10 Of the best plants for containers, tubs and patios in 2026

We’re seeing an increasing demand from our garden centre customers for plants that can be container grown, allowing people to effortlessly change up their garden look and that are easy to care for and perform well all year round.

Container gardening is a brilliant way to bring colour, texture and wildlife into even the smallest outdoor spaces.

Whether consumers have a patio, balcony or courtyard, these 10 outstanding plants from our 2026 Retailers’ Catalogue are perfect for creating stylish and sustainable looks this year.

Order now garden centres for delivery soon and be sure to create displays in your plantarias that help customers visualise how their outdoor space might look featuring these plants.

Lomandra ‘White Sands’

Why it’s great: A fantastic variety with soft variegated foliage and small yellow flowers throughout the summer.

Bonus: Low-maintenance grass offering architectural interest and evergreen colour.

Heuchera ‘Snowy Panky’

Why it’s great: Stunning foliage ranging from green to silvery white, with bright crimson-pink flower spikes.

Bonus: Low-maintenance and ideal for shady patios or rock gardens.

Tradescantia ‘JS Brainstorm’

Why it’s great: Compact evergreen with vibrant purple flowers blooming for six months.

Bonus: Year-round interest and perfect for patio pots.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Cherry Explosion’

Why it’s great: Cherry red petals with pastel pink centres and lush green foliage.

Bonus: Ideal for large pots and offers stunning autumn colour.

Veronica gentianoides ‘Tissington White’

Why it’s great: Slender white blooms with blue edges and compact green foliage.

Bonus: Perfect for containers and front-of-border planting.

Anemone ‘Wild Swan’

Why it’s great: White flowers with blue streaks bloom from May to November.

Bonus: Chelsea award winner and ideal for shady corners.

Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’

Why it’s great: Bright orange-pink blooms from July onwards.

Bonus: Eye-catching colour and great for summer patio displays.

Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’

Why it’s great: Striking striped foliage and purple flower spikes.

Bonus: Adds texture and movement to containers and borders.

Salvia ‘Love and Wishes’

Why it’s great: Rich purple flowers with burgundy calyxes that bloom from June to November.

Bonus: Long-lasting colour and perfect for pots or mixed borders.

Additional container gardening tips:

Additional container gardening tips:

• Use peat-free compost for sustainability.
• Ensure good drainage with gravel or pot feet.
• Feed regularly during the growing season.
• Group plants together that have similar light and water needs.

Ready to refresh your plantaria for 2026?

These 10 plants offer a mix of colour, fragrance and form and are perfect for creating a vibrant, wildlife-friendly outdoor space. They are also ideal for refreshing any garden centre plantaria.

Get in touch here (add link to www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk/get-in-touch/) and speak to Colin or Lisa on our Retail Sales team to find out more.