender, it will need a sheltered spot over winter.
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' This male form is blessed with glossy evergreen leaves, and an abundance of tiny red buds through the winter, which open to pinky-white flowers in spring.
Hosta 'Night Before Christmas' With flashes of creamy white on dark-green undulating foliage. Planting hostas in pots helps to protect them from slug and snail attack.
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' Purple fountain grass is a real show-stopper. Best in its own tall container, it has graceful stems and red-tinged squirrel-tail flowers that fade to beige in autumn. It will need frost protection in winter.
