Gardeners can choose from a vast selection of plant containers, ranging from classic clay flowerpots to whimsical wire baskets to items rescued from the trash bin, such as worn boots or leaky wagons. The single feature every plant container must have is one or more drainage holes, so that excess water can escape rather than pool up around plant roots. When buying containers, always check for drainage holes, because it can be difficult or impossible to drill holes in certain materials, such as glazed ceramic, without cracking or destroying the pot.
Picking the Right Pot
The first consideration when selecting a container is function, or what you want the pot to do.The most important and practical issue is size. Make sure that the container is large enough for the plants you want to grow. The pot should allow sufficient room for roots to spread and the pot should look in balance with the mature height of the plant. Generally, a pot should be one third the height of a mature plant.
A shallow bowl works well for low-growing lobelia or bulbs, for instance, but could not balance tall, rangy cosmos or trailing ivy vines. Conversely, diminutive plants, such as sweet alyssum, would be dwarfed in a large urn, while tall gladiolus stems would look just right. Don't overdo it, however. While it's tempting to put a small plant in a large pot that will support its mature size, it will grow poorly in the beginning. It's better to start with a small pot that's in proportion to the plant's size, then transplant it to slightly larger containers as it grows.
Round pots with tapering sides are classic and more practical for planting and transplanting than elaborate containers with handles or narrow necks. Long, rectangular troughs are useful for narrow spots, such as along a path or a window ledge. Half-moon-shaped pots and wire mangers, which have flat backs, are designed to hang on a wall.
Also think about weight and drainage. If you plan to move the containers frequently or are growing plants on a balcony, select lightweight foam or fiberglass pots. If you need a pot that won't topple in a stiff wind, a heavy concrete or stone planter is best.
Don't worry if a container you like seems to have too many drainage holes. You can easily slow the flow of wa6ter and prevent seepage of the potting soil by placing a piece of porous cloth or landscape fabric in the base of the pot, or covering it with a layer of small stones or pot shards.
Dreaming of Design
After you've thought about practical concerns, you can dream about the design possibilities offered by the nearly limitless array of containers. Pots are made from so many materials and are available in so many shapes, size, and colors that it is difficult to choose.
Narrow your options by considering the style of your home and landscape. Traditional urns and pots with classical swag decorations, for example, would suit a Colonial or Victorian house. Splint baskets or half-barrels have a rustic feel suited to a informal or rustic house. They would lend charm to a casual grouping of pansies. petunias, or browallia.
When considering pot color, look first to the background. A terracotta pot practically disappears if placed against a brick wall, while a glazed ceramic container in blue would stand out handsomely. Next, consider what plants you want to use, making a nice marriage between the colors of the flowers, foliage, and the container.
The point of view is also important, so think about where you will place containers and how they will be viewed. Plants that are viewed from above, such as hens and chicks, look attractive in a broad, low container. A dwarf Japanese maple, on the other hand, which would be seen from the side, would be best in a sculptural pot, such as an urn.
Stands and Saucers
There are two accessories often used with containers. Saucers fit under pots to collect water that escapes from the drain holes. These are useful for pots standing on decks, where you want to avoid water stains on the wood, and also under hanging baskets to prevent drips onto outdoor furniture or porch floors. Many plastic pots come with saucers attached, but you will usually need to add saucers to other types of containers. Select one in the same material as the container and in a size that is in proportion to the pot and fits comfortably under the base. While saucers do a good job of minimizing stains to a surface, they do need to be drained if they fill with water, because plant roots that wick up water constantly from below are in danger of root rot.
Handy accessories that are new to the scene are terra-cotta "feet," which lift the pot slightly above the ground to promote good drainage. You'll need three or four per pot, and you can choose from plain blocks or fanciful designs, such as frogs and Hon s paws. Keep in mind that water seeping from drain holes can stain the surface underneath the pot.
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