What Are The Best Plants For A Tropical-style Container Garden?
Container gardens are great for those who live in small spaces or for those who want to add a touch of greenery to their patios or balconies. These gardens are created using containers such as pots, buckets, and baskets, and can be customized to fit any space or style. If you're looking for some inspiration for your own container garden, we've rounded up 24 stunning designs that are sure to wow.

1. Mix and Match
One of the best things about container gardens is that they can be mixed and matched with different plant types to create a unique and eye-catching display. Try combining succulents with colorful blooms for a beautiful contrast, or mix up your textures with soft ferns and spiky agave plants.
2. Vertical Garden
If you're short on space, a vertical garden is the perfect solution. These gardens are created using hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters, which allows you to grow your plants upwards instead of outwards. Plus, they make for a stunning statement piece on any wall.
3. Herb Garden
Not only are herb container gardens functional, but they're also incredibly beautiful. Plant a variety of herbs in small pots and arrange them together in a larger container for a fragrant and visually pleasing display. Plus, having fresh herbs on hand makes cooking a breeze.
4. Fairy Garden
Channel your inner child with a whimsical fairy garden. These gardens are filled with miniature structures, such as tiny houses and bridges, and are often adorned with delicate flowers and mosses. They're a great way to add a touch of magic to your outdoor space.
5. Succulent Garden
Succulents are incredibly popular right now, and for good reason – they're easy to care for and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Create a stunning succulent container garden by mixing and matching different varieties and textures for a visually interesting display.
6. Monochromatic Garden
For a sleek and modern look, consider creating a monochromatic container garden. Choose plants that are all shades of the same color, such as varying shades of purple or green, for a cohesive and sophisticated display.
7. Tropical Garden
Create a tropical paradise in your own backyard with a container garden filled with lush greenery and bold blooms. Choose plants such as palms, hibiscus, and bird of paradise for a look that will transport you straight to the tropics.
8. Edible Garden
Why not combine beauty and function with an edible container garden? Plant a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs in a larger container for a visually stunning and delicious display. Bonus points if you use the produce in your cooking.
9. Repurpose Materials
Get creative with your container garden by repurposing materials you have around the house. Use an old colander or tea kettle as a planter, or paint an old wooden crate and fill it with plants for a rustic look.
10. Pet-Friendly Garden
If you have pets, creating a pet-friendly container garden is a must. Choose non-toxic plants such as ferns, spider plants, and air plants, and avoid plants such as lilies and aloe vera, which can be toxic to pets.
11. Miniature Garden
If you love tiny things, a miniature container garden is perfect for you. Use small pots and small plants to create a tiny garden with tiny pathways, tiny benches, and tiny houses. It's a great way to exercise your creativity.
12. Colorful Garden
If you love bright colors, create a container garden filled with a variety of vibrant blooms. Combine flowers such as marigolds, zinnias, and petunias for a rainbow of colors that will brighten up your outdoor space.
13. Rustic Garden
For a country-style look, create a rustic container garden using weathered pots and wrought-iron plant stands. Fill the containers with wildflowers and herbs for a charming and cozy display.
14. Fairy Tale Garden
Create a container garden straight out of a fairy tale with enchanting structures such as a castle or a little bridge. Plant flowers such as pansies and daisies for a whimsical look that will delight both you and your guests.
15. Mediterranean Garden
Bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your backyard with a container garden filled with olive trees, lavender, and rosemary. The fragrant scents and beautiful hues of these plants will transport you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
16. Shade Garden
If you have a shady area in your yard, don't despair – you can still create a stunning container garden. Choose plants such as hostas, ferns, and impatiens, which thrive in shady conditions, and arrange them in a larger container for a lush and peaceful display.
17. Zen Garden
For a calming and tranquil display, create a zen container garden using a single type of plant, such as bamboo or moss. Use rocks and sand to complete the look, and incorporate a small fountain or waterfall for the peaceful sound of flowing water.
18. Desert Garden
Create a desert oasis in your own backyard with a container garden filled with cacti, succulents, and sand. Use terra cotta pots and incorporate rocks and sand for a rustic, arid look that's sure to impress.
19. Cottage Garden
For a romantic and charming display, create a cottage-style container garden filled with sweet-smelling flowers such as roses, peonies, and daisies. Use whimsical structures such as trellises and arbors for a truly enchanting look.
20. Fruit Tree Garden
While it may seem like fruit trees require a lot of space, they can actually thrive in containers with proper care. Plant a dwarf fruit tree such as a lemon or apple tree in a larger container, and enjoy the sweet fruits of your labor.
21. Winter Garden
Just because the weather gets cold doesn't mean you have to stop gardening. Create a stunning winter container garden using plants such as evergreens, holly, and pinecones for a festive and beautiful display.
22. Water Garden
For a unique and refreshing display, create a container garden with a water feature such as a fountain or pond. Choose plants such as water lilies and lotus flowers, and incorporate fish for a truly stunning display.
23. Pollinator Garden
Create a container garden that's not only beautiful, but also beneficial for local pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Choose plants such as milkweed, black-eyed susans, and lavender, and watch as your garden becomes a haven for these important creatures.
24. Native Garden
For a sustainable and eco-friendly garden, create a container garden filled with plants that are native to your region. These plants are adapted to your area's soil and climate, which means they require less watering and care. Plus, they provide essential habitats for local wildlife.
As you can see, the possibilities for container gardens are endless. Whether you want to create a stunning display, grow your own food, or provide habitat for local wildlife, there's a container garden for everyone. So, get creative and start gardening!