Best plants for pots...?

[Laila747]

I have no clue when it comes to gardening...I walk around garden centres and I see so many plants I love but I just don’t know where to start!?

I’ve bought 2 quite large terracotta pots for the patio but I’m not sure what would be best to plant in them? I’ve seen Fucshia trees/plants and I like those but not sure they’re suitable?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Is it very sunny where they will be? What colours or flowers do you like?

Do you want shrubs for the whole year? Or annuals that will die off after summer?

Over time I have collected many pots. I have some in which I put my spring flowering plants and when they have died down I put them away and bring out my summer plants. Hostas are super and do well in pots - better than the garden for me as the slugs don't reach them so easily.

Thankyou both for replying!
It’s not a particularly sunny patio. I like any colours really, probably pinks and whites most though.
Ideally something that doesn’t need too much attention!

I have a Fatsia japonica which is gorgeous really unusual gets loads of comments and I never touch it it was a small cheap plant last year and has grown really fast it doesn't mind the shade

Also have a pieris with a beautiful pale pink leaf I can't remember the variety I'll try google it for you it is hardy requires no attention and is evergreen

Thanks @teddybearsbear, sounds great!

Just looked it's a pieris flaming silver its currently a gorgeous pale coral pink colour

Hydrangea do will in pots. They like to be out of direct sun and apart from dead heading in the spring all you need to do is keep them well watered and give them an occasional liquid feed.

@Proudboomer

That sounds ideal! Thankyou!

Crocus is great website if you want to learn about plants, simply put your conditions like suitable for growing in containers and it will give you a list, choose the ones you like and find them in your garden centre.
Good luck!

I've done pots for the last few years, and I think the best and easiest are bulbs in pots for spring. Last autumn I bought cheap ones in wilko and layered them (muscari, narcissi, tulips) with violas on top. They come out just when you need a lift after the winter, and you don't have to remember to water them. It's a few hours work in the autumn with a big pay off.

I see you were thinking of getting a fushia. They will be happy in a shady spot in a pot. I’ve grown some like this. The larger flowered ones can be less hardy and may not survive the winter outdoors if it gets cold where you live.

I would get bedding plants but it's a bit soon for them - the frost needs to be passed so maybe mid May, depends where you are

Sarah Raven's website is full of ideas www.sarahraven.com/flowers/plants/container-plant-collections
Her plants are quite expensive.

You could get some ideas and note them down then go to your local garden centre to see if they have them. The garden centre can tell you when to plant them out.