Tall Plants For Outdoor Containers

Tall plants can add height and drama to your outdoor containers. They can also be used to create privacy or to block unsightly views. Here are a few of our favorite tall plants for outdoor containers:

Canopy Plants

Canopy plants are tall plants that have a spreading or arching habit. They are perfect for adding height and interest to the center of a container. Some of our favorite canopy plants for outdoor containers include:

Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree)
Draceana fragrans (Corn Plant)
Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)

Columnar Plants

Columnar plants are tall, narrow plants that have a vertical habit. They are perfect for adding height and structure to a container. Some of our favorite columnar plants for outdoor containers include:

Yucca aloifolia (Spanish Bayonet)
Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm)
Dracaena draco (Dragon Tree)

Tree-Form Plants

Tree-form plants are tall plants that have a single trunk and a spreading canopy. They are perfect for adding height and shade to a container. Some of our favorite tree-form plants for outdoor containers include:

Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig)
Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle)
Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)

Tips for Growing Tall Plants in Outdoor Containers

Here are a few tips for growing tall plants in outdoor containers:

Choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system. The container should also have drainage holes to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Use a potting mix that is well-draining and contains plenty of organic matter. This will help to keep the plant's roots healthy and prevent the soil from becoming compacted.
Water the plant regularly, especially during hot weather. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilize the plant monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune the plant as needed to keep it in shape and to remove any dead or damaged growth.