Transforming Your Container Garden: 20 Best Large Container Plants
Are you looking to elevate your container garden to new heights? Tall potted plants can add drama, variety, and a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. But designing a container garden that truly dazzles requires a bit of finesse. The key is to follow the “thriller, spiller, filler” design concept. This means pairing a tall focal point plant with cascading spillers to soften the container’s edges, and filling in the gaps with rounded mounding filler plants to create a lush full look.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best large container plants that can thrive in any container garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these plants are sure to impress with their height and beauty. But before we dive into our top picks, here are a few tips to ensure your container garden flourishes:
- Choose a container that is heavy enough to anchor the plant and prevent it from toppling over in windy conditions
- Consider using a plant caddy to easily move your container once it becomes heavy
Now, let’s take a closer look at 20 of the best tall plants to grow in your container garden:
Agave (Agave)
Agave plants are an excellent choice for a large succulent focal point in your container garden. These plants come in a variety of sizes and appearances, making them a versatile option for any hardiness zone. Make sure to plant your agave in a shallow clay pot with excellent drainage, using a gritty soil mix for best results.
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Amaranth (Amaranthus)
Amaranth plants, such as love lies bleeding or Joseph’s coat, can add vibrant colors and drama to your container garden. These annual plants can grow to heights of 2 to 4 feet and prefer moist soil with good drainage.
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Arborvitae (Thuja)
Using an evergreen like ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae as a centerpiece in your container garden can add elegance and low-maintenance beauty. These semi-dwarf trees grow in a narrow pyramid shape, making them a perfect choice for container planting.
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Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
While bamboo can be invasive in the garden, clumping varieties are suitable for containers. Choose a container with good drainage to prevent soggy soil, and enjoy the conversation piece that bamboo adds to your outdoor space.
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Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Big bluestem is a lovely ornamental grass that can adapt well to container planting. Make sure to provide ample sunlight and avoid overwatering to keep this grass thriving in your container.
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Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea)
Bougainvillea is a stunning vine that can add a pop of color to your container garden. While only hardy in USDA hardiness zone 9 and higher, you can grow it as an annual or bring it indoors for the winter.
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Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
Boxwood shrubs are a versatile option for container gardens, allowing you to create formal or funky designs with their trimmable foliage. Choose a container with good drainage to prevent root rot in your boxwood plant.
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Canna Lily (Canna × generalis)
Canna lilies are perfect for adding a tropical flair to your container garden with their large, showy flowers. These plants thrive in moist soil and need regular watering to keep them happy.
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Dracaena (Dracaena)
Dracaena plants can grow tall in containers, adding a touch of greenery to your outdoor space. These low-maintenance plants are ideal for shady conditions and can be moved indoors for the winter.
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Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca)
The dwarf Alberta spruce is a stunning conical evergreen that can add texture to your container garden. Make sure to provide regular watering to keep this slow-growing tree thriving in its container.
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Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta)
Elephant ear plants are imposing yet fun, with large, arrow-shaped leaves that can add drama to your container garden. These plants thrive in moist environments, so be sure to water them regularly.
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Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora)
Feather reed grass is a cool-season grass that adds a touch of elegance to your container garden with its upright growth habit. This grass is perfect for the center of a container and prefers damp soil conditions.
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Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’)
Fountain grass is a show-stopping plant with its burgundy leaves and spiky flowers. This plant can add privacy and movement to your container garden, swaying gently in the breeze.
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Fuchsia (Fuchsia)
Fuchsia plants are a great choice for shady container gardens, offering vibrant blooms throughout the growing season. Make sure to provide adequate drainage to prevent root rot in your fuchsia plant.
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Hibiscus (Hibiscus)
Hibiscus plants are tropical-looking shrubs that can easily be grown in containers. These plants can reach impressive heights and add a touch of exotic beauty to your outdoor space.
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Mountain Cabbage Tree (Cordyline indivisa)
The mountain cabbage tree is a unique plant that resembles a small palm tree, making it a fascinating focal point for your container garden. This plant thrives in well-draining potting mix and can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet.
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New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax)
New Zealand flax is a spiky plant that adds color and interest to your container garden. With its sword-shaped leaves, this plant can reach heights of 4 feet in a container and thrives in rich organic potting mix.
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Princess Flower (Tibouchina urvilleana)
Princess flower, also known as purple glory flower, is a stunning evergreen shrub that can grow to impressive heights in a container garden. This plant thrives in sunny locations and adds a touch of tropical beauty to any space.
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Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Bay trees are not only beautiful but also functional, allowing you to pluck fresh bay leaves from your container. These slow-growing plants are perfect for container planting and can be overwintered indoors.
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Yucca (Yucca)
Yucca plants are hardy and visually striking, making them an excellent focal point for your container garden. These plants thrive in well-draining soil and prefer to be kept on the drier side to prevent root rot.
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In conclusion, adding tall plants to your container garden can take your outdoor space to the next level. Whether you’re looking to create a tropical paradise or a formal garden, these large container plants offer a wide range of options for every gardener. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening gloves, and start transforming your container garden with these stunning tall plants. Happy planting!
