Patio spaces are more than just a physical connection between indoors and outdoors. They’re an extension of our homes, where we create memories with loved ones and unwind in solitude. To elevate this outdoor sanctuary, incorporating the perfect patio plants is essential. By selecting species that thrive in various conditions, from shady retreats to sun-kissed spots, you can curate a space that reflects your unique style and serves as an inviting haven.
The 19 Best Patio Plants
Pentas
The pentas plant is a haven for pollinators, producing an abundance of star-shaped flowers in vibrant colors like white, pink, lavender, and red. These blooms cluster together in large numbers, providing a summer-long spectacle on compact mounds that reach 18 to 24 inches tall. With a preference for full sunlight, the pentas plant is an ideal addition to any patio seeking to entice these essential visitors.
Lantana
Among the most stunning patio plants is lantana, which boasts an impressive display of continuous blooms when exposed to warm, sunny conditions. While some cultivars can be quite invasive in suitable climates, newer varieties have been bred to be more contained. When planted in a container, this trait works in your favor, preventing them from spreading out of control.
Lantana plants are renowned for their resilience in the face of drought and can thrive with minimal watering.
To accommodate their aggressive root system, it’s essential to use a larger patio container.
Coleus
Coleus has become a popular choice among homeowners searching for the perfect patio plants, thanks to its wide range of cultivars that offer a kaleidoscope of leaf colors to match any outdoor decor or theme. With the ability to thrive in both full sunlight and shade, this versatile plant is adaptable to various patio settings. To ensure healthy growth, coleus requires consistent moisture levels, so be sure to keep it well-watered.
Additionally, deadheading lavender flower spikes will maintain the plant’s bushy appearance, while leaving them intact can attract hummingbirds to your outdoor space – a delightful bonus for any homeowner.
Elephant Ears
Add a touch of tropical elegance to your outdoor or indoor space with the majestic elephant ear plant. Characterized by its large, heart-shaped leaves, this striking specimen comes in a range of hues, from vibrant green and white variegation to deep, rich purple shades. As a tropical plant, elephant ears require protection from harsh winter temperatures, making them an ideal candidate for year-round indoor cultivation.
Be advised that these plants can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 3-5 feet, so ample space is essential whether you’re keeping it on your patio or indoors.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis, often affectionately known as ‘pot of gold’ or ‘tickseed’, is an incredibly resilient and versatile wildflower that thrives in containers, patios, and even wildflower gardens. Its delicate foliage provides a soft backdrop for its vibrant blooms, which come in a stunning array of colors including fiery reds, warm pinks, inviting oranges, and bright yellows.
Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your outdoor space or create a lush, naturalistic setting, Coreopsis is an excellent choice.
Croton
While it’s common to find croton plants in houseplant sections of general stores, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re limited to indoor spaces. In fact, crotons can make a fantastic addition to your patio when provided with regular sun and rain exposure. When taken outdoors, these plants will not only grow larger than their indoor counterparts but also benefit from the natural light and moisture. The result is a vibrant display of rainbow-hued leaves in shades of orange, red, yellow, and more.
To thrive on your patio, crotons require full sunlight and moderate watering, making them an ideal choice for gardeners who want to add some excitement to their outdoor spaces.
Bromeliad
For a tropical twist on your outdoor decor, consider incorporating Bromeliad into your patio design. This vibrant plant boasts striking, striped leaves in bold colors, adding a playful touch even when it’s not blooming. While it’s possible that your Bromeliad may choose not to produce flowers, the beauty of this plant lies in its unique foliage, which remains eye-catching regardless.
One of the best aspects of Bromeliad is its ability to regenerate and multiply.
After blooming, the plant’s leaves will begin to fade, but new growths will emerge around the mother plant, allowing you to simply repot these young shoots and keep a constant supply of fresh Bromeliads on your patio.
Caladium
While many plants thrive in direct sunlight, caladiums are an exception that excels in full shade conditions. Their striking leaves display a unique variegated pattern featuring shades of white, orange, and green. This shade-loving plant has specific requirements for optimal growth: it requires warm temperatures to flourish, but will struggle or even fail to grow if exposed to cold soil.
Once the warmth kicks in, caladiums burst into life, tolerating high temperatures as long as they receive sufficient water. One of its notable characteristics is being pest-free, making it an attractive addition to any container garden.
Flowering New Guinea Impatiens
For a shaded spot on your patio in need of some vibrancy, consider the New Guinea impatiens as an excellent choice. This versatile plant thrives in both outdoor shady areas and indoors as a houseplant. Its profuse blooming habit continues into the fall season, provided you remove spent flowers regularly.
Although impatiens are often associated with susceptibility to downy mildew disease, the New Guinea variety is immune to this issue, making it an attractive option for those seeking low-maintenance color for their outdoor spaces.
Heliotrope
Transforming your patio into an oasis of delight, adding aromatic plants can be a game-changer. As you soak up the sun’s warm rays or settle in with a good book on a crisp morning, the sweet aroma of heliotrope wafts through the air, drawing you in. This charming plant, native to Peru but adaptable to most container gardens, boasts delicate violet blossoms that cluster together like tiny jewels.
To coax its full potential, provide it with bountiful sunlight – either full sun or partial shade – and rich soil that will allow it to thrive.
Begonia
With over dozens of varieties and colors to choose from, begonias can be easily tailored to fit your specific decor and outdoor space. However, it’s essential to consider that each type of begonia has its unique growing requirements. Despite this variation, most begonias thrive in both sunny and shaded conditions, making them a low-maintenance addition to any patio. Furthermore, these plants are surprisingly drought-tolerant, further reducing the need for constant watering.
Emerald & Gold Wintercreeper
While some may envision this plant as a compact shrub, certain varieties thrive in containers due to their compact nature. These specific types exhibit vibrant green and gold hues, which occasionally take on a subtle pink undertone. Notably, these shrubs can grow up to two or three feet in height, with a corresponding width of four to six feet. This means it’s essential to select a container that provides ample space for the plant to flourish.
The size of this plant can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and ambiance of your patio.
Million Bells
Million Bells are a stunning choice for those who crave a vibrant display of blooms. This versatile plant produces an abundance of showy tubular flowers that resemble petunias, but without the pesky pests that often accompany them. What sets Million Bells apart is its ability to thrive in scorching heat, making it an ideal selection for warm climates.
When grown in containers, Million Bells can be trained to cascade over the sides, creating a beautiful display of color as they spill downwards. With a range of colors to choose from, including rich purples and soft pinks, this plant is sure to add a pop of personality to any outdoor space.
Cosmos
The vibrant appearance of cosmos can instantly lift anyone’s spirits. These statuesque blooms come in a kaleidoscope of colors, including pink, yellow, orange, white, and red. For an added touch of elegance, pair them with plants boasting striking silver foliage.
When it comes to containers, cosmos prove to be ideal. As the growing season progresses, you’ll be rewarded with dozens of blossoms perfect for crafting fresh flower arrangements.
English Ivy
A staple of many patios, English ivy is an instantly recognizable plant due to its striking, dark green foliage with a subtle sheen. This versatile climber not only provides a lush backdrop for other plants but also offers a straightforward way for gardeners to multiply their favorite varieties. By taking cuttings and propagating new plants, enthusiasts can quickly expand their collection and create a visually stunning display.
Fountain Grass
Fountain grass brings an undeniable visual impact to your patio or outdoor space, boasting striking red flowers and statuesque stems that command attention. This versatile grass thrives in garden beds or containers and can be coaxed indoors year-round or rotated seasonally for added variety. Notably, fountain grass is a tropical species that requires protection from frost; while it may adapt to life outside, it should not be left outdoors permanently.
With proper care, this stunning ornamental can add a touch of drama and flair to your outdoor oasis.
Clematis
While clematis can thrive as a climbing plant, its trailing varieties are equally well-suited for container growing. In fact, it’s an excellent choice for patio planters. However, to ensure the roots receive the necessary protection, particularly in areas prone to freezing temperatures, a large container is essential. Alternatively, if you have a sheltered area with minimal risk of frost, you might be able to leave these plants outside, provided they’re covered with a thick layer of mulch.
Hibiscus
When it comes to adding a pop of color to your outdoor space, hibiscus is an excellent choice. Its vibrant, neon-hued blooms are a standout feature of this tropical plant. Not only do they bring visual interest, but they also thrive in sunny conditions and require regular watering to keep those showstopping flowers blooming until the fall season. It’s worth noting that hibiscus plants are sensitive to cold temperatures, so they’re best suited for warm climates or areas with mild winters.
In fact, if the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, these plants will quickly shut down. For optimal growth, hibiscus prefers a cozy temperature range between 70 and 90 degrees F.
Ornamental Peppers
Ornamental peppers offer a unique alternative for adding visual appeal to your patio. Contrary to popular opinion, flowers aren’t the only way to create an attractive display. These vibrant plants thrive in warm summer temperatures and can be showcased in large pots that retain some moisture. As with any plant, it’s essential to provide regular watering, as peppers don’t tolerate dry soil well.
Picking the Best Patio Plants
When it comes to choosing plants that thrive in containers or patios, there’s more to consider than just tossing a few greenery into a pot. Many plants have specific sunlight requirements, and neglecting these needs can lead to poor growth or even the demise of your plants. In fact, some plants are notoriously finicky when it comes to shade, while others love basking in direct sunlight.
With over 19 options available, finding the perfect patio plant for your home is a matter of understanding what each one needs to truly flourish.
