AS we saw in our first blog post on container gardens, creating a vibrant garden full of life and color doesn’t require an expansive yard. Even the smallest of spaces, whether a back yard patio or an apartment terrace, can burst with beauty when the right plants are chosen. Flowering perennials and succulents are perfect for this task, offering longevity, drought tolerance, and a remarkable variety of textures and hues. For eco-conscious sustainable gardeners, picking the right plants is a step toward a greener planet. Before we dive into the individual plants and their care, it’s important to underscore the reason these particular perennials and succulents are excellent choices for sustainable garden design companies and eco-minded gardeners. Sustainability in gardening involves practices that:
- Conserve water: Choosing plants that are drought-tolerant or that require less frequent watering.
- Promote biodiversity: Inviting a variety of wildlife to the garden, such as pollinators and beneficial insects.
- Minimize environmental impact: Reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides by opting for plants less prone to disease and pest issues.
- Enhance local ecosystems: Selecting plants that are non-invasive and that can provide food or shelter to local wildlife.
With these principles in mind, let’s explore how each of the chosen plants fits within the framework of a sustainable, eco-oriented garden. And after reading this blog, take a look at our next blog on some flowering shrubs suitable for growing in pots on a patio or terrace.
Agapanthus
- Full sun or partial shade
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Perennial
Agapanthus, also known as the Lily of the Nile, features lush foliage and striking globes of trumpet-shaped flowers which can be blue, purple, white, or a combination. This hardy perennial thrives in sunny spots, making it an excellent choice for a container in a bright location. Agapanthus is drought-tolerant once established, which aligns with the eco-oriented principles of conserving water. The Agapanthus plant is a gardener’s dream for its resistance to pests and diseases.
Adopt a watering regime that quenches the plant’s thirst during the establishment but eases off once mature. Agapanthus can survive on rainfall alone in some climates. Use organic compost as a slow-release fertilizer to encourage blooming without the need for synthetic products. Divide mature clumps every few years to propagate your plants naturally and economically.
Aptenia cordifolia
- Full sun
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Succulent
A heart-leafed succulent, Aptenia cordifolia showcases vibrant, small pink or red flowers throughout the year. Its fleshy leaves make it adept at withstanding dry conditions, making it resource-efficient and a favorite for eco-friendly gardening. The trailing nature of ‘Aptenia cordifolia’ is charming in hanging baskets or as a “spiller” in container arrangements. Provide full to partial sun and use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot. Being a succulent, it requires minimal watering. Mix in sand or perlite to standard potting soil to replicate its natural, arid conditions. Easily propagated from cuttings, it’s a great plant to share with fellow gardeners, spreading both the plant and sustainable practices.
Begonia ‘Dragon Wing Red’
- Full sun or partial shade
- Neutral or acidic soil
- Perennial
‘Dragon Wing Red’ is a vigorous begonia with angel wing-shaped leaves and dangling clusters of bright red flowers. This plant fits perfectly in a sustainable garden with its ability to flourish in shaded conditions, offering a robust splash of color where many plants won’t thrive. Begonias appreciate well-draining soil and consistent moisture without waterlogging. Partial to full shade is ideal for this striking variety. Feed them with organic liquid fertilizers. Opt for a peat-free potting mix to avoid depleting peat bogs, which are crucial carbon sinks.
Bulbine frutescens ‘Hallmarck’
- Full sun
- Neutral or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Succulent
Also known as Orange Stalked Bulbine, this succulent brings drought tolerance and a unique texture to any container garden. With its elongated leaves and starry yellow or orange flowers, ‘Bulbine frutescens’ provides a sunny burst of color with minimal water requirements. Plant it in well-draining soil and place it in a sunny spot. This low-maintenance plant can handle the heat and occasional dry spells with ease. Bulbine frutescens requires little to no care once established. It’s rarely bothered by pests, but if issues arise, natural predators or organic insecticidal soap are sustainable choices for control.
Delosperma cooperi
- Full sun
- Neutral or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Succulent
Delosperma cooperi, commonly called Ice Plant, is a mat-forming succulent with daisy-like purple flowers. It’s particularly loved for its hardiness and the ability to withstand drought, making it an eco-friendly staple for container gardening. Choose a sunny spot and a well-drained soil mix; this plant loves the sun and hates wet feet. Water sparingly and watch it thrive with minimal intervention. This ground cover succulent works beautifully spilling over the sides of containers.
Erigeron karvinskianus
- Full sun or partial shade
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Perennial
Erigeron karvinskianus, also known as Mexican Fleabane, is a perennial that offers a dainty and delicate look with its multitude of small white to pinkish flowers. It can soften edges of containers and hangs beautifully over the sides, creating a whimsical ambiance. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Plant in well-draining soil and water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Erigeron karvinskianus will attract plenty of pollinators to your garden. Deadhead and trim it back to keep it contained and prevent it from self-seeding too aggressively, as it can become weedy in some conditions.
Gazania rigens
- Full sun
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Perennial
Gazania rigens, or Treasure Flower, is a sun-loving succulent plant that produces large, daisy-like flowers in a multitude of colors. It closes its blooms at night and on cloudy days but otherwise provides a dynamic display ideal for container highlights. Its drought tolerance is in line with eco-friendly gardening practices, requiring less frequent watering. Full sunlight and sandy, well-draining soil will keep Gazania happy. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms, and do so by hand to avoid waste.
Geranium dalmaticum
- Full sun or partial shade
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Perennial
Geranium dalmaticum, or Dalmatian Cranesbill, is a low-growing perennial with fragrant, rounded leaves and clusters of light pink flowers. It is perfect for the front of a container display and is known for its durability and low water needs. Provide well-draining soil, it is tolerant of various soil types, and can often survive in less fertile soils without the need for additional fertilizers. While it can grow in partial shade, it blooms best in full sun. Geranium dalmaticum provides beautiful ground cover and isn’t too finicky.
Lobelia laxiflora var. angustifolia
- Full sun or shade
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Perennial
This variety of Lobelia is admired for its tubular red and yellow flowers, attracting butterflies and beneficial insects to the garden. It’s a good choice for an eco-friendly container garden that values not only beauty but biodiversity. Lobelia enjoys full sun or shade and likes a bit more moisture than other drought-tolerant plants listed, but it still needs good drainage.
Osteospermum
- Full sun
- Neutral, acidic or alkaline soil, calcareous (limestone) soils
- Perennial
Often called African Daisy, Osteospermum is a gorgeous perennial that provides daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow. While it’s not as drought-tolerant as some succulents, it’s still a worthwhile choice for sustainable gardens because of its ability to bloom heavily over a long season. These plants prefer well-draining soil and do best with plenty of sunshine. Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Conclusion
When choosing flowering perennials and succulents for container gardening, sustainability doesn’t have to be sacrificed for aesthetics. These ten plants can enrich any small space garden, patio, or balcony while being mindful of our earth’s resources. A well-planned container garden featuring a range of these resilient beauties is not only a visual delight but a testament to eco-conscious horticulture practices. Whether you operate a sustainable, eco-oriented garden design company or simply wish to green your own urban space, these plants are a fitting cornerstone for your efforts to bring nature closer in an environmentally responsible way.
To find out more about container gardening, read our other blogs on container gardening and our 10 picks for flowering shrubs suitable for growing in pots, or take a look at the RHS site here. You can also contact us directly at Sage Green Gardening to discuss your container gardening needs.