The Most Beautiful Container Plants

The Most Beautiful Container Plants

Plants always have genus and species names. The genus name is usually placed first (comparable to our surname) and the species name comes second (comparable to our first name). Individual species may also have more or less well-known varieties that make each species even more interesting. Like other ornamental plants, container plants are not as well developed through breeding, as they are mostly wild-growing species that have been improved artificially. There are also hybrids, which are usually obtained by crossing different species. They are marked with a cross placed before the species name.

Jasmine (Jasminum humile)

This beautiful, bright yellow flower originally from China blooms in June and the flowers form on young shoots. Almost all jasmines are climbing and require support structures, however there is an evergreen jasmine that grows in the form of a small shrub and is winter-hardy. Jasmine has fragrant flowers that grow in clusters of approximately 10 and have a strong scent. This flower is not demanding in terms of temperature, but in summer it requires light, not heat. Leaf drop during winter makes overwintering easier. Pruning before overwintering reduces space requirements. The good thing about jasmine is that pests and diseases practically never occur on it.

Angel's Trumpet (Datura)

Angel's trumpet originates from South America and is a deciduous plant that has leaves up to 20cm long. Many species of angel's trumpet have a wonderful fragrance, usually most prominent in the evening. The flowers are usually white or pink, red and yellow and bloom from July to autumn. Angel's trumpet requires a sunny location protected from wind, which can irreparably damage the delicate leaves. The more the angel's trumpet grows, the more flowers it produces.

New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax)

New Zealand flax is the most important utility plant originating from New Zealand. It has strap-like leaves up to 100cm long and up to 7cm wide. The leaf tissues are strong and difficult to tear. New Zealand flax is beautiful primarily due to the color combinations of its leaves. It is resistant to light, shade, heat, drought and dust. Since it is a highly adaptable plant, it grows well everywhere. Initially it is advisable to fertilize it well, later only a little is needed.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

This plant, cultivated for thousands of years, was supposedly also the biblical apple of Adam and Eve. Dwarf forms are used for container cultivation. It originally comes from the eastern Mediterranean and the leaves of dwarf varieties are sessile, dark green and slightly glossy. The flower is bright scarlet red, with porcelain-like calyxes and small petals. The fruits are 2-4cm in size, bright red and mature in late summer and autumn. A warm environment is important for pomegranate, so it is best to place the plant against a wall.

Agave (Agave americana)

This Mexican, typically ornamental foliage plant is the most famous of all agave species. It has a blue-green base colour, but varieties with yellow stripes on the sides or in the centre are also known. The leaf tips form a sharp point and their edges feature curved sharp hooks. Agave does not tolerate frost and thrives in a location with plenty of sun, dryness and warmth. Agave should be fertilised and watered sparingly, otherwise large, soft and drooping leaves will form.