As a passionate gardener, I am always on the lookout for new ways to transform my outdoor space into a lush oasis. One of the most effective ways I have found to add beauty and dimension to my container garden is by incorporating green trailing plants. These plants not only provide a cascade of foliage that enhances the overall visual appeal but also bring a sense of freshness and vibrancy to my patio or balcony.
When it comes to choosing the best green trailing plants for containers, there are several factors to consider. You want plants that are not only beautiful but also reliable and easy to care for. After extensive research and hands-on experience, I have discovered eight exceptional green trailing plants that tick all the boxes.
These plants range from annuals to tender perennials that can be brought indoors during the winter months, ensuring year-round enjoyment. Whether you have a sunny patio or a shady balcony, there is a green trailing plant that will thrive in your containers.
Key Takeaways:
- Green trailing plants add beauty and dimension to your containers.
- Choose plants that are reliable and easy to care for.
- Consider the lighting conditions of your space when selecting green trailing plants.
- Annuals and tender perennials provide year-round enjoyment.
- Experiment with different combinations of green trailing plants to create stunning displays.
Flowering Trailing Plants
Flowering trailing plants are a vibrant addition to any container garden. Their colorful blossoms bring life and beauty to your pots and hanging baskets. Here are some popular green trailing plants that will add a touch of color to your outdoor space:
Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, is a hardworking plant that comes in a variety of colors and blooms profusely throughout the summer. Its dainty, bell-shaped flowers create a stunning cascade of color when planted in containers. From vibrant pinks and purples to soft pastel shades, Calibrachoa offers a wide range of options to suit your style.
Trailing Lobelia
Trailing lobelia is a delicate plant that features clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, white, purple, and blue. When planted in pots, it creates a dense curtain of color that spills over the edges, creating a captivating display. Its graceful trailing habit adds a touch of elegance to your container garden.
Trailing Verbena
Trailing verbena is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in containers, especially in sunny spots. It features clusters of pretty flowers in various colors, including purple, pink, white, and red. With its long trailing stems, trailing verbena adds a cascading effect to your containers, creating a visually stunning display.
Wave Petunias
Wave petunias are known for their stunning blooms and their ability to create a dense ball of flowers that hide the pot. With their vigorous trailing growth, they can quickly fill out a container and provide a burst of color that lasts throughout the season. Available in a wide range of colors, wave petunias are a popular choice for adding vibrant hues to your garden.
With these flowering trailing plants, you can create a container garden that bursts with color and visual interest. Whether you prefer vibrant shades or soft pastel hues, there’s a green trailing plant that will suit your preferences.
Next, let’s explore some non-flowering trailing plants that can add a stunning display of foliage to your containers.
Non-Flowering Trailing Plants
Non-flowering trailing plants can provide a stunning display of foliage in your containers. These green trailing plants add a lush and vibrant touch to your container garden. Here are some popular options:
Sweet Potato Vine
The sweet potato vine is a favorite choice for trailing vines in containers. With its large leaves and vibrant colors, it brings a bold and striking look to your garden. Whether you opt for the deep purple variety or the chartreuse green one, the sweet potato vine is sure to impress.
Silver Falls Dichondra
The silver falls dichondra features tiny silvery green leaves that gracefully trail down your containers, creating an elegant and flowing effect. With a trailing length of up to 48 inches, it adds a touch of sophistication to any garden arrangement.
Vinca Vine
If you’re looking for variegated leaves that add visual interest to your containers, the vinca vine is an excellent choice. With its trailing leaves that can reach up to 18 inches in length, this popular trailing plant creates a captivating and textured display.
Creeping Jenny
The creeping Jenny is a delightful trailing plant with vibrant chartreuse green leaves that can grow up to 18 inches long. Its cascading foliage adds a lively and fresh look to your containers, making it a charming addition to your garden.
No matter which non-flowering trailing plant you choose, they are sure to create a captivating and textured display in your containers. Their lush foliage will bring life and vibrancy to your patio, balcony, or any outdoor space.
Experimenting with different combinations of these green trailing plants can result in stunning arrangements that showcase their beauty and versatility. So go ahead and let your creativity flourish!
| Plant | Description | Trailing Length |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Potato Vine | Large leaves, vibrant colors | Up to 48 inches |
| Silver Falls Dichondra | Tiny silvery green leaves | Up to 48 inches |
| Vinca Vine | Variegated leaves | Up to 18 inches |
| Creeping Jenny | Vibrant chartreuse green leaves | Up to 18 inches |
Adding Whimsy to Your Containers
To add some whimsy and excitement to your container garden, consider using any of these great trailing plants. They can create beautiful cascades of foliage that bring life to your outdoor planters and containers.
One option is the Senecio radicans, commonly known as String of Bananas. This quirky plant features long, trailing stems adorned with small, banana-shaped leaves. It adds a unique touch to your containers and looks stunning when it cascades over the edges. Another whimsical choice is the Lobelia erinus, also known as Trailing Lobelia. With its delicate flowers in shades of blue, white, and pink, it creates a soft and whimsical curtain when planted in pots.
To create a vibrant and colorful display, you can’t go wrong with the Petunia surfinia. This trailing petunia comes in a wide range of bright and cheerful colors, from pinks and purples to yellows and oranges. It bursts with blooms, bringing a playful and whimsical vibe to your containers.
Recommended Trailing Plants for Whimsy:
| Plant Name | Description |
|---|---|
| String of Bananas (Senecio radicans) | A quirky plant with trailing stems and banana-shaped leaves. |
| Trailing Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) | A delicate plant that creates a soft and whimsical curtain with its colorful flowers. |
| Surfinia Petunia (Petunia surfinia) | A vibrant and colorful petunia that brings a playful and whimsical vibe to your containers. |
Visit your local garden center to see what’s in stock and choose the best trailing plants for your needs.
Spiller Plants in Container Gardening
Spiller plants, also known as trailing plants, add texture, color, and visual interest to your container garden. They soften the edges and create a more finished, professional look. When combined with thriller flowers and filler plants, they create a full and lush container. Consider using trailing plants like helichrysum, alternanthera, and sweet alyssum to enhance the beauty of your containers.
| Trailing Plant | Description |
|---|---|
| Helichrysum | Helichrysum, also known as licorice plant, has silvery foliage that cascades beautifully from containers. It adds a touch of elegance and complements a wide range of flowers and foliage plants. |
| Alternanthera | Alternanthera is a versatile spiller plant with colorful foliage that adds interest and depth to container arrangements. It comes in a variety of shades, such as green, burgundy, and yellow, allowing you to create stunning combinations. |
| Sweet Alyssum | Sweet alyssum is a delicate trailing plant that produces clusters of tiny fragrant flowers. It is perfect for adding a soft, romantic touch to your container garden, and it attracts beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees. |
These spiller plants can be used in various combinations to create eye-catching displays in your containers. Mix and match different colors and textures to achieve a harmonious and visually appealing arrangement. Don’t be afraid to experiment and unleash your creativity when incorporating spiller plants into your container gardening endeavors.
Having trailing plants in your containers not only adds aesthetic appeal but also brings life and movement to your outdoor space. Their cascading foliage creates a beautiful and natural flow that catches the eye and adds interest to your container compositions.
Next, I’ll share the best trailing plants for hanging baskets and containers, so you can discover even more options to enhance your garden. Stay tuned!
The Best Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets and Containers
If you’re looking to create stunning displays in your hanging baskets and containers, consider these popular green trailing plants:
- Sweet Potato Vines
- Silver Falls Dichondra
- Black-Eyed Susan Vine
- Trailing Verbena
- Wave Petunias
These plants are not only easy to grow but also provide striking cascades of foliage or flowers. They can be combined with other plants to create a beautiful and vibrant display in your containers.
Comparison of the Best Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets and Containers
| Plant | Description |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potato Vines | A popular choice for their large leaves and vibrant colors. They can grow up to 18 inches long and add a touch of lushness to your hanging baskets and containers. |
| Silver Falls Dichondra | With tiny silvery green leaves that trail down up to 48 inches, silver falls dichondra adds an elegant and delicate touch to your hanging baskets and containers. |
| Black-Eyed Susan Vine | Known for its vibrant yellow or orange flowers, the black-eyed Susan vine can grow up to 72 inches long and adds a splash of color to your hanging baskets and containers. |
| Trailing Verbena | Featuring clusters of pretty flowers in various colors, trailing verbena is a drought-tolerant plant that can be a beautiful addition to your hanging baskets and containers. |
| Wave Petunias | Wave petunias are famous for their stunning blooms and can create a dense ball of flowers that hide the pot, making them a charming choice for hanging baskets and containers. |
Benefits of Trailing Plants in Containers
Trailing plants offer numerous advantages when planted in containers. Their unique characteristics contribute to creating visually appealing and well-rounded container gardens. Here are some key benefits of incorporating trailing plants:
- Adds Depth and Length: Trailing plants bring a sense of depth and dimension to your container arrangements. By spilling over the sides of the pot, they extend the visual appeal beyond the confines of the container itself.
- Creates a Finished Look: Combining trailing plants with other upright plants or fillers gives a more polished and professional look to your container garden. The cascading foliage of trailing plants adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
- Covers Base and Sides of Containers: Trailing plants can be strategically positioned to cover unsightly containers or elevate the overall aesthetic of the pot. They can camouflage the base of the container or soften its edges, providing a seamless and attractive appearance.
- Complements Other Plants: Trailing plants harmonize beautifully with other plants in the pot, creating a well-balanced and cohesive display. They offer a contrasting texture and color to upright or bushy plants, enhancing the overall visual impact.
- Combines with Flowering or Foliage Plants: Trailing plants can be mixed with flowering or foliage plants to create stunning combinations. Whether paired with vibrant blooms or contrasting leaf textures, the result is an eye-catching container garden that is sure to impress.
“Trailing plants add depth and dimension to container gardens, creating a finished and professional look while complementing other plants in the pot.”
Incorporating trailing plants into your container gardens is a surefire way to elevate the overall aesthetic and create visually captivating displays. Whether used as standalone features or in combination with other plants, their cascading foliage adds a touch of beauty and allure to any space.
Trailing Plants for Shady Areas
If you have a shady porch or patio, there are trailing plants that thrive in those conditions. Consider using trailing plants like silver falls dichondra and black-eyed Susan vine, which can tolerate partial shade and still provide beautiful cascades of foliage or flowers.
When it comes to creating a lush and vibrant container garden, finding the right plants for shady areas is crucial. While many plants require full sun to thrive, there are several trailing plants that can tolerate shade and still add a touch of beauty to your outdoor space.
Silver falls dichondra is a popular choice for shady areas due to its stunning silvery-green leaves. This trailing plant can add a touch of elegance and drama to your containers with its cascading foliage. It can tolerate partial shade and will still provide a beautiful display throughout the growing season.
Black-eyed Susan vine is another excellent choice for shady areas. Known for its vibrant and eye-catching flowers, this trailing plant can bring a splash of color to your containers. It thrives in partial shade and can be trained to climb trellises or hang gracefully from baskets.
When incorporating trailing plants into your shade garden, it’s important to select varieties that can tolerate lower light levels. These plants have adapted to thrive in shaded environments, making them the perfect choice for your container garden in areas with limited sunlight.
By choosing trailing plants like silver falls dichondra and black-eyed Susan vine for your shady porch or patio, you can create a stunning container garden that is not only beautiful but also thrives in less-than-ideal light conditions.
Continue reading for more tips and ideas on how to create a flourishing container garden with trailing plants.
Growing Trailing Plants from Seed
Growing trailing plants from seed is an excellent way to save money and expand your selection of green trailing plants for containers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, starting from seed allows you to experience the joy and satisfaction of growing these beautiful plants from the very beginning.
When it comes to growing trailing plants from seed, you have two options: starting seeds indoors or directly sowing them in containers once the weather warms up. Both methods have their advantages, so choose the one that works best for you.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors provides several benefits. It allows you to get a head start on the growing season, particularly if you live in an area with a short growing season. It also gives you more control over the growing conditions, ensuring optimal germination and early growth.
To start seeds indoors, you’ll need the following:
- Seed trays or containers with drainage holes
- High-quality seed starting mix
- Seeds of your chosen trailing plants
- Watering can or spray bottle
- Grow lights or a sunny windowsill
Follow these steps to start seeds indoors:
- Fill the seed trays or containers with seed starting mix, leaving a small gap at the top.
- Moisten the mix with water until it’s evenly damp but not soaking wet.
- Sow the seeds according to the instructions on the seed packet.
- Cover the seeds lightly with a thin layer of seed starting mix.
- Place the trays or containers in a location with consistent warmth, ideally between 70-75°F (21-24°C).
- Water the seeds gently using a watering can or spray bottle, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide adequate light by placing the trays or containers under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
- Monitor the moisture levels and adjust watering as needed.
- Once the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, they’re ready to be transplanted into larger containers.
Direct Sowing in Containers
If you prefer a more hands-on approach or want to simplify the process, you can directly sow seeds in containers once the weather warms up. This method is particularly suitable for hardy trailing plants that are easy to grow from seed, such as wave petunias and black-eyed Susan vine.
To direct sow seeds in containers, follow these steps:
- Select containers with good drainage.
- Fill the containers with a well-draining potting mix.
- Sow the seeds according to the instructions on the seed packet.
- Lightly water the containers and place them in a sunny location.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
- Thin out the seedlings, leaving only the strongest ones.
- Water the containers regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- As the seedlings grow, provide support or stakes if necessary.
Remember to label your containers with the name of the trailing plant and the date of sowing. This will help you keep track of your plants and monitor their progress.
Starting trailing plants from seed is not only rewarding but also allows you to experiment with different varieties and explore unique color combinations in your container garden. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with your seed starting adventure!
Tips for Growing Trailing Plants in Containers
To ensure the success of your trailing plants in containers, it is important to provide them with the right conditions. Here are some tips to help you grow beautiful and thriving trailing plants in your pots and container gardens:
- Choose the right location: Most trailing plants prefer full sun, so select a sunny spot for your containers. Make sure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Use well-drained soil: Trailing plants require well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Use a high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage.
- Water regularly: Trailing plants in containers require regular watering, especially during hot summer months. Water them thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize regularly: Feed your trailing plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season. This will promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage or blooms.
- Prune and trim: Regularly prune and trim your trailing plants to maintain their desired shape and size. This will prevent them from becoming leggy and encourage bushier growth.
By following these tips, you can enjoy lush and vibrant trailing plants in your pots and container gardens. Remember, each plant may have specific care requirements, so it’s essential to research the particular needs of the trailing plants you choose to grow.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Choose the right location | Select a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. |
| Use well-drained soil | Ensure the soil in your containers is well-drained to prevent root rot. |
| Water regularly | Thoroughly water your trailing plants, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. |
| Fertilize regularly | Feed your trailing plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. |
| Prune and trim | Maintain the desired shape and size of your trailing plants by pruning and trimming them as needed. |
Conclusion
Green trailing plants are a fantastic addition to any container garden, providing both beauty and dimension. Whether you prefer plants with vibrant blooms or those with stunning foliage, there are plenty of options to choose from. By incorporating the recommended top green trailing plants mentioned in this article, you can create gorgeous cascades of foliage and colorful displays in your containers.
Investing in the best trailing plants for containers allows you to enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space. Imagine the beautiful sight of delicate flowers trailing down from your pots or the lush green leaves that create a vibrant curtain. With proper care and the right growing conditions, these plants will flourish, adding an extra touch of elegance to your patio or balcony garden.
When it comes to container gardening, the choice of trailing plants plays a crucial role in achieving a polished and professional look. By combining spiller plants with thriller flowers and filler plants, you can create stunning arrangements that captivate the eye. Remember to select the suitable trailing plants for your specific needs, ensuring they complement the other plants in the pot and thrive in the chosen environment.
In conclusion, green trailing plants for containers offer endless possibilities for creating breathtaking displays. Whether you’re striving for vibrant blooms, captivating foliage, or a combination of both, the best trailing plants for containers are sure to make your garden stand out. So, go ahead and explore the world of trailing plants, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy the beauty they bring to your container garden. Happy gardening!
