Creating a container garden using native plants on your patio or balcony is a powerful way to support local wildlife, even in small spaces. Container gardening allows you to attract birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators without the need for a traditional yard. Whether you have a sunny rooftop, a shady balcony, or a small patio, you can create a thriving wildlife habitat.
Container Gardening: Why Small Spaces Matter for Wildlife
Even a tiny garden can become a crucial wildlife oasis. Monarch butterflies, for example, depend on milkweed for reproduction and nectar plants for food during migration. With the alarming decline of monarch populations, every space, no matter how small, can contribute to their survival. By incorporating native plants, you not only provide essential resources but also help protect biodiversity.
Pro tip: plant keystones for maximum impact
Keystone plants play an outsized role in supporting local ecosystems. These native species sustain 90% of butterfly and moth populations and up to 60% of native bees. Choosing keystone plants for your container garden maximizes your garden’s impact on local wildlife. For detailed guidance on container planting with keystones, visit Homegrown National Park's website.
Native Plants for Container Gardening
When selecting native plants for container gardening, it's important to choose plants that won’t immediately outgrow the container. Some wide-spreading plants or plants towering over 2 feet may be difficult to manage in a container but it depends on the size of your container. Some plant combinations will look great for the first couple years, but over time one plant may crowd out the others. At that point, you can divide them or simply start them out in separate pots.
Here are some native plants that work well for patios, balconies or containers:
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Black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta): This popular wildflower produces golden-yellow daisy-like flowers that attract butterflies and bees.
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Blazing star (Liatris spicata): A tall, purple-flowering perennial that attracts monarchs, bees, and other pollinators.
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Blue wood aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolius): This perennial plant showcases vibrant purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees in late summer and fall.
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Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis): This striking plant features bright red tubular flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
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Great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica): This tall perennial with blue flowers attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
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Lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): A sun-loving perennial with yellow flowers that draws bees and butterflies.
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Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea): This bright red bloomer is ideal for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
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Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Lavender flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
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Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum): This woodland native has delicate pink or purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
To buy these plants and others that are suitable for container gardening, visit the Container Planting collection on our website. Check the "Additional Details" section of the product description for a list of recommended container sizes.
6 Steps to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Patio Garden
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Assess Your Space: Take note of the sunlight, wind, and available space. Choose plants that match the conditions and consider a mix of sizes to create visual interest while supporting a range of species.
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Select Native Plants: Native plants are the foundation of any wildlife-friendly garden, offering food, cover, and a place to raise their young. Search by zip code or try our Plant Finder Quiz to select plants suitable for your region.
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Choose the Right Containers: Ensure your containers have proper drainage and match the plant size. Consider vertical gardening options like wall-mounted planters, hanging baskets, or trellises to maximize space utilization. Repurpose items such as wooden crates or old barrels to house larger native plants.
For three plants, you’ll need a minimum 36” round container or 3x4 foot box or raised bed with drainage holes. If using containers, be sure to layer in 2” broken clay pot or small rocks of various sizes for drainage. Individual plants can be planted in their own smaller containers, each at least 12”-24” inches. -
Create Layers and Shelter: Use plants of varying heights to mimic natural habitats. Taller plants like blazing star can act as "shelters," while low-growing options provide cover for smaller creatures. Adding dense foliage or vines also creates hiding spots for insects and small birds.
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Add Potting Mix and Mulch: Use a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for container gardening. Avoid using garden soil, as it may not provide adequate drainage. Add a layer of organic mulch on top of the soil to help retain moisture and promote healthy plant growth.
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Provide Food and Water: Include shallow dishes of water for birds and insects, and consider adding a bird feeder or nectar feeder for hummingbirds. Native plants provide natural food sources, but these additional resources can supplement during dry periods.
Recycled Container Ideas for Your Garden
When it comes to accommodating large native plants on a balcony or patio, you'll need to think creatively to repurpose large containers or find alternative solutions. While you’re hunting for plant containers, keep an eye out for smaller, wider containers to provide clean water for wildlife.
Here are some ideas for large recycled containers for big native plants on a balcony:
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Plastic Barrels: Cut a large plastic barrel in half vertically or horizontally to create two deep planters. Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom. Plastic barrels are durable and can house larger native plants like small trees or shrubs.
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Wooden Crates or Pallets: Find or build larger wooden crates or repurpose wooden pallets to create sizeable planters. Line them with landscaping fabric to prevent soil from spilling out. These can accommodate larger native plants and provide a rustic look.
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Wheelbarrows or Wagon Beds: Convert an old wheelbarrow or wagon into a mobile planter by filling it with soil and planting your big native plants. These containers are especially useful if you have limited space and need the flexibility to move the plants around.
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Bathtubs or Troughs: Old bathtubs or livestock troughs can be repurposed as large planters for big native plants. Make sure to drill drainage holes and elevate them with bricks or blocks to promote airflow and prevent waterlogging.
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Recycled Construction Materials: Look for recycled construction materials like concrete blocks, bricks, or stone slabs to build raised beds or planters. Arrange them in a way that accommodates the size of your big native plants.
When using recycled containers, ensure they are cleaned thoroughly and have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. Additionally, consider the weight of the container and its suitability for your balcony's weight-bearing capacity. With these creative solutions, you can provide enough space for your larger native plants to thrive on your balcony.
Tips for Enhancing Your Wildlife Habitat
Create a thriving habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife with a few simple additions to your container garden.
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Attract feathered friends: birds need food, water, and shelter. In addition to native plants, bird feeders and baths can attract songbirds to your balcony.
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Host monarch butterflies: monarchs depend heavily on milkweed, their sole host plant for reproduction. Incorporating milkweed into your container garden can directly contribute to monarch conservation.
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Think outside the box: thinking creatively can help you accommodate large plants in small spaces. Repurpose large containers like barrels or wooden crates to hold larger native plants. This not only saves money but adds character to your garden.
A patio or balcony garden filled with native plants offers a rewarding way to connect with nature while supporting local wildlife. With a little planning and care, you can create a vibrant, sustainable habitat that makes a real difference in biodiversity conservation.
Ready to get started? Order the Balcony Blooms or Patio Party starter kits or filter over 30 native plant collections by light conditions, wildlife benefits, flower color, and more to find the perfect plants for your container garden!