Have you ever dreamt of a beautiful garden overflowing with shrubs, but limited space or a hardiness zone has gotten in your way? Well, fret no more! Planting shrubs in containers is a fantastic way to have a flourishing garden, even on a balcony or patio. We’re going over the benefits of planting shrubs in containers and a how to guide on planting.

Limited Space? No Problem!

Containers are the perfect option for gardeners who live in cities with limited space or smaller yards. Planting something colorful on your balcony can bring a little piece of nature to a place where plants don’t naturally appear. It’s also great for renters or those who may not have access to large yards.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Shrubs in pots offer unmatched flexibility. Can’t decide on the perfect spot for a shrub in your garden? Simply move the container around until you find the ideal location! You can even use a container to create more interest and height in your garden. Decorative pots look great on patios, decks, entryways, and more.

Shrubs for Days

Containers don’t just provide fleeting bursts of color. They provide enduring beauty and texture throughout the entire season, transforming your balcony or patio into a captivating retreat. You can even overwinter your containers and keep them for years to come. Check out our guide to overwintering containers to learn more.

Let’s Plant!

Planting shrubs in containers is a straightforward process that yields stunning results. Here’s what you’ll need to plant the perfect pot:

• Selecting the Perfect Pot: The size of your pot is crucial. Consider how long you envision keeping the shrub in the container and whether you plan on planting companion plants alongside it. In general, when planting just one shrub in a pot, opt for a pot that is double the size of the diameter of the pot your plant came in. Remember, drainage is key, so ensure your pot has holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
• Potting Mix is the Way to Go: Resist the urge to use garden soil in your containers. Instead, go for a potting mix specifically formulated for container planting to provide optimal drainage and nutrients for your shrub.
• Planting Perfection: When placing your shrub in the pot, ensure the soil line from the shrub sits a couple of inches below the rim of the pot. This allows for proper watering without overflow.
• Water Wisely: After planting your shrub, give it a thorough watering. In the future, keep an eye on the moisture level of the soil, ensuring it doesn’t dry out completely. Check out our blog on watering shrubs in containers to learn more.

A Final Touch: Fertilizer for Future Flourishing

Since containerized shrubs won’t have access to the nutrients naturally found in garden soil, you might need to fertilize them in subsequent years. A gentle application of fertilizer formulated for container plants will ensure your shrubs continue to thrive and bring you joy for seasons to come.

With shrubs in decorative pots, transforming your balcony or patio into a vibrant haven is just a few simple steps away. Be sure to check out our list of the best shrubs for container planting from the First Editions^® collection. Let your creativity blossom and fill your world with color and beautiful foliage – wherever you are!

You can shop the First Editions^® collection online during our shipping season and also use our Find a Retailer tool to locate First Editions^® shrubs at garden centers near you. Remember to tag us on social @firsteditionsshrubstrees if you plant one of these shrubs and sign up for our newsletter for monthly inspiration, tips, and more delivered right to your inbox.