38 Stunning Ornamental Plants for Container Gardens

Gardening in small spaces can be a delightful challenge, and container gardens offer a versatile solution for those with limited outdoor areas. Whether you have a balcony, patio, or just a few square feet of space, the right selection of ornamental plants can transform your small oasis into a lush, vibrant retreat. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore 38 of the best ornamental plants that thrive in containers, helping you create a stunning and low-maintenance container garden.

The Beauty of Ornamental Container Plants

Ornamental plants are not just about vibrant blooms and lush foliage - they also offer a wide range of textures, shapes, and growth habits that can be perfectly suited for container gardening. From cascading vines to towering architectural specimens, these plants can add depth, drama, and visual interest to your small-space garden.

One of the key advantages of growing ornamental plants in containers is the ability to control the growing conditions. By using well-draining potting mix and strategically placed containers, you can ensure your plants receive the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients, even in challenging urban environments. This level of control allows you to experiment with a diverse range of species that might not thrive in your local climate if planted directly in the ground.

Selecting the Right Ornamental Plants for Containers

When choosing ornamental plants for your container garden, consider the following factors:

1. Light Requirements

Different plants have varying needs when it comes to sunlight exposure. Some thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade or even full shade. Carefully assess the lighting conditions in your outdoor space and select plants accordingly.

2. Growth Habits

Pay attention to the mature size and growth habits of the plants you're considering. Trailing or cascading plants can spill beautifully over the edges of containers, while upright or mounding plants can provide height and structure.

3. Watering Needs

Some ornamental plants are more drought-tolerant than others. If you have a busy lifestyle or tend to forget about watering, choose plants that can withstand periods of dryness.

4. Maintenance Requirements

Consider the level of care each plant requires. Some ornamental species need regular pruning or deadheading to maintain their appearance, while others are more low-maintenance.

5. Seasonal Interest

Opt for a mix of plants that offer different seasonal highlights, such as spring blooms, summer foliage, or autumn color, to ensure your container garden remains visually appealing throughout the year.

38 Stunning Ornamental Plants for Container Gardens

Now, let's dive into our curated selection of 38 ornamental plants that are perfect for container gardening:

1. Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)

Geraniums are a classic choice for container gardens, offering a wide range of vibrant bloom colors and a compact, mounding growth habit. They thrive in full sun and require moderate watering.

2. Petunias (Petunia spp.)

Petunias come in a dazzling array of colors and growth habits, from trailing varieties that spill over the edges of containers to upright, bushy types. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

3. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds are known for their bold, pungent foliage and cheerful, daisy-like flowers. They are heat-tolerant, low-maintenance, and work well in both sunny and partially shaded container gardens.

4. Begonias (Begonia spp.)

Begonias are versatile ornamental plants that come in a variety of forms, from trailing to upright. They thrive in partial shade and prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil.

5. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Lantana is a vibrant, drought-tolerant plant that produces clusters of colorful, nectar-rich flowers. It does best in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.

6. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

Coleus is prized for its stunning, multicolored foliage that comes in a wide array of patterns and shapes. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.

7. Succulents (Various species)

Succulents, such as echeveria, sedum, and sempervivum, are excellent choices for container gardens. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and thrive in full sun with well-draining soil.

8. Fuchsias (Fuchsia spp.)

Fuchsias are known for their cascading, bell-shaped flowers that come in a rainbow of colors. They prefer partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil.

9. Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)

Impatiens are shade-loving annuals that produce an abundance of vibrant, delicate flowers. They require consistently moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.

10. Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa spp.)

Also known as "million bells," calibrachoa are trailing plants that resemble miniature petunias. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil.

11. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are cheerful, bold flowers that come in a wide range of colors and growth habits, from compact mounds to tall, upright plants. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

12. Ornamental Grasses (Various species)

Ornamental grasses, such as purple fountain grass, Japanese forest grass, and blue fescue, can add texture and movement to container gardens. They have varying light and water requirements.

13. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is a fragrant, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Its silvery-green foliage and purple flowers make it a beautiful addition to any container garden.

14. Trailing Vines (Various species)

Trailing vines, such as ivy, sweet potato vine, and trailing verbena, can spill beautifully over the edges of containers, adding a cascading effect to your garden.

15. Ornamental Kale and Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

These cool-season ornamentals offer stunning, textured foliage in a range of colors, including purple, pink, and white. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

16. Ornamental Peppers (Capsicum annuum)

Ornamental peppers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, from small, round "Christmas" peppers to tall, slender varieties. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil.

17. Ornamental Alliums (Allium spp.)

Alliums, such as the giant onion and the drumstick allium, add architectural interest to container gardens with their spherical, globe-shaped flowers. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

18. Ornamental Kale (Brassica oleracea)

Ornamental kale is a cool-season annual that offers stunning, ruffled foliage in shades of purple, pink, and white. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

19. Ornamental Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

Similar to ornamental kale, ornamental cabbage features large, textured leaves in a range of colors. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

20. Ornamental Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Ornamental millet is a tall, striking grass with feathery, plume-like flower heads. It does best in full sun and well-draining soil.

21. Ornamental Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

Dwarf or compact sunflower varieties, such as the Sunbright or Sunspot cultivars, are perfect for container gardens. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil.

22. Ornamental Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)

Ornamental amaranth offers vibrant, colorful foliage and dramatic, feathery flower plumes. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

23. Ornamental Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

In addition to its culinary uses, ornamental basil, such as the 'Purple Ruffles' or 'Amethyst Improved' varieties, can add a pop of color and texture to container gardens. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

24. Ornamental Sage (Salvia spp.)

Ornamental sages, like the vibrant 'Victoria Blue' or the fragrant 'Indigo Spires,' offer stunning flower spikes and attractive foliage. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

25. Ornamental Thyme (Thymus spp.)

Ornamental thymes, such as the creeping 'Elfin' or the variegated 'Doone Valley,' can be used as low-growing, drought-tolerant groundcovers in container gardens. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil.

26. Ornamental Oregano (Origanum spp.)

Ornamental oregano varieties, like the trailing 'Kent Beauty' or the upright 'Hopley's Purple,' offer unique foliage and flowers that can enhance the visual interest of your container garden. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

27. Ornamental Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a fragrant, drought-tolerant herb that can be grown in containers. Its needle-like foliage and blue flowers make it a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

28. Ornamental Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

In addition to the classic English lavender, there are several ornamental lavender varieties, such as the compact 'Hidcote' or the trailing 'Munstead,' that can be grown in containers. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

29. Ornamental Mint (Mentha spp.)

While mint can be an aggressive grower in the ground, container-grown ornamental mint varieties, like the variegated 'Peppermint' or the purple-leaved 'Chocolate,' can be a delightful addition to your outdoor space. They thrive in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.

30. Ornamental Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives are not only a culinary herb but also an ornamental plant with their delicate, purple-pink flowers. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

31. Ornamental Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Ornamental fennel, with its feathery, fern-like foliage and yellow flower umbels, can add a touch of whimsy to your container garden. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

32. Ornamental Kale (Brassica oleracea)

In addition to the more common green and purple varieties, there are also ornamental kale cultivars with stunning, ruffled leaves in shades of pink, white, and purple. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

33. Ornamental Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

Similar to ornamental kale, ornamental cabbage features large, textured leaves in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and white. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

34. Ornamental Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Ornamental millet is a tall, striking grass with feathery, plume-like flower heads. It does best in full sun and well-draining soil.

35. Ornamental Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

Dwarf or compact sunflower varieties, such as the Sunbright or Sunspot cultivars, are perfect for container gardens. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil.

36. Ornamental Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)

Ornamental amaranth offers vibrant, colorful foliage and dramatic, feathery flower plumes. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

37. Ornamental Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

In addition to its culinary uses, ornamental basil, such as the 'Purple Ruffles' or 'Amethyst Improved' varieties, can add a pop of color and texture to container gardens. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

38. Ornamental Sage (Salvia spp.)

Ornamental sages, like the vibrant 'Victoria Blue' or the fragrant 'Indigo Spires,' offer stunning flower spikes and attractive foliage. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

By incorporating these 38 stunning ornamental plants into your container garden, you can create a visually captivating and low-maintenance outdoor oasis, even in the smallest of spaces. Remember to consider the unique growing requirements of each plant and group them accordingly for the best results. Happy gardening!