“Flowering annuals are my go-to for adding color to containers on porches and patios. But when you're choosing plants for pots, you've got to remember how quickly they dry out. The soil in containers…”
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Flowering annuals are my go-to for adding color to containers on porches and patios. But when you're choosing plants for pots, you've got to remember how quickly they dry out. The soil in containers dries way faster than garden beds—I find myself watering every day, and sometimes twice a day for smaller pots or ones sitting in a sunny or breezy spot.
The good news? There are annuals that handle drier soil and won't hold it against you if you miss a watering. Here are my favorites:
Florist's geraniums (Pelargonium): These plants store water right in their thick stems—pretty clever! They're reliable bloomers that tolerate dry conditions beautifully. Convenient, since they need plenty of sun to bloom their best!
Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora): What I love about these mat-forming succulents is how well they handle heat and drought. Their trailing habit makes them perfect for hanging baskets or tall pots where those cascading stems can really shine.
Annual sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): Sunflowers have a taproot that reaches deep into the container for water—while shallow-rooted annuals struggle as the top inches of soil dry out. Just keep in mind that container-grown sunflowers need a large, sturdy pot to handle those roots and keep them anchored against the wind.
French marigolds (Tagetes patula): Give them regular water for the first few weeks after potting, but once they're settled in, they can go quite a while without water before they start to droop. If they do reach that point, a good soaking perks them right back up—I'm always amazed at how they bounce back!
Angelonia (Angelonia): These tough annuals handle heat, humidity, and dry spells without complaint, all while putting out those lovely upright spikes of colorful flowers. What's not to love?
