The beauty of containers is that you can grow practically anything – and there's no need to confine yourself to just one plant. In fact, pick a pair of plants that grow in similar conditions and they can easily thrive in containers together. And if you prefer 'set and forget' plants which require minimal upkeep, there are plenty of combinations to explore.
Containers provide a brilliant way to mix up your planting, whether you want to spruce up a patio or deck, or bring visual interest to an otherwise empty spot.
Below, experts give their advice on the best low-maintenance plant pairings for container gardening – from classic herbs to pollinator-friendly blooms.
1. Lavender and Thyme
Companion planting is all about identifying species with comparable growing needs – and when it comes to choosing low maintenance plants for pots, you'll often find yourself picking between drought-tolerant succulents, ornamental grasses, and hardy perennials.
'If plants share the same tolerance for sun, drainage, and a bit of neglect, they usually end up being good partners in the same pot,' advises Siobhan Shaw, founder of Growing to Give.
'Thyme and lavender do surprisingly well together; they’re not always “book companions,” but in practice they handle heat, dry soil, and full sun in stride.'
Both plants prefer sandy soil (try something like this Wonder Soil, from Amazon). They thrive in hot weather, and they require infrequent watering.
You can pick up summer thyme from Plant Addicts and 'sensational' lavender plants from Fast Growing Trees.
And if you want to add a little more interest to your containers, try throwing chilli peppers into the mix; they also grow well in sandy soil. (Hot cayenne pepper seeds are available at True Leaf Market.)
2. Coreopsis and Gaillardia
Gaillardia (or blanket flower) and coreopsis (or tickseed) is a particularly brilliant pairing, since both plants prefer sunny weather and are largely drought-tolerant.
'Established coreopsis and gaillardia can cope with dry periods, although they will need regular water in containers, especially during hot summer spells,' advises Drew Swainston, Content Editor at Homes & Gardens.
Both plants have a lengthy flowering season and require minimal upkeep. Plus, they are both nectar-rich, making them great additions to a pollinator garden.
'Coreopsis and gaillardia are known to flower for an age, so you get a bright display from early summer right through the fall,' explains Drew. 'The showy, vivid blooms can bring a wildflower vibe to a pot, and both plants are magnets for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.'
You'll find nana coreopsis (a dwarf variety) at Fast Growing Trees, while striking 'low rider' gaillardia is also available at Fast Growing Trees.
3. Heucheras and Wallflowers
Both of these spring flowering plants are beloved for their vibrant color and impressively simple requirements: simply set them up in rich but well-draining soil, position your container in a bright spot, and water during lengthy dry spells.
Heucheras are also known as coral bells, and they are easy to grow in pots. They thrive in dappled sunlight and are also great in shade, and can be planted from May to September. When adding them to a pot, however, it's best to spread a little gravel mulch on the soil to lock in moisture and keep pests away. (Something like this horticultural grit from Amazon is ideal.)
There are plenty of heuchera varieties to choose from; you can pick up purple heuchera plants at Walmart, or opt for 'pistachio ambrosia' heucheras from The Home Depot.
Meanwhile, wallflowers also love partial shade, although they usually grow best in sunny conditions. A well-draining potting mix is essential, as wallflowers will suffer if overwatered. You'll find dainty 'Bowles Me Away' wallflowers at Plant Addicts.
Want to start your container garden off without a hitch? Check out our guide to container gardening for beginners – and take a look at our low-maintenance backyard ideas, too.
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