Bulbs for Containers

Achimene – Zone 10-11. A tropical tuber grown plant, the Achimene is often grown as an annual and is ideal for a hanging basket or container. Arching stems and colorful flowers with five petals will make this a great choice for combining with other plants in dramatic containers.

Allium (dwarf forms) – Zones 3-9. While gardeners often think of Allium or ornamental onion plants as large perennial plants there are several dwarf or miniature alliums available. These dwarf allium plants will grow anywhere from 6-10″ tall and are available in yellow, white, purple, pink and other colors. Gardeners will enjoy upright, spiky blooms late spring through early summer.

Caladium – Caladiums are colorful bulbs grown for their attractive foliage and like Achimene, they are tropical plants that won’t survive outdoors north of zone 8. Caladiums are great bulbs for large containers and will add season long color with red, white and green variegated foliage as long as the soil is well-drained. Caladiums are susceptible to rot, like many bulbs, if the soil is overly damp. Caladiums tend to have a stronger green color in full sun and may burn in hot afternoons without some shade.

Crocus – Crocus plants are a great choice for growing in containers since their small size can make it difficult to enjoy them outdoors. Planted in containers, and indoor pots, crocus flowers are brought right up to the viewers eye. See the Crocus Growing Guide for cultivation information.

Cyclamen – An excellent choice for a shady container, cyclamens often flower well in patio planters where they will get moderate watering. Many hardy, perennial cyclamen plants are available and the foliage is usually attractively variegated with silvery accents. The flowers are gently nodding, and look great in cool weather making them perfect fill in plants for spring and fall containers.

Gladiolus (miniature) – Zones vary. Gladiolus are beautiful perennial flowers and useful in cut flower arrangements or for long lasting color in the garden. In containers these bulbs provide an upright, vertical accent that is priceless for gardeners. Thousands of gladiolus cultivars are available and while some grow 6′ tall or higher there are many dwarf forms that only get 12″ tall. Try adding some gladiolus bulbs to full sun container to add dramatic color and form.

Iris danfordiae, Iris reticulata, Iris histrioides – These are some of the most common dwarf iris plants available and, like the gladiolus, these iris plants add vertical interest to a container. The grass like foliage also adds interest even after the spring blooms fade. Iris flowers come in a wide variety of colors both bi-colored and tri-colored form are available and new hybrids are released each year. Hundreds of named Iris are available and some iris flowers are even fragrant.