There are many reasons why growing evergreen plants and shrubs in pots and containers is a good idea - but in order to do that, you need to know which evergreen shrubs and plants are best suited to growing in pots and containers. And that's where we can help you.
In this blog we are going to be looking at some of the benefits of container gardening, before we list some of the popular evergreen shrubs that are suited to growing in containers. You may be surprised about just how varied your options are...
Benefits of growing evergreen shrubs in pots
So why would you want to grow a small evergreen shrub in a pot? There are many different reasons, so if you haven't considered it before, maybe our list below will spark some inspiration...:
Versatile garden design
If you're one of those people that like to keep things fresh, then you may relish the chance to move shrubs around your garden with ease. Make sure that you always have the perfect backdrop on your patio, or create more space when you host a BBQ, or alter the colour scheme, or compliment a new addition to your garden... you get the idea. Having your shrubs in pots creates loads of possibilities.
Help support your evergreen plants and shrubs
Some plants need a lot of sun exposure, and that isn't always possible all year round in a lot of gardens. Some may need shelter if it gets especially cold or windy. If your shrubs are in pots, you can move them from season to season to ensure that they are getting the conditions they need.
They save space
If you have a small amount of outdoor space, a container garden could be a solution. By growing shrubs in pots, you can fill up your space with more variety, more colour. The shrubs will be restricted on how they can spread out, they are not competing with other plants for nutrients or water - they are free to grow to their surroundings. Container gardens are a great way to generate a vibrant garden in a small space.
Low maintenance
Containing your shrubs and plants in pots means that they won't require as much maintenance - less space for weeds to grow and less pruning required. You may need to water them a little more than those in flower beds, but you don't need to worry about them other than that.
Best Evergreen Shrubs for Pots
So, now that we have established that growing shrubs in pots is an excellent idea, let's take a look at some of our favourites! Choosing evergreen plants and shrubs is the first step to your dream garden.
Azalea Shrub - Japonica Orange
We'll start with a classic, the azalea. If you want bright, evergreen foliage all year round, which is complimented by dazzling bursts of colour in the summer, then azaleas could be the potted plants for you!
Plant these in well drained soil (ideally a decent potting mix), water during dry spells in the spring and summer, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful shrub that brings year round interest. They grow well in light or partial shade, and don't require much maintenance.
Pieris Mountain Fire
One of our favourites - the Mountain Fire has vibrant foliage that few other shrubs can match. Sharp red and orange bursts from the glossy green leaves during the growing season, transforming to pink and white later on. They are ideal to add a bit of colour to smaller gardens - perfect for a patio. They prefer sheltered spots with full to partial shade.
Hebe Emerald Green
Sometimes simplicity is everything. That is certainly the case with this Emerald Green evergreen shrub. The bright, rounded foliage is subtly attractive - it may not stand out in a garden full of colour, but it compliments other plants perfectly, and is a great addition to almost any garden - and they are hardy plants. It's one of the more low maintenance evergreen shrubs - plant in well drained soil and watch it thrive.
Cordyline Festival Raspberry
From something classic and simple, to something unique and striking. This cordyline is a great example of just how attractive, and different, shrubs can be. The deep pink leaves draw the eye, cascading down the side of a pot in a particularly pleasing way. This is an evergreen plant that is a perfect patio decoration. It produces small, but beautiful flowers in the summer, but it's the lush foliage that is the real draw here.
Rhododendron Catawbiense Grandiflorum
Another classic to finish with. We couldn't leave rhododendron off our list, so we've selected this one - the Catawbiense Grandiflorum. With lilac, funnel-shaped and fragrant flowers which sprout up amongst the perfect green foliage, these make a great visual impact on any patio or porch. They are also very hardy - pretty drought tolerant, they can withstand almost anything the weather can throw at them. Year round interest with the foliage, and the flowers will bloom from Spring into summer.
Evergreen Shrubs in Pots Conclusion
I think we can all agree that variety is a wonderful thing for a garden - and growing evergreen plants and shrubs in pots is a great way to encourage variety. Yes, deciduous plants have a place there too, but for year round appeal, evergreen plants and shrubs are just perfect. Beautiful green leaves all through those winter months are just what the doctor ordered!
Have a look through our huge range of garden shrubs, and see if you can pick our your favourites (it may be harder than you think to narrow it down!). If you are worried about shrubs that you are growing in pots, you can consult our blog on how to tell if a shrub is dying - or get in touch with our team for further help.
