Container Garden Basics: Mix Textures to Catch the Eye

Successful container arrangements depend on many factors; some, such as color, are more obvious than others. But the subtler element of texture can take an arrangement from tiresome to terrific. A design that uses plants with the same texture, via leaves or flowers, can be boring. But one that incorporates two or more contrasting textures pleases the eye and allows you to take in the beauty of each individual plant.

It's easier to notice the similarity or contrast of texture without the influence of color, so I'll start out with some examples in black and white.

Here are two plants with a similar visual texture: a hosta (Hosta 'August Moon', zones 3 to 8) on the left and a coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Kong Rose', zones 10 to 11) on the right. The broad and rather smooth leaves almost blend together.


Adding a contrasting textural element — the thinner, strappy leaves of purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', zones 8 to 11) — gives the design dimension, even in a monochrome.


Here's a pairing that lacks that textural contrast. The flowers and leaves of both the horned violet (Viola cornuta, zones 6 to 11), left, and the million bells (Calibrachoa, zones 9 to 11), right, are small and smooth. Together they look a bit dull.


Adding the wispiness of a sweet flag grass (Acorus 'Mimimus Aureus', zones 5 to 11) brings depth to the composition.


Texture is particularly important with a monochromatic or harmonious color scheme. Even in color, the texture in this arrangement is apparent and striking. The large, ruffled leaves of the Chinese mustard (Brassica juncea, zones 2 to 11) to the left stand apart from the thin leaves of the purple fountain grass, even though both plants have similar coloring. Finely textured China aster (Callistephus chinensis, zones 2 to 11) rounds out the look.

When it comes to texture in container design, opposites attract. For example, large, broad leaves work great with tiny leaves, short with long, flat with ruffles and so on.


There are a few plants I turn to again and again because of the way their texture turns up the volume in almost any container design. Here the soft, almost fluffy texture of white sage (Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver King', zones 4 to 9) loosens up the tight, dense appearance of the tiny-leaved dwarf baby's tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides, zones 9 to 11).


The fine, spiky blades of the toffee twist hair sedge (Carex flagellifera 'Toffee Twist', zones 7 to 10) on the left are a stark yet intriguing mix with the bold, triangular leaves of the purple oxalis (Oxalis regnellii 'Atropurpurea', zones 7 to 10).


The tiny flowers of Euphorbia Diamond Frost (Euphorbia hypericifolia 'Inneuphe' Diamond Frost, zones 10 to 12) are a go-to favorite of mine. Here they break up the tight look of million bells.


The dark purple of palace purple coral bells' (Heuchera micrantha 'Palace Purple', zones 4 to 8) ruffled leaves (which come in many colors) combine with the thin leaves of Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', zones 5 to 9) here to create a design that practically begs you to reach out and touch it.


Another favorite is foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’, zones 9 to 11). Its bottle-brush-like plumes are a great counterpoint to thick-leaved succulents, and the bright green color works well with every color combination.


Basket grass (Oplismenus spp) is a great textured trailing plant. The small, multicolored leaves give the appearance of wings, especially when fluttering in a breeze.

More: Container Garden Basics: How and When to Water Potted Plants

Tell us: What are some of your favorite texture-focused plants? How do you design containers with them?

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