Colorful spring containers celebrate the start of the gardening season and creating them is fun and easy if you know which plants to choose. Look for great gems to create a new spring container or refresh an existing pot.
Note: Before adding plants to an existing planted container, you may need to remove last season’s color if the plants have declined. Remove any unwanted plants and some of the compacted soil, then add a few handfuls of fresh potting soil. Watch for aphids or other signs of pests at this time and treat or remove any infected plants. A slow-release, organic fertilizer (Dr. Earth All Purpose or Life) may be added, either at planting time or, for existing containers, as the weather warms and there are signs of new growth on the plants.
Focal Plants
A focal plant can add texture and color, and be the anchor that other plants can complement.
Cupressus 'Wilma Goldcrest'
Euonymus
Boxwood
Conifers
Camellia
Rhododendron
Deciduous shrubs with interesting bark, buds, or flowers such as Forsythia, Chaenomeles, Corylopsis, and Blueberries
Early Spring Color
Include early-blooming perennials and small shrubs for structure and texture.
Erysimum
Helleborus
Saxifraga
Lithodora
Dicentra
Pulmonaria
Heuchera
Candytuft
Heather
Daphne
Vinca
Primroses
Hardy Annual Flowers & Spring Bulbs
Some pretty and fun choices are blooming potted bulbs, which are the bellwethers of spring, and other hardy spring flowers.
Hyacinth
Crocus
Tulip
Daffodil
Muscari
Sweet Alyssum
Primula obconica
Snapdragon
Primrose
Viola
Pansy
Anemone
Ranunculus
Stock
Spring Greens
The bright green foliage of certain evergreen plants goes with everything and adds texture and the striking hue of spring to your containers.
Selaginella (Spike moss)
Evergreen ferns
Evergreen grasses such as Carex 'Everillo' and Liriope muscari
Whichever plants you choose, adding bright color and striking foliage to your pots is refreshing, and an exciting way to announce spring!
Note: Updated for 2025