Top 10 Best Flowers for Growing in Pots
Updated: May 09, 2023
Even if you have a small garden, deck or patio, you can still grow beautiful flowers! We found the best flowers for pots.
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Flowers for Pots: Brasco Violet Brachyscome
Brachyscome ‘DBRASC9’, Annual
This long bloomer sticks around all the way from spring until frost and features violet blossoms that resemble daisies with their golden centers. The plant’s mounded habit is 12 to 18 inches tall with a slightly smaller width, so it’s a one of the best flowers for pots.
Why we love it: Not fussy at all, it is both low maintenance and heat tolerant.
Check out more easy flowers anyone can grow.
Senorita Rosalita Spider Flower
Cleome ‘Inncleosr’, Zones 10 to 11 or Annual
A container-friendly, shorter version of an old cottage favorite, this cleome has bright blooms without the thorns or self-seeding tendencies of the species. It grows 2 to 4 feet tall and prefers to be in full sun.
Why we love it: The uniquely shaped and colored flowers decorate the entire stem.
Wave Petunia
Petunia x Hybrida, Annual
As the name suggests, these petunias feature a wave of vibrant color. Growing just 5 to 7 inches tall but spreading 2 to 4 feet, Wave petunias can engulf a container and bloom from spring until frost.
Why we love it: Not only does it offer nonstop flowers in many colors, but it’s also known to tolerate high heat and humidity.
Psst—here’s how to keep rabbits from eating your flowers.
Superbells Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa hybrid, Zones 9 to 11 or Annual
With its heat tolerance and continuous bloom, Superbells is a big-time favorite with container gardeners. Just 6 to 12 inches tall with a spread twice as wide, Superbells comes in dozens of colors and is known to attract hummingbirds.
Why we love it: Deadheading is not needed—this variety offers flowers all summer long.
Compact Tropical Rose SunPatiens
Impatiens x hybrida ‘SAKimp037’, Zones 10 to 11 or Annual
The vibrant reddish pink flowers are hard to miss, but the two-tone green and cream foliage also draws plenty of attention. This impatiens is one of the best flowers for pots, as it reaches about 2 feet tall and 14 to 20 inches wide.
Why we love it: The fun variegation provides an additional visual spark. Plus, it has the ability to grow in sun to part shade.
Psst—we asked a garden expert if you can reuse potting soil in containers.
Purple Potion Trailing Lantana
Lantana sellowiana ‘MONPur’, Zones 9 to 11 or Annual
With a form perfectly suited to containers, this trailer grows just 8 to 12 inches tall but splays out 3 to 6 feet. As a bonus, violet blooms keep the boisterous plant company all summer long. Research before planting, as it can be invasive in some areas. Learn how to create a pollinator garden.
Why we love it: Plant one in a container and another at the base of the pot for a two-tiered treat.
Heart to Heart Caladium
Caladium hortulanum ‘Flatter me’, Zones 10 to 11 or Annual
You won’t mind the lack of flowers with leaves like this. The flashy leaf pattern features a mottled mix of light and dark green backing striking hot pink veins. Flatter Me reaches 15 to 20 inches tall and 10 to 14 inches wide. Caladium can thrive in pots.
Why we love it: Use caladium to brighten up a shady outdoor spot or as a houseplant. Also try one of these 10 houseplants perfect for low light.
Autumn Starburst Dwarf Azalea
Rhododendron ‘Robleze’, Zones 6 to 10
Go ahead, put a flowering shrub in a pot! This dwarf azalea reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet and has a slightly wider spread. The eye-catching flowers are red and pink, and at 2 1/2 inches across, they’re hard to miss.
Why we love it: The spring coloring is simply stunning, and it reblooms later in the season.
Petite Knock Out Rose
Rosa ‘Meibenbino’, Zones 5 to 10
The same flower power of the standard Knock Out rose is now in a compact size; so it’s one of the best flowers for pots and containers. The red blooms on Petite Knock Out Rose are abundant on this bushy variety that grows 18 inches tall.
Why we love it: There’s a lot to like when it comes to the long-lasting blooms and nonfading bright red color.
Learn how to choose the best roses for your garden.
Oo-La-La Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea ‘Monka’, Zones 10 to 11 or Annual
This vining plant grows just 1 1/2 feet tall but can spread 6 to 8 feet to fill a container with its tropical color. It is practically drenched in magenta bracts, which are modified leaves surrounding the actual white flowers that attract pollinators.
Why we love it: The compact form is makes it one of the best flowers for pots or hanging baskets, and the bracts last longer than other bougainvilleas.
Next, check out 10 vines that hummingbirds love.
Originally Published: June 24, 2021
