What kind of flowers and plants work in barrels?

The reason barrels have long been popular for growing plants is that they are large, unbreakable, and offer a substantially deep root zone. The containers are large enough to easily accommodate a two gallon container plant rootball, and possibly even a five gallon. The ultra wide base gives them a low center of gravity so that they do not tip over in the wind, solving problems for coastal sites. All this means you can grow small trees, shrubs and other larger plants that would be too top heavy for more ordinary pots.

Here are some good examples:

Dwarf fruit trees - barrels are the first choice for growing these pint sized trees that produce full sized fruit.

Blueberries - With oodles of cultivars for warmer climates, these shrubs are now exceptional choices for container gardens.

Dwarf citrus - If you must move your little lemon indoors for the winter, a barrel is the perfect solution for fresh lemons in cold climates.

Roses - Enjoy roses even on the patio where they get plenty of root room and nutrition in these barrels.

Then feel good that barrels are a "green" choice as a recycled or re-purposed byproduct of the brewing industry.