You’ve come to the right place if you’re interested in container gardening in the Beehive State. What flowers to plant in Utah, what plants are good to grow in Utah, and how to optimize for conditions like winter, shade, and full sun are all important considerations. From the best Utah container plants indoors and for pots to those that work well for landscaping, we cover it all here.
In addition, we delve into the best perennials for Utah, the best annual flowers for Utah, and low-maintenance plants that Utah residents love. If you want herbs, flowers, fruits, or veggies, you’ve got lots of choices to check out.
Best Utah Container Plants in Winter
Root vegetables like carrots and turnips are hardy and grow well during the colder months. For flowers, consider winter pansies and violas to add color to your winter landscape. Evergreen herbs like rosemary and thyme are another excellent choice as they can withstand frost. Ornamental cabbages and kales are beautiful and tough against the winter chill. Finally, Swiss chard is a great leafy green that thrives in colder temperatures.
Easy Container Plants for Shade in Utah
For those shady spots in your garden, numerous plants can thrive. Impatiens and fuchsias are two flowering plants that do well in low-light conditions. Herbs like mint and chives also prefer shade over full sun. Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce are perfect for a container and can tolerate less sun. For a pop of color, consider adding Coleus, a plant known for its vibrant foliage. Hostas are another low-maintenance option that can add a touch of green to your shaded areas.
Top Container Plants for Full Sun in Utah During Summer
If your garden is blessed with full sunlight, you’re in luck. Sunflowers and petunias are some of the best annual flowers for Utah that love full sun. When it comes to vegetables, tomatoes and bell peppers are ideal candidates. Herbs like basil and oregano also do well in sunny conditions. Zinnias are another flower that can add color and vibrancy to your garden. For fruit, consider strawberries or even dwarf citrus trees, which do remarkably well in containers.
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Factors to Consider when Choosing Container Plants for Utah
Before planting, consider your space, soil quality, and the local climate. Other considerations are whether the plants are best suited for pots or are good for landscaping. Always take into account the availability of sun or shade. It’s also crucial to consider how much time you can dedicate to your garden. Low-maintenance plants are a godsend for time-strapped people who still want a beautiful garden.
Native and Adapted Container Plants for Utah
Using native or adapted plants can make your gardening experience more manageable and eco-friendly. Sagebrush, Indian paintbrush, and Utah serviceberry are native options that are resilient and require little maintenance. Sego lily and globe mallow are native flowers that can add beauty to your containers. Yarrow and evening primrose are not native but are well-adapted to Utah’s climate. For herbs, consider adding local varieties like mountain mint.
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Colorful Foliage Container Plants for Utah
If you’re looking for plants that offer colorful foliage, consider heucheras and coral bells for vibrant leaves. Sweet potato vine is another great option for striking foliage and is extremely easy to grow. Japanese blood grass can add a fiery red touch to your containers. Plants like Ajuga have colorful leaves and are great for making your garden look more exciting. For a bluish tint, consider blue fescue grass, which is colorful and low-maintenance grass.
Low-Maintenance Container Plants for Winter in Utah
Winter can be tough, so choosing low-maintenance options can save time and stress. Russian sage and lavender are hardy and require little care. Succulents like aloe and jade are easy to maintain and can withstand colder temperatures. Ornamental grasses such as blue oat grass are another low-effort option. For something different, consider moss rose or ice plant, which are low-maintenance and can survive colder weather.
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Low Maintenance Outdoor Potted Plants for Utah
If you’re looking for easy-care plants that can live outdoors all year round, coneflowers and black-eyed Susans are solid choices. Both are perennials and among the best for Utah gardens. Daylilies are another excellent choice for an easy-care flowering plant. Grasses like switchgrass and fountain grass are low-maintenance and look stunning in containers. Consider chives and mint for herbs, which require little care but offer a lot in return. Finally, consider sedums, which require minimal water and maintenance for a drought-tolerant option.
Best Practices for Overwintering Container Plants in Utah
When it comes to overwintering container plants in Utah, preparation is key. First, consider relocating your potted plants to a sheltered location, like a porch or against a wall, to protect them from harsh winds and frost. Next, consider insulating your pots with straw or bubble wrap to help maintain soil temperature. Mulching is another effective way to provide extra insulation. Be careful with watering. Too much makes roots rot, and too little dries out the soil.
Winter is also the perfect time to prune back dead or damaged foliage to help your plants focus their energy on survival. It’s usually best not to fertilize during winter because it might make plants grow, and they could get hurt by frost. Lastly, don’t forget to monitor your plants for pests and diseases; lower light and reduced air circulation can sometimes create an environment where issues can thrive.
Drought-Tolerant Container Plants for Full Sun in Utah
Utah’s dry climate can make watering a constant concern, so opting for drought-tolerant plants is wise. Consider adding succulents like aloe or sedum to your container garden, as they require minimal water and are well-suited for Utah’s arid conditions. Ornamental grasses like blue fescue or fountain grass also thrive in full sun and need less water than other plants.
Consider lavender as a great choice for your garden; it can handle dry conditions and smells wonderful. Lantana is a colorful flower known for its heat tolerance and drought resistance. Herbs like rosemary and thyme are useful in the kitchen and require less water, making them perfect for a full-sun, drought-tolerant container garden.
Best Container Plants for Vegetables, Flowers, Herbs and Fruits in Utah
| Category | Best Container Plants in Utah |
| Vegetables | Carrots, Turnips, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Spinach, Lettuce |
| Flowers | Pansies, Violas, Petunias, Sunflowers, Impatiens, Fuchsias |
| Herbs | Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, Chives, Basil, Oregano |
| Fruits | Strawberries, Dwarf Citrus Trees, Blueberries, Raspberries |
Conclusion
Container gardening in Utah offers endless opportunities, whether dealing with full sun, shade, or even the challenging winter months. From drought-tolerant plants to those that are easy to overwinter, there are countless options to suit your needs. Following the best practices and choosing plants wisely can cultivate a resilient and beautiful container garden that thrives in Utah’s diverse climate.
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