Top 16 Beautiful Plants to Plant in Barrels

Do you know that planting in a barrel is a fun way to create a mini-garden in your yard? Are you wondering what plants to grow in barrels? When whiskey barrels aren’t serving their main purpose, they make nice garden accessories and planters. If your house has limited space, you can use wine barrels to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers. In addition, they will give your boring patio a facelift and add a rustic charm to the surrounding.

You can also plant wine barrels with ornamental grasses for an appealing winery aesthetic. But if you’re not an experienced gardener, it may be difficult to work with whiskey barrels. In that case, you must find the best plants that fit your skill level.

So flaunt your horticulture skills by making use of the barrels to create beautiful gardens.

Let’s take a look at the best plants for barrels that will create a splash of greenery around your yard.

1. Phormium (New Zealand Flax)

If you’re confused about what plants to plant in barrels, Phormium (New Zealand Flax) can be your ideal choice. They grow well in containers as they like free draining conditions. But to help them grow fully, you should choose a barrel that is 45-50cm in depth and width. Otherwise, they can become heavy and may fall during windy conditions. You should also ensure the barrel has good drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain away.

2. Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller is a versatile and unique annual plant that can handle a variety of growing conditions. It can be easily grown in a barrel as it doesn’t require much care and grows quicker. But while planting them in your wine barrel, you should ensure that the drainage is apt and keep it in an area where it can get sufficient sunlight. It doesn’t need to be watered as much as other plants and can thrive in all environmental conditions.

3. Vinca (Periwinkle)

Vinca is an evergreen perennial that grows easily in all types of conditions ranging from sun to shade. The most common types of periwinkle are greater periwinkle (Vinca major) and lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor). Choosing the right one is important for your barrel as greater periwinkle grows bigger faster than other plants and can become invasive. If planting periwinkle in your whiskey barrel in summer or spring, keep it well-watered.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another plant that can be easily grown in your barrel. The large size and natural wood construction of the barrel make it ideal for growing aloe vera. To help this tropical succulent grow well, place the barrel in an area where it gets indirect, bright sunlight. You should also use a well-draining potting mix and allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings.

5. Blackberries

If you’re still confused about what plants to plant in barrels, Blackberries can be a good option. They need only one inch of water to grow and thrive well in all conditions. But they need a large area to grow, so choose a large-sized barrel. A whiskey barrel planter with 24 inches diameter can be a perfect choice. The barrel should also have cracks or drainage holes to prevent the soil from becoming oversaturated. With regular pruning, you can keep the berry thicket fruitful and small for years.

6. Celery

If you have limited space yet want to grow celery to make tasty salads and soups, you can use the barrels. It’s best to plant celery in barrels that are at least 30 gallons in size, as it will ensure that the roots get plenty of space to spread out and grow. If you’re growing a compact celery variety, such as ‘Tango’ or ‘Pascal,’ plant the seeds closer together, and if growing a larger variety, like ‘Green Giant,’ give the plants more space. Water the plants regularly and mulch them with wood chips to keep them warm in the winter.

7. Crape Myrtle (Myrtus)

Crape Myrtle is a small tree that gives white, magenta, or deep rose blossoms from July to September. It can be easily grown inside a barrel as wood insulates it against extreme temperatures. Since it requires one inch of water a week, you will not have to put much effort into the maintenance of this plant. When the weather gets cold, bring your barrel-grown crepe myrtle plant indoors and store it in a cool, dark place.

8. Cantaloupes

Cantaloupes can be grown almost anywhere and can thrive in all weather conditions. This makes them ideal for growing in a barrel. The barrels keep the soil moist and the fruit cool, giving cantaloupes the right condition to grow. You can even transplant the cantaloupes when they become big. But you should use a deep barrel for growing cantaloupes, as they need ample room to flourish. When it is dry, water them at frequent intervals and watch for signs of salt build-up, like wilted leaves.

9. Chrysanthemums

You need to have a little know-how in gardening to grow chrysanthemums in wine barrels, as they are delicate and require more care than other plants. Growing chrysanthemum in a barrel requires plenty of sunlight, so place the barrel in a south-facing window where it receives at least 4 hours of sunlight daily. Leave ample space for the roots to survive and keep them in a protected area during the winter. Chrysanthemums need a good amount of water to grow, so whenever the soil feels dry, you should ensure to water the plants.

10. Water Lily

Water Lily is a beautiful aquatic plant with striking leaves and flowers that float serenely over water. By growing them in your barrel, you can give a rustic touch to your patio. Since they do not require much care and grow easily, you can plant them in your barrel without much effort. The toughest part of growing water lilies in barrels is that you’ll need to maintain a running water source all the time. The best thing is that water lilies adjust as per the size of the barrel, so you don’t need to look for a specific size of the barrel to grow them.

11. Agave

If you want to know what plants to plant in barrels, Agave can be an excellent choice. It blooms only once and dies thereafter. Since they can’t withstand frost, planting them in a barrel can be a good idea. The wooden part of the barrel retains moisture and warmth better than ground soil or plastic, allowing the agave plant to grow to its full potential. You can also add small pebbles or rocks to the soil to increase the drainage capabilities of the barrel.

12. Bergenia

Bergenia are evergreen perennials with attractive and colourful foliage. They can be grown easily in a barrel with a diameter of at least 12 inches. Since Bergenia plants can withstand most environmental conditions, they do not require much care. You should ensure the soil is moist to help Bergenia thrive in barrels. In spring or autumn, take the plant out of the barrel and cut the remaining rhizomes into equal sections. After that, grow them in new barrels to ensure they grow in a healthy way.

13. Chives

Chives are another excellent option for those wondering about what plants to plant in barrels. They produce purple pin-cushion flowers that are flavorful and edible. Garlic chives are the best container varieties that can be easily grown in barrels. Since they do not require much maintenance, you don’t need to put much effort into growing them in a barrel. With proper watering, they regenerate quickly. During winter, bring the barrel indoors, or else they can die due to extreme cold.

14. Snow Peas

Snow peas can be grown easily in barrels both outdoors and indoors. You can sow the seeds directly into the barrel, and within a few days, you can see them fully grown as their germination rate is high. When choosing a barrel, ensure that it is at least 6 inches in width and 8 inches in height. You should also choose a variety of snow pea that doesn’t get very tall and stays compact. When the heat is extreme, take snow peas indoors, as they can’t withstand high temperatures.

15. Cucumber

Cucumbers are excellent container plants that grow easily in even limited spaces. They are used for making salads, juices, and sandwiches. If you have limited space, you can use a barrel to grow them. For fast growth, cucumbers need good lighting, so keep the barrel in an area where the cucumbers can get optimal sunlight. When growing cucumber in a barrel, don’t mix and match different varieties, as it can lead to bitter, seed-filled produce. Make medium-sized holes on the bottom of the barrel to ensure that excess liquid can drain.

16. Ferns

Ferns can be a beautiful addition to your barrel. They have small leaves that cascade over the edge of the barrel and give the container an ornamental look. They range from delicate and petite to lush and larger-than-life, and you’ll find a variety that easily fits your existing aesthetic. Most ferns require a shady, moist spot to grow, so place them inside during hot and humid weather.

Conclusion

We hope you must have got the answer to what plants to plant in barrels. Give your boring patio a facelift by planting any of the plants mentioned above in your barrel. They will add a splash of colour to your patio or front porch and give you a chance to flaunt your gardening skill even in limited spaces. Ensure there is a hole in your barrel’s bottom so the plants don’t drown.

You can also talk to the nursery to know which plants can survive in specific conditions in the barrel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Kinds of Plants Can You Plant in Barrels?

Most garden plants like veggies, herbs, and flowers grow well in barrels. You can also grow culinary kitchen herbs and ornamental grasses in barrels.

What Kinds of Plants Can’t Be Planted in Barrels?

You should avoid planting crops that require massive amounts of space in the barrel. Some examples include Asparagus, Winter Squash, Pumpkin, Artichoke, and Corn.

What Should You Keep in Mind Before Planting a Plant in The Barrel?

Before planting in a barrel, you should check the standard spacing of the crop and calculate your container’s diameter based on the space required by the plant in each direction.

Which Drought-Tolerant Perennials Can Be Planted in Barrels?

Drought-tolerant perennials like rosemary and lavender can be planted in barrels.