Yarrow

Yarrow is available in several colors and is very tolerant of tough conditions. Mix it with other heat- and drought-tolerant plants for a low-maintenance planter in a sunny spot. Most varieties are cold-hardy in USDA Zones 3-4 through Zone 9. Yarrow is a pollinator favorite and will rebloom if deadheaded.

Lavender

Lavender is a perfect container perennial. Its finicky drainage needs are easier to manage in a pot, and lavender always looks fantastic in a large terra-cotta planter. Make sure to keep potted lavender out of winter rainy spells or the roots may rot.

Many varieties of lavender are available with differing hardiness and sizes; choose one appropriate for your climate and space. They all smell fantastic so you can’t go wrong.

Coneflower

Native purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) makes a good container choice, but plant breeders have developed numerous nativars (cultivars of native plants) in a range of dazzling colors. Choose compact varieties that will hold their shape well in a container, such as ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ shown here.

Salvia

There are many types of hardy salvia that work well in containers as striking thriller plants. For example, ‘Pink Friesland’ (shown here) grows up to 2 feet tall with wands of pink flowers. Other types of salvia come in shades of blue, purple, and red. Their hardiness and bloom times vary, so make sure to check that the salvia you choose can overwinter in your area.

Coreopsis

Perennial species of coreopsis, such as threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata, shown here) and lanceleaf coreopsis (C. lanceolata), are long-blooming flowers that work well as thrillers in perennial container plantings. They enjoy full sun and drier conditions, making them ideal container perennials. They pair well with sedum and catmint, as well as many annuals.

Astilbe

If you need a colorful perennial flower for shadier sites, a container full of astilbes might be the ticket. They enjoy moist soil and partial shade, and will send forth long-lasting spikes of blooms. Pair them with coral bells to add more color and fill out the pot.

Catmint

Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) not only provides silvery-green, scented foliage but also blooms profusely. It is very cold-hardy, not picky about conditions, and looks great on its own in a planter or when mixed with taller plants. Newer varieties, such as ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ (shown here) up the ante with striking foliage that makes the flowers pop on compact plants.

Daylily

A pot of daylilies on the patio will provide bright colors and grass-green foliage. Choose two or three varieties in one large container, mixing early and late-blooming daylilies for a stunning, easy-to-grow display. Or you can mix and match them with other flowering perennials and annuals to create a dynamic mix of colors and textures like this container garden.

Sedum

Upright sedums are a fantastic choice for planters in the hot, sunny spots that deck or patio planters often occupy. They aren’t fussy about soil, and will grow and bloom in later summer into fall, providing a colorful feast for pollinators. Add a few chrysanthemums to complement your autumn display.

Allium

Flowering alliums are easy to grow in containers, and the larger ones add vertical interest when in bloom. They’re also loved by pollinators. Containers with alliums should be planted in the fall and allowed to overwinter in a cool location. 

Most flowering alliums bloom in late spring to early summer, so mix them with other perennials for a longer display. After blooming, leave the foliage to recharge the bulbs for next year.

Perennial Sunflower

Most sunflowers are annuals, but the perennial species (Heliopsis helianthoides) are perfect for growing in containers. They’re cold-hardy in most of the US, reach 2-3 feet high, and are covered in bright sunflower blooms all summer long. Deadheading will keep them blooming, and they also make a great addition to a bouquet of cut flowers.

Tips for Growing Perennials in Pots

The biggest issues for gardeners when growing perennials in pots are usually drainage, proper watering, and cold injury. Follow these tips to ensure your container garden perennials stay healthy and vigorous, and return every year.

• Choose a larger pot. Most perennials develop significant root systems. A small container limits the plant’s growth and flowering potential. Start with a 14-16 inch diameter pot, and move up to a larger pot when needed.
• Ensure good drainage. If the bottom of the pot you want to use doesn’t have drainage holes, drill a few or choose a different pot with holes. And fill it with high-quality potting mix, not garden soil, to ensure good drainage.
• Keep up with watering. Even drought-tolerant perennials need more frequent watering during dry spells when grown in containers. Not only do containers drain more quickly, but they also limit how deeply and how far a plant can forage for water.
• Fertilize lightly. Most perennials don’t require as much fertilizer as annuals, but the nutrients in your potting mix will be depleted over the course of a few months. Since potted perennials can’t grow larger roots in search of more nutrients, it’s up to you to provide the nutrients they need. Slow-release fertilizers work well.
• Have an overwintering plan. Roots in a pot are more exposed to freezing temperatures than those insulated by the ground and may suffer from cold injury. A good guideline is to use plants that are two USDA Zones hardier than your location (e.g., use Zone 4 and colder perennials if you garden in Zone 6). Move the containers to a protected location over winter. An unheated garage or a cold basement corner can work well.