Pot plants are also great for people who have small garden spaces such as just a courtyard or balcony.
Here are some of my favourite flowers to grow in pots:
Summer annuals like pansies and petunias
Create an outside space that is brimming with potted colour by planting annuals such as pansies, violas, and petunias.
These gorgeous flowering plants come in a huge range of colours and are perfect for growing in pots and even hanging baskets. You can even let your creativity go wild and plant a range of different coloured annuals in the same large pot.
Hang a few of these around your verandah and enjoy their bright happy faces right through summer. Just be sure to keep them well-watered during the hotter months.
Bougainvilleas
Nothing will add more colour to your garden than a stunning bougainvillea. These plants grow really well in pots, especially if you choose a dwarf variety.
You can get these in a variety of different colours and they’ll grow in most parts of the country except for the really cold regions.
Bougainvilleas also respond really well to regular pruning to maintain their shape. But, remember to wear good garden gloves because those thorns can hurt!
Geraniums and pelargoniums
Geraniums and pelargoniums are old garden favourites that are perfect for growing in pots. They’ll add a lovely splash of colour to any spot in your outdoor areas.
Geraniums are also extremely hardy and will thrive in hot, sunny spots.
Plus, if you accidentally break a piece off, just pop it into another pot filled with good quality potting mix and it will grow roots and you’ll have a new plant.
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Dahlias
Dahlias are a classic, and they’re perfect for a balcony or patio. They’re easy to grow and come in a huge variety of colours and sizes, so there’s something for everyone.
I have the prettiest dwarf dahlia that’s been growing happily in a large stone pot for over a year now. I planted it in the pot last spring and it delighted me with a constant procession of colourful new blooms all summer long.
Because I’m in Victoria, the foliage on my potted dahlia died down over winter and came back with new growth a month or so ago and the plant now has a mass of new flower buds again.
Remember to deadhead the spent flowers regularly and you’ll be rewarded with a constant display of new blooms.
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Peace Lily
Do you have a shaded spot in your outdoor area that could use some brightening up? Why not consider a lovely peace lily or two? These plants have dark green foliage and pretty flowers in white or pink.
What’s even better is that this plant will actually tell you when it needs water. If the leaves start to droop, then it’s time to water your plant. Peace lilies prefer a warm spot that is out of direct sunlight.
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Camellias
For some winter colour, why not grow a camellia in a pot? Choose smaller growing camellia varieties to grow in large pots around your home.
Remember that Camellia japonicas prefer a fairly shaded spot while Camellia sasanquas can handle a little more sunlight.
Azaleas
Azaleas are another brightly coloured flowering plant that will grow happily in a large pot.
Remember that azaleas are acid-loving plants so they should not be planted in cement pots that may leach lime into the potting mix.
Large glazed stoneware pots or even sturdy plastic pots will work much better.
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Begonias
For potted colour in shady spots, consider growing begonias.
Not only do these plants have pretty blooms in a variety of different colours, but they also have interesting foliage that can add colour when the plants are not in bloom.
Everlasting Daisies
There are also plenty of Australian native flowers that will grow happily in a pot. One of these is the everlasting daisy.
These gorgeous plants come in a variety of vibrant colours and will thrive in both full sun or even part shade.
You just have to remember to keep them watered to encourage more blooms to form.
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Fan Flower or Scaevola aemula
This Australian native is absolutely perfect for hanging pots. It has delightful purple flowers for most of the year. The flowers are fan-shaped.
This plant will also benefit from regular trimming to retain its compact shape.
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Banksias
There are numerous dwarf banksias that will be happy to grow in a large pot in a sunny courtyard or even on a balcony.
Their beautiful candle-shaped flowers will delight you right through autumn and winter.
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FAQ
What potted flowers bloom the longest?
You’ll find that summer annuals like petunias will flower over the longest period. Especially if you deadhead the spent flowers regularly.
Will perennials survive winter in pots?
Many different perennial flowers will survive the winter in pots in most areas of Australia. If your area is prone to frost, just move your plants into a protected spot and they’ll be fine.
