When choosing the best outdoor plants for your patio, you have a lot of options. These include hibiscus, canna lilies, Helichrysum, and Tuberous begonias. Each has different needs and requirements, but all require regular watering and maintenance. Read on to find out which plants will suit your outdoor space. You might be surprised by what you find! Here are some suggestions:
Hibiscus
If you are looking for a tropical plant to grow on your patio, consider hibiscus. They have vibrant flowers that last for just a day. You can choose between single and double varieties. Double hibiscus is much different from the classic hibiscus. This plant requires four to six hours of sun each day and consistent watering. You should also provide some type of drainage for the soil.
The largest blooms of the hibiscus are a huge, pinwheel-shaped flower. They add a colorful pop of color when viewed from a distance. You can make your patio stand out by growing them in hanging baskets. A quart-sized hibiscus can add immediate impact to hanging baskets and containers. Its big blooms contrast with the deep green foliage. Make sure to plant just one plant per container.
Hardy hibiscus are a perennial. Hardy hibiscus plants grow four to five feet tall and are easy to maintain. Their flowers are bold and showy and last a long time. Hardy hibiscus are good for container gardens and tropical settings. Some varieties even grow to 10 feet tall. If you have space in your patio, hibiscus is one of the best outdoor plants for patio.
While hibiscus need regular watering, they don’t need much more than an inch of water per week. During the summer months, you should fertilize hibiscus once a week with a liquid fertilizer. Make sure to check rainfall records and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. You can also prune your hibiscus in order to encourage bushy growth and shape.
Canna lilies
Canna lilies are a tropical-looking flowering plant that thrives in hot, humid climates. They produce flowers over, which makes them a great choice for patio landscaping. If you’re unsure of whether this plant is right for your patio, look at some photos of canna lilies to determine whether they will work for your space. These flowers can also be mistaken for banana plants, with their foliage ranging from dark purple to a light lime green. For best results, choose a sheltered spot and plant rhizomes in early spring.
Canna lilies are excellent for patio plants, especially large pots in full sunlight. They need little attention, but need plenty of water. Another plant to consider for your patio is dracaena, a flowering perennial with spiky foliage. This flowering plant grows best in full sun or partial shade. Fountain grass is another excellent plant for patio landscaping, and it is also tolerant of shade.
Unlike most lilies, cannas are resistant to most diseases, except for rust. Rust is a common pest that infects a variety of plants. Its symptoms mimic chickenpox, with raised, orange bumps on stems and leaves. Although this is rare, it can be difficult to eradicate once the plant has been infected with rust. Cannas are also susceptible to mosaic and bean yellow mosaic viruses.
Helichrysum
The Helichrysum is an excellent choice for outdoor plants, especially hanging baskets. Its velvety silver foliage makes it an easy plant to grow. Its small, crimson flowers hang on erect stems. The helichrysum family is also rich in variegated forms. The most popular variety is soft blue-gray, but it’s possible to find varieties with more colors.
Helichrysum petiolare is a drought-tolerant perennial shrub native to southern Africa. Its trailsing stems feature soft silvery leaves and a mild licorice fragrance. It has tiny white flowers and can be pruned to form a dense thicket if desired. It grows to one to two feet high and spreads up to three or four feet across. It can be treated as an annual in most climates and will tolerate drought conditions.
The oil produced from helichrysum is safe for human consumption. Pure helichrysum essential oil contains no additives and retains the highest concentrations of active ingredients. Typically, it’s extracted using leaves or flowers. A high-quality oil will contain no artificial preservatives or additives. The process of steam distillation is the most effective way to extract helichrysum essential oil.
Tuberous begonias
If you’re thinking of adding more color to your patio, consider using some tuberous begonias. They’ll brighten up your patio and make it feel more luxurious. These plants can be propagated from seed or from tubers. Begonias can be started indoors as early as four to eight weeks before the first frost. Seeds should be planted in flats or pots filled with peat moss or a soilless potting mix. A layer of sand on top of the mix will help the plant sprout. Begonias need light, so keep them in a spot with dappled or indirect morning light. Excessive shade can cause leggy and tall plants.
Regardless of their shape, tuberous begonias need bright light and a well-draining soil. You can transplant them indoors if you want to make more of an impact. Make sure to water them regularly, and avoid overwatering them. Otherwise, you may risk killing them. A little bit of care and a little TLC can go a long way. So, if you’re planning on placing tuberous begonias on your patio, follow these steps.
Begonias come in several varieties, including multi-colored begonias. The Ambassador Series is a compact selection of varieties that are heat-tolerant. They’re also excellent container plants. They also tolerate colder climates and can be brought indoors for the winter. These plants also bloom for up to six months. They’re also ideal for patio containers. So, if you’re wondering which tubers are best for your patio, consider buying tuberous begonias.
Helichrysum ‘Flowerfesta(r) White’
‘Helichrysum ‘Flowerfesta’ White is a great choice for sunny patios or containers. Its white flowers attract butterflies and bees to your patio, and its compact habit makes it perfect for a container. It grows to a height of one to two feet and spreads to three to four feet across. It can be hardy in zones 8-10 and can be overwintered in a sunny window.
Helichrysum is believed to treat a variety of medical conditions. Scientists are beginning to evaluate these claims, but research samples are often small and conclusive proof is still pending. The essential oil from helichrysum has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the symptoms of an infection. Intestinal infections can be caused by common bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. Helichrysum can protect against these infections, which can lead to abscesses, skin infections, and even pneumonia.
Helichrysum essential oil is highly concentrated and can be used in aromatherapy. It can be inhaled, applied topically, or diffused. If you’re interested in using the oil for external use, you can add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and lean over it. You can also purchase helichrysum essential oil from a health food store or online.
Purple queen
This purple outdoor plant can tolerate partial shade, but is best grown in full sunlight. Purple queens look best when planted facing the sun. You can space the plants about two feet apart and keep them away from other plants. This plant can reach up to a foot high, so make sure you prepare the soil properly for it before planting it. Once established, it can tolerate drought conditions. For added beauty, pinch the stem tips periodically.
The Purple Queen is a groundcover plant with velvety purple leaves and small lavender flowers. The plant adds an accent to any landscape because of its bold color and will blend with almost any color of foliage. Purple queen prefers full sun, but it will spread if left untended. It will also require edging to keep it within bounds. Also, it requires a good amount of water and requires full sun for optimal growth.
The purple queen is known as the wandering jew, but it is now known as the Purple Queen. Its pale flowers are a bonus to its colorful foliage, which reaches seven inches. The plant is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 9-11. The plant is often grown indoors in cooler climates, where it is a good groundcover. But beware of the plant’s toxicity. It can irritate sensitive skin, so be sure to check on the plant’s safety before planting it.