The best plants for whiskey barrels should be well chosen to accentuate the container by cascading over the edges for that pretty view.
It is important to choose a plant that will add beauty and character to your whiskey barrel. The most common way to make this happen is to choose a cascading plant, that is growing with some sort of trellis, or arch, over the top of your barrel. We’ve gathered up the 15 best plants for whiskey barrels.
The Top Best Plants For Whiskey Barrels
1. Echeveria (Spider Plant)
This low-maintenance and easy-to-grow perennial, herbaceous plant is great for cascading over the edge of your whiskey barrel. This is a good choice because it doesn’t need to be pruned and looks good in any type of light. Spider plants have arched foliage that is solid green or green with white and it comes in several varieties.
2. Chlorophytum comosum (Spiderwort)
Spiderwort is an easy-to-care-for cascading plant that is perfect for adding character to your whiskey barrel. Spiderwort will grow and bloom quickly, so it is a good choice for those looking to add a little extra color. They have narrow green leaves and violet-blue flowers, but they can also be pink, white, or red.
This is also one of the most forgiving plants as they are hardy and grow well with regular watering. It will grow in just about any type of light and doesn’t mind being transplanted.
3. Ageratum (Baby’s Breath)
Another easy-to-care-for and long-lived cascading plant is baby’s breath, which has lovely delicate white flowers. This is a great choice because it is easy to grow and will bloom almost immediately after planting. It is also very forgiving to transplant, tolerates full sun, and can be grown in a wide range of conditions.
4. Liriope (Bindweed)
This is a great cascading plant for those who want something with a little more character. While some see it as a weed, this fast-growing vine plant has beautiful pink and white flowers. It is also one of the best plants for whiskey barrels.
5. Dracaena (Dracaena or Snake Plant)
If you like the look of a palm tree, but don’t want the hassle of maintenance, then this is the plant for you. It is easy to grow and will produce lush foliage all season long. They prefer bright, indirect light though they can tolerate some direct sunlight.
6. Ficus (Fig Tree)
Ficus trees have become extremely popular as house plants due to their hardiness and easy care. The fig tree is especially good because it tends to cascade down over the edge of your whiskey barrel. It can grow up to six feet tall and has beautiful large green leaves.
7. Hoya (Hoya or Wax Plant)
Hoya plants have thick, waxy leaves that overflow will overflow from a whiskey barrel with beautiful trailing vines, producing a great cascading effect. They are also great for adding some height to the edge of your barrel. They prefer medium to bright, indirect light and like their soil to dry out between waterings.
8. Lantana (Lantana)
Lantana is an extremely versatile plant that can be used in many different types of landscaping. It is great for cascading over the edge of your whiskey barrel because it tends to grow very quickly. Beautiful and low maintenance, it blossoms steadily during the growing season and in warm areas, it blossoms year-round.
9. Phormium (New Zealand Flax)
Phormiums are popular plants in home landscapes because they grow quickly and add color to any landscape. This beautiful ornamental grass does well in full sun or partial shade and should be well watered when hot outside. Phormiums grow well in containers and can be found at nurseries year-round.
10. Agastache (Hummingbird Mint)
This easy-to-grow perennial has an abundance of flowers and can be used in cascading over the edge of your whiskey barrel. They are highly attractive to hummingbirds with gorgeous tubular flowers. They enjoy full sun and are naturally heat and drought-tolerant.
11. Vinca (Periwinkle)
Vincas are low-maintenance plants that are easy to grow and easy to care for. They tend to cascade over the edge of your whiskey barrel but do not have the same need for trellis as some of the other plants on this list. They have evergreen groundcover with lovely periwinkle flowers.
12. Hostas (Hosta)
These popular plants are hardy and will withstand the winter months without much problem. They are great for cascading over the edge of your whiskey barrels with their beautiful large green leaves. They are low maintenance, do well in shade, and do best with moist soil.
13. Yucca (Yucca)
Yuccas are easy to grow and are extremely versatile. They can be grown in pots or containers or planted in the ground. They are great for cascading over the edge of your whiskey barrel because they grow in clumps rather than one large stalk with creamy-white flowers.
14. Ferns (Nepeta)
Ferns are a beautiful addition to your whiskey barrel. They are easy to grow and have an abundance of small leaves that make them perfect for cascading over the edge of your whiskey barrel. Many different varieties do well in humid conditions with moist, shady conditions.
15. Sedum (Stonecrop or Sedum)
Sedum is low-maintenance and easy to grow succulent. It’s ideal for cascading over the edge of your whiskey barrel. It will grow in either a pot or a hanging basket. They are a type of succulent with fleshy stems and succulent leaves known as stonecrop.
16. Hibiscus (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus is easy to grow and beautiful addition to your whiskey barrel and they will do well in full or partial sun with thorough waterings. The flowers bloom all year round, so you can enjoy them anytime. This large shrub produces an abundance of small flowers.
17. Lavender (Lavender)
Lavender grows well in containers or on the ground and they should have full sun with one to two waterings per week. It makes an excellent addition to your whiskey barrel because of its sweet fragrance. Lavender has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years.
18. Peonies (Peony)
Peonies are a beautiful addition and one of the best plants for whiskey barrels thanks to their stunning colorful flowers. They grow quickly and have a bright, colorful flower that adds a pop of color. They are very easy to grow as they need full sun and regular thorough waterings.
19. Crape Myrtle (Myrtus)
Crape myrtles are easy to grow and have an abundance of pink flowers, making them ideal for cascading over the edge of your whiskey barrel. This small to medium-sized shrub enjoys full fun and one inch of water a week.
20. Holly (Ilex)
Ilex is a fast-growing evergreen tree that thrives in sunlight and is drought-resistant. It’s perfect for cascading over the edge of your whiskey barrel because it has dense foliage that adds height. They have red berries, white flowers, and spiny leaves.
In Conclusion: Best Plants for Whiskey Barrels
The list above has many best plants for whiskey barrels that you can grow in your home. These plants can also be mixed to bring out that beautiful feel. Go for it, make your home look glam!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you fill a whiskey barrel planter with?
We fill them with any old thing we can find. It's all about getting creative! We fill them with peat moss, potting soil, or anything else we think will help make the barrels look good and maybe grow some flowers or herbs.
Can I plant perennials in a whiskey barrel?
Sure! The only thing to consider is that you may need to add some additional water to the soil to help keep the roots moist. If you are planting perennials, they can be planted just as they would in a traditional planter. They may need to be fertilized periodically throughout the year, but they should thrive in the humidity.
Do whiskey barrel planters need drainage holes?
It is recommended that these barrels get drainage holes to drain out excess water. We do have some drainage holes cut into the bottoms of our barrels though, so if you choose to use a whiskey barrel, you may want to cut them out yourself.
Can you plant roses in whiskey barrels?
Yes, we would recommend it! Roses can be planted just as they would in a traditional planter. The only difference is that you will need to cut down the rosebush in half and plant each half separately in the center of your barrel. This allows for more root room. Roses can be fertilized every 2-3 weeks throughout the year and should thrive in the humidity.
