Container gardening is one of the most flexible approaches to planting — pots can be moved, changed seasonally and positioned to solve specific problems like a bare corner or an unwelcoming front door. With the right plants and care routine, a well-arranged group of containers can be as impressive as any border.
Best Plants for Summer Containers
For a long summer display in a sunny spot, these plants are reliable, long-flowering and widely available at Hampshire garden centres from April onwards.
- Osteospermum — masses of daisy flowers, drought-tolerant
- Petunia — trailing types ideal for hanging baskets
- Verbena — floriferous and good for bees
- Fuchsia — shade-tolerant, excellent in mixed containers
- Calibrachoa — compact, self-cleaning, very long season
- Begonia — superb for shaded spots, low maintenance
Year-Round Container Planting
For permanent containers, combine an architectural evergreen centrepiece — box ball, phormium or small olive — with seasonal underplanting that changes two or three times a year.
Container Care Essentials
Container plants need far more water and feeding than those in borders. Water daily in hot weather, feed weekly with a liquid feed from May to September, and deadhead regularly to maintain flowering. Use good-quality compost with added slow-release fertiliser at planting time.
A&T Landscapes can help you design and plant stunning container displays for any garden across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Call 07735 916029 today.