When we downsized from our house to a condo, I nearly cried thinking I had to give up gardening.
But then I discovered container perennials, and now my little balcony looks even prettier than my old backyard!
These 10 plants are my absolute favorites for creating a stunning pot garden that gets better year after year.
Top 10 Perennials for Containers
1. Black-Eyed Susan
This cheerful flower brings a touch of sunshine to any spot, whether it’s a cozy balcony or spacious backyard.
The compact varieties like American Gold Rush and Little Gold Star are perfect for smaller spaces.
They thrive in sunny spots and handle heat and humidity like champions. Just keep the soil moist but not soggy, and remove old flowers to encourage more blooms.
2. Agastache (Anise Hyssop)
This true garden gem boasts aromatic leaves and striking tubular flowers in shades from soft lavender to deep berry red.
Popular varieties like Tutti Frutti and Blue Fortune create a haven for wildlife, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
They bloom continuously from early summer to first frost when planted in full sun to part shade with well-draining soil.
3. Asters
These delightful daisy-like flowers come in stunning shades of blue, purple, lavender, and pink, blooming from late summer through fall.
For fuller, bushier plants, trim back the stems by midsummer. They pair beautifully with coreopsis, peonias, and ornamental grasses.
Keep them in moist, organically rich soil with good air circulation, and thin stems to prevent disease.
4. Catmint (Nepeta)
This dual-purpose plant features soft, fragrant, and edible leaves with lush gray-green foliage and beautiful purple spikes.
Catmint is a dream for low-maintenance gardeners, blooming tirelessly from early warm weather until frost.
It naturally repels insects like aphids and squash bugs, while staying resistant to deer and rabbits. Simply deadhead spent flowers or trim back in midsummer for a second bloom.
5. Coneflower (Echinacea)
Originally thriving on prairies, coneflowers have adapted wonderfully to container life with their striking, vibrant blooms.
They support the ecosystem by providing nectar to beneficial insects and seeds to birds during colder months.
These hardy plants love heat and perform best in full sun with well-draining soil and pots with good drainage holes.
6. Hellebores (Lenten Roses)
These winter and early spring jewels captivate with their large nodding blooms rising above dark evergreen leaves.
Available in colors from creamy whites to deep wine reds, in both single and double forms, they add unique charm throughout all seasons.
They thrive in a woodland-like setting with moist, well-drained soil and prefer dappled light to full shade, making them perfect for less sunny spots.
7. Hostas
These ultimate shade-loving plants transform any shaded area into a vibrant oasis with their rich sculptural foliage.
Their leaves come in various shapes – broad, strappy, and curly – with colors ranging from deep blue-green to bright emerald and eye-catching variegated patterns.
In early summer, delicate lavender or white flowers emerge on tall scapes, attracting hummingbirds and adding extra charm.
8. Monarda (Bee Balm)
This native gem shines brightly with radiant blooms in shades of purple, pink, and red, featuring whorled petals above aromatic minty foliage.
It creates eye-catching combinations with garden favorites like coreopsis, echinacea, Shasta daisy, and aster.
Give it plenty of air circulation, keep soil moist and rich in organic matter, and remove spent blooms for prolonged flowering.
9. Lavender
This enchanting perennial is cherished for its fragrance and striking blooms, with varieties including English, French, Spanish, and Dutch.
The Munstead variety excels in containers with its compact growth and robust early blooms, pairing beautifully with ornamental grasses, echinacea, rudbeckia, and euro.
Plant in a large pot with well-draining soil, place in a sunny spot, and water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
10. Rosemary
This culinary treasure doubles as a beautiful container plant with its aromatic needles, evergreen foliage, and charming blue flowers.
Varieties like Tuscan offer structural height, while prostratus types elegantly spill over edges, adding depth to displays.
Combine with other Mediterranean herbs like thyme and lavender, or pair with vibrant geraniums for a stunning display. Ensure plenty of sunlight and let soil dry between waterings for best results.