Marigolds are a popular choice for patios, as they grow to be tall and sturdy and remain blooming until hard frost. Marigolds look beautiful in containers and beds and thrive in full sun. Lavender is a good choice for patios because of its purple spikes and silver foliage. It is drought-tolerant once established. Lavender is great to plant in containers, near seating areas, or as an edging for your patio.
Sun-loving plants
When deciding what plants to grow in containers on your patio, consider ferns. Fungus ferns are known for their colorful foliage and are hardy, so you can count on them to survive. They will look stunning if you plant them in containers. Ferns should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. If you live in a dry climate, you can also grow fuchsia in your patio. This plant has a high water requirement and needs partial shade to thrive.
Another choice for your patio is bromeliads. While the foliage of these plants is usually faded after flowering, the plant is easy to propagate by repotting pups in the pot around the mother plant. Traditionally, bromeliads are grown indoors as houseplants, but in warmer climates, they are also great patio plants. They can also grow as ground cover. You can find some sun-loving plants that can tolerate shade and drought.
Flowering shrubs such as Tibouchina and hibiscus are easy-care patio plants that produce lots of flowers. You can also plant a potted hibiscus tree. This plant will produce beautiful flowers all season long and is easy to maintain. The flowering hibiscus tree is also easy to maintain and care for, which makes it an excellent choice for patios. But remember, before you make your purchase, check the USDA Hardiness Zone of the plant.
The best full-sun container plants are those that bloom throughout the summer. Some good choices are sweet potato vines, lantana, mandevilla vines, and portulaca. Sweet potato vines are excellent accent plants. The flowers of sweet potato vines are long lasting and complement other warm-season annuals like African daisy or purple fountain grass. They also look beautiful when combined with geraniums or upright salvia.
In general, plants that like a lot of sun are the best for a patio. While the flowers of tropical plants tend to look best in bright sunlight, they are sensitive to cold temperatures. If temperatures drop below fifty degrees Fahrenheit, they will shut down. However, it’s worth noting that tropical hibiscus is also a favorite of many homeowners. These tropical plants need bright, sunny conditions to thrive, so make sure to check the zone before planting.
Shade-loving plants
When choosing shade-loving plants for your patio or balcony, consider the location. Some plants thrive in part shade and others need full sunlight. Part shade is usually defined as two to four hours of direct sunlight per day. In contrast, some plants, classified as “deep shade,” can survive in complete shade. Impatiens, for example, grow best in part shade. Regardless of your patio or balcony location, a wide variety of shade-tolerant plants can make an impressive addition to your space.
In general, shade-loving plants have showy foliage that is reminiscent of tropical gardens. Some are bright and colorful all year round, while others are more subdued and require partial sun. Many of these plants have showy flowers. Whether they’re in your patio, balcony, or window box, they’ll add color and curb appeal to your space. They will attract pollinators, and you can enjoy your morning coffee under a beautiful plant.
The coleus is another excellent choice for shade-loving plants. Known as a poor man’s Croton, coleus grows in a variety of leaf shapes and colors. They’re easy to care for and don’t need much attention, but they do need some regular watering. You can even apply a half strength liquid fertilizer to keep them healthy. These are among the easiest shade-loving plants for patios and balconies.
Shade-loving plants are also easy to grow in containers. However, not everyone has good soil or time to improve their garden soil. In this case, container gardening may be the best option. This method will allow you to add color and life to areas where soil is poor or lacking in sunlight. You’ll still have beautiful patio plants without having to spend a lot of money on soil. You’ll have to choose the containers carefully.
If you’d like to enjoy a beautiful garden with minimal effort, consider adding tuberous begonias to your patio. These gorgeous flowers thrive in partial shade and look great in hanging baskets. Plant them one inch apart in a shallow tray of potting soil. In addition to tubular flowers, these plants can also grow to be hung up on the walls, making them an attractive feature in the patio.
Easy to grow patio plants
If you’d like to add some color to your patio, try some of these easy to grow plants. Begonias are annual plants that come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. This plant is very low maintenance and doesn’t require any deadheading or removing spent flowers. This plant does best in full sun and will be happy to grow in containers or baskets. Its flowers are edible, and it’s easy to grow in containers.
Foxtail ferns are a great accent for patio containers and hanging baskets. They have sculptural plumes that resemble a Medusa. These plants prefer a partial shade to full sun and are best kept moist. Lavender is another great patio plant, with its short purple flowers and silvery foliage. Planting lavender close to seating areas can attract a wide variety of pollinators. If you have a patio, consider placing lavender in the corners.
Cucumbers can also be grown in containers. A bush type grows compactly, while a vining variety spreads vertically. Both varieties produce cucumbers that are great for salads. Choose the variety that you prefer and grow it in a container big enough for its size. Then, simply enjoy the beautiful colors and fragrance! While cucumbers aren’t as low-maintenance as many of the other plants, you can add color to your patio with them.
Depending on the amount of direct sunlight that your patio receives, you can choose plants that need full sunlight, half-sun, or partial shade. Part-sun plants require six or more hours of sunlight a day, whereas full shade plants receive only morning or evening sunlight. It is also important to choose the right plants for the climate of your patio. Sunflowers and other plants like this need a bright, sunny spot in their growing season. Shade-loving perennials may not be able to handle direct sun, but they can tolerate some shade.
Colorful patio plants
If you want to add some color to your patio, consider planting some fuchsias. These plants do best in full shade and grow slowly in containers or baskets. They need a lot of water, but are also pest-free. While many gardeners shy away from impatiens because of the downy mildew disease, this particular variety is relatively resistant to the disease. They grow well in shady patios and require a constant moisture source.
Annuals are a great choice for a patio because they allow you to experiment with color, and because they die off in the fall, you can replace them with next year’s blooms. Plants like cosmos, field poppies, and cornflowers create a more natural look. You can also include flowers for pollinators, like purple salvias and irises. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of your patio plants while they attract plenty of pollinators.
Hibiscus is another great choice for patios because of its big neon shades. It is easy to care for, and it is an easy plant to grow. Make sure you get a large decorative pot, because the plant will blow around if it doesn’t have a sturdy pot. You can also use a potted hibiscus tree, which is an excellent patio plant because of its long bloom period. Lantanas are also easy to grow and require little maintenance, except for occasional trimming.
Choose patio plants based on the amount of sunlight they will receive. Full sun requires more than six hours of direct sunlight per day. Part shade requires less than half of that amount. Part shade includes early morning sun, and full shade requires less than two hours of sunlight. Before selecting your patio plants, make sure to consider the climate and size of your pots. You can find the best plants for your patio by reading the USDA Hardiness Zone and following these guidelines.
