Cottage Perennial Garden in Containers
How to Grow a Cottage Perennial Garden in Containers
When I got married we first lived in a rental home, but I had to have a garden. Not wanting to spend a lot on plants that I had to leave behind I started a cottage perennial garden in containers. I was able to enjoy my flowers that summer then take them with me when we bought and moved into our house the following Spring.
A cottage garden overflowing with blooms and charm must not be limited to in-ground plantings. You can create a stunning, romantic perennial cottage garden in containers!
Whether you have a small patio, balcony, or just want to add whimsical beauty to your outdoor space, growing perennials in pots is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic cottage garden look with less maintenance. Here’s how to do it.
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Choosing the Right Containers
The key to a thriving cottage perennial container garden is selecting the right pots. Here’s what to consider:
- Size: Larger pots retain moisture better and allow roots to spread. A minimum of 12 inches in depth and width is ideal. But remember, the larger the pot the heavier it can get. I do not recommend putting objects light packing peanuts or other plastics to lighten pots, there are numerous reasons but one is it will restrict good root growth. You want the best conditions for your perennials to thrive.
- Material: Terracotta, ceramic, and wooden planters are charming, but lightweight resin or fiberglass pots work well if you need portability. Use what works well with your garden theme or aesthetic. Remember that terra cotta pots may dry out faster.
- Drainage: Ensure all containers have drainage holes to prevent root rot. This is important for all containers.
See how to drill holes in containers here!
Best Perennial Plants for a Cottage Garden in Containers
Select a mix of perennials that provide height, texture, and season-long interest to achieve a lush and layered cottage garden feel.
26 Perennials You Can Grow from Seed!
Planting and Soil Requirements
Perennials in containers need well-draining soil. Use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost. To improve drainage, mix in perlite or sand.
I avoid using potting soils that have a lot of peat moss or coconut coir. I have found they tend to compress and become a brick, which then becomes hydrophobic (resistant to absorbing water). If you are not making your own potting soil then inspect the ingredient list of what you are buying. Make sure the listing of peat moss or coconut coir is nearer to the bottom of the list than the top.
If you are filling a lot of containers making your potting soil is very cost effective!
Create Budget Friendly Potting Soil
Planting Tips:
- Layer Your Plants: Place taller plants toward the back, medium plants in the middle, and trailing plants at the edges. (examples below)
- Allow Space for Growth: Don’t overcrowd; perennials need room to spread. They will typically reach full size in 3 years. If you want a lush look until then you can fill in with annuals.
- Mulch to Retain Moisture: A light layer of mulch can help prevent soil from drying out too quickly or use low-growing ground covers at the base of all plants.
How to Layer Your Plants
Tall Perennials (Back Layer)
- Delphiniums – Tall spires of blue, purple, or pink
- Hollyhocks – Classic cottage garden favorite with large blooms
- Foxgloves – Bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators
- Salvia – Spikes of vibrant purple, pink, or blue
Medium-Height Perennials (Middle Layer)
- Lavender – Fragrant and drought-tolerant
- Coreopsis – Cheerful yellow or pink daisy-like flowers
- Echinacea (Coneflower) – Long-blooming and pollinator-friendly
- Yarrow – Feathery foliage and clusters of tiny flowers
Trailing & Low-Growing Perennials (Front Layer)
- Creeping Phlox – Cascading blooms in spring
- Campanula – Delicate bell-shaped flowers
- Lamium – Variegated foliage with purple or white blooms
- Hardy Geraniums – Mounding plants with long-lasting flowers
This list is just some of the numerous perennials available. Find what grows well for you locally and choose from there. Healthy growing plants are the most beautiful.
Caring for Your Perennial Cottage Garden in Containers
Watering: Containers dry out faster than garden beds. Some say to water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. I prefer testing the soil with a probe that tells me more and I keep my fingernails clean. This is the one I use.
In hot weather, daily watering may be needed. Setting up a drip system for containers is very simple to do. Buy a kit for ease.
Feeding: Perennials in containers benefit from an organic liquid fertilizer every week during the growing season.
What works well for me to keep up with the needs of my perennial plants in pots and containers is using this organic concentrated fertilizer made from food waste. I will dilute it by half and water my containers every three days with it.
Pruning and Deadheading: Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooms. Cut back spent flowers and trim leggy growth to maintain a tidy look and encourage fresh blooms.
Overwintering Perennials in Containers
Some perennials may need protection in winter. When growing in containers the plants need to be hardy two hardiness zones lower than yours. For example, I am in zone 8, for perennials to survive winter in my area I need to plant perennials that are hardy down to zone 6.
To get perennials listed for your zone to survive you will need to take some extra measures.
Here’s how to keep them thriving year after year:
- Move pots to a sheltered location like a garage or covered porch.
- Wrap containers with burlap or bubble wrap to insulate roots.
- Mulch heavily with straw or leaves to protect from freezing temperatures.
What You Need to Know About USDA Hardiness Zones
Designing a Cottage Garden Aesthetic
To capture the charm of a cottage garden in containers:
- Mix colors and textures for a natural, overflowing look.
- Use vintage-style pots like aged terracotta, galvanized tubs, or wooden barrels.
- Incorporate garden decor such as trellises, fairy lights, or rustic plant markers.
Enjoy Your Portable Perennial Cottage Garden!
A perennial cottage garden in containers brings the beauty of an English garden to any space, no matter how small. With the right plant choices and care, you can enjoy years of blooms, fragrance, and cottage-style charm. So, gather your pots, select your favorite perennials, and start creating your own enchanting container garden today!
Now it does need to be said that this works with other types of garden themes. Try this with tropical-looking plants, or create a lush green quiet area with shades of green. You could also grow a pollinator garden in containers! The list is endless of options you go try.
Happy Container Gardening!
