Plants for patio pots and containers – more info
Patio plants can serve many purposes from flowering annuals for colour, perennial plants for pollinators or fruit and vegetable plants for fresh produce. When deciding on which patio plants to grow, think about what kind of maintenance you’d be prepared to put in, whether you’d like to grow plants for their scent, and what kind of garden style you’re contributing to.
Also think about where your patio is situated, particularly in regards to the amount of sunlight it gets during the day, and whether it’s sheltered or exposed to high winds. If you’re limited on space, know that certain patio plants can be grown in small containers to be placed on tables or use hanging baskets to add height. These are very versatile plants!
How to plant a patio container
- Choose your pot. Different pot materials have different qualities. For example, terracotta plant pots are sturdy and can hold up in strong winds, but can wick moisture from the soil, meaning you’ll have to water your plants more.
- Check your pot has adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging plant roots. If the pot has a single drainage hole, you may want to add a layer of crocks at the bottom of the pot to stop the hole from getting blocked with compost.
- Fill your pot with fresh, multi-purpose compost for flower plants and bulbs, or use a soil-based compost for long-term plants such as ornamental trees and small shrubs.
- Plant your patio plants and leave a 2cm gap between the top of the compost and the rim of the pot. Firm the compost with your hands to get rid of air holes, then fill in the gaps.
- Water well, and maintain your plant to its individual specifications.
You may also be interested in Suttons potted bedding plants and decorative pots.
Which patio plants will grow in shade?
Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’, the striking Japanese blood grass, and Hydrangea paniculata ‘Switch Ophelia’ will grow in part-shade. Geranium himalayense ‘Birch Double’ and our coleus mix will cope with shade.
Which patio plants will overwinter?
Many of our patio plants are hardy including hydrangeas, Fuchsia ‘Delta’s Sarah’ and Viburnum tinus. Others, such as banana (Musa), dahlias and begonias will need winter protection.
Are any of the patio plants scented?
For a wonderful fragrance, there’s little to beat Dianthus ‘Scented Pleasures Collection’ and who doesn’t love the scent of jasmine? Try Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Pink Showers’ for pink rather than the usual white flowers.
