Gardening Container Gardens Container Plans & Ideas 36 Container Garden Ideas to Inspire Your Own Pretty Plantings Use these examples to create the best-designed planter for your patio, window box, or other container planting. By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 19, 2024 Reviewed by David McKinney Reviewed by David McKinney David McKinney is an experienced plantsman sharing his expertise in horticulture. His knowledge spans landscape management, growing plants indoors and in the greenhouse, ecological plant selection, and much more. With nearly 15 years in the industry, he is well versed in both herbaceous and woody plants with additional interest in entomology. Learn about BHG's Gardening Review Board Close If you want to create a garden box, patio planter, or other contained arrangement of flowers and greenery but don't know how to get started, we have container garden ideas with all the details you need for a beautiful display. Find the container garden that works for you from our list, including the plants you need, the sunlight required, and suggestions for pots for planting. 6 Pollinator Container Garden Tips for Attracting Butterflies and Hummingbirds 01 of 36 Cottage-Style Container Garden This perfect cottage container garden idea is ideal for a window box. It incorporates soft shades of pink and purple and plants that have loose, open shapes. Here, petunias, licorice plant, and verbena do the job perfectly. This planting grows best in full sun. A. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie') — 1 B. Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) — 1 C. Petunia 'Carpet Lilac' — 2 D. Verbena 'Aztec Pink Magic'— 1 E. Wishbone flower (Torenia 'Summer Wave Blue') — 1 F. Salvia 'Lady in Red'— 1 G. Petunia 'Ramblin White'— 1 H. Petunia 'Pink Daddy' — 1 How to Plant Window Boxes Like a Pro 02 of 36 Galvanized Pot Containers A beautiful window box container garden idea can be simple or complex. Here, colorful petunias in attractive galvanized pots have just as much impact as a many-hued combination. This planting grows best in a spot that gets full sun. A. Petunia 'Wave Pink' — 1 03 of 36 Dramatic Full Sun Container Garden Use contrasting colors to create drama with this container garden idea. Here, shades of purple mix well together—and make a stunning contrast for a salmon geranium. This planting grows best in full sun. A. Lobelia erinus — 3 B. Petunia 'Blue Velvet' — 1 C. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Fantasia Salmon') — 2 D. Viola 'Sorbet Purple Duet'— 2 E. Lavender pink petunia — 1 04 of 36 Tropical Container Garden Create a container for gardening that will attract attention by using bold colors and tropical plants. Here, a tree-form hibiscus adds even more appeal. This planting grows best in full sun. A. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis — 1 B. Japanese bloodgrass (Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra') — 3 C. Salvia (Salvia splendens) — 3 D. New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens 'Celebration Deep Red') — 3 05 of 36 Perennial Container Garden Ideas You can add perennials to any container garden for year-after-year beauty. Stick to the well-known rule of having a spiller, a thriller, and a filler plant in each container. 06 of 36 Yellow Container Garden Bright shades of yellow catch the eye in this sunny container gardening idea, even across the yard. Here, golden sunflowers make an impact with their big, bold blooms. This cheery container grows best in full sun. A. Dwarf sunflower (Helianthus 'Elf') — 3 B. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum 'Yellow Chimes') — 6 C. Celosia 'Fresh Look Yellow' — 3 D. Marigold (Tagetes 'Janie Bright Yellow') — 4 E. Lysimachia 'Outback Sunset' — 3 F. Potato vine (Solanum jasminoides 'Variegata') — 2 Top Butterfly Container Garden Ideas 07 of 36 Scent-Focused Planter Great container garden ideas are appealing to several senses. Here, a hybrid rose and thyme offer scents as good as their looks. This planting grows best in full sun. A. Miniature rose (Rosa spp.) — 1 B. Creeping thyme (Thymus spp.) — 3 C. English ivy (Hedera helix) — 3 08 of 36 Heat- and Humidity-Tolerant Container Garden Plan properly to keep a container garden in a tough spot. Here, for example, canna, lantana, and maidengrass stand up to heat and humidity to look good all summer long. This planting grows best in full sun or partial shade. A. Canna 'Pretoria' — 2 B. Lantana 'Lucky White' — 4 C. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Dappled Dawn') — 1 D. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Dark Frills') — 2 E. Vinca major 'Variegata' — 3 F. Melampodium paludosum — 1 G. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita') — 1 H. Maidengrass (Miscanthus sinensis) — 1 09 of 36 Ornamental Grass Planter Use ornamental grasses to add height and texture for this container garden idea. Here, purple fountaingrass adds extra color, too. This planting grows best in partial shade. A. Purple fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') — 2 B. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Sun Velvet Red') — 3 C. Plectranthus 'Variegatus' — 2 D. Impatiens 'Dazzler Pink' — 2 E. Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) — 2 15 Beautiful Ways to Use Ornamental Grasses in Your Landscape 10 of 36 Succulent Container Garden Ideas We'll never get bored of succulents—they come in many shapes and colors! Succulents are the perfect low-maintenance container garden idea. Learn the secrets to a successful succulent container. 11 of 36 Colorful Foliage Container With fantastic foliage, you don't even need flowers in a container for gardening. Look for plants that have colorful foliage, such as the coleus used here. This planting grows best in partial shade. A. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Black Dragon') — 3 B. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Wizard Jade') — 3 C. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Dress Me Up') — 3 D. Ruellia brittoniana — 1 12 of 36 Bloomless Container Garden Here's a great bloomless container garden idea with interesting foliage. A purple phormium contrasts delightfully with a golden-variegated plectranthus. This planting grows best in partial shade. A. New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) — 1 B. Plectranthus 'Easy Gold' — 2 C. Society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) — 2 D. Silver thyme (Thymus 'Argenteus') — 1 E. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) — 1 F. Philodendron 'Prince of Orange' — 1 13 of 36 Creative Container Garden Vessel Planting in a great pot can make all the difference in a container for gardening. Here, an old rusty wheelbarrow makes a charming container garden. This planting grows best in full sun. A. Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — 1 B. Perilla 'Magilla' — 3 C. Diascia 'Diamonte Lavender Pink'— 3 24 Unique Repurposed Planters Made from Salvaged Materials 14 of 36 Carefully Repetitive Planter Repeating an element is one of the most effective container garden ideas. It applies to containers for gardening, too. Here, purple New Zealand flax and coralbells go together, as well as the arching form of the flax and the fiber optic grass. This planting grows best in partial sun. A. Fiber optic grass (Scirpus cernuus) — 1 B. Coralbells (Heuchera 'Amethyst Mist') — 1 C. New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) — 1 D. Variegated geranium (Pelargonium 'Happy Thought') — 1 E. Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) — 1 15 of 36 Video: Container Garden Design Tips Watch this quick video for tips on creating your own stunning container gardens. 16 of 36 Monochromatic Container Garden You don't need lots of color for a gorgeous container garden. Here, different shades of green and various textures combine delightfully. This planting grows best in full shade. A. Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) — 1 B. Canary Island ivy (Hedera canariensis) — 3 C. Sanvitalia 'Little Sun' — 3 D. Plectranthus 'Variegata' — 3 How to Understand Your Yard’s Sunlight So You Know What to Plant Where 17 of 36 Shades of Green Container Here's another example of how mixing shades of green is a beautiful container garden idea. As the season progresses, the sweet potato vine and licorice plant will trail down and cover the pot. This planting grows in sun or shade. A. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita') — 2 B. Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight') — 2 C. Bacopa (Sutera cordata) — 3 18 of 36 Container Garden With Colorful Annuals Don't be intimidated if you don't have full sun. A mix of colorful annuals, such as the ones shown here, will bloom all summer—even in full shade. A. White Begonia (B. x tuberhybrida) — 2 B. Browallia speciosa — 2 C. Impatiens 'Super Elfin Salmon Blush' — 2 D. Lobelia erinus 'Regatta Lilac' — 1 E. Hedera helix — 1 19 of 36 Multi-Tasking Container Garden Keep in mind that containers can do double duty. Here, a combination of low-growing plants works perfectly as a centerpiece for a party or as an accent on a wall, bench, table, or other structure. This container for gardening grows best in shade. A. Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) — 2 B. Begonia 'Cocktail Vodka' — 2 C. Wishbone flower (Torenia 'Clown Mix') — 3 20 of 36 Choosing the Right Pot Sometimes the container itself is just as important as the plants you put in it. Learn how to choose the right pot for your next container garden. The 18 Best Outdoor Planters of 2024 21 of 36 Dynamic Planter Swap plants out through the season to create different looks. Here, for example, this bleeding heart looks beautiful in spring. Once it fades, plant it in the garden and grow fragrant purple heliotrope in the container instead. This planting grows best in shade. A. Dicentra spectabilis—1 B. Impatiens 'Ole Starburst'—3 C. Variegated ground ivy Glechoma hederacea 'Variegata'—3 D. Bacopa Sutera cordata 'Abunda White'—1 22 of 36 Fragrant Container Garden Idea Favorite scented plants fill a terra-cotta pot tucked into a sturdy basket. Herbs and scented geraniums, in particular, offer a vast array of tantalizing fragrances, depending on the plants you choose. A. Eucalyptus B. Heliotrope Heliotropium spp. C. Scented geranium 'Attar of Roses' Pelargonium D. Lavender lavandula angustifolia E. Sweet alyssum Lobularia maritima F. Plectranthus ciliatus 'Vanilla Twist' G. Lobelia erinus 23 of 36 Textural Planter The irresistible textures of this display will encourage you to place it near a bench or entryway, where it can easily be seen and touched. A. Northern sea oats Chasmanthium latifolium B. Fiber optic grass Scirpus cernuus C. Ageratum 'Artist Blue' D. Silver sage Salvia argentea E. Chenille plant Acalypha hispida F. Lavender lavandula angustifolia G. Helichrysum petiolare 'Lemon Licorice' 24 of 36 Punchy Container Garden Idea A bright punch of color makes a splash in this sensational planter that blooms from spring into fall. A 1-inch-deep layer of pea gravel in the bottom of the container facilitates drainage. A. Salvia farinacea 'Victoria Blue' B. Zinnia 'Profusion Orange'; 'Profusion Pink' C. Osteospermum 'Symphony' D. Sweet alyssum Lobularia maritima E. Sanvitalia F. Lobelia erinus 'Compact Blue' 25 of 36 Salad Container Garden A container garden that's equal parts functional and beautiful, this salad container garden gives you fresh produce at your fingertips. 26 of 36 Pollinator-Friendly Container Garden Careful plant selection turns up the volume in this potted scheme. Rustling grasses tease eardrums, while other plants attract bees and birds that add their own sounds to the garden. A. Ornamental millet 'Purple Majesty' Pennisetum glaucum B. Gaura lindheimeri C. Butterfly weed Asclepias tuberosa D. Heucherella 'Quicksilver' E. Variegated sweet potato vine Ipomoea batatas F. Trailing snapdragon Antirrhinum majus G. Chartreuse sweet potato vine Ipomoea batatas H. Lantana 27 of 36 Edible Container Garden An aged wooden box outfitted with a plastic liner is a container garden idea that features edible picks with mild to peppery flavor. Edible flowers are best eaten by the petals rather than whole, so you can savor their typically delicate flavors. A. Miniature rose Rosa B. Dill Anethum graveolens C. Grape tomato D. Mint Mentha spp. E. Zinnia F. Parsley Petroselinum crispum G. Dianthus H. Nasturtium Tropaeolum I. Sweet potato vine Ipomoea batatas J. Sage Salvia 'Tricolo' K. Viola How to Build a Cedar Planter Box 28 of 36 Centered Container Garden Bold plants can be focal points in the landscape. A single plant can work the same way for a container garden, as this deep purple pseuderanthemum shows here. This planting thrives in sun or shade. A. Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum—2 B. Lobelia erinus 'Periwinkle Blue'—3 C. Basketgrass Oplismenus hirtellus 'Variegatus'—3 D. Plectranthus 'Uvongo'—3 E. Elephant plant Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'—3 29 of 36 Butterfly Planter Add even more interest to your container plantings by using them to attract butterflies. Here, butterfly favorites, including lantana, will appeal to you as much as they do your winged visitors. A. Coleus Solenostemon 'Kiwi Fern'—2 B. Cat's whiskers Orthosiphon stamineus—3 C. Purple trailing Lantana—3 D. Silver thyme Thymus 'Argenteus'—1 30 of 36 Drought-Tolerant Container Garden Ideas You can have a garden even if you're an avid traveler. Learn how to create a container garden that will withstand your summer vacation. These Tough Plants Can Take Nearly Anything Nature Throws at Them 31 of 36 Blended Container Garden Mix plants that have attractive flowers with plants grown for their foliage, and you'll have an extra-appealing container garden idea. Here, purple summer snapdragon and golden coleus will look great all summer. This planting grows best in sun or part shade. A. Alternanthera 'Red Thread'—2 B. Million bells Calibrachoa 'Million Bells Terra Cotta'—3 C. Summer snapdragon Angelonia 'AngelMist Deep Plum'—2 D. Coleus Solenostemon 'Blond Bombshell'—1 32 of 36 Variegated Foliage Container Garden Use variegated foliage to create more visual drama in your container gardens. Here, a simple coleus does the trick and is enhanced by the dark purple potato vine. This planting grows best in partial shade. A. Coleus Solenostemon 'Green Earrings'—3 B. Sweet potato vine Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie'—1 C. Bacopa Sutera 'Abunda Blue'—5 33 of 36 Unusual Planter Incorporate unusual plants for a container garden idea that adds extra zing. Here, the tall lion's ear adds to an already beautiful combination. This planting grows best in full sun. A. Sweet potato vine Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita'—1 B. Caricature plant Graptophyllum pictum—1 C. Silver sage Salvia argentea—1 D. Lion's ear Leonotis menthaefolia—1 E. Million bells Calibrachoa 'Million Bells Terra Cotta'—2 What Is Considered "Full Sun" in Your Garden? 34 of 36 Distinctive Container Garden Idea Here's another example of using a bold plant to create drama in a container garden. Here, the silvery cardoon's size, color, and texture make an impact. It grows best in full sun. A. Cardoon Cynara cardunculus—1 B. Diascia 'Sun Chimes Red'—4 C. Coleus Solenostemon 'Rose Queen'—3 35 of 36 Container Garden With Ornamental Plants Ornamental grasses add texture to any container garden idea. Here, purple fountaingrass rises up like fireworks out of a collection of bold, beautiful plants. This planting grows best in full sun. A. Purple fountaingrass Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'—2 B. Dusty miller Centaurea 'Colchester White'—1 C. Diascia 'Sun Chimes Coral'—4 D. Alternanthera 'Red Thread'—2 E. Caricature plant Graptophyllum pictum—1 36 of 36 Simply Elegant Planter Create simplicity and elegance with single-color plantings. Here, shades of silver mix and look particularly wonderful under the moonlight. This planting grows best in full sun. A. Silver sage Salvia argentea—1 B. Dusty miller Centaurea 'Colchester White'—1 C. Cat's whiskers Orthosiphon stamineus—1 D. Bacopa Sutera 'Snowfalls'—1 E. Nemesia 'Vanilla Sachet'—1 F. English ivy Hedera helix 'Ivalace'—2 Gardening Gear We Love Take Your Indoor Garden to the Next Level With These 20 Plant Stands The 9 Best Weeding Tools of 2024 for a Flourishing Garden The 19 Best Gardening Tools of 2024 for Weeding, Planting, and More The 58 Best Gifts for Gardeners in 2024 Gardening Gloves Worse for Wear? Shop the Ones Over 17,000 Shoppers Swear By Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit