10 Best Patio Plants to Transform Your Outdoor Space Into a Lush Paradise
There are options for both sun and shade!
There is nothing like a beautiful patio to make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home, and the right plants can bring it to life. Whether you're working with a cozy front porch, a big backyard deck, or just a few pots on the balcony, adding colorful flowers, lush foliage, and even a few homegrown veggies can completely transform your space. Patio plants not only make everything prettier, but they also create a warm, welcoming spot where you'll want to sip your morning coffee, gather with family, or simply kick up your feet after a long day.
The best part? You don't need a green thumb to create a beautiful patio garden! There are so many easy-to-grow options that thrive in containers, like bright marigolds, bold crotons, trailing fuchsias, and even cheerful cherry tomatoes. Whether your patio basks in full sun or stays cool and shady, there's a plant (or a whole mix of them!) that will fit perfectly. Ahead, you'll find some of the best patio plants to suit every style, space, and skill level so you can start building your dream outdoor retreat, one pretty pot at a time.
Grow your dream garden with these ideas:
Croton
Crotons are eye-catching patio plants known for their bold, colorful foliage in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green. They love bright, indirect light and warm temperatures, making them perfect for sunny patios. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, and mist the leaves occasionally to boost humidity. Their dramatic leaves add a tropical flair, and young plants look great displayed in pots on tables or grouped with other container plants for a vibrant pop of color.
Lobelia
These charming, low-maintenance annuals love cool weather and partial shade, making them perfect for brightening up your patio. With their trailing habit and vibrant blue, purple, or white blooms, lobelias are gorgeous spilling out of pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes. Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained, and trim them back lightly if they start to look leggy to encourage fresh new blooms. Regular deadheading can also help extend their colorful display all season long.
Fuchsia
Fuchsias are beloved for their elegant, drooping flowers that come in bright shades of pink, purple, and red. They thrive in partial shade and cooler temperatures, making them a beautiful choice for covered patios. Plant them in hanging baskets or decorative pots to let their delicate blooms cascade over the edges for a charming, cottage-style look. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and feed them with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth and more abundant blooms.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas bring a touch of classic beauty to patios with their large, showy blooms in shades of blue, pink, white, or purple. They thrive in bright, indirect light and appreciate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Plant them in roomy pots with well-draining soil, and keep the soil consistently moist to support their lush flowers.
Coral Bells
Coral bells are prized for their colorful, ruffled foliage that comes in a wide range of shades, from deep burgundy to bright lime green. They thrive in partial shade and are perfect for adding texture and vibrant color to patio containers. Plant them in well-draining soil and keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot weather. Their delicate, airy flower spikes add even more charm, making them a lovely accent in mixed pots or on their own!
Succulents
No sunny patio is complete without an array of potted succulents! Their thick, fleshy leaves come in a stunning array of colors and textures, creating a desert-inspired vibe wherever you place them. These tough little plants only need a little water and plenty of sunlight to thrive, making them ideal for busy gardeners. Some varieties can even brave the cold, but if you're in a chillier zone, simply pot a few to keep them cozy indoors during the winter months.
Marigolds
Marigolds are a bright, cheerful addition to any patio with their vibrant orange, yellow, and red blooms. These hardy annuals thrive in full sun and can handle a bit of neglect, making them perfect for those who want a pop of color with minimal effort. They're great in pots or window boxes, and with regular deadheading, they'll continue to bloom all season long, adding a splash of sunshine wherever they're placed.
Cherry Tomatoes
Patio plants don't just include flowers! Compact, colorful cherry tomatoes thrive in sunny spots and are perfect for small spaces like containers or hanging baskets. With a little regular watering and the occasional feeding, they'll produce sweet, bite-sized tomatoes all season long. Plus, they're perfect for snacking right off the vine, adding fresh flavor to your patio parties.
Butterfly Bush
Attract a gaggle of buzzing butterflies and hummingbirds by adding a butterfly bush to your patio plant collection! These sun-loving shrubs come in shades of purple, pink, white, and even red. Perfect for containers, butterfly bushes will provide months of color and life to your patio, and with a little pruning after flowering, they'll keep coming back year after year.
Mandevilla
Mandevilla is a show-stopping patio plant, prized for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. This tropical vine loves bright, indirect sunlight and warm temperatures, making it perfect for sunny patios or porches. Train it to climb a trellis or let it spill gracefully from a pot for a lush, vibrant look. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and feed it regularly during the growing season to enjoy a nonstop display of blooms.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
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