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Growing Shrubs and Perennials in Containers

© Jane Hollis

Ask most people what they grow in pots and usually the answer is bedding plants and bulbs. Whilst these are great for seasonal colour, don't neglect the permanent plants as well, such as shrubs and perennials.

What are the advantages of growing shrubs and perennials in containers? Well, firstly, it allows you to provide specific growing conditions for plants. For example, if you have chalky soil you can grow lime-hating plants like Rhododendrons in pots of ericaceous compost. Or you can add grit to the compost for plants that like well-drained soil or water-retaining crystals for those who like it moist. Containers can also provide protection against pests - for example, hostas are less likely to get munched by slugs when grown in pots. Slow-growing plants usually do better in pots, because they don't have to compete for food, water and space, as they would in a border.

Another reason to grow perennials and shrubs in pots is for emphasis. Putting a plant in a pot raises it nearer eye-level and draws it to people's attention. I find this particularly useful for winter interest plants, such as hellebores. Because of their subtlety they can sometimes be overlooked in the border, but growing them in pots allows their full beauty to be seen.

Another advantage is portability - plants can be moved about whenever it suits you. You might create a grouping of winter interest plants in a prominent position during the winter, then move the pots to become background items during the summer. Plants can be moved into the shade when the summer sun becomes too intense or into the greenhouse when frosts threaten.

So what permanent plants grow well in pots? Well, if the pot is big enough, almost anything! However, enormous containers are usually expensive and difficult to obtain, so permanent container plants usually have to cope with some degree of root restriction. So plants with strong tap-roots (such as vigorous roses, lupins, etc) may be unhappy in a container situation. Some plants may be happy in a container for a couple of years, but then become too big and will appreciated being planted out in the border. To give you an idea, here are some permanent plants which are happily growing in pots for me: Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican hellebore), Erica and Calluna (heathers), Hamamelis (witch hazel), Agapanthus, Choisya ternata, Miscanthus (ornamental grass), Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata', Phormium, Hosta, Skimmia, Lamium (dead nettle), Osmanthus and Camellia.