Container Garden Combinations
A container garden is a great way to create a focal point or an accent, either as a dramatic stand-alone or in a cluster with a variety of other containers. One of the best things about a container garden is that it looks great almost anywhere, from a secluded patio, a bare window box, an open deck or a crowded garden bed. Create an interesting tapestry and make a bold statement by combining two or more varieties of plants. Plants above: juniper, papyrus, elephant ear (Caladium), gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii). Conditions: sun.
For tips on care for thousands of plant types, see our Lowe's Plant Guide.
Sheer Elegance
The cascading effect of the fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) makes this container combo an elegant addition to any garden or patio. Plants: fountain grass, snapdragon (Antirrhinum), celosia. Conditions: sun.
Spruce Up a Window
Take your curb appeal to the next level with a smartly designed window box. Plants: coleus (Coleus scutellarioides), curcuma, dracaena, lysimachia (Lysimachia zawadzkii wiesner). Conditions: shade to partial sun.
Color Complements
The dark-over-light color contrast of deep hues, like that of calla lilies, paired with a pastel container works especially well when offset with a pop of color, like the red of these seaside petunias. Plants: calla lily (Zantedeschia), seaside petunia (Calibrachoa parviflora). Conditions: sun to partial sun.
An Eye-Catching Burst of Color
Pops of color and a high-low treatment give this container combo a dramatic effect. Plants: coneflower (Echinacea), blue rug juniper (Juniperus horizontalis), kalanchoe. Conditions: full to partial sun.
Easy Peasy
For a simple combination that looks great and is easy to maintain, pair drought-tolerant vincas with elephant ears. Plants: vinca (Catharanthus roseus), elephant ear (Caladium). Conditions: sun/shade.
High and Mighty
Elevate a dark container and place it against a light backdrop to bring your patio to life. Plants: canna lily (Canna indica), zinnia (Zinnia elegans) and ipomoea. Conditions: sun.
Scaling the Heights
Silver-leaved artemisia and dianthus enhance the companion flowers. Plants: Cheddar pink dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus), snapdragon, sweet William (Dianthus barbatus), ‘Powis Castle’ artemisia, ‘East Friesland’ salvia. Conditions: Sun to partial sun.
Pops of Pink
Pops of pink bring a touch of softness to this container garden. Plants: veronica, Russian sage (Salvia yangii), dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima), ipomoea. Conditions: full sun to partial shade.
An Autumnal Array
Daisies and mums play well together in this cheerful autumn display. Plants: shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum), alternanthera, purple garden mum. Conditions: sun.
Stick With the Bold
Bright red hues and painted twigs give this planter an artistic aura. Plants: scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), Texas sage (Salvia coccinea), pentas, verbena, dianthus, Swedish ivy (Plectranthus australis). Conditions: Sun to partial sun.
Beautiful Shade Basket
Red hues of elephant ears (Caladium) intermingled with the ferns and ivy give this container combo a fresh, balanced feel. Plants: foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus), Kimberly Queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterate), elephant ear (Caladium), English ivy (Hedera helix). Conditions: shade to partial shade.