A big mistake new gardeners make when planting in containers is thinking everything will grow well in them. In reality, this couldn’t be far from the truth.
Certain flowers thrive in containers because they might have shallow root systems or do well in controlled environments.
For me, petunias and lobelias grew best in containers while sunflowers were an absolute disaster. And, it makes sense considering sunflowers have extensive root systems and are generally very top-heavy.
In this article, I’ll be walking you through a special curated list of fall flowers that are not only visually stunning but also thrive in pots/containers. Let’s get right into it!
9 – Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)
Muscari blooms are gorgeous. What’s unique about Muscari, however, is that it offers incredibly stunning, textured flowers in a diverse array of colors like bright pink, deep and light purple, blue… I’m sure you’ve never seen colors like that before.
The plant prefers full to partial sunlight and well-draining soil. Infrequent feedings of fertilizer and regular watering should be enough to keep it lush and strong.
8 – Hardy Geraniums
Hardy geraniums are known for their…well…hardiness. They’re tough, resilient plants that can survive in harsh environments and conditions very well. Because they’re drought-tolerant, you can slack on watering dates and still see minimal side effects in the plant.
In terms of blooms, hardy geraniums offer vibrant, saucer-shaped flowers in colors such as blue, purple, peach, pink, and white.
The best thing about these blooms is that they’re relatively longer lasting, meaning you can enjoy them from late spring up to late fall!
7 – Zinnias
Zinnias are another excellent choice for planting in containers. Not only are they extremely vibrant and colorful but also offer thick, lush foliage that complements the large flowers.
The only thing you need to be careful of when planting zinnias in containers is that they must receive plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day. Ideally, you should avoid keeping the container indoors where light doesn’t reach as well; a sunny window sill or patio would be much better.
6 – African Daisies
With a distinct dark center and bright, broad outer petals, African daisies are nothing short of beautiful, especially considering the diverse range of colors they come in.
The plant isn’t frost tolerant but still thrives in slightly cooler temperatures; you can say it’s somewhat half-hardy.
Planting African daisies in containers is a good idea because it’ll allow for easier mobility and repositioning. You’ll have to move them often to ensure optimal sunlight exposure.
5 – Lantanas
Lantana blooms feature a mix of different bright colors like yellow, orange, pink, blue, and violet. You’ll find their petals to have more than one hue and it creates a unique color display that’s quite appealing to lay eyes on.
To no surprise, these beautiful flowers also give off a sweet scent and attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
4 – Pansies
Pansies have always been known as these cheerful, jolly flowers, and, frankly, they are. Plant them in any container of your choice and place them wherever you like, they’ll surely add a vibe of joy and blissfulness to the environment in no time.
Pansies come in a variety of unique shades and hues. As a matter of fact, you’re unlikely to find them in any one color; there’s always a visually striking combination ready to charm you.
3 – Sedums
Sedums typically have rather shallow root systems, meaning they’re ideal for planting in pots and containers. Symbolizing peace and calmness, this plant grows best in moderate temperature conditions and slightly alkaline soil.
Sedum blooms are quite majestic and vibrant but not hardy enough to withstand frost. Ideally, you want to plant them in containers after the last expected frost date has passed.
2 – Marigolds
The good thing about marigolds in containers is that you can move them efficiently from one place to another. This helps because these plants have a natural tendency to repel pests and insects that might be in a close enough radius.
Marigold blooms are bright and bold and container planting will push them to develop a thick, fuller look in limited space.
1 – Snapdragons
Despite the ferocious name, snapdragons are actually quite wholesome and cheerful-looking.
Their unique, tubular flowers that come in a wide range of colors like yellow, pink, blue, purple, and white can look stunning in containers and it will allow them an opportunity to thrive in controlled environments with just the right amount of light, water, and humidity.
Final Words
I went over pretty much everything you need to know about choosing the right fall flowers and how they would look in containers. But, there’s something important I completely missed out on: the containers themselves.
Don’t forget to pick the right pots and containers that offer plenty of drainage holes at the bottom and are large enough to support some basic root development.
