Plants for beautiful March pots

Spring pot full of hyacinths, heuchera, skimmia and thyme

By following this formula, you can be sure you have all the elements to create a beautiful pot, and you can mix and match to suit your taste and the plants you can find. Each month, we’ll bring you a selection of the best plants to grow in pots, using this formula. Simply choose at least one plant from each section, opting for complementary or contrasting colours, for show-stopping pots guaranteed.

More container planting ideas

Follow our formula for creating gorgeous containers, that look at their best in March.

Thrillers

This is your star plant, so you’re looking for something that will give your pot colour and impact. Choose something that instantly catches your eye, as it’ll set the tone for your whole container display.

Thriller: Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête'

You can't beat a daffodil in March, their iconic yellow blooms are always a welcome signal that spring is approaching. Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête' is ideal for containers, standing at just 15cm high and with up to three vibrant yellow blooms on each stem.

Thriller: Chionodoxa luciliae

Chionodoxa luciliae, or glory of the snow, is one of the first bulbs to appear in spring. Its vibrant star-shaped flowers will catch the eye when placed at the front of your container.

Thriller: Muscari armeniacum

The grape hyacinth, Muscari armeniacum, with its striking blue flowers that look like small bunches of grapes, will make a striking addition to your pot. It is also very attractive to spring flying pollinators such as the hairy footed flower bee.

Thriller: Primula denticulata

Primula denticulata var. alba, or the drumstick primula, is an ideal choice to make a statement in your March pot with its large, spherical heads packed with white, bell-shaped florets carried on tall stems.

Fillers

This is likely to be a less showy plant than your thriller, but makes the whole display look fuller and more interesting. For a harmonious display, choose a plant in the same or a similar colour to your thriller, or for a bolder look opt for a contrasting colour.

Filler: Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'

The purple-green leaves of Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’ make this a useful evergreen decorative shrub for your container. Not only does it provide attractive foliage for your pot and a pleasing sage scent, but you can also use the herb in your kitchen.

Filler: Bellis perennis 'Red'

Bellis perennis 'Red' is a popular variety of the common daisy and is useful for filling empty spots in containers. With its miniature flower heads it will easily blend in to your display while also adding a dash of colour.

Filler: Skimmia japonica 'Magic Marlot'

Skimmia japonica 'Magic Marlot' is a compact shrub with glossy foliage and fragrant white flowers in the spring. Add it to your container for evergreen foliage as well as its delicate spring blooms.

How to grow skimmia

Filler: Heuchera 'Chocolate Ruffles'

With their bold and interesting foliage, heucheras are an invaluable addition to any container display. Heuchera 'Chocolate Ruffles' will provide the perfect backdrop to your spring blooms, with its chocolate leaves with a rich burgundy underside. In summer, it will become a thriller when masses of creamy white flowers appear.

Spillers

These plants spill over the edges of the pot, giving the display a softer, more natural look and ensuring there’s no bare compost on show. They’re also useful for filling in any gaps.

Spiller: Stipa tenuissima

Stipa tenuissima, or Mexican feather grass, is a compact perennial grass that will provide wonderful texture to your pot. Plant it on the edge of your container and enjoy the foliage as it spills from the sides.

Spiller: Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'

Also known as Japanese rush, Acorus gramineus 'Ogon', will add structure to your container with vivid green leaves. Combine the bright foliage with early-spring bulbs for a burst of brightness in your garden.

Spiller: Hedera helix 'Goldfinger'

Ivy has many uses throughout the garden and it works particularly well as a spiller in pots and containers. For a burst of bright foliage to welcome spring, try Hedera helix 'Goldfinger'. Keeping the pot in full sun will help to keep the leaves golden.

Spiller: Athyrium niponicum var. pictum

With its attractive silvery green foliage, Athyrium niponicum var. pictum will work really well in a container paired with bright spring blooms. It will need regular watering in a pot.

Next month: Recipe for beautiful April pots

Exclusively for subscribers, we’ll bring you the best plants to create containers that look gorgeous in April, using our ‘Thriller, Filler, Spiller’ formula.

And using the same formula, find our pick of the best plants for: