Flowers for Small Pots

Certain flowers grow better in small containers than others. Mix and match different containers on a deck or patio.

By Charlie Nardozzie

If you don't have room to plant those favorite flowers in the garden, there are plenty of choices for containers. While growing flowers in large plastic, rubber, clay, or wooden pots gives you more options for plant combinations and less watering and fertilizing, sometimes you only have room for small-sized pots. Pots that are only 6 or 8 inches wide have limitations, but with a little creativity, you can make them attractive all summer long.

Here are some options for the best flowers to grow in small pots:

Miniature Roses 

 Miniature roses come in a number of varieties, with diminutive flowers in colors ranging from red to yellow to white. They bloom all summer and look best in ceramic pots. Protect the roses in winter by burying them in mulch or placing them in an unheated garage or basement.

 

Begonias

 Wax-leafed begonias are small growing, with red, pink, or white-colored flowers; some have burgundy-colored leaves. Like impatiens (another good plant for small pots), begonias grow best in shade.

 

Marigolds 

 While many marigold varieties grow large and need a bigger pot, signet marigolds have delicate leaves, small yellow flowers, and a compact growth habit. Their look is just right for s small pot.

 

Herbs 

Some herbs double as attractive flowers. Rosemary, 'Spicy Globe' basil, and 'Tricolor' sage are herbs that grow well in smaller pots and have interesting and useful foliage and flowers.

 

Coleus 

 Coleus plants can grow huge, but there are smaller varieties that work well in small pots. Plus, coleus lend themselves to pruning, so if they get a little too big, you can just pinch them back.

 

Verbena and other trailers

Many trailing plants such as verbena, lobelia, and calibrachoa don't require a deep soil mass to grow and flower. In addition, they cascade down the side of the pot, making the plant appear bigger than it is.