Spring has long ago sprung, and now that all the pruning, dividing, and mulching is done, we’re ready to plant up our containers. Like many of you, we are tempted to try something new every year and sometimes end up with a plant that is worthwhile. But we always make sure to incorporate a few tried-and-true container plants. These are selections that never let us down, and if you were to show up on our doorstep tomorrow, you’d likely see them filling in our pots. (Just call ahead—we want to be sure to pick up a little bit before your arrival.) We’ve got fillers, thrillers, and even some spillers on the list, so be sure to listen for some surefire options.

Expert testimony: Riz Reyes, a horticulturist and floral designer based in Seattle

Steve’s Plants

‘Moss Curled’ parsley (Petroselinum crispum ‘Moss Curled’, Zones 5–8)

Alligator Tears^® coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides cv., Zones 10–11)

‘Bengal Tiger’ canna (Canna ‘Bengal Tiger’, Zones 7b–10)

‘Silver Falls’ dichondra (Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, Zones 10–11)

Danielle’s Plants

‘Escargot’ begonia (Begonia ‘Escargot’, Zones 10–11)

Archangel Series™ summer snapdragon (Angelonia angustifolia cvs., annual)

Red Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, Zones 10–11)

Variegated baby sun rose (Aptenia cordifolia ‘Variegata’ syn. Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, Zones 10–11)

Expert’s Testimony

Riz Reyes is a horticulturist and floral designer based in Seattle.

‘Kiwi Fern’ coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Kiwi Fern’, Zones 10–11)

Aeonium (Aeonium spp. and cvs., Zones 9–11)

Shearer’s felt fern (Pyrrosia sheareri, Zones 7–10)

‘Dancing Queen’ hosta (Hosta ‘Dancing Queen’, Zones 3–8)