The Best Outdoor Plants and Planters: 10 Must-Haves for a Gorgeous Patio
Longer days, warmer nights, and endless patio lounging—what’s not to love? Whether you’re sipping iced coffee in the morning or hosting sunset dinners, your outdoor space deserves to be as vibrant as your lifestyle. And what better way to elevate it than with lush greenery and statement planters?
But before you go on a plant-buying spree, let’s talk strategy. Not all plants thrive in every patio setup, and choosing the right planters makes all the difference in keeping them happy. That’s why we’ve put together this expert-approved guide to the best outdoor plants and planters—so you can create a space that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
From sun-soaked balconies to shady retreats, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dig in!
1. Best Outdoor Plants and Planters for Sunny Spaces
If your patio is drenched in sunlight most of the day, you need plants that can take the heat—literally. These beauties not only survive but thrive in full sun, bringing color, texture, and life to your space.
Lantanas
Think of lantanas as the life of the party—bright, bold, and always thriving. Their clusters of tiny flowers bloom in fiery reds, oranges, pinks, and yellows, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Plus, they’re drought-tolerant, meaning less watering and more enjoying.
Pro Tip: Regular deadheading (removing spent blooms) will keep lantanas flowering all summer long.
Lavender
Beyond its intoxicating scent, lavender is a sun-loving powerhouse that doubles as a natural mosquito repellent. Its silvery-green foliage adds a soft, elegant touch to patios, while the purple blooms provide a pop of color.
Pro Tip: Lavender thrives in well-drained soil, so choose a planter with excellent drainage.
Coneflowers (Echinacea)
A must-have for a sun-kissed garden, coneflowers are hardy perennials that return year after year. Their daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white are both heat-tolerant and pollinator-friendly.
Pro Tip: Plant coneflowers in deep pots to accommodate their long roots.
2. Best Outdoor Plants and Planters for Shady Patios
If your patio is more of a cool retreat than a sunbaked haven, no worries! These lush, shade-loving plants will flourish in lower light while adding depth and texture.
Hostas
Hostas are the definition of effortless beauty. With broad, sculptural leaves in variegated greens, blues, and yellows, they bring a calming, organic feel to any shady spot.
Pro Tip: Snails love hostas—keep them at bay with crushed eggshells or coffee grounds around the base.
Ferns
Ferns are the MVPs of shade gardening. Their feathery fronds add a lush, tropical feel to patios and pair beautifully with almost any planter style.
Pro Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, to mimic their natural woodland environment.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
If you want a romantic touch, bleeding hearts are the way to go. Their heart-shaped pink flowers dangle delicately from arching stems, making them a stunning addition to shaded patios.
Pro Tip: These perennials bloom in early spring and go dormant in summer—pair them with ferns for season-long interest.
3. Best Outdoor Plants and Planters for Small Spaces & Balconies
Limited space? No problem. These compact plants and smart planters maximize greenery without overcrowding your patio.
Marigolds
Marigolds are small but mighty. Their bright, cheerful blooms repel pests (bonus: they deter mosquitoes!) and thrive in containers of all sizes.
Pro Tip: Mix marigolds with herbs like basil and rosemary for a mini edible garden.
Strawberry Plants
Why not grow something delicious? Strawberry plants are perfect for small spaces, cascading beautifully from hanging baskets while producing sweet berries.
Pro Tip: Choose everbearing varieties for continuous fruiting throughout the season.
Succulents
For the ultimate low-maintenance option, succulents steal the show. These trendy little plants require minimal water and look stunning in modern planters.
Pro Tip: Opt for a shallow, wide planter to create a succulent arrangement with varying heights and colors.
4. Best Outdoor Planters to Elevate Your Patio Style
Now that you’ve chosen the best outdoor plants, it’s time to find the perfect planters to showcase them.
Hanging Planters
Perfect for balconies or small patios, hanging planters create a cascading effect and free up valuable floor space. Opt for ceramic, macramé, or sleek metal styles.
Tall & Narrow Planters
Ideal for creating privacy or defining sections in your outdoor space, these planters are great for ornamental grasses or small trees like olive or lemon.
Self-Watering Planters
If you tend to forget watering schedules, self-watering planters are a game-changer. They regulate moisture levels, keeping plants hydrated for days.
5. Must-Have Gardening Tools for Outdoor Plants
Keeping your plants thriving is all about having the right tools on hand. These essentials make plant care easy and enjoyable.
Pruning Shears
For trimming dead leaves, shaping plants, and encouraging new growth.
Watering Can
A stylish, functional watering can makes hydration easy—bonus points for a long spout to reach hanging plants.
Quality Potting Soil
Good soil is the foundation of plant health. Choose a high-quality mix with added nutrients to keep your plants happy.
FAQs About the Best Outdoor Plants and Planters
Q: How often should I water my outdoor plants?A: It depends on the plant! Succulents need watering once every two weeks, while flowering plants may need water every few days in the summer heat. Always check the soil moisture before watering.
Q: What’s the best way to keep outdoor plants from drying out?A: Use mulch to retain moisture, group plants together for humidity, and invest in self-watering planters for low-maintenance hydration.
Q: Can I bring my outdoor plants inside during winter?A: Yes! Many plants like geraniums, lavender, and ferns can transition indoors if placed near a sunny window.
Let’s Design Your Dream Patio!
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Whether you need help selecting the perfect plants, styling your patio, or designing a custom outdoor oasis, BY Design And Viz is here to help. Our expert designers specialize in creating both interior and exterior spaces that are functional, stylish, and tailored to your lifestyle.
Contact us today for a consultation and let’s bring your outdoor vision to life!
