New to container gardening

[Southpaw]

Hi, I'm a newbie to container gardening and I have 2 questions. I was given a penstemon currently in a 6in nursery pot. I want to put it in a decorative pot, but I'm not sure what size. Is a 10-12 inch pot too big? If so what should I plant with it, Another penstemon or something else?
My 2nd question is regarding succulents. Will they grow better in a round/square container or something more oblong like a trough?
I'm located in zone 9 Oregon
Thank you for your ideas.

 

[Marck]

Hello and welcome to the Forums.

I would grow a Penstemon by itself in a 10 or 12 inch diameter pot. A healthy plant will fill that in a season. Also, make sure the pot and soil drain well. Most Penstemon are particularly keen on good drainage.

The shape of the plating container will have little effect on your plants, particularly succulents which are exceptionally well-adapted to container culture.