Five Perfect Plants for Spring Container Gardens

Container gardens are rewarding for both newbies and experienced gardeners. They spark joy for those who love to get their hands dirty and passers-by observing beauty. Early Spring planters bring the promise of sunny days to dreary porches, patios and entryways. Because they brighten spaces, frame focal points and can be created affordably, why not give them a try? Use these five stunners in your containers this spring.

Coral Bells

(L. Heuchera americana) are herbaceous perennial plants with the common name alumroot. Because they come in tons of colours and sizes, with a lovely mounding habit, they are a versatile choice for containers. A varietal called ‘Caramel’ is a light orange/apricot colour and is striking paired with dark purple flowers and vines.  Coral Bells generally prefer some shade but can be easily transplanted to the garden when you update your pots for summer. Since they are easily divided every few years, CBs look fantastic planted en masse along driveways or walking paths. Plant Coral Bells with Japanese Iris for a dramatic contrast.

Florist’s Cineraria

(Pericallis x. hybrida), produce daisy-like flowers in amazing vibrant shades. So, while I dig (like my garden pun?) the velvety green, jagged-toothed foliage, what I love about this plant is the many bold shades available: hot pink and electric blue to deep purple, some even have white banding across the petals. About a foot high and just as wide, they enjoy bright but indirect light. Because of the cool onset of spring, full sun works fine. These are short-lived. This guy is for you if you enjoy changing up your containers. By the time it begins to die back, you’ll be ready for hot weather plants anyway. Use this plant as an accent within larger arrangements.

Forsythia

So, I like a compact variety of Forsythia from Monrovia called Gold Tide®” (Forsythia x ‘Courtasol’). It’s a dwarf that boasts brilliant yellow flowers in early spring. Small but mighty, this fast growing plant has a semi-arching habit and it really makes a dramatic specimen. A south-facing front porch is a good choice because this guy likes full sun. It is a shrub, so plan to transplant it as summer approaches. This type of Forsythia can grow up to 4 feet wide and 8 inches tall. Forsythia needs no wingman. Plant this guy solo and still make a huge statement. Cut a few branches to enjoy indoors.

Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) are often thought of as an old-fashioned flower that bloom in early spring. I think they are sort of modern looking. Downward-growing heart-shaped flowers hang from elegant arching stems and because of their highly stylised shape, they lend themselves to both contemporary containers and more traditional groupings.  Bleeding hearts like rich soil and do best in partial shade. The foliage is blueish green and will begin to yellow and die back as summer heat arrives. Cut back some of the foliage after it begins yellowing. Bleeding hearts benefit from the addition of slow-released plant food at the onset of spring growth. Be sure to divide them every few years after transplanting to the garden. A rich red varietal with crisp white edges from Jackson & Perkins called ‘Burning Hearts’ is my favourite. Two-toned flowers resemble a fleur-de-lis. 

Nemesia

Park Seed’s Poetry® Mix Nemesia (Nemesia foetans) is a pretty collection of pastel flowers that are a cinch to start from seed. Because they are cost-effective, have a gorgeous, clove-y fragrance and attract butterflies, you can go crazy with them. Plants have medium-green leaves and prefer partial shade. Dimensions are 14 inches high and wide. Sow seeds inside 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. I love the spicy perfume of this plant. It doesn’t require pinching to develop shape and plentiful buds. 

Pro Tip: Use gravel in the bottom of pots with plenty of drainage holes.

Pro Tip: Follow the growing instructions that accompany plants.