Container plants are a wonderful option for smaller gardens or backyards where there’s more patio than dirt. However, while plenty of vegetables, herbs, and flowers thrive in pots, not all are the fastest growers. If you’re a more impatient gardener, then it may be worth considering a speedier plant.
Here, we talked to professionals to get the scoop on fast-growing plants that thrive in pots and containers. Read on to learn more about their top selections—and how to grow them.
Meet the Expert
Ryan McEnaney, communications manager for Baylie Nurseries, professional gardener, and author of Field Guide to Outside Style
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Related: 8 Filler Plants That Add Fullness and Texture to Container Gardens
01 of 08
Mint
Credit: Getty / Olga Zarytska
Mint should only really be grown in pots—planting it in the ground can cause it to spread too quickly, crowding out other plants. However, it’s still a delightful herb, and well-suited to small-space gardening.
“It fills the container quickly and is both beautiful and edible! I especially love planting it in a clay pot for that classic, kitchen garden look,” says Ryan McEnaney, professional gardener and communications manager at Baylie Nurseries. “Just be sure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil stays evenly moist.”
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Size: Varies; 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Moist, slightly acidic soil; full sun
Related: How to Grow and Care for Mint in Your Garden or on Your Windowsill
02 of 08
Star Jasmine
Credit: Getty / Tomsmith585
A great thing about container plants is that they can bring a sweet fragrance to your porch or patio. McEnaney loves star jasmine for this purpose, using it as a “vining centerpiece to my large pots.”
“The fragrance is such a sweet bonus, and the plant pairs so beautifully with mid-size perennials to fill in the pot-level sight lines—and contrasting spiller, like a sweet potato vine,” he adds.
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Care requirements: Full to partial sun; well-draining soil
03 of 08
Silver Shield
Credit: Getty / Andrew Haysom
Silver shield, or Plectranthus argentatus, is a beautiful plant with felted leaves that is the perfect backdrop for your container garden.
“The silver foliage really helps bring out the vibrancy of other, brighter colors,” says Tom Soulsby, senior horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden. “It can trail over the side of the plants, and it can also spread between other plants as a low-growing filler.”
Soulsby notes that it grows quickly in the summer heat, but can also tolerate cooler temperatures. It’s also fairly low maintenance, making it a beginner-friendly option.
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Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Partial shade, well-drained soil
04 of 08
Black & Bloom
Credit: Getty / Galumphing Galah
Salvia guaranitica, or black & bloom, has gorgeous, dark blue flowers that set a moody tone in any garden. It grows quickly during the warmer months, and even attracts pollinators and hummingbirds, says Soulsby. It can also tolerate heat, humidity, and dry conditions.
However, it does need some upkeep. “It’s low maintenance, but does require frequent deadheading to keep strong blooming all summer,” he says.
Size: up to 6 feet tall x
Care requirements: Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil
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05 of 08
Hydrangea
Who doesn’t want hydrangeas that will bloom again year after year? “It’s the gift that keeps on giving throughout the growing season,” says McEnaney, noting that Pop Star bigleaf hydrangeas are a particularly beloved, fast-growing variety.
“I’ve had [them] in my planter box for four seasons, and it’s one of the most reliable shrubs to come back and bloom every year,” he adds.
Size: 18 to 36 inches tall x 18 to 36 inches wide
Care requirements: Morning shade with dappled afternoon sun; moist, well-draining soil
Related: How to Grow and Care for Hydrangeas for Beautiful Blooms Every Year, According to Experts
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06 of 08
Anise Tree
Credit: First Editions Shrubs & Trees
A small anise tree is the perfect way to brighten up a shady container garden. “It’s a great shrub that can fill a pot with bright yellow leaves, or you can add something contrasting,” says McEnaney.
He recommends BananAppeal in particular, which has a fun “party trick.” “Break [a leaf] in half, and let your guests smell the anise scent,” he adds. “Planting it in a pot makes it accessible for this!”
Care requirements: Partial sun to full shade; moist, well-draining soil
07 of 08
Begonia
Credit: schnuddel / GETTY IMAGES
Begonias are a favorite of McEnaney’s for their “endless flowers” and “super low maintenance” qualities. He particularly loves Bossa Nova begonias for their frilly flowers and bright colors.
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“I love using them in hanging baskets because of their naturally drooping form and angled flowers—it naturally draws your eye through the pot and to the blooms,” he says. Whether you prefer white or red, there are plenty of hues to choose from.
Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Full shade; moist, rich, well-draining soil
08 of 08
Climbing Rose
Climbing roses can add height and intrigue to your container garden—and certain varieties can be very fast growers too. McEnaney recommends Above and Beyond in particular for its rapid growth and apricot-colored blooms.
“I’ve got mine in a pot against the house and up against a trellis so that it has a structure to grow through,” he says. “I’ve also seen it grown in elevated planters and onto a pergola.”
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Care requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil
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