Large Outdoor Pots: Best Plants to Grow

Embarking on the journey of transforming your outdoor space into a lush, vibrant oasis often begins with the question, "What can I plant in large outdoor pots?" The answer is as diverse as the plants themselves, offering a plethora of options that can cater to various climates, sunlight conditions, and personal preferences. Let's delve into the world of large outdoor pots and explore the myriad possibilities they present.

Large outdoor pots, with their generous capacity, allow for the cultivation of a wide range of plants, from towering trees to sprawling shrubs and vibrant flowers. They also offer the flexibility of being moved around, providing the perfect solution for those who wish to change their garden layout or follow the sun's path throughout the day. Moreover, they are an excellent option for renters or those with limited space, enabling the creation of a garden without the need for permanent planting.

Evergreen Plants for Year-Round Beauty

Evergreen plants are a staple in any garden, providing year-round color and structure. Their ability to retain their leaves throughout the seasons makes them an excellent choice for large outdoor pots. Let's explore two popular evergreen options.

**Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig)** - This elegant plant is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and graceful, cascading branches. It thrives in partial shade and is relatively low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor pots. The Ficus Benjamina can grow quite tall, making it an excellent option for adding height to your garden.

Ficus Benjamina Care

To ensure your Ficus Benjamina grows strong and healthy, provide it with well-draining soil and water it consistently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. It prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and should be fertilized monthly during the growing season.

Pruning Ficus Benjamina

Prune your Ficus Benjamina in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Be aware that this plant is sensitive to drafts and sudden temperature changes, so it's best to keep it away from doorways and heating vents.

**Hedera helix (English Ivy)** - This versatile plant is renowned for its ability to cling to surfaces, creating a lush, green wall or cascading down from a hanging pot. English Ivy thrives in partial to full shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round beauty, while its hardiness makes it an excellent choice for colder climates.

Hedera helix Care

English Ivy requires consistently moist, well-draining soil and prefers temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C). It is relatively low-maintenance, needing only occasional fertilization and pruning to maintain its shape. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the stems in late spring or early summer.

Training English Ivy

English Ivy can be easily trained to grow in the desired direction by gently tying its stems to a trellis or support structure. This plant is also an excellent air purifier, making it a great choice for those looking to improve the indoor air quality of their home.

Seasonal Color with Annual Flowers

Annual flowers are a fantastic way to add a splash of color to your garden, providing a vibrant display that changes with the seasons. Large outdoor pots allow you to experiment with various combinations of annuals, creating stunning centerpieces or borders for your outdoor space. Let's explore two popular annual flower options.

**Petunia (Waving Petunia)** - These charming flowers come in a wide range of colors and are known for their cascading growth habit, making them an excellent choice for hanging or large outdoor pots. Waving Petunias prefer full sun to partial shade and are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only consistent watering and occasional deadheading to encourage continuous blooming.

Petunia Care

Petunias grow best in well-draining soil and should be fertilized monthly during the growing season. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established but will produce more flowers with consistent watering. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the stems in early spring.

Petunia Combinations

Petunias pair beautifully with other annual flowers such as verbena, calibrachoa, and sweet potato vine. For a stunning color combination, try planting petunias with verbena in shades of purple and blue, or with calibrachoa in complementary colors for a vibrant, eye-catching display.

**Begonia (Angel Wing Begonia)** - Angel Wing Begonias are known for their stunning, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant flowers. These plants prefer partial shade and are an excellent choice for adding a touch of tropical elegance to your garden. Their trailing growth habit makes them an ideal candidate for large outdoor pots or hanging baskets.

Angel Wing Begonia Care

Begonias require consistently moist, well-draining soil and prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They should be fertilized monthly during the growing season and pinched back in early spring to encourage bushier growth. Begonias are relatively low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for those new to gardening.

Begonia Combinations

Angel Wing Begonias pair beautifully with other shade-loving plants such as ferns, impatiens, and coleus. For a lush, tropical look, try planting begonias with ferns and impatiens in a large outdoor pot, or create a vibrant hanging basket by combining begonias with coleus in complementary colors.

As you embark on your gardening journey, remember that the key to a successful outdoor pot display lies in selecting plants that thrive in your specific climate and sunlight conditions. By choosing a mix of evergreen plants for year-round beauty and annual flowers for seasonal color, you can create a lush, vibrant oasis that will bring joy and inspiration to your outdoor space. So go ahead, let your creativity flow, and watch as your large outdoor pots transform into a living, breathing masterpiece.