What’s hot in pots for summer! 

Hot winds and burning sun can mean the end of many precious plants, but if you choose plants that don't mind having their roots contained they should thrive and flower well. It’s also a good idea to ask your local nursery for their advice. 

​Hint: When you buy a new plant, always repot it into a larger sized pot than it was growing in. Most potted plants grow best in good quality potting mix (orchids require orchid mix). Most potted plants need to be kept very well- watered but should have excellent drainage. For best results, check that drainage holes in pots are adequate and always elevate potted plants slightly using chocks or pot feet.

​Best pot plants for full sun
Herbs: Basil, coriander, parsley and chives.
Annuals/ bedding plants: Pretty petunias add wonderful summer colour!
Pelargoniums and geraniums: These two diehards love hot, dry positions. 
Bougainvilleas: are very hardy and love full sun. Some varieties (particularly the dwarf Bambino range) do very well in pot. Check with your nursery or be sure to read the tag for planting guidelines.
Succulents: are fashionable all around the world right now. Try agave, echeveria and bromeliads. As well as having interesting form and foliage colour, many succulents produce gorgeous flowers.
Wisteria: looks fabulous grown as a potted standard. Try Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) or Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda).
Citrus trees: have glossy green foliage, fragrant white flowers and delicious fruit. Cumquats and ‘Meyer’ lemons are particularly well suited to pot cultivation.
Ixora:(Ixora chinensis ‘Prince of Orange’) flowers during spring and summer, and needs a frost-free area. 

Succulents are very 'hot' right now and easy to grow.

Herbs are so convenient in pots but need regular feeding to continue to do well.

Petunias are hardy and add a splash of colour.

Succulents come in a wide range of shapes and colours.

Citrus does surprisingly well in pots but ensure you talk to your nurseryman to identify the best varieties.

Geraniums and pelargoniums provide interesting foliage as well as masses of flowers.

Best pot plants for shade
Clivia: (Clivia miniata) has dark green, strap-like foliage and orange flowers. New varieties are available with red, cream and yellow flowers.
Daphne: (Daphne odora), grown for its distinctive perfumed flowers, actually does better planted in pots than in the ground, because it is susceptible to root rot and pots provide the perfect drainage it needs.
Camellias: will flower and grow happily in pots for many years. Sasanquas grow well in part-shade to full sun, while japonicas prefer a shaded position.
Azaleas: particularly the smaller varieties, are well suited to pot culture. Your local nursery can suggest the best varieties for your area.
Ponytail: (Nolina recurvata) has a curious swollen base. It makes an attractive pot plant and will also take full sun.
Palms: including rhapis palm (Rhapis excelsa) and kentia palm (Howea forsteriana), can be grown in pots in a shady position.
Ferns: of all kinds do well in pots. They thrive in shady, moist, humid conditions.
Orchids: need an open, free-draining potting mix and a sheltered position. The most popular orchid grown is the cymbidium, but many other kinds are available including cattleyas, dendrobiums, slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum) and moth orchids (Phalaenopsis). Orchids in pots can be brought inside the house when in flower for a beautiful, long lasting display.
China doll :(Radermachera sinica) is a Chinese native with glossy, dark green leaves and an elegant growth habit.

Clivias are hardy and colourful.

Daphne loves being in a pot and will reward with fragrant blooms.

There are many varieties of orchid perfect for potting. grow them outdoors and bring them inside for a wonderful display of colour.

Both ferns and palms adapt to pots quite well. Talk to your nurseryman about the location of your plant to ensure you get the most suitable variety.

Azaleas and camelias do very well in pots with the right potting mix and careful feeding.