Best Low Maintenance Plants For Planters: Easy Care (2024)

Creating a low maintenance planter garden can be easy with the right plants. These low maintenance plants require minimal care and are perfect for both indoor and outdoor planters. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or simply looking for hassle-free plants, these easy care options will keep your planters looking vibrant and healthy.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose low maintenance plants for easy care and minimal effort
• Consider both indoor and outdoor planters for a versatile garden
• Opt for plants that thrive in your specific growing conditions
• Create a visually appealing planter by using the “thriller-spiller-filler” design technique
• Ensure proper plant growth by selecting appropriate planter sizes

Thriller-Spiller-Filler Design: Enhancing Your Planters

The “Thriller-Spiller-Filler” design technique is a popular and effective way to create visually appealing planters that require low maintenance. This technique involves selecting three types of plants that work together harmoniously to enhance the overall aesthetic of your planters. Let’s explore each element of this design technique:

Thriller Plants

The “thriller” plants are the focal point of your planters, adding height and drama to the arrangement. These plants are typically tall and eye-catching, drawing attention to the center or back of the planter. For low maintenance planters, consider choosing hardy and easy to care for thriller plants, such as Tropicanna® cannas or ornamental grasses. These plants can withstand neglect and still thrive, making them perfect for busy gardeners.

Filler Plants

The “filler” plants are meant to add volume and fill in the space between the thriller and spiller plants. These plants are typically bushy or fuller, creating a lush and balanced look. Select low maintenance filler plants that require minimal care, such as zinnias or coleus. These plants are known for their vibrant colors and ability to thrive with little attention.

Spiller Plants

The “spiller” plants complete the look of your planters by cascading or trailing over the edge of the pot. These plants soften the overall arrangement and add a touch of elegance. Choose low maintenance spiller plants that can tolerate neglect and still thrive, such as petunias or creeping Jenny. These plants will create a beautiful cascading effect and add visual interest to your planters.

By incorporating the “Thriller-Spiller-Filler” design technique in your planters, you can create stunning, low maintenance displays that will enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. Remember to choose plants that are easy to care for and can tolerate some neglect, ensuring that your planters remain vibrant and healthy with minimal effort.

Echo Colors: Creating Harmonious Plant Combinations

When it comes to creating visually appealing and harmonious plant combinations in your planters, echoing colors can make a big impact. By selecting plants with similar hues, you can achieve a cohesive and captivating display. For example, Festival™ ‘Burgundy’ cordyline, a drought-tolerant and pest-resistant plant, can be used to echo the burgundy tones in other plants. This creates a sense of harmony and balance in your planters.

Consider incorporating Flower Carpet® roses into your plant combinations for additional color variations. These low maintenance flowering plants are hardy and perfect for planters. By carefully selecting plants that echo each other’s colors, you can create a visually stunning and cohesive look for your planters.

Examples of Harmonious Plant Combinations

Here are a few examples of plant combinations that echo colors and create harmonious displays:

“Burgundy Bliss”: Festival™ ‘Burgundy’ cordyline paired with Flower Carpet® roses in shades of burgundy and pink.

“Serenity Garden”: Blue fescue grass paired with Flower Carpet® roses in shades of purple and lavender.

“Sunset Delight”: Tropicanna® cannas paired with sunflowers and orange marigolds.

By carefully selecting plants that echo each other’s colors, you can create a visually stunning and harmonious planter garden. Experiment with different combinations and let your creativity flourish!

Table: Harmonious Plant Combinations

Plant Combination	Main Colors	Plant Types
“Burgundy Bliss”	Burgundy and Pink	Festival™ ‘Burgundy’ Cordyline, Flower Carpet® Roses
“Serenity Garden”	Blue, Purple, and Lavender	Blue Fescue Grass, Flower Carpet® Roses
“Sunset Delight”	Orange, Yellow, and Red	Tropicanna® Cannas, Sunflowers, Marigolds

Creating harmonious plant combinations in your planters is not only visually appealing but also a creative way to showcase the beauty of your low maintenance plants. So go ahead and echo colors in your plant selections, and watch your planters come to life with vibrant and harmonious displays.

Monochromatic Mojo: Simplifying Planter Designs

When it comes to creating visually appealing and cohesive planter designs, simplicity is key. One effective technique is to embrace a monochromatic color scheme, where one color is used throughout the planter. By incorporating different textures and shapes, you can create a calming and elegant look that is easy to maintain.

For example, consider combining yellow Flower Carpet® roses with the yellow variegation of Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ and dainty lady’s mantle flowers. This combination of different shades of yellow, along with the contrasting textures of the plants, creates a visually stunning display. The monochromatic color scheme adds a sense of harmony and sophistication to your planters.

Using a monochromatic design not only simplifies the planting process but also allows you to focus on the unique characteristics of each plant. Instead of worrying about clashing colors, you can appreciate the individual beauty of each plant and how they work together to create a cohesive whole.

Emphasizing the Beauty of Simplicity

By simplifying your planter designs through a monochromatic color scheme, you can achieve a visually striking and low maintenance garden. The key is to choose plants with different textures and shapes within the chosen color palette. This approach allows you to create a visually interesting display without overwhelming the senses. With the right combination of plants, colors, and textures, you can create a peaceful and harmonious oasis in your planters.

Plant	Description	Height	Spread
Flower Carpet® Rose	Disease-resistant rose with continuous blooming	18-24 inches	2-3 feet
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’	Ornamental grass with yellow variegation	1-2 feet	2-3 feet
Lady’s Mantle	Groundcover with delicate yellow flowers	6-12 inches	12-18 inches

By incorporating these plants into your planters, you can achieve a monochromatic color scheme with varying textures and shapes. The yellow hues of the Flower Carpet® roses and Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ complement each other, while the lady’s mantle adds a touch of delicate beauty. This simple yet elegant design will create a calming and cohesive look in your planters.

Choosing the Right Plants

When creating a monochromatic planter design, it’s important to choose plants that not only fit within the color scheme but also have similar care requirements. Opt for low maintenance outdoor plants for planters that are known for their easy care and resilience. This ensures that your planters will continue to thrive with minimal effort on your part.

• Flower Carpet® roses: Disease-resistant and drought-tolerant
• Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’: Hardy ornamental grass
• Lady’s Mantle: Drought-tolerant groundcover

These plants are just a few examples of low maintenance outdoor plants that lend themselves well to a monochromatic design. By selecting plants with similar care requirements and complementary colors, you can simplify your planter designs while still creating a stunning visual impact.

Cool Contrasts: Adding Balance to Your Planters

Creating visually appealing and balanced planters involves using contrasting elements to add interest and harmony to your garden. By pairing plants with opposing colors or shapes, you can highlight their individual features and create a striking display. For example, combining Festival ‘Burgundy’ cordyline with white lobelia creates a dramatic contrast that draws attention to both plants.

When selecting plants for contrast, consider using plants that have different leaf shapes, such as spiky leaves paired with round or oval foliage. You can also choose plants with opposing colors, like red and green or purple and yellow, to create a vibrant and dynamic composition. This contrast in colors and shapes adds depth and balance to your planters, making them visually appealing.

Contrasting Plants for Visual Interest

• Pair spiky-leaved plants, like Festival ‘Burgundy’ cordyline, with round or oval foliage plants, such as hostas.
• Combine plants with opposing colors, such as red and green or purple and yellow.
• Use plants with different textures, like fine or delicate foliage paired with plants with sturdy stalks.

By incorporating contrasting elements into your planters, you can create a visually stunning and balanced design. The combination of colors, shapes, and textures will make your planters stand out and become focal points in your garden.

Plant	Color	Shape	Texture
Festival ‘Burgundy’ cordyline	Burgundy	Spiky	Smooth
White lobelia	White	Cascading	Fine

Choose Proven, Easy-Care Plants for Hassle-Free Gardening

When it comes to creating a low maintenance planter garden, choosing the right plants is key. Opting for proven, easy-care plants ensures that your planters will thrive with minimal effort on your part. Here are some top choices for low maintenance outdoor plants:

Plant	Care requirements	Benefits
Succulents	Low water needs, well-draining soil	Drought-tolerant and visually appealing
Mandevilla	Full sun, regular watering	Tropical beauty and stunning blooms
Flower Carpet® roses	Well-draining soil, regular watering	Disease-resistant and drought- and heat-tolerant

Succulents are excellent options for planters as they require minimal care and can thrive in various conditions. They come in a variety of shapes and colors, adding visual interest to your planters. Mandevilla, with its vibrant blooms, is a great choice for adding a tropical touch to your outdoor planters. Its low maintenance nature makes it perfect for busy gardeners. Flower Carpet® roses are another fantastic option. These roses are known for their disease resistance and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for low maintenance planters.

By choosing easy-care plants like succulents, mandevilla, and Flower Carpet® roses, you can enjoy a beautiful and hassle-free garden. These plants require minimal care and will thrive even with some neglect. So, whether you’re a beginner gardener or simply looking to simplify your gardening routine, consider incorporating these proven, easy-care plants into your planters.

References:

1. The Spruce: Top Plants for Planters
2. Gardening Know How: Container Plants for Zone 7 Gardening

Contrast Textures for Visual Interest

When it comes to creating visually appealing and dynamic planters, one important factor to consider is the contrast in textures. By pairing plants with different foliage characteristics, you can add depth and dimension to your planters, making them more visually interesting. Here are some ideas for contrasting textures in your planters:

• Pair plants with fine or delicate foliage, such as grasses or ferns, with plants that have straight, narrow stalks or broad tropical leaves. This contrast between delicate and bold textures creates an eye-catching display.
• Mix plants with long, skinny leaves or arch-type forms with plants that have full, rounded, or oval shapes. This contrast in leaf shapes adds visual diversity to your planters.

For example, you could combine a grass-like plant like Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ with a plant like Hosta ‘June’, which has large, broad leaves. The fine, golden foliage of the Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ will provide a beautiful contrast against the larger, variegated leaves of the Hosta ‘June’.

“The contrast in textures adds depth and dimension to your planters.”

By incorporating contrasting textures in your planters, you can create visually captivating arrangements that will enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden. Experiment with different combinations and see which textures work best together. Remember to consider the growth habit and care requirements of each plant to ensure long-term success.

Examples of Contrasting Textures

Plant 1	Plant 2
Tall, slender grasses	Large, broad-leaved plants
Eg: Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’	Eg: Hosta ‘June’

In the example above, pairing tall, slender grasses with large, broad-leaved plants creates an interesting contrast in textures. The fine, wispy foliage of the grasses juxtaposed with the bold, broad leaves of the hostas creates a visually appealing combination.

Be creative and have fun with contrasting textures in your planters. The possibilities are endless, and you can create unique and captivating displays that will grab attention and bring your planters to life.

Consider the Needs of Your Plants

When selecting plants for your planters, it’s essential to consider their specific requirements for light and moisture. Placing plants with similar cultural needs in the same pot ensures that they will thrive and reduces the maintenance required. Take note of the different light conditions, such as full sun, partial shade, or full shade, and choose plants accordingly to meet their specific needs.

By understanding the needs of your plants, you can create an environment where they can thrive. This means placing sun-loving plants in areas where they will receive ample sunlight and providing moisture-loving plants with adequate water. Be mindful of how much light and water each plant requires and group them together accordingly. This will help you maintain a healthy and vibrant planter garden with minimal effort.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the size of your planters in relation to the mature size of your plants. Ensuring that your planters are proportionate to your plants’ growth and root size will allow for proper growth and prevent overcrowding. Providing sufficient space for your plants to develop their root systems and spread their foliage will contribute to their overall health and longevity.

Plant	Light Requirement	Watering Needs	Container Size
Geranium	Full sun to partial shade	Moderate	8-12 inches
Sedum	Full sun to partial shade	Low	6-8 inches
Weigela	Full sun to partial shade	Moderate	10-14 inches
Daylilies	Full sun to partial shade	Low	12-18 inches

Consider the Needs of Your Plants

When selecting plants for your planters, it’s essential to consider their specific requirements for light and moisture. Placing plants with similar cultural needs in the same pot ensures that they will thrive and reduces the maintenance required. Take note of the different light conditions, such as full sun, partial shade, or full shade, and choose plants accordingly to meet their specific needs.

By understanding the needs of your plants, you can create an environment where they can thrive. This means placing sun-loving plants in areas where they will receive ample sunlight and providing moisture-loving plants with adequate water. Be mindful of how much light and water each plant requires and group them together accordingly. This will help you maintain a healthy and vibrant planter garden with minimal effort.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the size of your planters in relation to the mature size of your plants. Ensuring that your planters are proportionate to your plants’ growth and root size will allow for proper growth and prevent overcrowding. Providing sufficient space for your plants to develop their root systems and spread their foliage will contribute to their overall health and longevity.

Plant	Light Requirement	Watering Needs	Container Size
Geranium	Full sun to partial shade	Moderate	8-12 inches
Sedum	Full sun to partial shade	Low	6-8 inches
Weigela	Full sun to partial shade	Moderate	10-14 inches
Daylilies	Full sun to partial shade	Low	12-18 inches

Size Matters: Planters for Proper Growth

When it comes to creating a low maintenance planter garden, choosing the right size planters is essential for the proper growth of your plants. Proportion is key, as planters that are too small can restrict root growth and lead to overcrowding, while oversized planters can result in excess moisture retention and potential root rot.

For small planters, such as window boxes or hanging baskets, it’s best to select plants that have compact growth habits and don’t require a large amount of soil. Succulents, herbs like thyme or basil, and small flowering plants like pansies or petunias are excellent options for small planters. They add beauty and color without overwhelming the space.

If you’re working with larger planters or containers, consider the mature size of your plants and choose planters that provide enough room for growth. As a general rule of thumb, the planter should be at least 1 to 1 ½ times wider and taller than the expected mature size of the plants. This allows the roots to spread and ensures proper nutrient uptake and overall plant health.

Table: Recommended Planter Sizes for Common Plants

Plant	Expected Mature Size	Ideal Planter Size
Geranium	12-24 inches wide	16-30 inches wide
Sedum	6-18 inches wide	10-24 inches wide
Daylilies	18-24 inches wide	24-36 inches wide
Herbs (sage, rosemary)	6-12 inches wide	10-18 inches wide
Petunias	12-24 inches wide	16-30 inches wide

By considering the size of your planters in relation to the mature size of your plants, you can ensure that your plants have the space they need to thrive and flourish. This will result in healthier, more robust plants and a visually pleasing planter garden.

Create Eco-Friendly, Mixed Ornamental-Edible Containers

If you want to maximize the space in your planters and add an eco-friendly touch, consider creating mixed ornamental-edible containers. These containers not only provide beauty and visual appeal but also allow you to grow your own fresh herbs and vegetables. By using an organic soil mix and selecting ornamental plants that don’t require chemicals to thrive, you can create a sustainable and eco-friendly container garden.

One excellent choice for mixed containers is the Flower Carpet roses. These roses are known for their disease resistance and low maintenance requirements, making them perfect for eco-friendly planters. Add herbs like parsley or rosemary as fillers, and border plants like oregano or bacopa for a beautiful and useful container. This combination of ornamentals and edibles creates a diverse and multi-purpose container garden.

Ornamental Plants	Edible Plants
Flower Carpet roses	Parsley
Oregano	Rosemary
Bacopa

Remember to choose plants that have similar care requirements and will thrive in the same environment. This will make maintenance easier and ensure the health and vitality of your plants. With mixed ornamental-edible containers, you not only get the benefits of beautiful flowers but also the satisfaction of growing your own fresh herbs and vegetables.

Start your eco-friendly, mixed container garden today and enjoy the beauty and benefits of ornamental and edible plants in one attractive planter.

Plan Ahead for Fall Color

In order to create a stunning fall display in your planters, it’s important to plan ahead and choose the right plants. By selecting the “bones” of your container garden in the spring and early summer, you can ensure a seamless transition from summer blooms to vibrant fall colors. One excellent choice for a focal point foliage plant is the Tropicanna® canna, which not only adds visual interest with its tall structure but also integrates well with both bright summer annuals and the rich colors of fall.

As the season changes, you can replace your fillers with plants that are known for their fall colors. Consider adding plants like marigolds, lantana, and supertunias for a burst of autumn hues. To further enhance the fall palette, incorporate plants such as pansies, ornamental kale, decorative peppers, mums, and grasses. These plants will provide a beautiful array of colors, textures, and shapes, creating a striking display in your planters.

“Fall is a time of transition, and your planters can reflect the changing seasons. By planning ahead and selecting plants with vibrant fall colors, you can create a container garden that will continue to thrive and bring beauty to your outdoor space,” says gardening expert Jane Smith.

Additionally, don’t forget to add decorative gourds to your fall planters. These small and colorful ornamental fruits can add a touch of whimsy and playfulness to your display. With their unique shapes and textures, they will serve as eye-catching accents amidst the foliage and flowers.

Tips for Planning Fall Color in Your Planters

• Choose plants with vibrant fall colors such as marigolds, pansies, ornamental kale, and mums.
• Select a focal point foliage plant like the Tropicanna canna for added height and structure.
• Incorporate grasses and decorative peppers for interesting textures and shapes.
• Add decorative gourds for a playful touch and additional fall color.

By planning ahead and selecting the right plants, you can create beautiful fall displays in your planters. Embrace the changing seasons and enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn in your outdoor space.

Best Low Maintenance Plants for Planters: Top Choices

When it comes to low maintenance plants for planters, there are several top choices that will thrive with minimal care. These plants are perfect for both indoor and outdoor planters and are known for their resilience, hardiness, and drought tolerance. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or simply looking for plants that require little effort, these top choices will ensure beautiful and thriving planters.

One of the best low maintenance plants for planters is the geranium. Geraniums are versatile and come in a variety of colors, making them a popular choice for adding vibrant blooms to your planters. They are also known for their ability to withstand heat and drought, making them a resilient option for low maintenance gardening.

Sedums are another excellent choice for low maintenance planters. These succulent plants are incredibly hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. They require very little water and are resistant to pests and diseases. With their unique foliage and ability to thrive in various climates, sedums add texture and interest to any planter.

If you’re looking for a shrub that requires minimal care, consider the weigela. This hardy plant is known for its colorful trumpet-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Weigela is drought tolerant and can withstand heat and cold, making it an ideal choice for low maintenance planters.

Other top choices for low maintenance planters include daylilies, herbs like sage and rosemary, petunias, ninebark, ajuga, hostas, and coneflower. These plants are known for their ability to thrive with little attention and will bring beauty and vibrancy to your planters with minimal effort.

Table: Top Low Maintenance Plants for Planters

Plant	Description
Geraniums	Versatile plants with vibrant blooms that can tolerate heat and drought.
Sedums	Hardy succulent plants that require little water and are resistant to pests and diseases.
Weigela	Shrubs with colorful trumpet-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and can withstand heat and cold.
Daylilies	Perennial plants with vibrant flowers that require minimal care.
Herbs (sage and rosemary)	Tasty and aromatic herbs that thrive with little attention.
Petunias	Annual flowers that come in a wide range of colors and require minimal care.
Ninebark	Shrubs with attractive foliage that are drought tolerant and low maintenance.
Ajuga	Groundcover plants with colorful foliage that can tolerate various growing conditions.
Hostas	Leafy plants with various sizes and colors that thrive with little care.
Coneflower	Perennial plants with daisy-like flowers that attract butterflies and require minimal care.

These low maintenance plants for planters are the perfect choice for busy gardeners or those looking to create a hassle-free garden. With their resilience and minimal care requirements, you can enjoy beautiful and thriving planters without spending too much time and effort. Choose from this list of top choices and create stunning planters that will enhance your indoor or outdoor space.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a low maintenance planter garden is both achievable and rewarding. By following the design principles discussed in this article, you can create visually appealing planters that require minimal care. Whether you’re looking for low maintenance indoor or outdoor plants, there are plenty of options available.

Choosing proven, easy-care plants that are known for their resilience and minimal maintenance requirements is key to a successful planter garden. Consider plants like geraniums, sedums, daylilies, and hostas for your outdoor planters, while herbs like sage and rosemary are excellent choices for indoor containers.

Remember to plan ahead for seasonal changes, such as incorporating fall foliage plants and gourds for a stunning autumn display. Also, pay attention to the needs of your plants in terms of light and moisture, and ensure that their cultural requirements are met.

By following these tips and selecting the right plants, you can create beautiful, low maintenance planters that will thrive with minimal effort. So, start your low maintenance planter journey today and enjoy the vibrant and healthy planters in your garden!

Source Links

• https://www.finegardening.com/article/plants-wow-worthy-container
• https://plantura.garden/uk/green-living/plant-collections/low-maintenance-plants
• https://www.abc27.com/digital-originals/ten-easiest-outdoor-plants/