I’ve been a little obsessed with wildflowers in containers this year. There’s something satisfying about blending their carefree nature with the structure of a pot. You get the feeling of a meadow, right on your porch or balcony, where you can enjoy it up close. Over time, I’ve found that many wildflowers actually do very well in pots, especially if you choose a deep container with good drainage and keep an eye on watering during hot spells.
If you’re looking to try something a bit more relaxed and natural this summer, here are 11 of my favorite wildflower combinations for containers. Each of these is based on what I’ve grown or seen thrive in a pot. You can adapt them to suit your space and your personal style.
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1. Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) and Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
This is one of my favorite combinations for drawing pollinators. Bee balm sends out frilly clusters of flowers that practically hum with bees and hummingbirds. Blanket flower adds rich red and orange tones and keeps blooming long into the season.
I grow these in a large clay pot with good drainage. The mix of textures between bee balm’s spiky blooms and the bold daisy-like flowers of gaillardia creates plenty of interest. Every time I walk past this container, it is alive with movement.
2. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) and Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
For bright, sun-drenched pots, this is a natural pairing. California poppies open wide in the midday sun, showing off their silky orange petals. Coreopsis adds complementary golds and deep maroon accents.
Both are heat tolerant and don’t mind somewhat lean soil. I like planting them in wide, shallow planters where they can spill over the edges a little. They also reseed easily, so I often find surprise seedlings the following spring.
3. Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) and Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii)
This combination leans toward the softer side. Columbine brings graceful, nodding flowers in shades of red, pink, and soft yellow, while phlox adds cheerful clusters of pink or lavender blooms.
I find this pairing works particularly well in partial shade, perhaps on a covered porch or a spot that gets morning sun. The columbine tends to bloom first, followed by a long season of color from the phlox. It’s a lovely, understated mix that I often place near seating areas.
4. Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) and Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
If you want a long-lasting display, this is one of the best combinations I’ve found. Coreopsis starts blooming early and carries on through midsummer. Cosmos, with its feathery foliage and wide blooms, continues well into fall.
I usually plant these in large, rustic wooden barrels. The mix of textures between the two plants gives the pot a full, layered look. Butterflies flock to the cosmos, while bees are drawn to the coreopsis.
5. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) and Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
This is a bold and cheerful mix. Black-eyed Susans offer classic yellow petals with dark centers, while cosmos brings height and softness with its airy stems and pink or white blooms.
The two plants complement each other in both form and color. I often place this container in a sunny spot near a path, where the blooms can sway in the breeze. Regular deadheading keeps both going strong all summer.
6. Poppies (Papaver somniferum or Eschscholzia californica) and Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus)
This combination always reminds me of old European cottage gardens. The contrast between the cool blues of cornflowers and the warm oranges or reds of poppies is striking without being overwhelming.
I like to use a deep ceramic pot for this mix. Both plants appreciate full sun and well-drained soil. Once they get going, they create a lovely, informal display that looks beautiful even when the flowers fade and the seed heads develop.
7. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
For height and elegance, this is one of my go-to pairings. Purple coneflowers stand tall with their prominent seed cones, while verbena adds airy sprays of lavender-purple blooms on slender stems.
I often use this combination in tall, narrow pots to emphasize the vertical lines. Both flowers attract butterflies in droves, making this container a magnet for life throughout the season.
8. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
This pairing creates a warm, earthy feel. The pinkish-purple of coneflowers blends beautifully with the rich reds and golds of blanket flower. Both are sturdy, sun-loving plants that tolerate heat well.
In my experience, this combination thrives in terracotta pots, which help keep the soil on the dry side. Once established, they need very little care beyond occasional deadheading and a weekly watering during the hottest spells.
9. Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) and Larkspur (Delphinium consolida)
This is a more delicate, romantic pairing. Queen Anne’s lace brings its lacy white blooms, while larkspur adds vertical spikes in shades of blue, purple, or pink. The two together have an old-fashioned charm that works well in cottage-style plantings.
I like to grow this mix in a broad, shallow bowl where the fine textures of the foliage can be appreciated. The flowers also make beautiful cut arrangements if you want to bring some indoors.
10. White Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila elegans)
For a soft, monochromatic container, this pairing is a natural choice. White yarrow provides flat-topped clusters of flowers with attractive, ferny foliage. Baby’s breath fills in with clouds of tiny white blooms.
Together they create a soothing, textural display that looks beautiful on shaded patios or near seating areas. I sometimes add a few sprigs of lavender for contrast and scent. The whole effect is calming and quietly elegant.
11. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) and Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)
If you’re after bold color and nonstop blooms, this is one of the best combinations you can try. Zinnias offer a rainbow of options, from pinks and reds to oranges and yellows. Scarlet sage adds vivid red spikes that attract hummingbirds.
I grow this mix in large ceramic pots near the front steps, where the bright colors can be appreciated up close. Both plants thrive in heat and full sun. With regular deadheading, they will bloom right through the first frost.
Wildflowers bring so much life and variety to summer planters. I love the way they shift and evolve through the season. You start with fresh green growth, watch as buds form, and then enjoy waves of blooms. Along the way, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds stop by, adding even more interest to your garden space.
If you’re new to using wildflowers in containers, start with a few tried-and-true combinations. Once you get a feel for how different species grow together, you can mix and match to suit your space and your style. The beauty of wildflowers is that they don’t demand perfection. They thrive in a slightly loose, informal setting. Just give them good soil, plenty of sun, and regular watering, and they will reward you with months of color and life.ay to do it. Just follow your curiosity and enjoy watching your little wildflower garden come to life.