Best White Bedding Plants For Pots

Best White Bedding Plants for Pots

Adding a touch of elegance and serenity to patios, balconies, and doorways is easily achieved with white bedding plants. Their versatility allows them to brighten up any space, whether used as a standalone display or incorporated into a vibrant mix of colors. Choosing the right white bedding plants for pots depends on various factors, including the desired aesthetic, the local climate, and the amount of sunlight the chosen location receives. This article will explore some of the best white bedding plants suited for container gardening.

Begonias

Begonias offer a plethora of options for white blooms, showcasing various flower forms and foliage textures. Nonstop Begonias are particularly well-suited for pots, offering continuous flowering throughout the summer. Their compact growth habit makes them ideal for smaller containers, while their resilience to heat and humidity makes them a reliable choice for warmer climates. 'White' Nonstop Begonias provide a profusion of pure white blossoms, creating a stunning display. Tuberous begonias are another option, offering larger, more dramatic blooms in shades of white. These begonias prefer partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil.

Petunias

Petunias are a classic choice for container gardening, and their white varieties offer exceptional beauty and versatility. 'Supertunia Vista Silverberry' features a cascade of small, pure white flowers that gracefully spill over the edges of pots and hanging baskets. 'Easy Wave White' petunias also offer a trailing habit, making them ideal for containers. These prolific bloomers require ample sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering throughout the season. Granular or liquid fertilizer application every few weeks can maintain their vigorous growth.

Impatiens

For shaded areas, white impatiens offer a vibrant solution. Known for their shade tolerance and prolific blooming, impatiens create a lush, full display in containers. 'Rockapulco White' impatiens are a popular choice, offering large, pure white flowers that brighten up shady corners. These plants thrive in consistently moist soil and benefit from regular fertilization. While impatiens are generally low-maintenance, they are susceptible to downy mildew, a fungal disease. Proper spacing and good air circulation can help prevent this issue.

Alyssum

Sweet alyssum, with its delicate white flowers and honey-like fragrance, is an excellent choice for adding a touch of charm to containers. This low-growing, spreading plant creates a beautiful carpet of white blooms, spilling over the edges of pots and baskets. 'Snow Crystals' alyssum is a popular variety, offering a profusion of small, pure white flowers. Alyssum prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Regular watering is essential, especially during hot and dry periods. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage further flowering, although alyssum often self-seeds readily.

Euphorbia

While not technically a flowering plant in the traditional sense, white euphorbia, such as 'Diamond Frost,' offers a cloud of tiny white bracts that resemble delicate flowers. This versatile plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is exceptionally drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance option for containers. 'Diamond Frost' euphorbia offers a delicate, airy texture that complements other bedding plants beautifully. Its mounding habit makes it suitable for both standalone displays and mixed container plantings. It is important to note that euphorbia sap can irritate the skin, so gloves should be worn when handling the plant.

Lobelia

Trailing lobelia, with its cascade of small, vibrant flowers, offers a striking display in hanging baskets and containers. 'White Cascade' lobelia provides a waterfall of pure white blooms, creating a dramatic effect. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil. Regular fertilization can help maintain its vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Pinching back the stems can encourage bushier growth and more profuse blooming. Lobelia can be susceptible to powdery mildew, so adequate air circulation is important.

Geraniums

While geraniums are often associated with vibrant red and pink hues, there are also stunning white varieties available. 'White Calliope' geraniums offer large, double white flowers that create a striking display in containers. These plants thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages continuous flowering throughout the season. Geraniums are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but consistent watering is important, especially during hot and dry periods.