top of page

Container Gardening Made Beautiful: 3 Foolproof Plant Combinations for Pots

One of the things I love most about container gardening is how intentional it feels. When space is limited, every pot becomes a small composition. By combining tall, medium and low-growing plants in a single container, you can create depth, movement and a much fuller look — without needing more space.


Here are three container combinations that work beautifully in pots, whether you’re gardening on a small balcony, terrace or doorstep.


1. Soft Spring Layers (Bulbs + Early Flowers)

Perfect for: Early spring, small balconies, gentle colour palettes


early-spring scene showing a single large square matte black container placed in the corner of a small urban balcony. The pot is filled with layered spring planting: tall white tulips beginning to open, medium-height bluebells and muscari in soft blues, and low snowdrops and violas at the base.
 Soft Spring Layers (Bulbs + Early Flowers)

Tall

  • Tulips (single or double varieties)

  • Allium (shorter varieties for pots)


Medium

  • Bluebells or Muscari

  • Primroses


Low / Trailing

  • Snowdrops

  • Ivy or trailing viola


Why this worksThis combination blooms in stages, creating interest from late winter through spring. The bulbs rise through the pot at different heights, while the low layer softens the edges and hides bare soil.

Best pot size: 30–40 cm deep, wide rather than narrow

Sun:Full sun to light shade


2. Mediterranean-Inspired Herb Container (Edible & Decorative)

Perfect for: Sunny balconies, kitchen-adjacent spaces, low-maintenance gardening


A small urban balcony corner styled in a soft, modern botanical aesthetic. One large off-white or pale stone ceramic pot with a smooth matte finish, placed neatly in the corner. The container is planted with fresh culinary herbs: tall upright rosemary providing height, medium sage and soft basil adding volume, and low trailing thyme gently spilling over the edge of the pot
Mediterranean-Inspired Herb Container (Edible & Decorative)

Tall

  • Rosemary (upright variety)

  • Bay tree (dwarf or trained)


Medium

  • Sage

  • Lavender


Low / Trailing

  • Thyme

  • Oregano


Why this worksThis is one of the most practical container combinations: evergreen structure, fragrance, texture and year-round interest. It also thrives in pots and doesn’t need constant watering.

Best pot size:Terracotta or stone pots with excellent drainage

Sun:Full sun

Bonus:Everything here can be harvested lightly for cooking.


3. Romantic Summer Balcony Mix (Flowers + Movement)

Perfect for: Summer colour, scent and a relaxed cottage feel


A cinematic summer balcony corner featuring a deep ceramic container filled with a romantic mix of flowers. Tall white sweet peas climbing a simple wooden trellis, medium-height cosmos and scabiosa swaying gently, and low trailing nasturtium or lobelia spilling over the pot edge. Soft linen cushion on a nearby chair
Romantic Summer Balcony Mix (Flowers + Movement)

Tall

  • Sweet pea (grown on a trellis or railing)

  • Cosmos

Medium

  • Scabiosa

  • Nigella

  • Verbena bonariensis (compact varieties)

Low / Trailing

  • Lobelia

  • Trailing nasturtium

  • Alyssum


Why this worksThe tall climbers draw the eye upward, making a small balcony feel larger. Medium-height flowers fill the pot with movement, while trailing plants spill over the edge for a lush, layered look.

Best pot size: Deep containers with a support structure

Sun:Bright light, sheltered from strong wind


Simple Container Gardening Tips for Small Spaces

  • Stick to one colour palette per pot for a calmer look

  • Group containers in odd numbers for a more natural feel

  • Use heavier pots on balconies to prevent tipping

  • Always include at least one structural plant


Why These Combinations Work So Well in Containers

Each of these combinations:

  • Uses vertical space efficiently


  • Creates visual balance

  • Works in a single pot

  • Can be adapted to different seasons


Container gardening isn’t about cramming plants together - it’s about thoughtful layering and choosing plants that complement each other in both form and timing.


If you’re interested in making the most of your pots across multiple seasons, I’ve written a separate blog all about layered planting in containers. It explains how I combine bulbs and flowers in the same pot so something is always emerging or in bloom — even on a small balcony. It’s a simple technique, but it completely changed how I think about container gardening in limited spaces.


Container Gardening: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many plants should I put in one container?

It depends on the pot size, but a good rule is one tall plant, two to three medium plants, and two to four small or trailing plants in a medium to large container. Avoid overcrowding, as plants still need airflow and root space.


2. What size pots are best for container gardening on a small balcony?

For mixed plantings, choose pots at least 30–40 cm deep and wide. Wider pots hold moisture better and allow for layered planting, which is especially useful in small spaces.


3. Can I mix flowers and herbs in the same container?

Yes, as long as they have similar light and watering needs. Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme and oregano pair well together, while soft herbs like basil prefer more moisture and should be planted separately.


4. How often should I water containers on a balcony?

Containers dry out faster than garden beds. In spring, watering every few days is usually enough. In summer, pots may need watering daily, especially in sunny or windy balcony conditions.


5. Do I need to replace the compost every year?

It’s best to refresh containers each season. Remove the top layer of old compost, add fresh compost, and mix in slow-release fertiliser to keep plants healthy and productive.

Comments

bottom of page