I use six standard petunias in a 10-inch hanging basket or patio container; two or three spreading petunias will amply fill the same space.

Also marked as a candidate for patio containers, asteriscus is an import from the Mediterranean region, particularly the Canary Islands.

Heliotrope combines well with yellow flowers and makes a spectacular summer display, especially when set in patio containers with, say, petunias or marigolds.

Buy organic or grow your own (greens do well even in large patio containers).

Crocuses planted in a city balcony or patio container in full sun, for example, will bloom before those planted at the edge of a sheltered country lane.

It too is a low-growing woody that can be used to trim the fronts of property, screen plantings or even perk up large patio containers.

These formulations are especially handy when plants are growing in patio containers, tubs, window boxes and penthouse planters.

It also makes a good plant for patio containers.

Although primarily a pot plant, pentas can be set outdoors for the summer in patio containers for a dramatic accent.

They are suitable for patio containers and borders and are excellent as cut flowers.