Buzzing Blooms: The Best Fast-Growing Flowers for Container Gardens

Spending the summer season on a patio adorned with stunning blooms is undoubtedly an essential of the season. To instantly elevate your outdoor space with such beauties, consider growing fast-growing flowers in pots and containers. Let's consult some experts to unveil their preferred fast-blooming flowers for your container garden.

Wieland Teixeira, a recognized horticulturist, suggests roses as they are not only rapidly growing but also bloom in gorgeous clusters as summer beckons, lasting most of the season.

"Megan McConnell, a plant information director at Monrovia, remarks on their value, stating, "They're an outstanding choice for flowering container plants. Just one plant can fill a pot, adding a pop of color to any space."

There are other considerations, though - the rose's size, for example, dictates the container size, which should be at least 2 feet by 2 feet, and larger for some varieties.

Hydrangeas, according to McConnell, are yet another coveted choice if you want a plant that blooms profusely from late spring through fall. However, she goes on to advise selecting the right variety like macrophylla, paniculata, or even arborescens for a vibrant container display.

Hydrangeas require a container at least 2 feet in diameter given their potential to grow quite significantly. As McConnell suggests, small-sized hydrangeas that grow to be about 3 to 4 feet tall are ideal, beyond this they might outgrow your patio container.

Bougainvillea, a floral plant blooming from spring to fall, or all year round in tropical locations, is a perfect pick for containers according to McConnell. Opt for a pot size of about 1.5 to 2 feet in diameter for a mature plant. Also, residents of colder climates should remember to bring the plant indoors before frost sets in.

Everyone's favorite, honeysuckle is a vining plant that not only blooms all summer emitting a sweet, creamy scent but also lures in loved pollinators, like hummingbirds. "Every hummingbird garden needs a honeysuckle, and they're a great choice for containers," a tip from McConnell. She advises a container about 16 to 20 inches in diameter, complemented with a trellis to accommodate the heavy blooms.

Not to forget the sunflowers, which aside from yellow, bloom in colors like deep maroon, red, and others. Their fast growth and how they bring a sense of sunshine to any container makes them special, accentuating that pollinators also love them. These sunflowers require a pot that's at least several gallons large, due to their top-heavy nature.

The iconic hibiscus with their saucer-shaped blooms can transform any space into a beach vacation. They require a pot that's several gallons in size along with a well-draining soil, but be mindful not to overwater them. Correct care will guarantee blooms through the entire season.

Marigolds might just be the fastest-growing flowers you can find if you're growing from seed, as per Laura Irish-Hanson, a horticulture educator at the University of Minnesota Extension. Small in size, they thrive well in various pots but do better in containers about 10 to 12 inches wide.

Million bells, a good pick for constant blooms in a hanging basket, will require a planter roughly 12 inches in diameter or large for a big display.

Irish-Hanson also suggests zinnias, which sprout within a week and bloom within two months or less. Dwarf varieties flower quite quickly and are available in abundant types and colors. A good blooming season can be maintained by deadheading spent blooms.

Cornflowers, or bachelor's buttons, grow from seed pretty quick and can flourish in a range of soils. "These flowers pretty quick, usually within 50 days or less!" reports Irish-Hanson. They not only bloom in bright blue, pink, or even dark maroon but also make a lovely cut-flower bouquet. She advises using a heavy terracotta pot that's about 8 to 12 inches deep to provide ample room for growth and prevent toppling over.