Skip to Content

28 Patio Plants That Thrive In Pots And Containers

28 Patio Plants That Thrive In Pots And Containers

Sharing is caring!

Transforming your patio into a lush garden oasis is easier than you think, especially when you choose the right plants.

Here is a curated list of 28 beautiful plants that thrive in pots and containers, making your outdoor space vibrant and welcoming.

1. Lavender

Imagine your patio filled with the soothing scent of lavender. This aromatic herb not only adds a touch of purple elegance but also attracts friendly pollinators.

Growing lavender in pots is a smart choice as it thrives in well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine. Water sparingly and ensure the pot has good drainage to keep it healthy and blooming.

2. Fuchsia

Brighten up your patio with the vivid colors of fuchsia. Known for its striking pink and purple blossoms, this plant is a favorite for adding a pop of color.

Fuchsias flourish in shaded areas with regular watering and high humidity. Pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

3. Snake Plant

Bring a modern touch to your patio with the snake plant. Its tall, sword-like leaves make a bold statement and are incredibly low-maintenance.

Snake plants thrive in various light conditions and only need occasional watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

4. Geranium

Geraniums are the perfect choice for a classic touch of color on your patio. These cheerful blooms come in various shades, making them versatile for any setting.

They love sunny spots and need well-drained soil to flourish. Regular deadheading will keep your geraniums blooming all season long.

5. Boston Fern

Add a touch of lush greenery to your patio with a Boston fern. These plants are known for their graceful, arching fronds that create an elegant display.

Boston ferns thrive in indirect light and high humidity, making them perfect for shaded patios. Keep the soil consistently moist and mist the leaves regularly to maintain their vibrancy.

6. Basil

Fill your patio with the fresh scent of basil, a staple in any herb garden. This aromatic plant is not only delightful but also incredibly useful for cooking.

Basil enjoys warm, sunny environments and well-drained soil. Regularly pinch off the tops to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.

7. Petunia

Bring a burst of color to your patio with petunias. These classic flowering plants are cherished for their vibrant hues and easy maintenance.

Petunias thrive in full sun and require regular watering to keep their blooms looking their best. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continuous blooming.

8. Aloe Vera

Introduce a touch of the exotic with an aloe vera plant on your patio. This succulent is not only aesthetically pleasing but also has healing properties.

Aloe vera thrives in bright, sunny locations and requires minimal watering. Ensure the potting soil drains well to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy growth.

9. Hydrangea

Create a stunning focal point on your patio with hydrangeas. These plants are adored for their large, beautiful blooms that come in various colors.

Hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, along with consistently moist soil. Amend the soil with organic matter to enhance flowering and vibrant colors.

10. Mint

Enhance your patio garden with the invigorating aroma of mint. This herb is perfect for adding a refreshing touch to drinks and dishes.

Mint prefers a sunny or partially shaded location with consistently moist soil. Due to its vigorous growth, consider planting mint in a pot to prevent it from overtaking other plants.

11. Begonia

Infuse your patio with color and texture using begonias. Their vibrant blooms and unique foliage create an eye-catching display.

Begonias thrive in shaded or partially shaded areas with well-drained soil. Water regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

12. Rosemary

Add a touch of Mediterranean flair to your patio with rosemary. This aromatic herb is both beautiful and functional, perfect for culinary use.

Rosemary loves sunshine and well-drained soil, thriving in pots with good drainage. Prune regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

13. Succulent Assortment

Create a modern and minimalist vibe on your patio with a succulent assortment. These hardy plants come in diverse shapes and colors, adding visual interest.

Succulents thrive in bright light and require infrequent watering. Use a well-draining soil mix and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

14. Lantana

Brighten your patio with the cheerful flowers of lantana. Known for their vibrant colors and resilience, lantanas are a favorite for sunny spots.

They thrive in full sun and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for busy gardeners. Regular deadheading will encourage a continuous display of blooms.

15. Jasmine

Imbue your patio with the sweet fragrance of jasmine. This climbing plant is known for its beautiful white blooms and intoxicating scent.

Jasmine prefers a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Provide support for climbing varieties and prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage blooms.

16. Chrysanthemum

Celebrate the changing seasons with chrysanthemums on your patio. These cheerful flowers come in a wide range of colors and are perfect for fall displays.

Chrysanthemums thrive in full sun and need well-drained soil to flourish. Water regularly and provide support for taller varieties to prevent them from toppling over.

17. Ornamental Grass

Introduce movement and texture to your patio with ornamental grasses. Their graceful plumes and swaying blades add visual interest to any outdoor space.

Ornamental grasses thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for pots. Cut back the foliage in late winter to encourage fresh growth in spring.

18. Calibrachoa

Add a cascade of color to your patio with calibrachoa. Often called “million bells,” these charming flowers resemble miniature petunias and are perfect for hanging baskets.

Calibrachoa thrives in full sun and requires regular watering to keep the blooms vibrant. Fertilize monthly to ensure continuous flowering throughout the season.

19. Lemon Balm

Breathe in the refreshing scent of lemon balm on your patio. This versatile herb is perfect for teas and culinary uses, adding a citrusy aroma to your garden.

Lemon balm prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil. Regularly trim the plant to prevent legginess and encourage bushier growth.

20. Coleus

Transform your patio with the kaleidoscope of colors offered by coleus. Known for their striking foliage, these plants add a dramatic flair to any container garden.

Coleus thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas with well-drained soil. Pinch off the flower spikes to maintain the foliage’s vibrant colors and encourage bushy growth.

21. Marigold

Brighten your patio with the sunny disposition of marigolds. These cheerful flowers are easy to grow and come in vivid shades of orange and yellow.

Marigolds thrive in full sun and need well-drained soil to flourish. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering and maintain their vibrant appearance.

22. Gardenia

Indulge your senses with the intoxicating fragrance of gardenias on your patio. These elegant plants are known for their glossy leaves and stunning white blooms.

Gardenias prefer shaded locations with rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide regular feeding to enhance flower production.

23. Sweet Alyssum

Fill your patio with the delicate beauty of sweet alyssum. These dainty flowers release a sweet fragrance and create a carpet of blooms.

Sweet alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering to keep the blooms lush. Trim back the plants after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms.

24. Cordyline

Add a tropical touch to your patio with the bold foliage of cordyline. Known for their striking leaves, these plants add height and drama to any container garden.

Cordylines thrive in full sun to partial shade and require well-drained soil. Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.

25. Zinnia

Infuse your patio with the cheerful charm of zinnias. These vibrant flowers come in a rainbow of colors and are perfect for adding brightness to any outdoor space.

Zinnias thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil to flourish. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.

26. Japanese Maple

Create a tranquil retreat on your patio with a Japanese maple. These trees are cherished for their graceful form and stunning foliage that changes with the seasons.

Japanese maples prefer shaded or partially shaded locations with well-drained soil. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during dry spells, to maintain their vibrant appearance.

27. Snapdragon

Add whimsy to your patio with the playful blooms of snapdragons. Known for their unique flower shape, these plants are a favorite among gardeners.

Snapdragons thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil to flourish. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second bloom and keep the plants looking fresh.

28. Parsley

Enhance your culinary garden with the fresh flavor of parsley. This versatile herb adds a touch of green and is perfect for garnishing dishes.

Parsley thrives in sunny locations with consistently moist soil. Regularly harvest the leaves to encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s health.