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Not all container plants thrive in a sunny and hot location. Check out these container plants for full sun and heat.

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Many container plants are challenging to grow when placed in a hot and sunny location. However, some plants love getting full sunlight and heat. Whether it’s summertime or you want to have a container garden in a sunny location, these container plants for full sun and heat will surely add color to your home.

List of container plants for full sun and heat

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Ornamental plants

Name	Scientific name	Other names	Image
Agave	Agave americana	Sentry plant, century plant, maguey, American aloe
Angelonia	Angelonia angustifolia Benth	Summer Snapdragon
Angel’s Trumpet	Brudmansia	Devil’s trumpet
Bamboo	Bambusoideae
Blue sky vine	Thunbergia grandiflora	Bengal clockvine, Bengal trumpet, blue skyflower, blue thunbergia, blue trumpetvine, clockvine, skyflower and skyvine
Canna	Canna generalis	Canna lily
Coleus	Solenostemon scutellaroides
Cuphea	cuphea hyssopifolia	False heather, Mexican heather, Hawaiian heather, elfin herb
Dahlia	Dahlia variabilis
Ground orchids	Spathoglottis plicata
Hibiscus	Hibiscus rosa-sinensis	China rose, Rose mallow, shoeblackplant
Lantana	Lantana Camara	Big-sage, wilk-sage
Mandevilla	Madevilla sanderi	Rocktrumpet
Palms	Arecaceae
Passionflower	Passiflora	Passion vines
Pentas	Pentas lanceolata	Egyptianstarcluster
Petunia	Petunia x atkinsiana
Plumbago	Plumbago auriculata	Blue plumbago, cape leadwort, Cape plumbago
Salvia	Salvia officinalis	Common sage
Solanum	Solanum jasminoides	Potato vine
SunPatiens	Impatiens hawkeri
Tropical milkweed	Asclepias curassavica
Verbena	Verbena officinalis	Vervain
Zahara Zinnia	Zinnia marylandica	Zinnia

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Herbs and vegetables

Name	Scientific name	Other names	Image
Chives	Allium schoenoprasum
Kale	Brassica oleracea	Leaf cabbage
Lavender	Lavandula
Lemon thyme	Thymus citriodorus	Citrus thyme
Lemongrass	Cymbopogon citratus	Barbed wire grass, silky heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, oliy heads, fever grass
Lettuce	Lactuca sativa
Mint	Mentha
Parsely	Petroselinum crispum
Rosemary	Salvia rosmarinus	Anthos

If you are interested in container gardening for herbs, you may want to read this: Container Gardening Herbs: 7 Best Picks to Try!

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Tips for growing containers plants in full sun and heat

Here are some reminders that will help ensure your plants will thrive in hot location and weather:

1. Choose the right pot. Always remember that your plants need enough space for their roots to grow. Your pot also needs to have good drainage to avoid root rot.
2. Try to mix plants to make them more visually appealing.  Mix flowering plants of different colors. Put companion plants and herbs in one container. Combine plants of different heights.
3. Use nutrient-rich soil for your container plants. Plants in containers are restricted. Its roots cannot reach out to search for nutrients elsewhere. We need to provide nutrients to our container plants like using compost and manure, so they can thrive in their confined spaces.
4. Frequently water your plants. Even though the plants we have chosen are tolerant of sunlight and heat, it does not mean they do not need as much water as other plants do. Be sure to know the water requirements of your plants and water them accordingly.
5. Fertilize your plants. As you water your plants, some nutrients get washed away. Your plants would also need more nutrients as they grow. That is why it is very important to fertilize your plants regularly. You may use water-soluble or liquid fertilizer once a week or once every two weeks.
6. Groom and prune your plants regularly. You can make it a weekly habit to prune your plants to make them visually appealing. Remove plants that are already withering and dying. Take out the weeds and be on the lookout for pests.

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Remember, not all container plants thrive in full sunlight and heat. Hopefully, this guide will give you an idea of what potted plants to consider and how you can take care of them.

Container plant ideas (for full sun)

Container plants can be a great way to add color and life to any room in your home. Whether you’re looking for ideas for a bright, cheerful room or something more subdued, plenty of container plants will fit the bill. Here are seven ideas for container plants that need full sun:

1. Geraniums are a perennial favorite for their showy flowers and easy care requirements. They can be planted in large containers or small pots and need little water once they become established.
2. Alstroemeria is another perennial favorite that is perfect for containers. They need little water and maintain their color year-round.
3. Buddleja is another perennial favorite for container gardens. They are easy to grow and bloom all year long.
4. Chinese evergreen ferns are a great container plant that will thrive in the shade of trees or shrubs and need very little care.
5. English ivy is another perennial favorite that will survive indoors, even in cold winter climates. They grow well in containers and can be trained to climb a trellis or wall.
6. Hanging moss is an easy-to-grow plant that can be trained over a trellis. It will look beautiful in hanging baskets and containers.
7. The Japanese orchid is one of the easiest indoor plants to maintain and bloom all year long.

Flower container ideas for full sun

Container plants can be a great way to add color and life to any room in your home. They are easy to care for, and you can move them around whenever you like. You can also choose plants specific to your climate, so you know that they will thrive in your environment.

Sunflower containers: A classic sunflower container is a great way to show off your sun-loving plants.

When most people imagine sunflowers, they think of the large, bright yellow flowers that can grow up to 12 feet tall. However, many people don’t know that there are wide varieties of sunflowers, some of which are pretty small. One of my favorite varieties is the mini sunflower. These little guys only grow about a foot tall and have bright yellow petals with a black center.

Sunflower containers are a great way to show off your mini sunflowers or any other variety of sunflower. They can be made from various materials that include, but are not limited to, terra cotta, plastic, or metal. My favorite type of container to use for sunflowers is a galvanized steel pail. I like the rustic look it gives my garden.

Hanging baskets for flowers: Hang your baskets in a spot with plenty of direct sunlight.

There’s nothing like the sight of hanging baskets overflowing with brightly colored flowers to make a porch or patio come alive. While it’s easy to purchase a pre-made hanging basket, it’s also easy to make your own using a few simple materials.

First, decide where and how you want to hang your basket. It’s best to hang them in a spot with plenty of direct sunlight. For example, you can hang them in your yard if you don’t have a porch or patio.

Next, gather a wire hanger, some landscape fabric, potting soil, and plants. Bend the wire hanger and have it into the shape of a basket, and then use the cloth to cover it, securing it in place with staples or garden twine.

Fill the basket with potting soil, and then add your plants.

Patio flower pots: Place your patio pots in a sunny spot and fill them with plants that love the sun.

There are a lot of different flower containers that can be used to grow flowers in full sun. Some examples are planters, tubs, and barrels. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, it’s important to consider the specific environment in which you want to grow your flowers before purchasing. Some of the best flower containers for full sun are made from sturdy materials that will withstand weather conditions and not take up a lot of space.

Window flower boxes: Sunny window boxes are the perfect place for sun-loving plants.

Window flower boxes are elegant and great for adding a splash of color to your home. They look pretty and can also be functional, providing a place for plants to grow. So if you’re looking for a way to add some life to your windows, consider adding a flower box.

You’ll need to consider a few things before installing a window flower box. First, you’ll need to ensure that the box is big enough to accommodate the plants you want to grow. You’ll also need to ensure the box is in a sunny spot since sun-loving plants will do best in direct sunlight.

Once you’ve selected a spot for your box, it’s time to start planting. Be sure to choose plants and flowers that will thrive, not just survive, in the conditions where the box will be installed.

With these ideas, you can create a beautiful display of sun-loving flowers in your garden or yard.

Sources:

• https://www.thespruce.com/heat-tolerant-plants-for-containers-848021
• https://savvygardening.com/container-plants-for-full-sun/
• https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans-ideas/container-garden-plants-that-take-the-heat/
• https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/containers/tips-for-beautiful-garden-containers/

Do you want to grow your own vegetables, but have no yard space?  No problem!  You can plant your vegetables in containers.  Grow them in your patio, rooftop, balcony, alleyway, or even on your window sill.

Here are some container gardening ideas for vegetables that will help you begin. 

Table of Contents

• What vegetables grow well in containers
• How to select containers
• What soil to use
• How much water to put
• Where to put your vegetable containers
• Fertilizing your vegetable plants 
• Companion planting

What vegetables grow well in containers 

The following vegetables and herbs grow well in pots and planters: 

How to select containers 

You can use almost any container you have at home for vegetable gardening.  Store-bought pots, self-watering planters, buckets, window boxes, wooden half-barrels, hanging baskets, troughs, old bathtubs – you name it.  There are just some general rules you need to remember when selecting containers for your vegetables:   

1. Plants need enough room to grow.  Make sure you do not overcrowd your vegetables in one container.   
2. Choose bigger pots that help store more water for your plants to thrive on hot days. 
3. Put holes at the bottom of your pots to ensure proper drainage.  This will help avoid root rot that causes plants to die.  Most store-bought pots already come with drainage holes, but if you want to recycle some containers at home, do not forget to put enough holes in them. 

Here are other helpful tips when it comes to selecting containers for your vegetables: 

1. Choose a deep pot that will allow roots to grow.
2. Plastic pots hold water better than clay pots.
3. Clay pots look more attractive.
4. Black posts absorb heat when under the sun.
5. Fabric pots are also great for growing vegetables.
6. Hanging baskets are great space-savers. They are good for growing herbs.
7. Pick heavier pots if you need to put trellis or other plant support.

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What soil to use 

In container gardening, we use soilless potting mix and not actual soil or dirt.  A potting mix will ensure moisture retention and aeration for healthy root growth.  Actual soil, such as dirt and topsoil, tends to get dry, compact, and hard.    Actual soil is also heavy, which may get waterlogged, causing plant diseases and root rot.   

Just remember- the lighter the potting mix, the better.  It would be easier for the water, air, and fertilizer to travel to the roots of your vegetables.    

You may use a combination of any of the following to make a potting mix:   

• coco coir   
• vermiculite  
• perlite  
• peat moss  
• pumice 
• compost      
• granular fertilizer

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How much water to put 

You need to consistently water your vegetable plants in containers so they will grow healthy.  Otherwise, problems such as poor root growth, insect problems, leaf curling, blossom drop, and rotting may occur.   

You may water your potted vegetables twice a day.  Alternatively, you may use a self-watering pot to ensure they get enough moisture all the time.  Just remember to fill in the water reservoir every few days.      

Another idea is to double-pot.  It means putting a smaller pot inside a larger container. You then fill the gap of the two containers with moss or crumpled paper soaked in water. 

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Where to put your vegetable containers 

Location is another vital thing to consider when it comes to vegetable gardening.  Do your plants get enough sunlight?  Is the area too windy?  Does your vegetable plant need trellis or other support? 

Sunlight 

You have to ensure that your vegetable plants get enough sunlight.  Most vegetables like tomatoes, beans, cucumber, and peppers need at least six hours of sunlight.  Some vegetables like salad greens may require fewer hours.   You may need to transfer your containers from one place to another during the day.  You can use a caster for your pots so you can easily slide them when required. 

Ventilation and wind 

Vegetable plants need good ventilation.  You need to look out for the wind and keep them protected as needed.   Wind may batter their leaves and dry them out.  One tip is to place them by a wall where they are protected from the wind.  You may also set up a portable protective fence or arrange your pots so that larger plants can protect those in smaller containers.    

Support and trellis 

Some vegetables like cucumbers may need some trellis or other support.  Make sure that you have enough space to accommodate the growing and trailing vegetables.  You might also need to put your containers in a place where you can secure your trellis for support.  

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Fertilizing your vegetable plants 

It may be hard to grow vegetables and herbs in containers without fertilizers successfully.  Fertilizers provide the needed nutrients that are usually washed away when you water your potted vegetable plants. The potting mix nutrients may also be not enough for the amount of foliage your vegetable grows in a limited container.      

When planting, you may mix granular organic fertilizer with your potting mix. You may then feed your vegetable plants with liquid fertilizer for edibles at least twice a month, starting about a month after planting.  

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Companion planting 

One of the most fun container gardening ideas for vegetables is companion planting.   This means planting your vegetables along with other vegetables or plants.  Not only will your containers look bright and lovely, but your vegetables will also thrive better with compatible companions around as they protect and help nourish each other. 

Here are some tips you can consider in companion planting: 

1. Combine plants with similar needs for water and fertilizer (e.g., high-water needs: cucumber, onions, pepper; low-water needs: spinach, lettuce, and most herbs).   
2. A trailing plant can go well with an upright plant. 
3. Combine your vegetables and herbs by following the companion chart below shared by trees.org. 

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We hope you enjoyed our post on container gardening ideas for vegetables.  Just remember that almost any container will do for your vegetables. Do not forget to also use soilless potting mix; give them the right amount of sunlight and ventilation; feed them with fertilizers; and if you want, plant them with compatible companion plants.  Just don’t forget to watch out for weeds and insects that may damage your vegetables.       

Do you have other container gardening ideas for vegetables you want to share?  Let us know about them! 

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You may also want to read this: Container Gardening Ideas: The Best Guide for You.

Sources: 

• https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/urban-gardening-with-vegetables/5491.html
• https://www.almanac.com/content/container-gardening-vegetables
• https://www.bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/vegetables/growing-vegetables-in-containers/