Plants for planters

Planters are containers that allow us to create fantastic plant compositionsTherefore, they are also elements with which to beautify a patio, a terrace or even a balcony, since they can be bought in plastic and fastened to it without problems.

However, once we have them, What are the best plants for planters? Varieties are often chosen that are, yes, beautiful, but only for a short period of time. As they grow, the competition between them becomes more and more noticeable, and in the end either we plant them in other containers, or some will wither. To avoid this, we recommend the following.

Plants for small planters (max. 40 centimeters long)

In these planters we can only put two or three small plants, or one of medium size, such as the ones shown below:

Heather (calluna vulgaris)

El heather It is a small perennial plant that grows between 20 and 50 centimeters tall. It has small leaves, but when it blooms it produces many lovely pink flowers. However, it is ideal to have in a planter whenever soil is put in for acid plants, because in alkaline substrates it would yellow.

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

El clavel it is a herb that reaches a height of up to 1 meter. It is a very strong plant that blooms in spring-summer, producing white, lilac, pink or yellow flowers. You have to put it in a sunny place, since that way it will grow strongly (in the shade its stems bend).

Geraniums (Geranium and Pelargonium)

The geraniumsAs well as pelargoniumsThey are perennial plants that are widely used in flower boxes. They usually reach a height of about 30 centimeters high, and have stems that, depending on the variety, can hang. What's more, its flowers, which can be red, pink, lilac or white, bloom during spring and summer. For this they need light, and protection against frost.

Heuchera (Heuchera)

La heuchera They are plants with leaves whose colors attract a lot of attention: they can be red, green, lilac, yellowish-green, orange ... Their spike-shaped flowers are not far behind: these are white, red or pink and appear during spring. It grows up to 30 centimeters in height. You need shade, or semi-shade, and a substrate for acidic plants. Supports up to -7ºC.

Petunia (Petunia)

All the petunias They are perennial herbs that are grown as annuals since they do not resist the cold. They reach a height of 20-30 centimeters, and also bloom during spring and summer. They are closely related to calibrachoa, so much so that they are often confused, although the latter have the smallest flowers. Either way, both are great plants for planters. Put them in the sun and enjoy them.

Plants for large planters (over 60cm long)

A large planter will fit several plants. The exact number will depend on the size of said planter, as well as the size of the plants that you want to put in. Thus, two shrub rose bushes in a 1 meter long container, or six tulip bulbs in a 60 centimeter container, for example, can look very good. Take a look at the ones we recommend:

Aspidistra (Aspidistra elatior)

La aspidistra It is a rhizomatous plant that is normally kept indoors, but as it supports the cold and even frosts down to -7ºC it is interesting to grow it in a medium or large planter. It reaches a height of 60-70 centimeters, and develops lanceolate green or variegated leaves that are attached to the rhizome by a long, green petiole. It has to be in shade or semi-shade, but otherwise you will see that it is a very grateful plant.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea)

La hydrangea It is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 50-60 centimeters. It produces clusters of flowers (inflorescences) which are blue or pink, rarely white, in spring. It is possible to have it in a planter, where in fact it will look very pretty if you put two specimens in a 1 meter long one. But you should know that it has to be watered frequently, as it does not resist drought. Also, if frosts are registered, they will need protection. It is also important to put substrate for acidic plants, otherwise their leaves would become chlorotic.

Lavender (Lavandula)

La lavender essence it is a perennial plant that reaches up to 1 meter tall. It blooms in spring-summer, and does so by producing lilac flowers. All of it is aromatic, but it is also one of the most repellent to mosquitoes. You have to place it in full sun, and water it from time to time. It supports well the frosts of up to -12ºC.

Elephant ear (Alocasia macrorrhiza)

If you want to have a tall plant in a planter placed indoors, the elephant ear it is just perfect. Although it can reach two meters in height, its roots are not too big. But you have to know that it needs light, and moderate watering. It does not resist the cold, unless they are very weak and specific frosts (down to -2ºC), and even so and everything in these conditions must be in a sheltered place, hence it is advisable to have it at home either only in winter or all year.

Rose (Pink)

El rosebush It is a perennial shrub that can live for many years, and also blooms from spring to almost fall. There are varieties that are climbers, such as the cultivar 'La sevillana'which has red flowers, but they all look good in a planter. The only thing that has to be chosen is the one that is the most suitable, since for example the mini rose bush can be in a small one, but the rest must be in a medium or large one. For them to grow well, they must be in a sunny place. Also, they must be pruned from time to time in order for them to continue to flourish.

Which of these plants for planters did you like the most?