Potted Perennials

How to choose potted perennials

Selecting the right potted perennials is the most reliable way to achieve rapid establishment and healthy growth in your garden beds. Dobies’ potted plants arrive with established root systems, allowing them to settle into your soil quickly and provide a robust alternative to plug plants. To create a successful display, choose varieties that match your garden's specific sunlight and soil conditions, then plant them directly into their final positions for a vibrant, professional-standard finish from the very first season. Here are some FAQs to help you find the best options for your garden.

What is the most hardy perennial?

One of the hardiest pot perennials is the astrantia major 'Venice’. It’s tolerant to dry conditions and can grow in full sun or semi-shade. It’s also very photogenic, and produces beautiful flowers from June to August.

Why is it good to grow perennials in containers?

It's good to grow perennials in containers because it allows for greater flexibility in garden design and easy mobility. Containers help control soil conditions, prevent overcrowding and protect plants from pests. They are ideal for small spaces like patios and balconies, providing a beautiful, manageable garden display.

Which potted perennials have the biggest wow-factor?

The potted perennials with the biggest wow-factor include dahlias, delphiniums, and osteospermums have a big wow-factor. Dahlia plants are known for their large, showy blooms, delphiniums offer striking vertical spikes of flowers, and osteospermums provide bold, daisy-like blooms that attract pollinators, adding vibrant colour and impact.

Which potted perennials are best for which soil type?

To choose perennials for your soil type, you should first identify if your garden has heavy clay, free-draining sand, or neutral loam. Many potted perennials are versatile, but specific varieties excel in certain conditions:

• For Clay Soil: Varieties like Astrantia and Geum cope well in clay, which retains moisture.
• For Sandy or Dry Soil: Drought-tolerant stars such as Eryngium and Sedum are ideal for free-draining ground.
• For Shady, Damp Spots: Hosta or Ferns settle quickly into cool, moist areas of the garden.

Always check the specific requirements of each plant to ensure the perfect positioning.