Best Plant For Outdoor Planter: Hardy & Handsome (2024)

Gardening enthusiasts, get ready to elevate your outdoor spaces with the best plant varieties for outdoor planters in 2024! The Proven Winners team has meticulously tested and handpicked these plants for their exceptional beauty and resilience. From show-stopping hydrangeas to fragrant lavender, these plants are guaranteed to thrive and make your outdoor planters the envy of the neighborhood.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the top plant picks for outdoor planters in 2024.
• Choose from a variety of hardy and handsome plants to enhance your outdoor space.
• Learn about the unique features and benefits of each plant.
• Ensure proper care and maintenance of your outdoor planters for long-lasting beauty.
• Transform your outdoor space into a verdant oasis with these stunning plant options.

Hydrangea Paniculata ‘Puffer Fish’

When it comes to hardy plants for pots, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Puffer Fish’ is a standout choice. This variety of hydrangea is not only beautiful but also resilient, making it a perfect addition to your outdoor planters.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Puffer Fish’ showcases fluffy white blooms that completely cover the plant, creating a stunning display of floral abundance. The compact size of this hydrangea makes it a versatile option for various pot sizes, allowing you to add elegance to any outdoor space.

One of the key reasons why Hydrangea paniculata ‘Puffer Fish’ is beloved by gardeners is its hardiness. It can withstand a wide range of climates, from zone 3 to zone 8, making it suitable for many regions. Whether you experience cold winters or hot summers, this hydrangea can thrive and bring joy all year round.

Benefits of Hydrangea Paniculata ‘Puffer Fish’

“Hydrangea paniculata ‘Puffer Fish’ is a showstopper in outdoor planters. Its fluffy white blooms create a stunning display, and its hardiness ensures it can withstand diverse climates.”

Not only does Hydrangea paniculata ‘Puffer Fish’ add beauty to your outdoor planters, but it also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to a thriving ecosystem in your garden. The low-maintenance nature of this plant makes it a hassle-free option for those who want to enjoy the beauty of hydrangeas without the need for constant care.

So, if you’re looking for a hardy and visually appealing plant for your outdoor planters, consider Hydrangea paniculata ‘Puffer Fish’. Its stunning white blooms, compact size, and ability to withstand various climates make it an excellent choice for any garden enthusiast.

Geraniums (Geranium Hybrid)

Geraniums are a popular choice for outdoor planters due to their stunning flowers and wide range of species and varieties. These vibrant plants add a touch of color and beauty to any outdoor space. Geraniums are not only visually appealing but also known for their hardiness and low maintenance, making them a favorite among gardeners. They can withstand various weather conditions and are extremely winter hardy, making them suitable for both ground cover and potted plants.

One of the key features that make geraniums an excellent choice for outdoor planters is their versatility. They come in a wide range of colors, including vibrant reds, pinks, and purples, as well as more subtle shades of white and pastels. This allows gardeners to create visually appealing arrangements and mix and match different varieties to suit their preferences.

Geranium hybrids are particularly popular due to their ability to produce larger, showier blooms compared to their wild counterparts. These hybrids are bred for their robust growth, disease resistance, and prolonged blooming periods. Some popular geranium hybrids include ‘Rozanne’ with its deep purple flowers, ‘Appleblossom’ with its delicate pink and white petals, and ‘Johnson’s Blue’ with its striking blue blooms.

Advantages of Geraniums in Outdoor Planters	Care Tips
Stunning flowers in a wide range of colors Winter hardy and can withstand various weather conditions Low maintenance and easy to grow Versatile and can be used as ground cover or potted plants	Plant in well-draining soil Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings Provide ample sunlight for optimal growth Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering Fertilize occasionally with a balanced fertilizer

“Geraniums are a classic choice for outdoor planters due to their stunning flowers and hardy nature. Their vibrant colors and low maintenance make them a favorite among gardeners.” – Proven Winners

Box Tree (Buxus)

When it comes to choosing the best outdoor plants for containers, boxwood plants, also known as Buxus, continue to be a classic choice. Despite the recent challenges posed by the box tree caterpillar, boxwood plants remain a popular option for outdoor planters due to their many desirable qualities.

One of the key advantages of boxwood plants is their incredible tolerance to pruning. This allows gardeners to shape them into beautiful topiaries, adding an element of sophistication and elegance to any outdoor space. The natural evergreen foliage of boxwood plants also ensures that they remain stunning even in the winter months, providing year-round beauty.

Whether used as a centerpiece or as part of a mixed container arrangement, boxwood plants add structure and formality to outdoor planters. Their deep green leaves create a lush and inviting display, while their compact size makes them suitable for containers of all sizes. Additionally, boxwood plants are known for their versatility and can thrive in both sun and shade, further expanding their appeal.

With their timeless beauty and versatility, boxwood plants remain a top choice for outdoor containers. Despite the challenges posed by the box tree caterpillar, these hardy and handsome plants continue to enhance the visual appeal of outdoor spaces, making them a top pick for container gardening enthusiasts.

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

When it comes to outdoor container gardening, one plant that stands out for its beauty and versatility is lavender. With its intense aroma and bright purple flowers, lavender adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. But there’s more to lavender than just its beauty.

Lavender is not only a stunning plant, but it also has practical benefits. It is known for its insect-repelling properties, making it a perfect choice for balconies and terraces. The scent of lavender naturally deters pests such as mosquitoes and flies, creating a more enjoyable outdoor experience.

What makes lavender even more appealing for outdoor container gardening is its resilience. Lavender is an extremely robust plant that can survive in a wide range of temperatures, including as low as -15°C. This means that lavender can stay outside in temperate climates throughout the winter, providing year-round beauty for your outdoor planters.

Whether you’re looking for a plant that adds fragrance, color, or insect repellency to your outdoor space, lavender is a fantastic choice. Its stunning purple flowers, intense aroma, and ability to thrive in various climates make it a must-have for any outdoor container garden.

Benefits of Lavender in Outdoor Container Gardening:

• Lavender adds beauty and elegance to outdoor spaces with its bright purple flowers.
• The intense aroma of lavender naturally repels insects, making it perfect for balconies and terraces.
• Lavender is extremely resilient and can survive in temperatures as low as -15°C, allowing it to stay outside in temperate climates throughout the winter.

Dwarf Mountain Pine (Pinus Mugo Var. Pumilio)

When it comes to outdoor container gardening, the dwarf mountain pine is a standout choice. With its compact size and impressive resilience, this plant brings beauty and style to any outdoor space. The dwarf mountain pine, also known as Pinus Mugo Var. Pumilio, reaches a height of just 1.5 meters, making it ideal for small gardens, patios, and balconies.

Despite its small stature, the dwarf mountain pine has a commanding presence. Its dark green needles form a dense, bushy structure that adds texture and interest to your planters. The needles also release a pleasant aroma, creating a delightful sensory experience in your outdoor oasis.

In terms of care, the dwarf mountain pine is incredibly low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. This hardy plant can withstand harsh winter conditions, including frost and snow, making it a reliable choice for year-round outdoor container gardening.

When designing your outdoor planters, consider pairing the dwarf mountain pine with complementary plants. Its small size makes it an excellent companion for colorful flowers or trailing vines that can cascade down the sides of the container. You can also create an eye-catching centerpiece by placing the dwarf mountain pine in the middle of a larger planter, surrounded by other foliage plants or flowering varieties.

The dwarf mountain pine is a versatile and attractive addition to any outdoor container gardening project. Its compact size, hardiness, and striking appearance make it a top choice for adding natural beauty and elegance to your outdoor space.

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

Lemon balm is an aromatic herb that is not only delightful for its fragrance but also highly versatile in outdoor pots. This herb not only adds a pop of freshness to your outdoor space, but it also serves as a natural insect repellent, making it a fantastic addition to your planters.

Lemon balm is robust and resilient, able to withstand various weather conditions, including winter temperatures. Its hardiness allows it to thrive in temperate climates, making it an excellent choice for outdoor pots year-round. Whether you’re looking to create a serene balcony garden or spruce up your patio, lemon balm is a must-have plant.

Not only is lemon balm a beautiful and practical addition to your outdoor pots, but it also offers culinary benefits. Its leaves can be harvested and infused to create a refreshing herbal tea or used as an aromatic herb in cooking. The bright and citrusy flavor of the lemon balm leaves adds a unique twist to salads, drinks, and desserts.

With its fragrant leaves, insect-repelling properties, and culinary versatility, lemon balm is a charming and functional plant for outdoor pots. Embrace this herb’s natural beauty and reap the benefits it brings to your outdoor space, from its delightful aroma to its ability to ward off pesky insects.

Benefits of Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) in Outdoor Pots

Best Plants for Patio Planters: Holly

When it comes to choosing the best plants for patio planters, one versatile and attractive option is the holly plant. With its striking red berries and unique leaf shape, holly adds a pop of color and visual interest to any outdoor space. Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious patio, holly can thrive in a variety of container sizes.

To make the most of your patio planters, consider pairing holly with other plants that complement its beauty. A combination of holly, ornamental grasses, and flowering perennials can create a dynamic and visually appealing arrangement. Additionally, holly can be pruned and shaped to fit your desired aesthetic, whether you prefer a more formal topiary style or a natural, flowing look.

When caring for holly in patio planters, it’s important to provide the right conditions. This evergreen plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, so be sure to place your planters in a location that receives adequate sunlight. Regular watering is crucial for holly, especially during hot summer months. However, it’s important to avoid overwatering, as holly prefers well-draining soil.

Table: Comparison of Different Holly Varieties

Variety	Height	Hardiness Zone	Berries
American Holly (Ilex opaca)	30-40 feet	5-9	Yes
English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)	30-50 feet	6-9	Yes
Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)	3-6 feet	6-8	No

When selecting a holly variety for your patio planters, consider the specific needs of each variety. The American holly (Ilex opaca) is a popular choice for its large size and abundant red berries. The English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is known for its glossy, spiky leaves and vibrant berries. If you prefer a smaller variety, the Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is a compact option that offers a more refined look.

With its beauty, versatility, and ability to withstand frost, holly is one of the best plants for patio planters. By incorporating holly into your outdoor space, you can create a visually stunning and low-maintenance container garden that will thrive throughout the seasons.

Hydrangea Macrophylla ‘Let’s Dance Sky View’

One of the standout cultivars for outdoor pots is the Hydrangea Macrophylla ‘Let’s Dance Sky View.’ With its consistent and abundant blooms that shift to sky blue, this hydrangea adds a pop of color and beauty to any outdoor planter. It is a versatile variety that thrives in different climates, as it is hardy in zones 4-9.

This hydrangea is known for its ability to rebloom, ensuring that your outdoor pots will have a continuous display of stunning flowers throughout the season. The ‘Let’s Dance Sky View’ hydrangea is a compact plant, making it a great choice for smaller gardens and containers. Its beautiful blue blooms create a striking contrast against the green foliage, adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.

When planting the Hydrangea Macrophylla ‘Let’s Dance Sky View’ in outdoor pots, make sure to provide well-draining soil and adequate sunlight. This variety prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with consistent moisture. Regular watering and fertilization will help ensure its optimal growth and flowering.

Table: Hydrangea Macrophylla ‘Let’s Dance Sky View’ Care Guide

Care	Instructions
Planting	Choose a well-draining potting mix. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the plant in the hole. Backfill with soil and gently firm it around the plant.
Watering	Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Light	Place the plant in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. If growing in full sun, provide some protection during the hottest part of the day.
Fertilizing	Feed the plant with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring. Follow the package instructions for application rates.
Pruning	Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood. You can also shape the plant to your desired form.

The Hydrangea Macrophylla ‘Let’s Dance Sky View’ is a stunning choice for outdoor pots, bringing vibrant blue blooms and visual interest to your patio, balcony, or garden. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy its beautiful flowers for years to come.

Korean Lilac: A Fragrant and Beautiful Addition to Outdoor Containers

When it comes to selecting the best outdoor plants for containers, the Korean Lilac (Syringa Meyeri) is a standout choice. With its stunning purple and pink flowers and delicate fragrance, this plant adds beauty and charm to any outdoor space. The Korean Lilac reaches a height of 1.5 meters, making it an ideal option for smaller gardens or containers.

One of the key advantages of the Korean Lilac is its winter hardiness. This plant can withstand harsh winter conditions, ensuring its beauty and fragrance endure throughout the year. Its winter blooming provides a burst of color when most other plants are dormant, creating a beautiful sight in spring.

Not only does the Korean Lilac attract humans with its captivating scent, but it also attracts bees with its flowers. This makes it a valuable addition to any garden, as bees play a crucial role in pollination. By welcoming bees into your outdoor space, you are contributing to the health and biodiversity of the environment.

Table: A Comparison of Korean Lilac with Other Outdoor Container Plants

Plant	Flower Color	Fragrance	Winter Hardiness
Korean Lilac (Syringa Meyeri)	Purple and pink	Delicate	Hardy
Hydrangea Macrophylla	Various colors	None	Zones 4-9
Lavender	Purple	Intense	Tolerant to frost

Table: A comparison of the Korean Lilac with other outdoor container plants.

As seen in the table above, the Korean Lilac stands out with its fragrant flowers and exceptional winter hardiness. While other plants may offer different colors or characteristics, the Korean Lilac excels in providing a unique combination of beauty and resilience.

With its captivating fragrance, stunning colors, and ability to thrive in harsh winter conditions, the Korean Lilac is undoubtedly one of the best outdoor plants for containers. Whether you have a small garden or a spacious patio, this plant will bring joy and elegance to your outdoor space.

Japanese Spindle (Euonymus Japonicus)

When it comes to outdoor container gardening, the Japanese spindle tree is a standout choice. With its unique evergreen foliage and vibrant colors, this plant adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. The Japanese spindle is extremely frost-resistant, making it an ideal option for those living in colder climates.

One of the standout features of the Japanese spindle tree is its yellow, white, or green patterned leaves that do not drop in winter. This means that even during the coldest months, your outdoor planters will still have a touch of color and beauty. Whether used as a standalone plant or as part of a mixed container arrangement, the Japanese spindle is sure to catch the eye.

Another benefit of the Japanese spindle tree is its versatility. While it is primarily used as ground cover, it thrives in outdoor planters as well. The compact size of the Japanese spindle makes it well-suited for container gardening, especially in smaller gardens or balconies. Simply choose a well-draining potting mix and ensure that your outdoor planters receive adequate sunlight, and your Japanese spindle will thrive.

Table: Comparison of Japanese Spindle Varieties

Variety	Foliage Color	Growth Habit	Hardiness Zone
Euonymus Japonicus ‘Microphyllus’	Yellow	Upright	7-9
Euonymus Japonicus ‘Aureo-marginatus’	Green with yellow edges	Spreading	6-9
Euonymus Japonicus ‘Silver King’	Green with white edges	Upright	7-10

For those looking to add a unique and eye-catching element to their outdoor planters, the Japanese spindle tree is an excellent choice. Its evergreen foliage, frost resistance, and versatility in container gardening make it a true standout. Whether you choose a variety with yellow, green, or white-edged leaves, your outdoor planters will benefit from the beauty and elegance that the Japanese spindle tree brings.

Checkerberry Shrubs (Gaultheria Procumbens)

If you’re looking for outdoor planter ideas that add a pop of color and interest to your space, consider checkerberry shrubs (Gaultheria procumbens). These decorative shrubs are known for their bright red berries that last from autumn to spring, providing a vibrant and festive touch to your outdoor containers.

Checkerberry shrubs, also known as boxberry or teaberry, are not only visually appealing but also hardy and low-maintenance. They are evergreen plants, meaning they retain their attractive dark green foliage all year round, even during the winter months. This makes them an excellent choice for outdoor planters, ensuring that your space remains visually appealing regardless of the season.

These versatile shrubs are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer a lovely fragrance, adding an extra sensory element to your outdoor space. Checkerberry shrubs are relatively compact, making them suitable for smaller containers or as part of a mixed planting arrangement. Their hardiness ensures their resilience and ability to provide a burst of color and beauty, even in colder climates.

Benefits of Checkerberry Shrubs for Outdoor Planters

• Decorative bright red berries that last from autumn to spring
• Attractive dark green foliage that remains all year round
• Hardy and low-maintenance plants
• Compact size, perfect for smaller containers or mixed planting arrangements
• Provides a lovely fragrance to your outdoor space

With their striking red berries, evergreen foliage, and hardiness, checkerberry shrubs are an excellent addition to any outdoor planter. Whether you’re looking to create a festive display for the holiday season or add year-round color and interest to your space, these versatile shrubs are sure to impress.

So, why not consider checkerberry shrubs for your outdoor planters? Their beauty, low maintenance, and ability to thrive throughout the year make them a fantastic choice for enhancing your outdoor space.

Winter Heath (Erica Carnea)

When it comes to adding color and beauty to outdoor pots during the winter months, Winter Heath (Erica Carnea) is an excellent choice. This hardy plant blooms in white and pink hues from December to April, brightening up any outdoor planter. Its ability to thrive in cold conditions makes it a popular choice for those looking to add some cheer to their outdoor spaces during the colder months.

Winter Heath is a compact evergreen shrub that can reach a height of up to 12 inches. It features small needle-like leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers that provide a stunning visual display. The plant’s low-growing habit makes it ideal for containers, where it can spill over the edges and create a cascading effect.

Not only does Winter Heath add beauty to outdoor pots, but it also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its vibrant blooms act as a beacon for these beneficial insects, helping to support local ecosystems. Additionally, Winter Heath is a relatively low-maintenance plant, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

To ensure the success of Winter Heath in outdoor pots, it’s important to choose a well-draining soil mix that is suitable for container gardening. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help to retain moisture and regulate soil temperatures.

Benefits of Winter Heath (Erica Carnea) in Outdoor Pots:

• Provides winter color with white and pink blooms
• Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
• Low-maintenance and suitable for novice gardeners
• Compact size ideal for containers
• Thrives in cold conditions

Overall, Winter Heath is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add a splash of color and vibrancy to outdoor pots. Its ability to bloom during the winter months makes it a valuable addition to any garden or patio. Whether used as a standalone feature or combined with other winter-blooming plants, Winter Heath is sure to make a stunning statement.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)

The ginkgo tree, scientifically known as Ginkgo Biloba, is a stunning plant that is highly regarded for its unique characteristics and beauty. It is a living fossil, with its origins dating back millions of years, making it one of the oldest tree species on Earth. The ginkgo tree is a deciduous conifer, meaning it sheds its leaves in the fall, creating a beautiful carpet of golden foliage.

The ginkgo tree is an excellent choice for patio planters due to its adaptability and tolerance to various climates. It is a hardy and resilient tree that can withstand harsh winters as well as hot and dry summers. This makes it suitable for a wide range of regions, from temperate to subtropical areas. Its ability to thrive in urban environments, where pollution and poor soil quality are common, makes it an ideal plant for city dwellers looking to add greenery to their outdoor spaces.

“The ginkgo tree is a living relic that brings a touch of elegance and history to any patio or garden. Its fan-shaped leaves and vibrant fall colors make it a true standout in outdoor planters.”

The ginkgo tree is also highly valued for its unique foliage. The leaves of the ginkgo tree are fan-shaped and turn a stunning golden yellow in the fall, creating a breathtaking display. This seasonal transformation adds a touch of brilliance and warmth to any outdoor space. Additionally, the ginkgo tree produces small, round fruits with a fleshy outer layer and a hard inner seed. While the fruits have a strong odor and are often considered messy, they are cherished by some for their medicinal properties and culinary uses.

Ginkgo Tree	Benefits
Adaptability to various climates	Thrives in both cold and hot conditions
Tolerance to urban environments	Can withstand pollution and poor soil quality
Unique fan-shaped leaves	Turns a beautiful golden yellow in the fall
Medicinal and culinary uses	Fruits are valued for their properties and uses

When selecting plants for your patio planters, consider adding a ginkgo tree for its striking beauty, historical significance, and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. Its adaptability and unique foliage make it a standout choice, adding elegance and a touch of nature to your outdoor space.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best plants for your outdoor planters is the key to creating a vibrant and inviting outdoor space. By selecting hardy and handsome plants, you can ensure that your planters will thrive and provide long-lasting beauty throughout the year.

Container Gardening Tips

Here are some container gardening tips to help you care for your plants:

• Choose the right-sized container for each plant to allow for proper root development.
• Ensure that your planters have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
• Use high-quality potting soil that is well-draining and rich in nutrients.
• Water your plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
• Provide adequate sunlight for your plants based on their specific light requirements.
• Fertilize your plants regularly to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
• Monitor your plants for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action if needed.

By following these container gardening tips, you can ensure that your outdoor planters thrive and bring beauty to your outdoor space.

So, get ready to transform your outdoor area into a verdant oasis with the best plants for outdoor planters and the right container gardening techniques. Whether you choose hydrangeas, geraniums, lavender, or holly, these hardy and handsome plants are sure to add beauty and charm to your outdoor space.

Source Links

• https://www.waltersgardens.com/photo_essay.php?ID=520
• https://plantura.garden/uk/gardening-tips/plant-overviews/hardy-plants-for-pots
• https://www.greenhousegrower.com/crops/17-new-varieties-proven-winners-hopes-will-shine-in-2024/