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| A combination planter filled with perennials brightens up a shady nook of the garden. |
The popularity of container gardening has surged dramatically over the past few years and it is now one of the top five gardening trends in the US. Container gardens are great for people with limited outdoor space, apartment dwellers, people with disabilities, and busy families who don’t have the time or energy to maintain an entire landscape.
All kinds of containers can be used to brighten up patios, decks, porches, and balconies. Perennials can be combined with other kinds of plants such as annuals or bulbs in large containers. Dramatic effects can also be achieved by using a single variety to fill a large container on its own. The plants can be switched out from season to season or grown from spring thru fall and then overwintered. Overwintering perennials in containers takes a bit of skill. To read all about growing perennials in containers including how to overwinter them, click here to view The Complete Guide to Growing Perennials in Containers.
Plant breeders are coming up with smaller, more compact perennials that work well in containers. Many suitable varieties can be found in the Perennial Encyclopedia. Here’s a small sampling of perennials that are great in containers: Hostas, ferns, Brunnera, Tickseed (Coreopsis), ornamental grasses, Coral Bells (Heuchera), and Violets (Viola).
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