16 Things To Plant in Containers Right Now for Early Color Outdoors
If you are looking to add some early color to your outdoor space, planting in containers is a great solution. With the right plants, you can bring vibrant hues to your garden even before the full spring bloom. Container gardening offers flexibility, allowing you to move plants around as needed. It is a simple way to brighten up patios, balconies, and entryways.
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Pansies
Pansies are a classic choice for early-season color in containers. Known for their vibrant and varied hues, they can withstand cooler temperatures, making them ideal for planting now. Their hearty nature allows them to bloom early, offering a cheerful splash of color in spring. Pansies do well in containers, adding a layer of beauty to patios, porches, and garden corners.
These flowers thrive in partial to full sun and prefer well-draining soil. They are versatile enough to mix with other plants, such as violas or primroses, for an even richer display. Pansies typically bloom in a range of colors, from deep purples to bright yellows and reds. With regular watering and occasional deadheading, they will continue to flower throughout the season.
Primroses
Primroses are perfect for brightening up container gardens in the early spring. Their vibrant colors, ranging from pastels to bold hues, make them a lovely addition to any outdoor space. Primroses are resilient and can thrive even in the chillier months, making them an excellent choice for early-season planting. They prefer cool conditions, which makes them well-suited for early spring in containers.
For best results, plant primroses in containers with good drainage and in a spot that gets partial to full sunlight. They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only moderate watering to keep them looking their best. These plants are known for their long-lasting flowers, often blooming for several weeks. Their ability to handle the early chill makes them a great way to introduce color before warmer temperatures set in.
Violas
Violas are small, yet striking flowers that thrive in containers during the early months of the year. Their cheerful faces and variety of colors make them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add early color. They can handle colder temperatures and will bloom for a long time, making them one of the first flowers to brighten up a garden. These compact plants are well-suited for pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes.
Violas are relatively easy to care for and grow best in moist, well-draining soil with partial to full sun. Their flowers come in shades of purple, yellow, white, and even bi-colored varieties. These flowers can last through the cooler months with proper care, providing a vibrant display well into spring. Their small size makes them perfect for creating colorful arrangements in smaller containers.
Tulips
Tulips are a great way to bring bold color to your containers early in the season. These springtime staples are known for their wide range of colors, from soft pastels to bright, fiery hues. Tulips do well in containers, and planting them now will give you an early display of color when they bloom. They are especially well-suited for pots, as their roots can spread easily in container soil.
When planting tulips in containers, make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the bulb’s roots. Tulips prefer sunny spots and well-draining soil to ensure healthy growth. Once they bloom, tulips offer a stunning burst of color that adds beauty to any outdoor setting. After blooming, the foliage will naturally die back, but the flowers will leave a lasting impression.
Daffodils
Daffodils are one of the most recognizable early bloomers, making them an excellent choice for container planting. These cheerful yellow flowers are ideal for adding color to outdoor spaces in the early months of the year. Daffodils are easy to grow and can handle the cooler temperatures that come with early spring. Their tall, graceful blooms create a stunning visual contrast in containers.
Plant daffodil bulbs in a well-draining container and place them in a sunny spot. Once established, they require minimal maintenance, only needing occasional watering. Daffodils are known for their resilience, and their flowers will often last for weeks, providing an extended period of color. They are a reliable choice for early outdoor color and will reliably bloom every year with proper care.
Crocus
Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, making them an ideal choice for early-season container gardening. These small yet vibrant flowers come in various colors, including purple, yellow, and white, providing a burst of brightness as soon as the weather warms up. Crocuses are great for planting now, and they will quickly create a beautiful display in your garden containers.
Crocuses thrive in containers with well-draining soil and should be placed in a location with plenty of sunlight. Their bulbs are easy to plant, and once they begin to bloom, they create a stunning display that signals the arrival of spring. Crocuses are hardy and can tolerate light frost, making them a reliable choice for early planting. They will continue to bloom for weeks, offering a lasting touch of color.
Hyacinths
Hyacinths are known for their vibrant colors and fragrant blooms, making them a great addition to early-season container gardens. These flowers bloom in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white, filling the air with a lovely scent. Hyacinths can handle cooler temperatures and are perfect for planting in containers, where their colors can brighten up any outdoor space. Their large, dense flower spikes add vertical interest to your container displays.
When planting hyacinths, use a well-draining container and place them in a sunny spot for the best results. These plants are easy to grow and require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Hyacinths bloom in early spring, often before other flowers have fully opened. Their striking appearance and fragrance make them a standout choice for any container garden.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a versatile plant that can thrive in containers and add color to your garden early in the season. Known for their tall spikes of colorful flowers, snapdragons can brighten up any outdoor space with hues ranging from red and pink to yellow and white. They are cold-tolerant and can handle the chill of early spring, making them a perfect choice for planting right now. Their upright growth adds height and structure to container gardens.
Plant snapdragons in well-draining soil and place them in a spot with plenty of sunlight. They prefer cool weather and will thrive in the early spring, blooming with stunning flower spikes that last for several weeks. Snapdragons are easy to care for, requiring only moderate watering and occasional deadheading. They will provide a bright, welcoming presence in your garden until warmer weather arrives.
Kale
Kale may not be the first plant you think of when considering early-season color, but its vibrant green and purple hues can make a bold statement in containers. While often grown for its culinary value, ornamental kale also adds a unique touch to outdoor spaces. Its curly, ruffled leaves come in a variety of colors, ranging from deep purples to bright greens, offering visual interest throughout the cooler months. Kale thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for early planting.
For the best results, plant kale in containers with well-draining soil and place it in a sunny or partially shaded spot. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only moderate watering to keep the soil moist. Kale can withstand frost, making it a reliable option for early-season color. It also pairs well with other early-blooming plants, creating a well-rounded container display.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a wonderful addition to any container garden, offering delicate, sweet-smelling flowers in shades of white, purple, and pink. These low-growing plants are ideal for adding a soft touch of color to your outdoor space early in the season. Sweet Alyssum is particularly valued for its fragrance, which fills the air with a pleasant scent that draws pollinators. Its compact growth makes it perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or window boxes.
Plant Sweet Alyssum in a well-draining container and place it in a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. This hardy flower can handle cooler temperatures, making it ideal for planting now. It will bloom for weeks, offering a beautiful ground cover of flowers that adds color and texture to your container displays. Regular watering will help keep it thriving throughout the season.
Bellis Perennis (English Daisy)
The English Daisy is a classic flower that thrives in containers, bringing early color to your outdoor space. These cheerful flowers have a classic daisy shape, with petals that can range from white to pink to red. Bellis Perennis is hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making it ideal for planting early in the season. Its low-growing habit makes it perfect for borders, hanging baskets, or mixed containers.
Plant English Daisies in well-draining soil and place them in a sunny spot for the best results. They will bloom for weeks, providing consistent color as the weather warms up. Bellis Perennis is a reliable and low-maintenance option for early-season color. These flowers are perfect for creating a soft, welcoming display in any container garden.
Lobelia
Lobelia is a vibrant, trailing plant that adds a cascade of color to containers. Known for its brilliant blue flowers, Lobelia can brighten up any outdoor space with its striking hue. It does well in cool weather, making it an excellent option for planting right now. The plant’s cascading growth pattern makes it perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or window boxes.
Lobelia thrives in containers with good drainage and should be placed in a spot with partial to full sun. Regular watering helps keep it thriving, and it benefits from occasional pruning to encourage new growth. The plant’s vivid flowers and cascading form make it a standout choice for early-season color. It will continue to bloom for weeks, adding beauty to any garden.
Dusty Miller
Dusty Miller is known for its silvery, fuzzy leaves that provide a striking contrast to the bright blooms of other plants. While often used as a filler in container gardens, it also offers its own unique color and texture. This hardy plant can tolerate early-season temperatures and will thrive in containers. Its silver foliage adds a sophisticated touch to any outdoor display, pairing well with a variety of flowering plants.
Plant Dusty Miller in well-draining soil and place it in a sunny spot for the best results. It requires minimal care, needing only occasional watering and occasional trimming to keep it looking tidy. Dusty Miller provides an excellent backdrop for other colorful plants in containers, offering a neutral base that lets vibrant flowers shine. It is a low-maintenance plant that offers reliable, year-round beauty.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera, or Coral Bells, is an excellent choice for adding color to your containers throughout the year. Known for its vibrant foliage, which can range from deep purple to lime green, this plant offers both beauty and texture. Heuchera thrives in partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Its unique foliage is an eye-catching addition to containers, and it can be paired with other early-blooming plants for a dynamic display.
Coral Bells are low-maintenance and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them perfect for early-season planting. They are ideal for adding a splash of color to shaded areas or containers that receive less sunlight. Heuchera’s foliage will continue to look stunning even after the flowers fade, adding lasting value to your garden. These plants are an excellent choice for containers, providing color and texture all season long.
Foxglove
Foxglove is an elegant, tall plant that can bring both beauty and height to container gardens. Known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white, it adds a dramatic touch to any outdoor space. Foxgloves are well-suited for containers, where their vertical growth can be showcased. They thrive in cooler temperatures and will bloom early in the season, providing a stunning display of flowers.
For the best results, plant Foxgloves in well-draining soil and place them in a spot that gets partial to full sunlight. They prefer moist conditions, so regular watering is essential. Foxgloves can handle light frost, making them ideal for early-season planting. These striking flowers will continue to bloom for weeks, adding elegance and color to your garden.
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are known for their sweet fragrance and colorful blooms, making them an excellent choice for early-season container gardening. These climbing plants can quickly cover trellises or fences, but they also thrive in containers, where they can be trained to grow upward. Their flowers, which come in shades of pink, purple, white, and red, are perfect for adding a burst of color and fragrance to your outdoor space.
Sweet peas do well in containers with good drainage and should be planted in a sunny location. They prefer cooler weather, so they can be planted early in the season for an early burst of color. Regular watering and some support, like a trellis or stakes, will help them thrive. With their delightful scent and colorful flowers, sweet peas are a charming addition to any container garden.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.