Whether you have acres to garden (Like Emily Rose’s Little Sutton garden) or a tiny patio, containers are a great way to add interest. Here are our favorite picks for easy-to-grow container plants.
 
CANNA LILY: Dramatic flower and foliage for large planters. Can grow 6 feet tall. Flowers in full sun from midsummer to frost.

CATMINT: One of the showiest plants in the mint family. Thrives in full sun; fragrant. Shear by half after spring bloom to encourage second bloom. Your feline friends will love you for it.
 
COLEUS: Bright, multicolored foliage early summer to frost. Likes partial to full shade and plenty of moisture. Colors range from yellow to almost black.

CREEPING ZINNIA: Trails 1 foot or more; nice around edge of container, especially hanging baskets. Tiny blooms all summer. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Avoid overwatering.

FUSCHIA: Fanciful flowers earned this annual the nickname "lady's ear drops." Likes light shade or sun. Keep moist; protect from drying wind. Great for hanging baskets.

HENS AND CHICKS: An evergreen succulent suited to rock gardens and containers. Low-growing and likes full sun to part shade.

MINIATURE ROSES: Grow no more than 18 inches tall in full to part sun. Need at least 1 cubic foot of soil if grown in a planter.

MORNING GLORY: This annual vines to 10 feet tall, so give it room to climb. Nick seed coat or soak 24 hours before planting. Likes full sun. Blooms open in morning, close by mid afternoon.

SCENTED GERANIUM: More than 50 types with fragrance that ranges from orange to coconut. Enjoys full sun. Pinch back to encourage branching; may be overwintered as a houseplant.

SHASTA DAISY: A long-blooming perennial that thrives in full sun. Can grow 3 feet tall. Nice cut flowers for fresh arrangements.