How to Select Annual Flowers for Containers

Placing one type of annual flower in your container makes a pretty display, but why not try mixing flower heights? You could choose a flower or vine that trails over the side or add tall plants for balance or use short plants to add bulk. If you choose spring flowers, plan summer flowers to take over as the spring blooms fade.

Flower containers come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose from round, square, or rectangle, and in various heights. Flower containers are typically made of clay, plastic, or ceramics for easily movable plants. Wood, stone, or concrete containers, because of their weight, are for plants that will remain in one spot indefinitely.

When mixing different flowering plants, if any are fragrant, make sure that their combined fragrance is not overwhelming or unappealing. The suggestions listed below are lightly scented, unless noted otherwise.

Instructions

1. TRAILING PLANTS

   As they grow, trailing plants tumble down the sides of the container. Trailing plants can be vines or cascading flowers.

   *Candytuft (can also be a short plant)
   *Ivy (variegated, English, German)
   *Petunia, "Wave" Variety
   *Sweet Potato Vine

2. TALL PLANTS

   Obviously, tall plants add height to your planter, but it's that height that makes it look more spectacular.

   *Aster
   *Geranium
   *Marigold (some varieties can also be short)
   *Snapdragon (can also be a short plant, depending on variety and on surrounding flowers)
   *Spider Plant
   *Zinnia (some varieties can also be short)

3. SHORT PLANTS

   The bulk of your planter will be the shorter plants, all of which can be (maybe "should be" depending on your perspective) flowering plants.

   *Begonia
   *Candytuft (can also be a trailer)
   *Dust Miller
   *English Primrose
   *Impatiens
   *Johnny Jump Up
   *Lobelia
   *Marigold (some varieties can also be tall; short varieties can give off a strong aroma)
   *Pansy
   *Petunia
   *Snapdragon
   *Zinnia (some varieties can also be tall)

Tips & Warnings

• Succulents can also be used for planters.

Resources

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