Container gardening has gained immense popularity recently for its convenience, versatility, and visual appeal. This gardening method is highly favoured in Missouri for its adaptability to the state’s varied climates and conditions. Some plants can thrive in pots and containers from full sun to shade and from summer to winter. In this guide, we will cover some of the best container plants for Missouri, focusing on winter-hardy options, plants that do well in shade, and those that need full sun.
Along the way, we’ll answer some common questions like what you can plant in the winter in Missouri, the best vegetables to grow in pots, what herbs are perennial in Missouri, what pots are best for hot weather, and more. We’ll also discuss the best container plants for Missouri in terms of low maintenance, adaptability to local conditions, and colourful foliage. So, let’s dig in!
Best Container Plants for Missouri in Winter
Winter in Missouri can be challenging for many plants, but it’s also an opportunity to grow cold-hardy vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are excellent vegetables to grow in pots during winter. For fruits, consider the dwarf varieties of apple and pear trees.
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Pansies and violas can bring colour to your winter garden. Herbs like rosemary and thyme are perennial in Missouri and make excellent winter container plants. Winterberry and dogwood can add striking winter interest as well. Choose containers made of stone or ceramic that can withstand the winter chill better than plastic or metal pots.
Easy Container Plants for Shade in Missouri
If your garden area is largely in the shade, you’re not limited to ferns and hostas. Vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and beets thrive in partial shade. Fruits like strawberries also do well in containers and can adapt to shady spots. For flowers, impatiens and begonias offer bright colours for shady areas.
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Mint and parsley are herbs that prefer a bit of shade. Coleus and caladium are remarkable for their colourful foliage and are ideal for shaded containers. Remember that containers made of light-coloured materials tend to stay cooler in the shade compared to dark-coloured ones.
Top Container Plants for Full Sun in Missouri During Summer
Summertime in Missouri offers the gardener plenty of sun to grow sun-loving plants. Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are among the best vegetables to grow in pots that will be in full sun. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries love the sun and are easy to grow in containers. For flowers, petunias, marigolds, and geraniums thrive in full sun.
Herbs like basil, oregano, and chives also do well in sunny spots. Like fountain grass, ornamental grasses can add texture to a sun-drenched container garden. Opt for pots made of clay or terracotta, which are best for hot weather, as they allow soil to breathe.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Container Plants for Missouri
Before you start planting, it’s essential to consider factors like container material, size, drainage, and potting mix. As mentioned earlier, the pots that are best for hot weather in Missouri are usually those made of terracotta or clay. You’ll also need to consider the plant’s root system; some plants have deep roots and require deeper containers, while others can make do with shallow pots. Drainage is crucial; ensure your container has holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. Organic, well-draining potting mix is recommended for most plants.
Native and Adapted Container Plants for Missouri
Missouri’s native plants have the advantage of being well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Plants like the Missouri primrose, wild petunia, and goldenrod are native and excellent for container gardens. Non-native but well-adapted plants like lavender, sage, and daylilies can also thrive in Missouri’s varied conditions. Both native and adapted plants generally require less maintenance, making them some of the best container plants for Missouri in terms of low maintenance.
Colourful Foliage Container Plants for Missouri
Consider plants with colourful leaves if you want to add a pop of colour to your container garden. Heuchera comes in various leaf colours, from burgundy to lime green. Elephant ears and canna lilies have striking foliage and do well in containers. Ornamental kale and rainbow chard can add a burst of colour while edible. Sweet potato vine, with its lime green or dark purple leaves, can spill over the edge of a container, creating a lush, trailing effect. Oxalis, commonly known as shamrock, offers colourful leaves and delicate flowers.
Low-Maintenance Container Plants for Winter in Missouri
If you’re looking for plants that require minimal attention during the winter months, consider low-maintenance options like dwarf conifers, hellebores, and winter jasmine. Sedge and coral bells are ornamental plants that also require little care. As for herbs, chives and mint are perennial in Missouri and require little maintenance. Many of these plants are excellent low-maintenance outdoor potted plants for Missouri.
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Low Maintenance Outdoor Potted Plants for Missouri
If you’re looking for fuss-free, low-maintenance outdoor potted plants in Missouri, consider perennial herbs like chives and mint, which require minimal care. Succulents like hen, chicks, and zinnias and marigolds are also hardy and easy to maintain. For foliage, consider coral bells and sedges, which can add texture without requiring frequent attention. These plants are easy to care for and add visual interest to your garden year-round.
Best Practices for Overwintering Container Plants in Missouri
Overwintering container plants in Missouri ensures their survival through the harsh winter months. To achieve this, consider moving your pots closer to the house or into a sheltered area to protect them from strong winds and extreme temperatures. Using frost-proof containers made of stone or ceramic can also make a significant difference.
Wrapping pots in burlap or bubble wrap can provide added insulation, and placing a mulch on the soil surface can help retain moisture. Finally, reduce watering, but don’t let the soil dry out entirely, as roots still need some moisture to survive the winter.
Drought-Tolerant Container Plants for Full Sun in Missouri
Drought-tolerant container plants are a smart choice in hot Missouri summers for areas that receive full sun. Consider vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, which are naturally drought-tolerant once established. For flowers, opt for portulaca and lantana, which thrive in hot, dry conditions. Herbs like rosemary and oregano are not only culinary staples but are also well-suited for drought-prone areas. Ornamental grasses such as blue fescue and feather grass can withstand dry conditions and add visual interest to your container garden.
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Best Container Plants for Vegetables, Flowers, Herbs, and Fruits in Missouri
| Category | Plants |
| Vegetables | Kale, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Radishes, Beets |
| Flowers | Pansies, Violas, Petunias, Marigolds, Geraniums, Impatiens, Begonias, Zinnias, Portulaca, Lantana |
| Herbs | Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, Parsley, Basil, Oregano, Chives, Sage, Lavender, Rosemary, Oregano |
| Fruits | Dwarf Apple Trees, Dwarf Pear Trees, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Strawberries |
Conclusion
Container gardening in Missouri offers various possibilities, from vegetables and fruits to flowers and herbs, for varying conditions from full sun to winter chill. By selecting the right plants and following best practices, you can enjoy a thriving, low-maintenance container garden all year round.
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