Does your outdoor space need a bit of a revamp? Patio looking a little drab? Looking for a new project this summer? Adding some patio container plants can completely transform your outdoor space into a colourful, vibrant, and inviting retreat. What better way to spruce up the garden then with some container plants. Especially if you want to add a bit of colour to the patio.

Why Plant Out Your Patio?

Looks Wonderful

There’s something magical about a patio filled with lush greenery and bursts of colour. Container plants can transform a bland outdoor area into a living canvas. They add texture, height, and loads of colour that can instantly uplift your patio. Imagine a mix of flowering annuals, ornamental foliage, and even some aromatic herbs placed tastefully around your patio area. Sitting outside with a glass of wine never sounded so good.

Making the Most of Your Space

A well-planted patio isn’t just for show. carefully selecting container plants, you can create distinct zones for dining, relaxation, or even a cosy reading nook. Of course, we’re dependent on the weather here but fingers crossed for a long hot summer.

It’s a Bit of You

You can experiment with different plants and containers, reflecting your taste. Whether you’re drawn to a modern minimalist approach, a burst of cottage garden colours, or even an exotic vibe using tropical foliage, patio container plants let you personalise your space. And of course, you can be as creative as you like with the containers; from wine barrels to chimney pots to old Wellington boots. Have fun and express yourself.

Before You Begin

Your Patio

Begin by taking a good look at your patio. Consider its size, the amount of sunlight it receives, whether it gets battered by the wind, or if it suffers from shade from neighbouring buildings. This will influence the plants you choose. For example, if your patio is heavily shaded, you might lean towards plants that thrive in low-light conditions, like ferns or impatiens.

Choosing the Right Containers

Knock yourself out here. Containers come in all kinds of materials—terracotta, plastic, ceramic, or even reclaimed wood. Each material has its pros and cons. Terracotta looks great but can be fragile in freezing weather. Plastic containers are lightweight and resilient against the elements, but not exactly natural. But whichever type of container or pot you choose make sure they have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Soil and Drainage

Always use a good quality potting mix. Containers typically require a soil mix that retains moisture yet provides good drainage. You can buy ready-made mixes from your supermarket.

Budget

Unfortunately, plants patio container plants cost money. Plan for the long-term by choosing hardy, adaptable species suited to our climate, this way your plants will last through multiple seasons, meaning you won’t have to buy new plants every year.

Which Patio Container Plants Should You Buy?

There are so many to choose from. For inspiration visit the patio plants section on our website but just about any garden shrub or even fruit bush can be grown in a pot and will look amazing on your patio. Think outside the box and you could even plumb for small conifers for evergreen colour.

Seasonal Planting Tips

• Height and Scale: Place taller plants towards the back or centre of the patio, with shorter varieties along the edges. This creates a natural, layered look that’s pleasing to the eye.
• Colour Coordination: Choose a colour scheme that suits your personal taste. You might opt for harmonious hues or go for an eclectic mix to create a more dynamic visual impact. A riot of colour always looks amazing.
• Texture and Form: Mix plants with different leaf textures and flower forms to add depth. Combining the soft, feather-like fronds of ferns with the bold, structured blooms of petunias or geraniums can really make your space stand out.

Container Arrangement Tips

The containers themselves are part of your design. Here are some ideas:

• Varying Sizes and Shapes: Use a mix of container sizes to create visual interest. Larger pots can be used as anchor pieces, while smaller ones can accent the area around seating or pathways.
• Grouping for Impact: Cluster containers together to form a mini garden patch on your patio.
• Vertical Space: If floor space is limited, think vertically. Hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, or even a freestanding vertical garden can add layers to your patio design and make it feel more expansive.

Accessibility and Ease of Maintenance

Keep in mind that a beautiful patio is only as good as its upkeep. Arrange your containers so that you can easily reach each plant for watering, fertilising, and pruning.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Ready to get your hands a little dirty? Here’s a step-by-step guide on container gardening to help you start your planting journey with confidence.

Preparation

Clear and Clean:

Begin by preparing your patio. Remove any clutter or debris that could interfere with setting up your containers. Clean your chosen pots to remove dust or residual pests.

Plan Your Layout:

Decide where each container should go based on light conditions and accessibility.

Soil Mix and Watering Setup

Choose the Right Soil:

Purchase a high-quality potting mix, ideally one that’s formulated for container gardening. You might also consider mixing in some compost for extra nutrients.

Ensure Proper Drainage:

Make sure each container has drainage holes. If needed, add a layer of gravel or small stones to the base of your pots to further improve drainage.

Planting Instructions

Fill Your Containers:

Fill your containers with the prepared potting mix, leaving a few centimetres at the top to allow space for watering.

Plant Carefully:

Remove your plants gently from their nursery pots, teasing out the roots if they appear crowded. Position each plant at the same depth it was growing previously and cover the roots with soil, firming it down gently.

Arrange Thoughtfully:

If you’re grouping multiple plants in one container, arrange them so that taller plants are in the centre or back, with lower-growing ones around the edges. This layered approach not only looks attractive but ensures each plant has access to adequate light.

Water Thoroughly:

Give your newly planted containers a good watering to settle the soil and help the roots establish. Ensure the water drains freely, indicating that your drainage set-up is working as it should.

Fertilisation

Timing and Type:

Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and consistent blooming.

Don’t Overdo It:

Over-fertilising can harm your plants, causing salt build-up in the soil. Follow the instructions carefully and consider feeding your plants every few weeks rather than with every watering.

Pruning and Deadheading

Regular Maintenance:

Regularly remove dead or faded blooms from your flowering plants. Not only does this keep your plants looking neat, but it also encourages them to produce more flowers.

Shape and Control Growth:

For some plants, a light trim helps maintain a desirable shape and prevents them from outgrowing their container. Pruning is best done early in the morning or in the cooler part of the day to minimise stress on the plants.

Bringing It All Together

Transforming your patio with container plants is a great little project. Remember, the process is as enjoyable as the final result. If you’re looking for high-quality plants our range of patio container plants is well-suited for the UK climate and can help jumpstart your patio project.

To recap, here’s what you need to remember:

• Enhance Your Space: Adding container plants can dramatically improve the look and feel of your patio, making it a place for relaxation, socialising, and even a little creative expression.
• Plan Thoughtfully: Think about your patio, choose appropriate containers and soil, and think about how you want your space to flow.
• Choose the Best Plants: This is personal opinion of course, so take your time and pick the colours and plants that you really enjoy.
• Maintain Regularly: Watering, fertilising, pruning, and seasonal care. You can’t avoid it but it isn’t exactly hard work.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new arrangements and try new plants

Happy gardening, and here’s to transforming your patio into a delightful haven with stunning patio container plants!