New to the potted plant trend? Just built a patio that’s in desperate need of some flora and fauna? Or perhaps you have a big outdoor party coming up and you’re looking for that ideal photo background.
This article will take you through the ins and outs of how to arrange potted plants on a patio.
Read on for arrangement ideas, tips, and tricks to get the perfect levels and key logistical considerations. Before you know it, you’ll have a garden oasis fit for any occasion.
1. How do I arrange my potted plants?
The best arrangement of potted plants for your patio depends on several factors; there is no one size fits all arrangement.
The space
Your first and foremost consideration is space. Do you have a small, medium, or large patio, and do you prefer your potted plants to be in and around your patio furniture or isolated to just one side or corner? How your plants work with your patio and the key features of that patio is an essential element.
For instance, if you have any steps on your patio, these are excellent for creating some levels within your potted plant arrangement.
If you have patio furniture such as chairs, a couch, a picnic table, or the like, you will want to use it as a focal point that your plants complement. This could mean you build a background for the furniture with plants at all sorts of levels or use a side table to place some plants in between chairs.
Next, does your patio have any areas you would like to cover up? These include blank walls such as that of the back of your home, fences that lead into your neighbor’s backyard, and less attractive necessities such as hose nozzles. Using the plants to cover the less beautiful aspects of a patio is a great way to arrange potted plants.
Finally, the more levels you can build into your arrangement, the better. A line of the same size plants is only pleasant to look at here or there but should not be the only arrangement present in a patio potted plant garden.
Now, how to achieve these lovely levels? The next point will explain.
2. How should I elevate my potted plants?
There are several ways to incorporate your desired levels. Firstly, we recommend using some hanging plants here and there as they add some depth to any potted plant arrangement.
Secondly, choose plants that have naturally different levels. For instance, certain small trees live well in pots and will bring up the height average in any arrangement.
A lesser-known trick of the trade is that of turning pots upside down and placing them underneath other pots. This will lift the shorter plants and create that desired depth we have been discussing.
Alternatively, you can place pots on side tables, rocks, and essentially anything that won’t interfere with proper drainage.
3. How do I choose the right plants?
Now, perhaps the most important consideration, selecting the right plants!
Color combinations
Green plants are the most important part of any potted plant arrangement. They keep the arrangement classy and natural while adding a tranquil element to one’s patio. So, stock up on trees, bushes, leafy plants, and succulents. Also, ensure you are buying the best plants for your climate as dying plants are neither cost-effective nor easy on the eyes.
Colorful flowers and fruits here and there will add a nice color pop so do not be afraid of incorporating them into your arrangement but we recommend not overdoing it.
Accounting for the light
Now, along with climate considerations, you will need to account for the amount and type of light your potted plants require. For instance, some plants need direct sunlight while others need shade so arrange them accordingly for optimal growth and lushness.
4. How do I choose the best pots and planters?
Again, color and size are going to be very important when choosing the right pots and planters.
Size
As a general rule of thumb, the bigger plants require bigger pots and you will need to ensure you’re leaving room for them to grow.
Spillover plants can be beautiful and add that “wild” effect to your arrangement so do not be afraid of some spillover.
Using planters
Planters are a nice way to add some diversity to your potted plant arrangement. You can include various types of plants and flowers in planters and you can build planters out of nearly anything. If you wish to achieve a rustic look you may use milk cartons, wooden pallets, or simply some baskets and boxes as planters.
Pot color
In terms of color, the best arrangements tend to have a theme. If you have one beautiful pot that is a striking color or pattern, we recommend building the other colors around this one. For instance, if you have a beautiful lemon tree growing in a large royal blue pot then keep the surrounding pots less flashy so you aren’t overwhelmed by bright colors that take away from the plants themselves.
5. What are the logistical considerations?
No, potted plant arrangements aren’t rocket science, but they do require some important logistical considerations.
We have already discussed light and accounting for how much light and shade your potted plants require but you should also think about drainage and harvesting.
You are going to need to be able to access each plant so that you can water them, prune them and ensure they are healthy every so often. This does not mean you need a clear path to every single plant but it does mean that you should be able to reach them should you need to. For this, we recommend keeping the depth of the plants shallow so that you can reach the back.
Alternatively, allow for a backside path so you can go around and tend to the background plants when necessary.
Final Thoughts
Don’t overthink your potted plant patio arrangement, follow the above steps for some key considerations, and let your creativity take over!
Did you find this blog post helpful? If so, please consider sharing it on social media or with friends and family!
Take a look at our other most recent blog posts below:
