Best Plants For A Trough Planter: Long & Lovely (2024)

Welcome to my guide on the best plants for a trough planter! Whether you have a long, narrow, or deep trough planter, I’ve got you covered with a variety of plants that are perfect for these containers. Let’s explore the top choices based on factual data and expert recommendations.

Key Takeaways:

Choose plants that are suitable for the size and conditions of your trough planter.
Consider the amount of sunlight or shade your trough planter receives.
Opt for low maintenance plants if you have a busy schedule.
Ensure proper drainage in your trough planter to prevent waterlogging.
Get creative with your trough planter displays by combining different plants and adding unique elements.

Ideal Plants for a Deep Trough Planter

When it comes to deep trough planters, you want plants that have a strong root system and can thrive in deeper soil. Some ideal plants for deep trough planters include tall grasses like maiden grass or pampas grass, cascading foliage plants like sweet potato vine or ivy, and low maintenance perennials like daylilies or coneflowers. These plants not only add visual interest with their height and cascading growth, but they also require minimal care, making them perfect for busy gardeners.

Table: Ideal Plants for a Deep Trough Planter

Plant Type	Description
Tall Grasses	Plants like maiden grass or pampas grass add height and texture to your deep trough planter. They have strong root systems that can thrive in deeper soil.
Cascading Foliage Plants	Sweet potato vine or ivy are excellent choices for adding a cascading effect to your trough planter. They will beautifully spill over the edges, creating a lush and green display.
Low Maintenance Perennials	Daylilies or coneflowers are low maintenance choices for a deep trough planter. They require minimal care and will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year.

By selecting these plants for your deep trough planter, you can create a stunning display that is not only visually appealing but also easy to maintain. Their strong root systems and low maintenance requirements make them the perfect choice for any busy gardener.

Top Plants for a Narrow Trough Planter

If you have a narrow trough planter, you might be wondering which plants are best suited for this limited space. Luckily, there are plenty of colorful options that can fit perfectly and create a stunning display. Here are some top plants for a narrow trough planter:

Petunias: These compact annuals come in a variety of vibrant colors and can add a splash of beauty to your narrow trough planter.
Marigolds: With their bright blooms and easy care, marigolds are an excellent choice for adding color to your trough planter.
Coleus: Known for their colorful foliage, coleus plants can provide a striking contrast in your narrow trough planter.
Heuchera: These foliage plants come in a range of vibrant colors and can thrive in the limited space of a narrow trough planter.
Lobelia: Trailing plants like lobelia can create a cascading effect in your narrow trough planter, adding depth and visual interest.
Verbena: Another trailing plant option, verbena, offers beautiful clusters of small flowers in a variety of hues.

By choosing these colorful plants, you can transform your narrow trough planter into a vibrant and eye-catching display. Remember to place taller plants towards the back and trailing plants towards the edges for a balanced and visually appealing arrangement.

“The vibrant colors of petunias and marigolds can instantly brighten up any narrow trough planter.” – Gardening Expert

Now, let’s take a look at a table that summarizes the top plants for a narrow trough planter:

Plant	Description
Petunias	Compact annuals with vibrant colors
Marigolds	Bright blooms and easy care
Coleus	Colorful foliage
Heuchera	Vibrant foliage plants
Lobelia	Trailing plants for cascading effect
Verbena	Trailing plants with clusters of small flowers

These top plants for a narrow trough planter will bring beauty and color to your outdoor space. Experiment with different combinations and arrangements to create a visually stunning display that will impress everyone who sees it.

Best Plants for a Long Trough Planter

When it comes to long trough planters, you have the opportunity to create a stunning and impactful display. By selecting the right combination of plants, you can add layers of height and cascading foliage that will transform your trough planter into a beautiful garden centerpiece.

For a long trough planter, consider using a combination of tall focal plants, filler plants, and trailing plants. This will create a visually stunning display with different levels and textures. Some ideal plants for a long trough planter include:

Ornamental grasses: These tall and graceful plants, such as feather reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora) or Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra), add height and movement to your trough planter.
Geraniums: These colorful and low-maintenance flowers come in a variety of colors and are perfect as filler plants to add bursts of vibrant hues.
Bacopa: This trailing plant produces beautiful cascading flowers and is an excellent choice for adding a touch of elegance and grace to your trough planter.

Combine these plants in your long trough planter, placing the taller plants towards the back and the trailing plants towards the front, to create a visually appealing arrangement. The contrasting heights and textures will add depth and interest to your trough planter garden.

“A long trough planter allows you to create a dramatic and eye-catching display by playing with height, color, and texture.” – Gardening Expert

Plant	Height	Sun Exposure	Watering Needs
Ornamental Grasses	Tall (2-6 feet)	Full sun to part shade	Low to moderate
Geraniums	Medium (12-24 inches)	Full sun to part shade	Moderate
Bacopa	Trailing (6-12 inches)	Full sun to part shade	Moderate to high

With the right plants and proper care, your long trough planter will become a focal point in your garden. Enjoy the beauty and impact of your carefully curated plant selection and let your creativity shine with this versatile container.

Recommended Plants for a Shady Trough Planter

If your trough planter is placed in a shady area, it’s essential to choose plants that thrive in low light conditions. Some recommended plants for a shady trough planter include ferns, hostas, begonias, and impatiens. These shade-loving plants will add a touch of greenery and color to your shady spot, creating an inviting and lush display.

Here are some of the best plants for a shady trough planter:

Ferns: Ferns are known for their lush foliage and thrive in shady conditions. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, adding texture and interest to your trough planter.
Hostas: Hostas are prized for their beautiful foliage and are perfect for adding a pop of color to your shady trough planter. They come in a range of sizes and colors, from deep greens to variegated leaves.
Begonias: Begonias are known for their vibrant blooms and can tolerate shade well. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a versatile choice for a shady trough planter.
Impatiens: Impatiens are annual flowers that thrive in shady areas. They come in a wide range of colors and can create a beautiful carpet of blooms in your trough planter.

By choosing these recommended plants for your shady trough planter, you can create a stunning display that thrives in low light conditions. Remember to provide adequate water and fertilizer to keep your plants healthy and vibrant.

Best Plants for a Sunny Trough Planter

When it comes to selecting plants for a sunny trough planter, it’s important to choose varieties that can thrive in full sun and handle the heat. Here are some ideal options:

Petunias

Petunias are a classic choice for sunny trough planters. Their colorful blooms come in a wide range of shades, including vibrant pinks, purples, and yellows. These low-maintenance annuals will bloom profusely throughout the summer and add a burst of color to your trough planter.

Geraniums

Geraniums are another popular choice for sunny trough planters. These flowering plants are known for their vibrant, showy blooms in shades of red, pink, and white. They are also drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions, making them perfect for sunny locations.

Marigolds

Marigolds are easy to grow and thrive in full sun, making them an excellent choice for a sunny trough planter. These annual flowers come in various sizes and colors, including vibrant oranges and yellows. Marigolds are also known for their pest-repellent properties, making them a great addition to any garden.

Petunias
Geraniums
Marigolds

These sun-loving plants will thrive in the bright, sunny conditions of a trough planter and provide a vibrant and colorful display throughout the season. Remember to water them regularly and provide adequate drainage to ensure their health and longevity.

How to Create a Low Maintenance Trough Planter Garden

If you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of a trough planter garden without a lot of maintenance, there are plenty of low maintenance plant options to consider. These plants are hardy, require minimal care, and can withstand periods of neglect, making them perfect for those with busy schedules or beginner gardeners. Here are some of the best low maintenance plants for a trough planter:

Succulents

Succulents are known for their ability to store water in their leaves, making them extremely drought-tolerant. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a versatile and visually appealing choice for a low maintenance trough planter garden. Some popular succulent varieties include aloe, sedum, echeveria, and hens and chicks.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are not only low maintenance but also add texture and movement to your trough planter garden. They can withstand a variety of soil conditions and require minimal watering and pruning. Some popular ornamental grasses for trough planters include fountain grass, feather grass, blue fescue, and maiden grass.

Drought-Tolerant Perennials

Choose drought-tolerant perennials that can survive with minimal water and still thrive in a trough planter garden. Some excellent choices include lavender, yarrow, sedum, and salvia. These perennials are not only low maintenance but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.

By selecting these low maintenance plants for your trough planter garden, you can enjoy a beautiful and vibrant display without spending a lot of time and effort on care and maintenance.

Tips for Caring for Plants in a Trough Planter

Caring for plants in a trough planter is essential to ensure their health and longevity. By following a few simple tips, you can create an optimal environment for your plants to thrive and flourish.

1. Provide Proper Drainage

One of the most important aspects of caring for plants in a trough planter is ensuring proper drainage. Without adequate drainage, water can accumulate in the planter, leading to root rot and other moisture-related issues. Make sure your trough planter has drainage holes at the bottom and add a layer of gravel or small rocks to facilitate water flow.

2. Water Regularly

Regular watering is crucial for the health of your plants. The frequency of watering will depend on the specific needs of the plants you have chosen and the weather conditions in your area. Check the moisture level of the soil regularly by inserting your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Avoid overwatering, as it can drown the roots and lead to plant stress.

3. Fertilize Appropriately

Proper fertilization will help your plants thrive and produce vibrant blooms. Choose a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for the types of plants in your trough planter. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for application rates and frequency. It’s important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to nutrient burn and damage to the plants.

4. Remove Dead or Wilted Foliage

Regularly inspect your plants for any dead or wilted foliage. Removing these damaged or dying leaves not only improves the appearance of your trough planter but also promotes new growth. Use clean pruning shears or scissors to cut away the dead or wilted foliage, making sure to sterilize the tools between plants to prevent the spread of disease.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure the health and beauty of your plants in a trough planter. With proper care and attention, your trough planter will become a stunning focal point in your garden or outdoor space.

Choosing the Right Container for Your Trough Planter

When it comes to selecting a container for your trough planter, there are a few factors to consider. The material, size, and style of the container can all impact the overall look and functionality of your planter. Let’s explore these considerations in more detail.

Material

The material of your trough planter container will determine its durability and aesthetic appeal. Wood, metal, and plastic are the most common materials used for trough planters. Wood offers a natural and rustic look, but it requires regular maintenance to prevent rotting. Metal containers provide a sleek and modern appearance, but they can get hot in direct sunlight. Plastic containers are lightweight and often more affordable, making them a popular choice for many gardeners.

Size

The size of your container should correspond to the dimensions of your trough planter. It’s important to choose a container that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the root systems of your chosen plants. Consider the length, width, and depth of your trough planter when selecting a container to ensure a proper fit.

Style

The style of your container should complement your outdoor space and personal preference. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary look, there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider the overall design and theme of your garden when selecting a container style.

Creative Ideas for Trough Planter Displays

When it comes to trough planter displays, there are endless creative possibilities to explore. By combining different plants and adding unique elements, you can create a visually stunning and personalized garden. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Mix of Textures

Create visual interest by mixing plants with different textures. Combine trailing plants like trailing lobelia or bacopa with tall ornamental grasses such as maiden grass or pampas grass. The contrast between the cascading foliage and the vertical growth will add depth and texture to your trough planter.

Vertical Elements

Add a trellis or install climbing vines like morning glories or clematis to create a vertical element in your trough planter. Not only will this add height and dimension to your display, but it will also provide a beautiful backdrop for your other plants. The vines can climb and intertwine with other plants, creating a natural and picturesque scene.

Functional and Decorative

Consider incorporating herbs or vegetables into your trough planter display to create a functional and decorative garden. Plant culinary herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley alongside colorful flowers. This combination will not only provide you with fresh herbs for cooking but also add vibrant colors and scents to your outdoor space.

Themed Displays

Showcase your creativity by creating themed displays in your trough planter. Choose plants that reflect a specific color scheme, such as a monochromatic display with shades of purple or a vibrant display with a mix of bold colors. You can also create themed displays for different seasons or holidays, incorporating seasonal flowers and decorations.

Remember, the key to creating a successful trough planter display is to experiment and have fun. Don’t be afraid to try new plant combinations or add unique elements to make your display truly one-of-a-kind. With a little creativity, your trough planter can become a focal point in your outdoor space, showcasing your gardening skills and personal style.

Tips for Successful Trough Planter Gardening

Gardening in trough planters can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. To ensure success, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Choose the Right Plants:

Select plants that are suitable for the size, depth, and conditions of your trough planter. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil moisture, and temperature requirements. Opt for plants known for their resilience and adaptability, such as drought-tolerant succulents or shade-loving ferns.

2. Provide Adequate Drainage:

Proper drainage is crucial for the health of your plants. Ensure that your trough planter has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot. You can also add a layer of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom of the planter to improve drainage.

3. Water with Care:

Monitor the moisture levels in your trough planter and water your plants accordingly. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Instead, water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Consider using a moisture meter to accurately gauge the moisture content of the soil.

4. Regular Maintenance:

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your trough planter looking its best. Remove any dead or wilted foliage to promote new growth and prevent the spread of diseases. Prune and trim your plants as needed to maintain their shape and size. Fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer according to their specific needs.

By following these tips, you can create a thriving and visually stunning garden in your trough planters. Enjoy the beauty and satisfaction of successful trough planter gardening.

Conclusion

In conclusion, trough planters are a fantastic choice for creating beautiful and vibrant displays of plants. Whether you have a deep, narrow, long, sunny, or shady trough planter, there are a wide variety of plants that can thrive in these containers.

To ensure successful trough planter gardening, it’s important to choose the right plants based on the specific conditions of your trough planter. Consider factors such as sunlight, water requirements, and space limitations. By selecting the best plants for your trough planter, you can create a stunning garden that will be the envy of all.

Experiment with different combinations of plants and get creative with unique elements like trellises or climbing vines to add extra visual interest. With proper care and maintenance, your trough planter garden will thrive and provide you with joy and beauty throughout the year.

So, why wait? Start exploring the best plants for your trough planter and embark on a journey of creating a breathtaking display of nature right in your own outdoor space. Happy gardening!

FAQ

What are the best plants for a deep trough planter?

Some ideal plants for deep trough planters include maiden grass, pampas grass, sweet potato vine, ivy, daylilies, and coneflowers.

What are the top plants for a narrow trough planter?

Compact annuals like petunias or marigolds, colorful foliage plants like coleus or heuchera, and trailing plants like lobelia or verbena are great choices for narrow trough planters.

What are the best plants for a long trough planter?

A combination of tall focal plants like ornamental grasses or cannas, filler plants like geraniums or impatiens, and trailing plants like bacopa or trailing lobelia work well in a long trough planter.

What plants are recommended for a shady trough planter?

Ferns, hostas, begonias, and impatiens are excellent choices for a shady trough planter.

What are the best plants for a sunny trough planter?

Petunias, geraniums, marigolds, lavender, and salvia are ideal for a sunny trough planter.

What are some low maintenance plants for a trough planter?

Succulents, ornamental grasses, sedums, and drought-tolerant perennials require minimal care and are perfect for a low maintenance trough planter garden.

How do I care for plants in a trough planter?

Ensure proper drainage, water regularly, fertilize as needed, and remove dead or wilted foliage to promote new growth.

What should I consider when choosing a container for my trough planter?

Consider the material, size, style, and adequate drainage for your trough planter container.

How can I get creative with my trough planter displays?

Mix different plants, add unique elements like trellises or climbing vines, and incorporate herbs or vegetables for a functional and decorative garden.

What tips do you have for successful trough planter gardening?

Regularly check for pests or diseases, prune and trim as needed, monitor moisture levels, and enjoy the beauty of your trough planter garden throughout the year.