Who says you’re limited to growing just strawberries in your strawberry jar? You can actually use the pockets of the jar to create herb gardens or colorful floral arrangements for your porch. Mixing shorter plants with drooping vines or succulents can help cover the terracotta pot and add more variety to the display. Strawberry jars are versatile enough to be used as herb gardens, succulent gardens, container gardens with various flowers, or even a combination of all three. Herb gardens do especially well in these planters because of the small pockets that help control the growth of some herbs from spreading too much. Small annual and perennial flowers also thrive in container gardens, particularly if they are heat or drought resistant. So let’s think outside the box and fill our strawberry jars with plants that aren’t just strawberries. Here are 18 plants that do great in these pots: starting with basil.
If you’re planning to create a herb garden in a strawberry jar, basil should be on top of your list. It’s an ideal option and grows well with strawberries. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that basil thrives in sunlight but is vulnerable to frost. Therefore, planting it in a pot that you can move indoors during frosty or cold weather is beneficial. Additionally, remember to fertilize your basil regularly for optimal growth.
There are many types of cacti with varying appearances and characteristics, but one thing they all have in common is their ability to survive without frequent watering. This makes them an ideal choice for gardeners who may struggle with plant maintenance. Another benefit is that cacti can be planted in strawberry plant containers, which can accommodate both larger and smaller varieties, allowing for creative and unique arrangements. Additionally, hen and chick succulents are another type of low-maintenance plant that can add visual interest to any garden or planter.
The Hen and Chick succulent’s unique rosettes are a perfect match for the pockets of a strawberry jar. These rosettes may also produce stunning red blooms that can grow up to 2 feet in height. Another great addition to your garden is the Dusty Miller plant.
The Dusty Miller plant, also called Senecio cineraria, has a beautiful silvery-gray foliage that can enhance the overall look of your strawberry planter setup. Aside from its striking appearance, it blooms with little yellow flowers during midsummer. However, it’s the drought-resistant silver foliage that remains throughout most of the year that makes it an excellent choice for your garden.
Heliotropes, also known as Cherry Pie, Mary Fox, or White Queen, are dainty flowers that have not been seen in gardens for quite some time. Their subtle aroma, often described as vanilla or reminiscent of cherry pie, adds to the charm of these petite blooms. Moving on to the next plant, we have Lobelia.
Lobelia, a charming yearly plant, thrives in cooler temperatures and is simple to cultivate. Its beautiful purple flowers blossom during summer and can endure until the early frost. It was historically utilized to ease asthma or induce vomiting. These plants can be used as ground cover or in a strawberry jar to add a splash of color to your garden!
When making an herb garden using a strawberry jar, it’s essential to include mint as it is a multi-purpose herb that adds fragrance and flavor to your dishes. Since mint plants spread quickly, they are perfectly suited for strawberry planters. The pockets in the jar also help keep your mint plant contained. Additionally, you can add nasturtiums to your herb garden for a pop of color and peppery flavor.
The vibrant yellow and orange annuals not only have gorgeous blooms, but their leaves and flowers are also edible. They thrive in containers and release a delicate yet pleasant scent. These plants are easy to cultivate and grow speedily, making them perfect for kids to learn about gardening.
Moving onto oregano…
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then adding oregano to your strawberry jar is a must. Not only will it add to the aesthetic appeal, but it’ll also help conceal the planter. And during summer, you can expect small white flowers to bloom on your oregano.
Moving on to another plant, pansies are another great option for your garden. These charming flowers come in a variety of colors and are perfect for adding a pop of brightness to any space.
It’s no wonder that pansies are a popular flower found in almost every garden since they are resilient. With their small faces and various hues, these annuals can add a pop of color to any container garden, with or without a strawberry jar.
Don’t forget to include parsley in your herb garden, just like oregano. It’s a versatile herb that makes a great companion to other plants and herbs, both annual and perennial. Plus, it adds a lovely contrast to brightly colored flowers. If you prefer a certain look, consider curled parsley over flat-leafed. Moving on to another plant, let’s talk about petunias.
Petunias are a type of flower that is easily recognizable by most people. These flowers can be grown with little difficulty, even from seeds, and thrive in sunny environments. They make great filler flowers and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it easy to find the perfect variety for your container garden or planter.
Rosemary is a must-have in any herb garden, whether grown in a container or in the ground. Its spiky foliage and strong fragrance make it a perennial evergreen shrub that can thrive even in dry environments or rock gardens. For those who enjoy cooking, rosemary is an excellent herb to use as a flavoring agent in poultry, lamb, stews, and soups.
The petite shrub has a horizontally larger spread than a vertical height and boasts a leaf texture that feels like velvet. It thrives in USDA zones 5 to 8 and pairs nicely with complementary herbs such as rosemary and basil. Mixing sage with other herbs from the Mediterranean can result in a fragrant planter that serves both decorative and culinary purposes. Another great option for those seeking a low-maintenance option is Sedum.
This particular plant appears to be a succulent due to its thick leaves and fleshy stems, but surprisingly it’s not actually classified as one. The plant features clusters of star-shaped flowers and is very low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun and requires pruning after blooming to maintain its form. These plants are commonly known as snapdragons.
These lovely and towering flowers are available in several hues, such as pastel shades, depicted in the image above. Snapdragons offer a diverse selection of types that can vary from being extremely tall to notably petite. You can expect them to grow as much as 3 feet or as little as 6 inches. These flowers can withstand frost, making them ideal for planting in the early spring months.
17. Delightful Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a resilient plant that is able to withstand drought and heat. Though they are annuals, they will naturally reproduce and provide colorful blooms year after year in warmer climates not affected by frost. The flowers typically come in shades of white, yellow, or purple and grow in small clusters.
Moving on to thyme…
Thyme is a delightful herb that should be included in your potted herb garden. Its sturdy branches create a striking contrast to delicate blooms and foliage, while its aromatic fragrance complements the likes of sage, rosemary, and other herbs.