When designing a patio, there are many different plants that can make your space feel more inviting. Ferns, clematis, and alstroemerias are just some of the many choices you have. However, you can also plant a tropical flower such as fuchsia, which thrives in full shade. You can also try growing an indoor version of fuchsia in a container.
Lantanas
Lantanas are easy to grow in containers and don’t require special care. They grow well in most soil types, but prefer a slightly acidic mix. They also don’t require special fertilizers, so any good general potting mix will do. If you want to avoid fertilizing them too much, consider using a general slow-release water-soluble plant fertilizer. Small rocks will help to drain the soil, and they’re drought-tolerant.
Lantanas grow best when slightly pot bound. These plants are highly flowering, blooming for months at a time. Because their roots grow out of the bottom of the pot, they need ample light to bloom. Be sure to check for whiteflies, tiny white moth-like insects that like to eat lantana flowers. These insects may not hurt your plant, but they’re worth keeping an eye on.
If you’re worried about overwatering your lantanas, consider planting them indoors. However, if you live in a very cold region, they can tolerate some wintertime humidity. In addition, Lantanas can tolerate high humidity if they’re grown in a sunny window. In the summer, they can survive in the open. Lantanas thrive in 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and do well in moderately moist soil.
Lantanas can be planted any time of year, but they prefer an early spring location. These plants are hardy in most areas, and can grow in both full and partial sun. They don’t like sitting in water, so ensure good drainage. They do well in hanging baskets and containers, and can also be planted with other plants that share similar growing requirements. But if you’re worried about lantanas, be sure to consult your local nursery about which varieties are best suited for your area.
Ferns
Ferns can grow to a height of six feet or more. They require a humus-rich soil and shade in the afternoons. Ferns can be divided in the spring or fall. Ferns spread by underground runners, which are helpful in groundcover arrangements but not so great in formal plantings. For these reasons, choosing the best fern for a patio is essential. Here are some tips to help you choose the best plant.
‘Lady in Red’ fern – This fern has a distinctive red color. It can be planted in large groups, bordering flower beds, or as a backdrop to other plants. It is best grown in moderate temperatures and needs a moist soil. If your patio does not get much sun, you can plant it indoors. The fern will grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide, so it will be perfect for small spaces.
‘Coppery Red’ fern – This fern is red when new, and matures to glossy green. The fronds never die, so you can enjoy the red fern in the summer months without worrying about it dying back in the winter. ‘Ostrich’ fern – This fern looks like an ostrich’s tail, and is a hardy form of palm tree.
‘Ferns are hardy and versatile, but they can be delicate. A few tips can help you choose the right type of fern for a patio or other outdoor space. If you live near woodland, use rotted leaf mold as the main organic matter in your potting soil. It is very good for ferns, and it is easy to find it in your neighborhood. Another great tip is to make sure it does not dry out.
Clematis
Clematis are great for containers, but they must be planted in a rich soil with good drainage. They won’t tolerate drying out in hot summers. Use a soil based on John Innes Compost No. 3 or other organic material to grow your clematis in containers. You can also use pebbles or crocks to improve the drainage. Water regularly and feed clematis with a general fertilizer, adding extra water during dry periods.
Choose a soil type that is evenly moist and cool. Plastic containers won’t protect clematis roots during the winter. For best blooms, choose a terracotta or loam-based compost. If you live in a heavy-rainfall region, consider raising the container a few inches off the ground. Clematis are great for containers because they don’t take up much room.
If you’re planning to plant clematis in a container, be sure to move it to a place that will not freeze. It’s best to move it to a colder location if the temperatures are below freezing. Make sure to remove any dead or weak branches before the winter, so it’ll be able to continue blooming. Also, water clematis regularly to prevent fungal wilt and encourage new growth.
Another plant to consider is the pentas. This star-shaped perennial is an excellent choice for a patio plant. Although they can be grown outdoors, you should place them in a large container to protect their roots. Another option is to leave them outdoors in a container covered with mulch to prevent them from wilting. A second good plant to use in a container is hibiscus, which blooms giant neon-colored flowers.
Alstroemeria ‘Flowerfesta(r) White’
If you’re looking for a plant that will add a splash of color to your patio or deck, try alstroemeria. This plant is semi-toxic and has a striking bloom. This plant has tubrous roots, making it easy to divide and transplant to another location. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and do not overwater or fertilize.
A stunning flower, alstroemeria blooms will last up to two weeks. They have a striking color palette and a long vase life. Alstroemeria’s foliage twists up to form a top surface, revealing more leaves underneath the blooms. A band of foliage extends down the stem, and more leaves are present as the plant matures.
For a striking display, plant Alstroemeria ‘Flowerfeasta(r) White’. The white-flowering plant comes in several varieties. ‘Flowerfesta’ features inky blue blooms on an orange stem. It is a vigorous dwarf tuberous perennial, and grows well in both full and partial sun. In addition, it has exceptional vase life, making it ideal for patios and decks.
‘Butterfly Candy’ is a dwarf buddleja that grows to an impressive 80cm. It blooms copiously in spring and again in late summer and attracts butterflies. It is hardy and drought-tolerant, and will grow up to 1.5m. The plants make attractive cut flowers and look lovely in patio containers. These plants can be moved indoors for the winter, so check out the USDA hardiness zones before purchasing any.
Another succulent you might consider for your patio is the alstroemeria. This South American beauty grows to about 1ft (30cm) tall with blooms in a wide array of colors. Its flowers are bright, showy and resemble petunias. You’ll probably want to plant several of these in your patio. But if you don’t want to dedicate a whole bed to them, try the smaller ‘Green Thumb’.
Pelargoniums
Pelargoniums are classic favorites for indoor and outdoor plantings. They thrive in bright, sunny spots and free-draining soil. They provide a cheerful Mediterranean effect all summer long. Pelargoniums do not grow well in frost, but they will survive overwinter if you take cuttings and replant them in spring. A pelargonium plant in a hanging basket can last up to three weeks, so they’re worth considering.
Pelargoniums are perennials that need little maintenance. Their fragrant leaves make them perfect for patios. Because of their small size, they are a low-maintenance choice for your patio or deck. Because they need little water, they are an easy choice. Pelargoniums are also drought-tolerant, so they will tolerate a variety of conditions. If they get too hot in the summer, they will stop flowering. Originally called Geraniums, pelargoniums are actually hybrids. Botanists changed their names to Pelargoniums to describe this herbaceous plant, which we know and love.
The ever-popular Pelargonium is native to South Africa, but several varieties have made their way into the nursery trade. Common garden geraniums are commonly sold as bedding plants and are often marked by distinct zones of darker pigment. You can choose between single or double flowers. The leaves can be tricolored or striped. Some varieties also have white markings. Regardless of how you choose to display your plants, they will add color and style to your patio.
For outdoor planting, zonal pelargoniums are an excellent choice. These plants grow well in full sun or part shade and require soil with adequate drainage. Make sure to plant the roots of the pelargoniums at the soil line. Avoid planting them too deep because too much water will cause root rot. Keeping pelargoniums outdoors will extend their blooming season into the fall.
