Plants for Large Containers

Hybrid Tea Rose

• Tea roses are an attractive choice for large containers. For best results, choose a deep container that is at least 18 inches in diameter. Use a light-colored vessel that has drainage holes. Clay pots are an option, but keep in mind that they're prone to cracking in cold weather. Fill your pot about 2/3 of the way up with a lightweight, good quality potting soil. Create a mound, then pace your hybrid tea rose in the center and spread the roots. Finish filling the container with soil, then saturate it with water. Keep soil moist and add fertilizer once a week. If your tea rose is outside, it may need to be covered or brought indoors during winter months, depending on your climate.

Parlor Palm

• The Parlor Palm is a slow-growing plant with large, attractive arching fronds. A fully grown Parlor Palm becomes moderately tall, and will reach a height of three to four feet. The Parlor Palm prefers low light conditions, making it a good candidate for indoor growing. Avoid placing your Parlor Palm in direct sunlight if you grow it outdoors, as leaves will turn yellow. Keep soil moist, and mist foliage regularly. Parlor Palms will thrive in temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose this plant if you want to add a dash of the tropics to your home or garden.

Corn Plant

• The Corn Plant has a tree-like stalk and can eventually reach a height of 15 to 20 feet. It has thin, variegated leaves that grow from the top of the woody stalk. Choose a Corn Plant for your large container if you need to fill a narrow space with a large plant. Keep your corn plant away from cold drafts; it grows well in temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a versatile plant, able to thrive in sun or shade, and can be grown as a houseplant or outdoors, as long as temperatures are mild. Soil should be kept slightly moist at all times.