List of 18 Hardy Perennial Plants to Grow in Pots
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Who does not want a pot of happiness always around them, blooming the beautiful creation of nature? If you are a plant parent, you might relate to this question, and your obvious answer must be you. However, there must be a feeling inside you that says having a plant throughout the year in a pot is quite a task. But this isn’t true. We have a list of the 18 best hardy perennials for pots that thrive in the conditions provided.
After the spring is over, your garden will not look as beautiful as it was. This is because the period for short-lived plants ends with the end of the season. However, if you want to have plants that have a long life and bloom beautiful flowers in your garden that it is best to have perennial plants. These plants live for several years and do not require much effort. In the initial days of the plantation, it might need attention, but after that, it is very low maintenance.
The best hardy perennials for pots that will suit your garden are mentioned in this article, so make sure to read them carefully.
Moreover, we have emphasised the best hardy perennials for pots in this article because potted hardy perennials can be moved to any place to brighten up a particular area. The mobility of the plant makes it easier to create an aesthetic vibe for any display. These plants are very eye-catching, so using a pot to plant these plants is the best way to display the beauty of these plants at any location. However, it also adds beauty to any given area when you have a shortage of space.
In this list of 18 best hardy perennials for pots, we have mentioned plants with a long life or beautiful foliage that is impressive on its own, even if the flowers do not bloom.
Best Hardy Perennials for Pots
1. Digitalis Dalmation (Foxglove)
This magnificent plant will leave you awestruck with its unique design and bright colours. Digitalis Dalmation or Foxglove are defined by their tall stems and bell-shaped blooms. They come in different varieties of colours as white, pink, red, yellow, and a few shades of purple. These plants are the best hardy perennials for pots to make your space look extraordinary. Moreover, they are ideal for pollinators and attract hummingbirds along with other creatures such as rabbits and deer. However, these plants have short life spans but can tolerate shade well. In some lucky cases, these plants bloom in the first season only, but these beautiful flowering plants mostly bloom in the second of the plantation.
Flowering period: Early to mid-summer
2. Bergenia (Elephant’s Ears)
As the name suggests, these perennial plants are quite an eye-catching addition to one space. Its blooms in spring with the burst of white, pink, red, or purple, depending on the variety of the plant. The colourful array of flowers definitely adds beauty to the space it is put in, but the most attractive part of this plant is its foliage. It has large, drooping evergreen leaves, which resemble “elephant’s ears.” These little plants look equally beautiful when not bloomed. They originally hailed from northeastern Asia from the chilly winter conditions. This implies that they can bear severe cold temperatures far more than what Britain can throw at them. Thus they are the best hardy perennials for pots.
Flowering period: March to April
3. Euphorbia
These are quite unique varieties of perennial plants. They do not have fixed specimens as they can look anything from a flowering bunch of plants to like succulent-like species. They are commonly known as the “Crown of Thrones” because of their circular pink flowers blooming in the middle of the thrones. However, they look incredibly extraordinary because of their eye-catching appearance. There are several varieties in the euphorbia genus, and can give you flowering throughout the season, depending on the type that you have chosen. These are the best hardy perennials for pots as they require little attention and can yield beautiful flowers.
Flowering season: Varies on the type
4. Aquilegia Clementine Red
If you are fond of flower arrangements and looking for a dynamic addition to your potted plant collection. Well then, Aquilegia Clementine Red are the ones that will bring wonders to your face by its beauty. These tall, beautiful flowers are ideal for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Moreover, its large purplish-red flowers will look magnificent in any vase in your house when cut. They bloom in spring and require very little care as they have the ability to tolerate shade as well. All you need to do is fertilise them every year, and if the conditions are favourable to the plant, then you might see a re-bloom in the fall. These are the best hardy perennial plans for pots to decorate any area.
Flowering period: Mid-spring to early summer
5. Leucanthemum (Shasta Daisy)
Do you have animals around you who nibbles your beautiful garden every now and then? If yes, then we have got an excellent solution for you. You have these Shasta daisies in pots to fulfil your desire to have a beautiful garden with amazing flowers. This is because they are deer and rabbit resistant and grow in clusters filling ample space with the burst of white and yellow flowers. They look very appealing in the bright sunlight. However, you can cut the flowers at the stem and use them for your centrepiece, which will regrow quickly. These plants prefer full bloom and are the best hardy perennials for pots.
Flowering period: Late spring to fall
6. Hostas (Plantain Lily)
Hostas has one of the most beautiful foliage among the other hardy perennial plants. Thus, it will fill your garden with lush green foliage and bring a tropical look to the space. Moreover, this plant is very low-maintenance and comes in a variety of white or purple flowers. There are several Hostas considered shade-loving plants, but it is not always the case. The lighter the shade of the leaves, the more sunlight it would require to thrive. These plants can survive for very long if appropriately treated.
Flowering period: Summer to fall
7. Peonies
Peonies are the most common perennial plants, as gardeners widely choose them. This is because they have such a beautiful flowering, similar to roses but with several small petals in shiny pink colours mostly. However, peonies also have white, red, orange, and yellow flowering. These plants live longer than you can ever imagine. They bloom every year and can have a life span of 100 years. These are the best hardy perennials for pots as they not only look beautiful but also have a sweet scent. Thus you can place it anywhere you like to decorate that space.
Flowering period: Late spring to early summer
8. Salvia Nemorosa (Caradonna)
Salvia nemorosa is the best hardy perennial for pots, as they add rich colour to the space that you put in. Also, they are a fantastic cultivar that is often chosen to bring a vertical accent to an area. It has a long stem lushed with intense purple flowers, which usually attracts butterflies and bees. These plants grow in smaller spaces but have clusters and making them perfect for growing in containers or pots. However, it requires full sunlight to thrive but can also survive in drought conditions.
Flowering period: Summer to fall
9. Dianthus (Passion)
These plants are no less than a beautiful work of mother nature. It looks like art with its own capability of displaying in a pot without any other arrangement required. However, Dianthus has a remarkable fragrance making it the best hardy perennial for pots to place near doorways or seating areas. This is an easy-to-grow perennial and can thrive in drought conditions. They have evergreen, glaucous foliage with bright red flowering.
Flowering period: Late spring to the end of summer
10. Hemerocallis (Daylily)
Hemerocallis, commonly known as daylilies, are the best hardy perennials for pots than to be grown in the ground. This is because they are versatile and adaptive in the conditions that they are planted in. Other than their bright flowers, the most adored quality of these plants, other than their colourful flowers, is that they can thrive in most soil types. However, Daylilies require plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant them in an area that receives maximum sunlight. Daylilies have flowers with velvety petals along with stamen. They come in a variety of different colour combinations.
Flowering period: June to July
11. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera has surprised its admirers as people have begun noticing the foliage over its blossoms. This is because it comes in different shades and sizes depending on its species. These are the best hardy perennials for pots, as they are ornamental plants used for decorating empty spaces. However, planting them in a container requires a serious concern as it requires moist soil, so you need to keep a check on it. This also implies that it requires plenty of water in the summertime but adequate drainage in the rainy season.
Flowering period: June to August
12. Lavendula (Lavender)
Who does not like lavender? A bouquet of it can make anyone more than happy. This cluster of pale purple flowers with a refreshing smell attracts bees and other pollinators. Moreover, its aroma not only attracts pollinators but gives a sense of calmness and soothes the environment around it. There are varieties of lavender, such as hardy, semi-hardy, and tender to choose from. All the varieties are equally beautiful. Lavenders are the best hardy perennials for pots as they can be used for placing in areas to create an aesthetic vibe. Just make sure to place the pot in a semi-sheltered spot.
Flowering period: June to August
13. Verbena (Vervain)
These plants have held a key role in aromatherapy and herbology over the years. Other than that, it makes a wonderful centrepiece with its cut flowers. It has incredible floral displays in pink, red, white, or purple and magnificent blue colours during warmer months. The plant offers both perennial and annual depending upon the variety that you plant. However, you should take the necessary precautions to make your plant thrive, as they are worth all the hustle. They require at least six hours of sunlight and a constant supply of water to have beautiful blossoms.
Flowering Period: June to September
14. Phlox
These plants show variations in blossoms due to their height as in early spring, low-growing phlox blooms, and seem like ground covers. But during the summer months, tall phlox blooms. The tall phlox look like a flowery backdrop for any low growers. Irrespective of height, these hardy perennials have unique fragrances and require very little care. They prefer full sunlight but show tolerance to the shade as well.
Flowering period: April to June
15. Lupines
These plants are mostly seen in the wild, but this is another beauty of mother nature. Their beauty and charm can behold you and would want you to have it in your own garden. However, you can grow these in spiky flowers in pots at your home. They have a short life span and can grow up to five feet tall with red, white, yellow, pink, or purple varieties of flowers. It has a resemblance to pea flowers. These plants prefer full or partial sunlight.
Flowering period: April to June
16. Astereae (Asters)
These are very pretty star-shaped flowers, somewhat similar to daisies. However, they are completely different kinds of perennial plants. This is because this plant can grow anywhere between eight inches to eight feet in height. They are the best hardy perennials for pots as well as their beautiful violet colour petals add colour to any background. They come to life in summer and attract bees and butterflies for pollination. However, they prefer full sunlight to thrive.
Flowering Period: Late summer to fall
17. Butterfly Bush (Summer Lilacs)
The name of this perennial plant suggests its speciality. The blossoms of these shrubs attract tons of butterflies throughout the summer and fall months, as well. Moreover, the flowers come in bright colours, such as white and dark purple. Also, the lavender pink blossoms are the most eye-catching variety. These attract the winged beauties of your area. However, these shrubs are very low maintenance but require annual pruning to maintain their shape for the upcoming year. Butterfly bushes are the best hardy perennials for pots because they require partial sunlight. Thus you can keep them inside your balcony and decorate the space with regular winged visitors.
Flowering period: Summer to fall
18. Achillea (Yarrow)
This is another beautiful hardy perennial plant that has beautiful blossoms. They are the best hardy perennials for pots because they are pest resistant. These are versatile and carefree plants and grow quickly. Since they have rapid growth, they tend to cover ample space. However, they have red, yellow, pink, or white blossoms. Also, you need to prune them once the colour starts to fade in order to encourage more flowers to grow. These plants prefer full sunlight to yield beautiful produce.
Flowering period: Summer
Which Perennial Would You Choose?
We have provided you with a list of 18 hardy perennials for pots to have your garden or balcony look as beautiful as these plants. There are numerous advantages to having one of these or as many of these in your space. They create an aesthetically pleasing display and smell marvellous. Since they are to be grown in pots or containers, they do not restrict you to a particular place but can be placed in any corner of the house to enhance the beauty of the place. However, you need to keep above mentioned requirements in mind while handling these pots of happiness.
However, they’ll stand you for several years in a pot and can be transplanted into open soil later on in order to expand their lifespan. We have given you a list of several beautiful plants to decorate your space. All you need to do is choose the right plant. This is because if you choose the right variety, then you can be rewarded with a low-effort plant and can have beautiful produce.
Since these plants have short life spans, therefore, we have mentioned some varieties that have beautiful foliage. Some plants have impressive foliage and then blossoms to decorate your space throughout the year. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your gardening equipment and plant your little pot happiness.
