Best Plants For Large Planter Boxes: Big & Bold Flora (2024)

When it comes to creating a stunning outdoor space, large planter boxes offer endless possibilities. These oversized containers provide ample room for big and bold flora that will transform your patio, porch, or garden into a vibrant oasis. In this article, I’ll guide you through the best plants for large planter boxes in 2024, ensuring that your container gardening endeavors are a resounding success.

Key Takeaways

Choose plants that thrive in large planter boxes, adding height, volume, and visual impact to your outdoor space.
Consider a mix of seed annuals, vegetative annuals, potted plants, succulents, tropical foliage, perennials, and drought tolerant options for a diverse and dynamic display.
Select plants based on their ability to withstand outdoor conditions, such as heat, drought, and sun exposure.
Create a personalized aesthetic by combining different plant varieties and colors that complement your overall outdoor design.
Regular care, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning, is essential to maintain the health and beauty of your plants in large planter boxes.

Now, let’s dive into the exciting world of big and bold flora for your large planter boxes!

New Varieties for 2023-2024 Season

As we enter the 2023-2024 gardening season, exciting new plant varieties are emerging to elevate your outdoor planters to a whole new level. Whether you have oversized planters or large planter boxes, these new varieties will provide the big and bold statement you’re seeking. From annuals to perennials, succulents to tropical foliage, there’s something for every garden enthusiast.

Annuals

Let’s start by exploring the latest innovations in annuals. With their vibrant blooms and abundant foliage, annuals are perfect for adding immediate impact to your large planters. Some standout new varieties for this season include the Begonia Limitless™ with its cascading flowers, the French Marigold Cresta™ with its striking orange and yellow petals, and the Pansy Delta™ Pro with its large, velvety blooms. These annuals will bring a burst of color and beauty to your outdoor space.

Perennials

If you’re looking for long-lasting beauty, consider the new perennial options for your large planter boxes. The Echinacea Prairie Blaze™ boasts stunning red flowers and is a favorite among pollinators. The Erysismum Erysistible™ offers delicate yellow flowers that will brighten up any space, while the Phlox GoldiPhlox™ features clusters of vibrant gold blooms. These perennials will not only provide a pop of color but will also return year after year, ensuring your planters always have a touch of natural beauty.

Succulents

For a unique and low-maintenance touch, succulents are an excellent choice for large planter boxes. Crassula, Echeveria, and Sedum are just a few varieties that thrive in outdoor environments and offer a striking architectural appeal. With their ability to withstand dry conditions and their fascinating shapes and textures, succulents will add an interesting element to your planters.

Tropical Foliage

If you want to create a lush, tropical oasis, consider incorporating tropical foliage plants into your large planters. Peperomia, Pilea, and Tradescantia are just a few examples of plants that will give your outdoor space an exotic flair. With their vibrant green leaves and unique textures, these tropical plants will transport you to a faraway paradise right in your own backyard.

With these new varieties for the 2023-2024 season, the possibilities for your large planter boxes are endless. Whether you choose annuals for their immediate impact, perennials for long-lasting beauty, succulents for low maintenance, or tropical foliage for an exotic touch, your planters will become vibrant focal points in your outdoor space.

Seed Annuals for Large Planter Boxes

If you’re looking to add height and show-stopping blooms to your large planter boxes, seed annuals are an excellent choice. These tall and vibrant plants will bring a burst of color and beauty to any outdoor space. Here are some top picks for seed annuals that thrive in big pots and tall planter boxes:

Begonia Limitless™

The Begonia Limitless™ is a stunning seed annual that offers an abundance of large, colorful blooms. With its upright growth habit, it is perfect for tall planters and will create an eye-catching focal point in your outdoor space. This variety is known for its exceptional heat tolerance, making it ideal for those hot summer months.

French Marigold Cresta™

The French Marigold Cresta™ is a must-have for adding a touch of sunshine to your large planter boxes. These tall and bushy plants produce vibrant orange and yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer. The Cresta™ variety is known for its strong stems and resistance to disease, ensuring long-lasting beauty in your outdoor space.

Pansy Delta™ Pro

If you’re looking for a versatile and colorful option, the Pansy Delta™ Pro is a fantastic choice. This seed annual offers a wide range of vibrant colors and delicate blooms. The Delta™ Pro variety is designed for larger containers and will thrive in your big pots and tall planter boxes. With their long-lasting blooms, these pansies will bring joy to your outdoor space for an extended period.

With these seed annuals, you can create a stunning display in your large planter boxes. Combine different varieties and colors to add depth and dimension to your outdoor space. Whether you prefer bold and bright flowers or more subtle pastel tones, there is a seed annual that will suit your aesthetic. Enhance the beauty of your big pots and tall planter boxes with these show-stopping plants.

Vegetative Annuals for Large Planter Boxes

I’m excited to introduce you to a selection of stunning vegetative annuals that are perfect for your large planter boxes. These plants not only provide beautiful foliage but also offer robust growth and vibrant colors that will enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space. Whether you have a spacious garden or a cozy balcony, these container plants for large pots and big planters will thrive and add a touch of lushness to your surroundings.

One of my top recommendations is the Petunia Picobella™. With its compact size and profusion of blooms, this petunia variety is an excellent choice for large planter boxes. It comes in a range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white, allowing you to create stunning visual combinations. The Picobella™ series has been specifically bred for its excellent branching habit and long-lasting flowers, making it a reliable choice for any gardener.

Another fantastic option is the Viola Deltini™. These charming violas boast small, dainty flowers in a wide array of vibrant colors. Their compact growth habit makes them ideal for large planter boxes, where they can be planted in tight spaces or used as ground cover. With their cheerful blooms and cool-weather tolerance, Deltini™ violas are a great addition to any container garden.

If you’re looking for a plant with bold, eye-catching colors, consider the Zinnia Zydeco™. This zinnia variety produces large, double flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Its sturdy stems and upright growth habit make it an excellent choice for large planters, where it can serve as a focal point. The Zydeco™ series is known for its robust growth and abundant blooms, making it a standout performer in any garden setting.

Zinnia Zydeco™ Series

Now, let’s take a closer look at the Zinnia Zydeco™ series. This collection of vegetative zinnias offers a range of vibrant colors and flower shapes, allowing you to create stunning displays in your large planter boxes. Here’s a breakdown of the available varieties:

Variety	Color	Flower Size
Zydeco™ Red	Red	Large
Zydeco™ Orange	Orange	Large
Zydeco™ Yellow	Yellow	Large

These zinnias are a showstopper in any large planter box. Their vibrant colors and large flowers will add a touch of boldness to your outdoor space.

With their striking colors and robust growth, vegetative annuals like the Petunia Picobella™, Viola Deltini™, and Zinnia Zydeco™ are excellent choices for your large planter boxes. They will not only enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space but also provide you with months of beautiful blooms. So go ahead, plant these container plants for large pots and big planters, and enjoy a stunning display of foliage and flowers.

Potted Plants for Large Planter Boxes

When it comes to adding beauty and versatility to your large planter boxes, potted plants are an excellent choice. These plants offer easy maintenance and vibrant blooms that can enhance any outdoor space. Here are some top picks for potted plants that will thrive in oversized planters and elevate your container gardening game.

Geranium Pinto™ Premium

If you’re looking for a plant that will add a pop of color and elegance to your large planter boxes, Geranium Pinto™ Premium is an excellent choice. With its lush green foliage and stunning clusters of vibrant flowers in various shades, it creates a visually appealing display. This potted plant is easy to care for and can withstand different weather conditions, making it perfect for outdoor pots.

French Marigold Anemone Alumia™

For a touch of charm and a burst of sunshine, consider adding French Marigold Anemone Alumia™ to your large planter boxes. This potted plant features intricate, double-petaled flowers in shades of orange and yellow, adding a cheerful ambiance to your outdoor space. With its compact growth habit and heat tolerance, it’s a fantastic choice for container gardening.

Pansy Delta™ Speedy

Known for their vibrant and velvety blooms, Pansy Delta™ Speedy is an excellent option for large planter boxes. These potted plants come in a wide range of colors, including blues, purples, yellows, and pinks, allowing you to create stunning combinations. With their ability to tolerate cooler temperatures and adapt to various light conditions, they are a versatile choice for outdoor pots.

Table: Comparison of Potted Plants for Large Planter Boxes

Plant	Features	Care Level	Climate Tolerance
Geranium Pinto™ Premium	Lush foliage, vibrant blooms	Easy	Wide range
French Marigold Anemone Alumia™	Double-petaled flowers in orange and yellow	Moderate	Heat-tolerant
Pansy Delta™ Speedy	Vibrant, velvety blooms in various colors	Easy	Adaptable

With these potted plant options, you can easily create beautiful and eye-catching arrangements in your large planter boxes. Whether you prefer vibrant blooms or intricate foliage, these plants will thrive in oversized planters and bring life to your outdoor space. Embrace the joy of container gardening and let these potted plants transform your patio, balcony, or garden into a stunning oasis.

Succulents for Large Planter Boxes

When it comes to container gardening and creating stunning outdoor displays, succulents are an excellent choice for large planter boxes. These low-maintenance plants not only add a touch of uniqueness to your outdoor space but also thrive in various weather conditions. Let’s explore some popular succulent varieties that are perfect for filling your large planter boxes.

Crassula

Crassula, commonly known as “jade plants,” are versatile succulents that come in a range of shapes and sizes. With their thick, fleshy leaves, they store water efficiently, making them drought-tolerant and ideal for outdoor pots. Some popular Crassula varieties include Crassula ovata (common jade plant), Crassula portulacea (elephant bush), and Crassula arborescens (silver dollar plant).

Echeveria

Echeveria is a genus of succulents known for their rosette-shaped foliage and beautiful color variations. These plants have a unique architectural appeal and are perfect for creating eye-catching displays in large planter boxes. Echeveria varieties like Echeveria ‘Lola,’ Echeveria ‘Black Prince,’ and Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ are popular choices due to their striking colors and interesting leaf textures.

Sedum

Sedums, also known as stonecrops, are hardy succulents that come in various sizes and forms. They are known for their ability to tolerate neglect and thrive in hot and dry conditions. Sedum varieties like Sedum pachyphyllum (jelly bean plant), Sedum rubrotinctum (pork and beans), and Sedum adolphii (golden sedum) are excellent choices for large planter boxes. Their vibrant colors and resilient nature make them standout additions to any outdoor space.

With their unique shapes, vibrant colors, and easy-care attributes, succulents are the perfect choice for large planter boxes. Whether you prefer the rosettes of Echeveria, the architectural appeal of Crassula, or the hardiness of Sedum, these plants will add a touch of charm and elegance to your outdoor garden. Get creative with your succulent arrangements and watch your large planter boxes come alive with beauty!

Tropical Foliage for Large Planter Boxes

Create a lush and tropical look in your large planter boxes with foliage plants like Peperomia, Pilea, and Tradescantia. These plants add an exotic flair to any outdoor space and are perfect for those looking to bring a touch of the tropics to their garden.

Benefits of Tropical Foliage Plants

Tropical foliage plants are known for their vibrant colors and unique leaf shapes, making them visually appealing additions to large planter boxes.
These plants thrive in outdoor environments, making them an ideal choice for those who want low-maintenance options that can withstand various weather conditions.
Tropical foliage plants provide a lush and green backdrop for other flowering plants, creating a stunning visual contrast in your large planter boxes.
Their diverse textures and sizes allow for creative arrangements, allowing you to create beautiful and eye-catching displays.

When selecting tropical foliage plants for your large planter boxes, consider options like Peperomia, which offers a variety of leaf shapes and colors, including the popular watermelon peperomia with its striking variegated leaves. Pilea, also known as the Chinese Money Plant, is another excellent choice, with its round, pancake-like leaves. Lastly, Tradescantia, also known as Spiderwort, features long, trailing foliage that adds a touch of elegance and movement to any planter.

“Tropical foliage plants provide a lush and green backdrop for other flowering plants, creating a stunning visual contrast in your large planter boxes.”

When arranging your tropical foliage plants in your large planter boxes, consider placing taller varieties in the center or at the back to create height and depth. Surround them with cascading plants like ivy or trailing succulents to add dimension and visual interest. Remember to provide adequate drainage and choose a potting mix specifically formulated for tropical plants to ensure their health and longevity.

Plant	Description
Peperomia	A versatile plant with various leaf shapes and colors. Popular varieties include Watermelon Peperomia with its striking variegated leaves.
Pilea	Also known as the Chinese Money Plant, it features round, pancake-like leaves that add a unique touch to large planter boxes.
Tradescantia	Also known as Spiderwort, this plant offers long, trailing foliage that adds elegance and movement to any planter.

Perennials for Large Planter Boxes

When it comes to choosing plants for oversized planters or flower pots, perennials are an excellent option. These long-lasting beauties not only add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space, but they also provide year after year of vibrant blooms and lush foliage. In this section, I’ll introduce you to some standout perennial varieties that are perfect for large planter boxes.

One stunning option is the Echinacea Prairie Blaze™. With its fiery orange and red petals, this coneflower variety will create a bold and eye-catching display in your planters. It’s also incredibly resilient and can withstand a range of weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for any gardener.

For a burst of sunshine in your planter boxes, consider the Erysismum Erysistible™. This perennial features vibrant yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer, attracting butterflies and bees to your outdoor space. Its compact size makes it a great choice for filling out large planters without overwhelming the space.

Another excellent option is the Phlox GoldiPhlox™. With its clusters of golden yellow flowers, this perennial adds a touch of warmth and beauty to any large planter box. It’s also incredibly low maintenance, making it ideal for busy gardeners who want a stunning display without the fuss.

When planting perennials in large planter boxes, it’s important to provide them with well-draining soil and regular watering. These plants will thrive in full sun or partial shade, depending on the specific variety. With the right care, you can enjoy the beauty of these perennials year after year in your outdoor space.

Drought Tolerant and Heat-Loving Plants for Large Planter Boxes

If you live in an area with hot and dry conditions, it’s important to choose plants for your large planter boxes that can withstand these challenging environments. Luckily, there are several outdoor plants for pots that are not only drought-tolerant but also thrive in the heat.

Hydrangea HI™

One such plant is the Hydrangea HI™. Known for its beautiful, large blooms, this variety of hydrangea can handle both drought and heat. With its stunning clusters of flowers in various shades of pink, blue, and white, the Hydrangea HI™ adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.

Hibiscus Extreme

If you’re looking for a plant with bold and vibrant blooms, consider the Hibiscus Extreme. This heat-loving plant produces large, tropical flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. With its stunning display of colors, the Hibiscus Extreme is sure to become the focal point of your large planter boxes.

Lavandula Chill-Out™

For a more fragrant option, the Lavandula Chill-Out™ is a perfect choice. This drought-tolerant lavender plant not only thrives in hot and dry conditions but also releases a calming scent that can help you relax and unwind in your outdoor space. With its beautiful purple flowers and aromatic fragrance, the Lavandula Chill-Out™ is an ideal addition to your large planter boxes.

By selecting drought-tolerant and heat-loving plants like the Hydrangea HI™, Hibiscus Extreme, and Lavandula Chill-Out™, you can create a stunning display in your large planter boxes that will thrive even in hot and dry conditions.

Plant	Description
Hydrangea HI™	Known for its large blooms in various shades of pink, blue, and white. Can handle drought and heat.
Hibiscus Extreme	Produces bold and vibrant tropical flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. Thrives in hot conditions.
Lavandula Chill-Out™	Drought-tolerant lavender plant with beautiful purple flowers and a calming fragrance.

Interspecific Geraniums for Large Planter Boxes

Looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your large planter boxes? Interspecific geraniums are the perfect choice. With their dark foliage and vibrant Scarlet or Dark Red blooms, these plants are sure to make a stunning statement in any outdoor space.

Interspecific geraniums are a hybrid variety that combines the best qualities of zonal and ivy geraniums. They offer the versatility and vigor of zonal geraniums, along with the trailing habit and heat tolerance of ivy geraniums. This combination results in plants that are not only visually striking but also hardy and easy to care for.

These geraniums thrive in full sun to part shade, making them ideal for outdoor planters. They also have excellent drought tolerance, allowing them to withstand dry conditions that often occur in container gardening. With their cascading growth habit, they can beautifully spill over the edges of large planter boxes, creating a lush and vibrant display.

Why Choose Interspecific Geraniums?

Striking Scarlet or Dark Red blooms add beauty and drama to large planter boxes
Drought tolerant and heat-loving, making them perfect for outdoor planters
Versatile and vigorous growth habit
Hardy and easy to care for
Cascading growth creates a stunning visual display in large planter boxes

With their exceptional beauty and low maintenance requirements, interspecific geraniums are an excellent choice for adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to create a vibrant focal point or enhance the overall aesthetic of your large planter boxes, these plants are sure to impress.

Geranium Variety	Bloom Color	Growth Habit	Height
Scarlet Interspecific Geranium	Scarlet	Trailing	8-12 inches
Dark Red Interspecific Geranium	Dark Red	Trailing	8-12 inches

Double Petunias for Large Planter Boxes

If you’re looking to make a bold statement in your large planter boxes, double petunias are the perfect choice. One variety that stands out is Selecta One’s Sweet Sunshine Magenta Sky. These show-stopping flowers feature layers of vibrant magenta petals, creating a stunning focal point in any outdoor space.

Double petunias are known for their lush, full blooms and are sure to catch the eye of anyone who passes by. Their abundant petals add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your large planter boxes, making them the ideal choice for those looking to create a visually striking display.

When planting double petunias in your large planter boxes, ensure they receive ample sunlight and are well-watered. These plants thrive in full sun conditions and prefer moist soil to keep their blooms looking their best. With proper care and maintenance, double petunias will continue to impress with their vibrant colors throughout the growing season.

Tall Planter Box Plants

If you have tall planter boxes and want to add height and drama to your outdoor space, consider incorporating double petunias. Their cascading stems and voluminous blooms will create a stunning vertical display that is sure to impress. Additionally, their vibrant colors will add a pop of excitement and visual interest to your tall planters.

Variety	Color	Blooming Season
Sweet Sunshine Magenta Sky	Magenta	Spring to Fall

With their incredible beauty and eye-catching appeal, double petunias are sure to elevate the aesthetics of your large planter boxes. Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious garden, these plants will bring life and vibrancy to your outdoor space. So go ahead, create a stunning display with double petunias and enjoy their captivating blooms all season long.

Canna and Angelonia for Large Planter Boxes

If you’re looking to add a pop of color and architectural interest to your large planter boxes, consider the stunning options of Canna and Angelonia. These plants are perfect for oversized planters and will bring vibrancy to any outdoor space.

Canna plants: With their large, lush foliage and striking flowers, Canna varieties like South Pacific Yellow are sure to make a statement. These plants can grow up to 4-6 feet tall and create a beautiful focal point in your large planter boxes. The South Pacific Yellow canna produces vivid yellow blooms that are sure to catch the eye. Planting multiple canna plants in a row can create a stunning border effect or use them as standalone specimens to add height and drama to your outdoor space.

Angelonia plants: Angelonia, also known as Summer Snapdragons, are another excellent choice for large planter boxes. These plants offer compact growth habits and produce beautiful spikes of blooms in various colors, including Alonia Big Cherry. With its vibrant cherry-red flowers, the Alonia Big Cherry angelonia adds a touch of elegance and drama to any outdoor setting. These plants are heat-tolerant and low maintenance, making them perfect for pots and planters.

By incorporating Canna and Angelonia into your large planter boxes, you can create a visually stunning display that will capture attention and admiration. These plants thrive in outdoor environments and are sure to bring joy to any gardening enthusiast. Experiment with different varieties and colors to find the perfect combination that suits your style and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best plants for outdoor planters is key to creating a captivating and inviting outdoor space. By choosing the right container plants for large pots, you can transform your large planter boxes into stunning focal points that will thrive all year round.

With a wide range of options available, you can unleash your creativity and choose from an assortment of big and bold flora. Whether you prefer vibrant annuals, low-maintenance succulents, or lush tropical foliage, there is a plant that will suit your style and preferences.

Make sure to consider the specific needs of each plant and provide proper care, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning. This will ensure that your plants thrive and continue to add beauty to your outdoor space.

So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and embark on your gardening journey. With the right plants and a little bit of love, your large planter boxes will become a breathtaking sight that will be the envy of all your neighbors.

FAQ

What are the best plants for large planter boxes?

The best plants for large planter boxes include seed annuals like Begonia Limitless™, French Marigold Cresta™, and Pansy Delta™ Pro, as well as vegetative annuals such as Petunia Picobella™, Viola Deltini™, and Zinnia Zydeco™. You can also consider potted plants like Geranium Pinto™ Premium, French Marigold Anemone Alumia™, and Pansy Delta™ Speedy. Succulents like Crassula, Echeveria, and Sedum are great low-maintenance options, while foliage plants like Peperomia, Pilea, and Tradescantia can create a lush and tropical look. Perennials like Echinacea Prairie Blaze™, Erysismum Erysistible™, and Phlox GoldiPhlox™ offer long-lasting beauty, and plants like Hydrangea HI™, Hibiscus Extreme, and Lavandula Chill-Out™ can withstand hot and dry conditions. Interspecific geraniums like the Mojo™ series and double petunias like Sweet Sunshine Magenta Sky add elegance and sophistication to large planter boxes.

What types of plants are suitable for large planter boxes?

There are various types of plants suitable for large planter boxes, including annuals, perennials, potted plants, succulents, and tropical foliage. The choice depends on your preferences and the specific conditions of your outdoor space.

How do I care for plants in large planter boxes?

To care for plants in large planter boxes, ensure they have proper drainage and use a high-quality potting mix. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize as needed and monitor for pests or diseases. Trim and prune the plants as necessary to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth. Follow the specific care instructions for each type of plant you choose.

Can I plant tall and showy plants in my large planter boxes?

Yes, you can plant tall and showy plants in your large planter boxes. Seed annuals like Begonia Limitless™, French Marigold Cresta™, and Pansy Delta™ Pro are great options for tall and showy plants. These plants will add height and visual impact to your planter boxes.

What are some low-maintenance plant options for large planter boxes?

If you’re looking for low-maintenance plant options for large planter boxes, consider succulents like Crassula, Echeveria, and Sedum. These plants thrive in outdoor environments and require minimal care. Additionally, foliage plants like Peperomia, Pilea, and Tradescantia are known for their low-maintenance nature and can add an exotic flair to any outdoor space.

Can I plant perennial flowers in large planter boxes?

Yes, you can plant perennial flowers in large planter boxes. Perennial options like Echinacea Prairie Blaze™, Erysismum Erysistible™, and Phlox GoldiPhlox™ are excellent choices for long-lasting beauty. These plants will come back year after year, adding vibrancy and life to your planter boxes.

Are there plants that can withstand hot and dry conditions in large planter boxes?

Yes, there are plants that can withstand hot and dry conditions in large planter boxes. Plants like Hydrangea HI™, Hibiscus Extreme, and Lavandula Chill-Out™ are known for their tolerance to heat and dryness. These plants are perfect for large planter boxes in sunny and arid environments.

How can I add elegance to my large planter boxes?

You can add elegance to your large planter boxes by choosing interspecific geraniums like the Mojo™ series. These plants offer dark foliage and vibrant Scarlet or Dark Red blooms, adding a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space.

What are double petunias and how can they enhance my large planter boxes?

Double petunias are a type of petunia with extra petals, creating a fuller and more lush flower. They can enhance your large planter boxes by adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. Consider varieties like Selecta One’s Sweet Sunshine Magenta Sky for a show-stopping display.

Can I create a striking color and architectural interest in my large planter boxes?

Yes, you can create striking color and architectural interest in your large planter boxes. Canna varieties like South Pacific Yellow and angelonia options like Alonia Big Cherry are excellent choices for adding vibrant colors and unique architectural shapes to your planter boxes.