29 Apr 2025 | Updated: 29 Apr 2025
By: Alex D'arcy-Orga

THE BEST PLANTS FOR GROWING IN POTS IN YOUR GARDEN

Plentiful pot plants! Pots and containers are a great way for gardeners to experiment with planting and garden design and will offer great versatility. From temporary bedding displays to permanent features, potted plants will add depth and dimension to a garden and brighten up any dull corners.

Below, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk shares some of the top plants to grow in your garden pots and containers this year!

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is a genus of different species of flowering plants in the aster family. They are native primarily to subtropical and temperate areas and are grown as autumn-blooming ornamentals. The plants can grow 2-4 feet tall with blooms that are typically white, yellow, or pink.

Chrysanthemums can grow well in a large pot when planted in the spring after the last frost. Ensure that the pot allows for good soil drainage and is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Buddleia

Buddleia is a popular garden plant that was introduced into the UK from China in the 1890s. It is easily identified by its large drooping spikes of densely clustered, small, purple flowers that make it hugely popular with pollinators such as butterflies seeking a nectar source.

Certain varieties of buddleias are compact plants which make them ideal for growing in pots. They do not flower all year round and will need to be pruned back in the spring but form a stunning perennial display that can be complemented with a variety of other plants that flower at different seasons.

Agapanthus

Agapanthus, commonly known as the African lily or lily of the Nile, is known for its large, blue drumstick-headed flower. They come with mounds of strappy, bright green leaves and sturdy stems, which shoot up in summer. They prefer to be placed in an area that receives lots of full sunlight.

These plants grow best when their roots are slightly restricted so fare very well in pots. Most agapanthus are evergreen so will retain their foliage throughout the year and look beautiful either on their own or paired with other flowering plants.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a genus of flowering plants that consists mostly of shrubs or small trees. They are known for their tubular to bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, purple, and white. Their flowers come in a diverse range from dainty to elegant to bold and bright and will provide colour and interest in any garden display.

These stunning shrubs can be either hardy or tender perennials. The compact hardy variety make for a sustainable choice when selecting plants for garden pots as they will flower every summer. Trailing varieties will look wonderful, blooming over the edge of hanging baskets.

Dahlia

Dahlia is a genus of bushy, herbaceous perennials native to Mexico and Central America. There are 49 species of dahlia, with flowers in almost every hue which makes them a popular choice for garden plants. Dahlias like a warm, sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil and regular feeding and watering.

Dahlias come in a vast selection of varieties, ranging in shape, colour, and size. The more compact varieties are ideally suited for pots and can be combined with other late summer-flowering perennials to create a stunning display of colours or placed as their own feature piece.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are beautiful, bushy, deciduous shrubs with large, colourful flowers and large bright to dark green leaves. The flowers bloom in shades of blue, lavender, white, pink, purple, green, and red. They are native to the Western Hemisphere and Eastern Asia and include over 70 species of shrubs.

More compact hydrangeas, such as the ‘early blue’ variety are perfect for planting in large pots positioned in a partially shade area. Blue varieties will need to be planted in peat-free compost with a low PH level to maintain the colouration and should be pruned back in spring.

Rose

The rose is a genus of perennial shrubs native primarily to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are extensively cultivated for their beautiful flowers which bloom in a range of colours from white, yellows and pinks, through to dark crimson and maroon. Most have a wonderful fragrance which, alongside their visual appeal, makes them a popular choice for garden flowers.

Whilst generally roses are not considered a potted plant, patio roses are bred specifically for smaller gardens and container growing. They are easy to grow; they just require a prune in spring and repotting on occasion if necessary. Most have a lifespan of around 5-7 years.

Clematis

Clematis is a genus of perennial, chiefly climbing shrubs of the buttercup family. Many species are cultivated for their attractive flowers, which may be solitary or in large clusters. They are well known for their large, colourful, star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers and climbing or spreading habit.

Some clematis varieties which grow in a more compact fashion are particularly suitable for large containers. It is important to ensure that the pot has good drainage and inserted with sturdy supports to prevent the climbing plants from suffering wind damage.

Azalea

Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the genus Rhododendron. They are most commonly grown as ornamental garden plants for their stunning flowers which come in various colours including white, yellow, purple, and red. With a spring bloom, the flowers of these beautiful shrubs often last for several weeks.

Azaleas are deciduous or evergreen shrubs which can be found in a range of gardens and landscapes. They are well suited for pots when placed in a container with peat-free compost. They grow best in a sheltered position, either in full sunlight or partial shade.

Begonia

Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants that contains more than 2000 different plant species. They are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates, but some species can be cultivated outside in cooler climates during the summertime. They are generally easy to grow and are mostly grown for their showy flowers and colourful leaves.

These stunning plants thrive in pots of peat-free multipurpose compost and are ideal for bringing colour and interest to areas of partial shade. When selecting a pot and potting mixture, ensure that it is well drained and aerated, as begonias hate waterlogged soil and need air circulation around their roots.

FIONA JENKINS

Fiona Jenkins is a UK-based landscaper with over twenty-five years of experience in the industry. As a gardening expert for MyJobQuote, one of the UK’s top trades-matching sites, Fiona offers her expert advice to MyJobQuote’s tradespeople and homeowners and has also been featured as a gardening expert for a range of reputable publications.