Plant Combinations For Your Container Gardens

Container gardening ideas with images of steel gray and black outdoor pottery, and multiple perennials like pink muhly grass, clematis, bugloss, smoke tree and variegated shell ginger with the words Create Stunning Garden Containers with These Gorgeous Plants

With so many plants to choose from, finding unique and eye-catching combinations for garden containers can feel overwhelming. To inspire your next project, here are four curated lists of some of our favorite container-friendly plants, guaranteed to add beauty and variety to your garden.

1. Large, Fabulous Leaves

These bold and dramatic plants will add an instant statement to your containers:

Philodendron 'Burle Marx'Potted in a white container and sitting on a front porch is a variegated philodendron burle marx houseplant

Glossy, heart-shaped leaves adorn this clumping philodendron that can climb if supported. It tolerates partial sun and mild drought once established, making it versatile indoors or outdoors.

Southern Comfort Coral BellsSouthern comfort coral bells heuchera

(Heuchera x 'Southern Comfort') Featuring huge cinnamon-peach leaves that transition to amber, this lush perennial thrives in part shade and humid environments. Creamy white summer flowers add extra charm.

Jack Frost Siberian BuglossJack frost siberian bugloss with blooming little purple flowers

(Brunnera macroyphylla 'Jack Frost') Bright silver leaves with green veins create a striking look, while tiny blue flowers add seasonal interest. Perfect for shady or woodland containers.

fatsia japonica variegated

Fatsia japonica 'Variegated'

This tropical evergreen shrub boasts large, palmate leaves with creamy white variegation. It thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for adding a bold, exotic touch to shaded patios or entryways.

2. Variegated Love

Brighten your containers with these colorful, patterned plants:

Thompson’s Flowering Maplethompsons flowering maple

(Abutilon pictum 'Thompsonii') Speckled, maple-shaped leaves and coral-orange flowers make this fast-growing shrub a showstopper in containers. It thrives in partial to full sun.

Variegated Shell Gingeralphinia zerumbet variegated

(Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata') Striking yellow and green striped foliage combined with fragrant, shell-like flowers give this plant a tropical flair.

Midnight Rose Coral Bellsmidnight rose coral bells huechera

(Heuchera x 'Midnight Rose') Burnished black leaves with hot pink spots provide bold effects, especially in front entryway containers or patio displays.

Minuteman Plantain Lilyminuteman plantain lily hosta

(Hosta x 'Minuteman') A sun-tolerant hosta with striking green leaves edged in creamy white, perfect for shaded container groupings.

3. Dainty Stems

For a touch of delicacy, these plants with fine or trailing stems are great for filling or softening containers:

Creeping Wire Vinecreeping wire vine

(Muehlenbeckia axillaris) This unusual creeper forms a spreading mat of wiry stems covered in glossy, rounded leaves. Its texture adds interest to any container.

Trifolium Clovertrifolium clover

(Trifolium spp.) Vigorous clover-shaped leaves and white summer flowers make this a charming, easy-care addition that intermingles beautifully with other plants.

Silver Falls Dichondrasilver falls dichondra

(Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls') Cascading silver foliage creates a true statement in mixed containers or hanging baskets, thriving in partial to full sun.

Bacopabacopa trailing from white planter box

(Sutera cordata)A low-growing, trailing plant with tiny green leaves and abundant small flowers in white, pink, or lavender. Ideal for hanging baskets and mixed containers, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

4. Trendy Millennial Colors

Add modern hues with plants featuring shades of pink, purple, and vibrant green:

Inshriach Pink Astilbepink astilbe

(Astilbe simplicifolia 'Inshriach Pink') Fluffy, pale pink flower spikes rise above glossy, bronze-green foliage. Ideal for edging or shaded container plantings.

Regal Mist® Pink Muhly Grasspink muhly grass

(Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Lenca') Airy pink-red flowers rise above compact green foliage, perfect for creating movement and texture in container gardens.

Giant Fountain Grassgiant fountain grass

(Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Foxtrot') Smoky-rose plumes bob gracefully over slender green leaves, providing a dramatic look for larger containers.

Royal Purple Smoke Treeroyal purple smoke tree or shrub

(Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple') Deep reddish-purple foliage and airy pink seed clusters make this large shrub a standout in oversized container displays.

Container Gardening Tips

  • 1. Layer Heights: Combine tall, medium, and trailing plants for visual interest.
  • 2. Use Quality Soil: Choose a high-quality potting mix with good drainage.
  • 3. Water Regularly: Ensure consistent moisture, especially in hot weather.
  • 4. Fertilize: Feed throughout the growing season to keep plants healthy and vibrant.

Let us help you bring your container garden dreams to life! Visit SummerWinds Nursery to find these stunning plants and more. Together, we can create the perfect combination to elevate your outdoor spaces.