The top 20 plants for pots
Habitat asked the experts to recommend the best varieties for container planting.
Tim Lynch from Tim Davies Landscaping lists his top 10 flowering varieties for pots
1. Mandevilla in varieties such as Red Riding Hood (red) and My Fair Lady (white).
2. Cyclamen with its upswept and petite flowers sitting high above dark rounded leaves, place in semi-shade.
3. Clivia has sensational blooms arising from within deep-green strappy foliage. It's hardy and shade tolerant.
4. Dwarf bougainvillea is non-invasive and produces bright flowers.
5. Geraniums are old favourites. They come in a range of flower colours and leaf types and some are bred to cascade from pots.
6. Fuchsias' delightful, pendulous flowers need a sheltered position in semi to full shade.
7. Gardenia florida offers beautiful scented flowers and glossy, dark-green foliage but ensure potting soil provides acidic conditions.
8. Chrysanthemum daisies are great for a massed-flower effect.
9. Hydrangeas have beautiful large flower heads which are best in south or east-facing shade with shelter from wind.
10. Flowering succulents such as echeveria, kalanchoe and crassifolia, particularly in a mixed planting of numerous different forms.
Cathy Cocks and Lorna Barnett of Haughty Culture share their top 10 edible plants for containers
1. Citrus will virtually bonsai in a pot. Lemons, limes and mandarins will do well in pots 600mm high and wide.
2. Cherry and grape tomatoes in different colours give bountiful crops of delicious fruit and delightful decoration. They work well in small spaces like balconies and courtyards.
3. Leaf crops come in a wonderful variety that are ideal for container growing. They can be picked as needed for fresh and healthy salads. The variety of colour and leaf shapes add another layer of texture to the container garden.
4. Strawberries in pots are ideal. It lifts the fruit off the ground and away from those pesky bugs that nibble at the fruit before you get a chance to pick them.
5. Herbs in pots are fantastic. A collection of basil, parsley, thyme and sage can be used to add a fresh flavoursome touch to any dish. They can be located within easy reach of the kitchen or barbecue and will turn an ordinary meal into a gourmet delight.
6. Rosemary is a hardy, versatile plant that grows well in a pot. The aroma from the foliage is a gorgeous addition next to a seat or near a path.
7. The leaves of bay trees can be used in curries and stews for that unmistakable flavour.
8. Peas and beans grow well in a small frame or three bamboo sticks tied in a teepee within a pot.
9. Spring onions and chives can be used in many different ways in cooking or fresh in salads.
10. Garlic is an easy and rewarding crop to grow in pots. The bulbs do take several months to produce but it is well worth the effort. For a quicker garlic hit, plant flat-leafed garlic chives.
