Discover 3 container-grown plants that will add colour to your outdoor space

Written by

Sabina

Could your balcony, terrace or garden use some colour and cheerfulness? Would you like to make sure that your local bees and butterflies are kept happy? Then discover container-grown plants such as Abutilon, Pentas and Anisodontea.

What are container-grown plants?

Container-grown plants are non-winter hardy plants that are especially popular for their exotic appearance and/or beautiful, brightly coloured flowers or fruits. Tub plants come mainly from subtropical areas, such as the Mediterranean, Asia and Northeast and South Africa. To let them shine in the UK, we keep them in pots or tubs, so we can move them to warmer spots during winter.

Abutilon, Pentas, and Anisodontea

Container-grown plants such as citrus and orange trees, fuchsia and hibiscus may already be familiar to you, but don't forget plants like Abutilon, Pentas and Anisodontea! These richly flowering plants give you a lovely summery and exotic feeling fro the first moment you lay eyes on them.

Taking care of container-grown plants

To get maximum enjoyment from your tub plants, here are some care tips:

From the end of April until the end of October, container-grown plants like to be outside in a sheltered and sunny spot or in semi-shade.
During the flowering period (spring and summer), it is important to give tub plants enough water and nutrition.
Removing spent flowers prolongs the flowering period.
If necessary, tub plants can be pruned to any desired shape in winter or early spring.
Due to their tropical nature, container-grown plants are not winter-hardy and should therefore be kept frost-free during winter, at temperatures of 5-8 °C.
Overwintering in a shed or under a canopy is sufficient; the plant does not need to be indoors. Just make sure your tub plant gets enough light.

More inspiration

Looking for more inspiration to infuse your outdoors and indoors with cheerful blooms? Check out the colourful container-grown plant Bougainvillea, or create a colourful outdoor paradise with plants.