Wiring is used to guide the branches into specific shapes and positions, allowing you to control how your tree grows. You can use aluminum or copper wire to gently bend and hold branches in place. Typically, wire should be left on the tree for a few months, depending on how fast your tree is growing. You’ll want to check regularly, though—if the wire starts to dig into the bark, it’s time to remove it before it damages the tree. Always be gentle when unwiring to avoid hurting the branches.
Bonsai pots are shallow to restrict root growth and help control the size of the tree. This forces the tree to focus its energy on growing branches, leaves, and, eventually, creating that miniature look. Additionally, shallow pots aid in water drainage, which is crucial for bonsai health since waterlogged roots can easily lead to rot. Aesthetically, the small, shallow pots also highlight the beauty and shape of the bonsai itself, keeping the focus on the tree rather than the container.
Bonsai trees are all about patience. It can take anywhere from 5 to 10 years for a bonsai to be considered “mature,” and even then, they continue to grow and evolve throughout their lifespan. The slower the growth, the more intricate and beautiful the tree becomes. That said, if you’re looking for quicker results, starting with a pre-bonsai or young tree can speed up the process a bit!
When I first started experimenting with planters, I quickly learned that annuals are the way to go if you want a season-long burst of color. Not only do they grow fast, but their vivid blooms can transform any outdoor space with minimal fuss. In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favorite annual plants for planters—plants that have worked wonders for me (or ones I've admired in friends' gardens). Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll find something here that’s perfect for your container garden setup.
One of the first plants I ever tried was the trusty marigold, and I haven’t looked back since. These sun-loving, heat-tolerant beauties can be found in shades of yellow, orange, and red, with blooms that range from simple and daisy-like to full and pom-pom-shaped. Marigolds grow to about 6 to 12 inches tall, which makes them perfect for any size of containers. Their green, feathery foliage contrasts beautifully with their bold blooms, and they are incredibly easy to care for. As long as you give them full sun and well-draining soil, they’ll reward you with continuous blooms all summer long. I typically water them when the top inch of soil feels dry, and they can handle the heat like champs. Marigolds are perfect for beginners or those who want a bright pop of color without too much fuss.
Petunias are one of my go-to annuals for planters, especially when I want that overflowing, cascading look. These lovely flowers come in a wide array of colors, from soft pastels to deep purples and vibrant pinks, making them versatile for any garden style. Petunias grow about 12 to 18 inches tall, with trailing varieties that spill beautifully over the edges of planters. Their trumpet-shaped blooms have a velvety texture, and their lush green foliage adds depth to their vibrant colors. Petunias thrive in full sun and need regular watering—especially during hot spells. I’ve found that they prefer well-draining soil and benefit from deadheading, which encourages more blooms. They’re great for gardeners who love variety and want to create eye-catching container displays.
Zinnias are an absolute favorite of mine for adding bold color to my pot. These easy-to-grow flowers come in a rainbow of colors—everything from bright reds and yellows to purples and pinks. They have a stiff, upright growth habit and can reach up to 24 inches tall, which makes them perfect for adding height and drama to your container arrangements. Zinnias have large, daisy-like blooms and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that form a nice backdrop for their flowers. They thrive in full sun and love the heat, so they’re perfect for summer pots. I like to water them regularly, but I’m careful not to get their foliage wet to avoid mildew. Zinnias are ideal for gardeners who love bold, vibrant displays and don’t mind a little extra care, like deadheading to keep them blooming.
If you have a shady spot that needs a pop of color, begonias are your best friend. I’ve used them in containers on my porch where sunlight is limited, and they always brighten up the space. Begonias come in a variety of types, but I love the wax begonias for containers because they’re compact and flower profusely. They grow about 6 to 12 inches tall, with rounded leaves that are often a glossy green or bronze. Their blooms come in red, white, pink, or orange and are perfect for adding color to shady areas. Begonias like well-draining soil and do best with regular watering, though they don’t like to sit in soggy soil. These plants are great for gardeners with less sunlight or for those who want to add a low-maintenance plant to their shady containers.
Another favorite for my shaded planters, impatiens are a reliable and easy-going choice. These plants offer a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant reds, oranges, and purples, with small, flat-faced blooms that are always eye-catching. Impatiens grow about 6 to 12 inches tall and are perfect for filling in spaces in your planters. They thrive in shady areas and prefer well-draining soil that stays evenly moist. I usually water them when the top inch of soil feels dry, and they do best when they’re not exposed to too much direct sunlight. Impatiens are perfect for gardeners who want a low-maintenance plant that will thrive inside the house without too much sunlight and still provide a beautiful burst of color.
Geraniums have always been a staple in my sunny planters because they’re so reliable and bloom for months. These annuals can be found in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple, and their rounded, clustered blooms are striking against their slightly scented, scalloped leaves. Geraniums grow about 12 to 18 inches tall, making them great for both planters and hanging baskets. They thrive in full sun and like well-draining soil, though they’re relatively drought-tolerant once established. Watering them when the top inch of soil feels dry works best, and deadheading old blooms helps encourage more flowers. Geraniums are perfect for gardeners who want a long-lasting, colorful display that’s easy to care for.
Sweet Alyssum is one of those plants I love to use as a filler in my planters. Its delicate, fragrant blooms come in shades of white, purple, and pink, and it has a trailing growth habit that spills beautifully over the edges of containers. Sweet Alyssum grows to about 4 to 6 inches tall, with tiny clusters of flowers that are perfect for softening the look of a planter. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. I usually water it regularly, but it’s pretty forgiving if I miss a day or two. Sweet Alyssum is ideal for gardeners who want a low-maintenance plant that adds a soft, delicate touch to their containers.
Snapdragons are another favorite of mine when I want to add some height and structure to my planters. These charming plants have tall, spiky blooms in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to bright reds and yellows. They can grow up to 24 inches tall, making them perfect for the back of a container arrangement where you need some height. Snapdragons thrive in full sun and do best in well-draining soil. I water them regularly, making sure the soil stays evenly moist, and they usually reward me with blooms throughout the growing season. Snapdragons are great for gardeners who want to add a bit of vertical interest to their planters while still enjoying a splash of color.
Cosmos are the definition of easy-going beauty. I love using them in my planters because their delicate, airy flowers give a soft, whimsical look to any arrangement. They come in shades of pink, white, and purple and have fine, feathery foliage that adds texture. Cosmos can grow up to 3 feet tall, but I’ve found that they do well in planters if you give them enough room to stretch. They thrive in full sun and love well-draining soil. I usually water them when the soil dries out a bit, and they’re pretty drought-tolerant, which makes them perfect for gardeners who may forget to water every now and then. Cosmos are great for those who love a more natural, cottage-garden vibe.
Nasturtiums hold a special place in my heart because not only are they beautiful, but their flowers and leaves are edible, adding a peppery kick to salads! These vibrant annuals come in shades of orange, red, and yellow, with large, round leaves that have a unique, almost shield-like appearance. Nasturtiums grow about 12 to 18 inches tall and have a trailing habit that makes them ideal for hanging baskets or spilling over the edges of planters. They thrive in full sun and prefer well-draining soil, though they’re fairly drought-tolerant once established. I love that they’re low-maintenance and add a cheerful, carefree vibe to any space. Nasturtiums are perfect for gardeners who want a dual-purpose plant that’s both ornamental and edible.
Lantana is one of those annuals that I plant when I want a pop of vibrant color with minimal effort. These hardy plants come in a variety of colors, including bright oranges, reds, and purples, and their small, clustered blooms are perfect for attracting butterflies. Lantana grows about 12 to 24 inches tall and has a bushy, upright growth habit that works well in planters. They thrive in full sun and are incredibly heat-tolerant, making them perfect for hot, sunny spots. I usually water them when the soil feels dry, and they can handle some drought, which makes them perfect for busy gardeners who want a plant that can survive a little neglect. Lantana is ideal for those who want a vibrant, low-maintenance plant that will keep blooming all summer long.
Absolutely! In fact, mixing different types of annuals in one planter can create a stunning, dynamic display. I love combining plants with different heights, colors, and textures. For example, I might pair tall snapdragons with trailing petunias and compact marigolds to fill in the gaps. Just make sure all the plants have similar sunlight, water, and soil requirements so they thrive together.
Most annuals are meant to live for just one growing season, but some, like geraniums and lantana, can be overwintered indoors if you’re in a colder climate. You can either bring the whole plant inside or take cuttings to propagate for next season. Just give them plenty of light and water sparingly while they’re indoors.
Both have their perks! Annuals provide non-stop color for one season, making them perfect for planters where you want bold, vibrant displays. Perennials return year after year but typically have shorter blooming periods. If you like to refresh your garden each season and play with new colors, annuals are the way to go. However, a mix of both can create a stunning balance in your garden.
