A patio is an extension of your home where you can sit back and relax while relishing the surrounding or enjoying a hot cuppa. If you want to spend more time in your patio, how about adding some touch of colours and making the space more vibrant and lovely?
There are several ways to add some colours to your patio. But one of the most cost-effective and natural ways to jazz up your patio is to add plants. There are different kinds of plants that you can choose from. Choose plants depending on the amount of sunlight your patio receives. This is an important aspect to consider because each plant is different and their light requirement is different too.
Mentioned below are some of popular patio plants that can completely transform your patio into an exquisite oasis. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or this is your first-time experience with gardening, we have something for everyone.
Let’s get started.
Best Patio Plants
Marigolds
Marigold is one of the most popular annual plants. The flower’s popularity derives from its ability to thrive on neglect. These colourful flowers grow in just about any kind of soil and can be grown easily from seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the ground once the temperature is warm in spring. They sprout within a week and start blooming in eight weeks. There are about fifty species of marigolds but some of the most popular ones are African marigolds, French marigolds, Mexican marigolds, American marigolds, signet marigolds, English marigolds and pot marigolds. Plant it in beds or containers, they look good either way and add a splash of colour to your patio.
Mandevilla
Mandevilla is a beautiful vine that adds a tropical flair and colour to any landscape. This gorgeous flowering vine has trumpet-shaped white or pink flowers. The plant climbs any trellis that you provide. Best purchased as potted plants, Mandevilla needs well-drained, sandy soil with lots of organic manure mixed in to grow well. They thrive in warm, humid weather and do well in a spot that receives at least six hours of sun. It produces plenty of flowers in every season. Keep the plant indoor during the winter months. However, if the light is too low, it may start dropping its leaves.
Fuchsia
Fuchsias are absolutely stunning and rather delicate flowers that come in thousands of colours and varieties. The multi-coloured blossoms droop beautifully from pots and baskets and thrive in full shade. Other than adding so much colours to your space, Fuchsias also tend to attract a lot of pollinators including hummingbirds and bees. While the plant can be grown from clippings or seeds, it is best to buy it as plants from nurseries. The plant isn’t necessarily low-maintenance and hence a little extra effort is sure worth their beauty. Fuchsia requires well-drained, high-quality potting soil and thrives well in moist soil. Keep pinching back as new growth appears in order to promote abundant blossoms.
Lavender
Known for its fragrant aroma, lavender is a commonly-grown herb that is extremely easy to care. This drought-resistant plant thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. While it can be grown from seeds, it germinates rather slowly and hence is best to purchase as seedlings from nurseries. Once established, the plant requires little care. Prune it every once in a while, to maintain its shape. The beautiful purple spikes can add a splash of colour to your patio. Plant it near the seating area to repel bugs and enjoy its classic scent.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are an excellent way to lend some colour, height and architectural language to the landscape. Most varieties are perennial and thrive in full sun. Additionally, they don’t need much care. However, you will have to cut back the grass as and when required. How and when to do it will be dependent on the kind of grass that you have- the grass could either be evergreen, tropical or cool season variety. A basic rule of thumb is to leave it standing during the cold winter months and then cut it back once it actively starts growing in late spring.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are strikingly beautiful shrubs that are characterized by their large and beautiful flower heads and ever-changing colours. The flowers tend to turn blue in acidic soil (high aluminium and low pH) while soil with high lime content (high pH and low aluminium) will turn the flowers pink. Hydrangeas thrive in well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter. When picking up hydrangeas at the nursery, look for a healthy plant with bright green leaves. It is important to note that hydrangeas are shade-loving plants and do well in an area that receives a few hours of the morning sun followed by dappled shade. Keep the soil moist at all times, not soggy.
Succulents
Available in a plethora of shapes, sizes and colours, succulents can be an excellent addition to your sunny patio. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or completely new to the world of gardening, succulents are for everyone. These plants love light and do well in area that receives nearly six hours of sun each day. Water only when the soil looks dry. Space out the time between watering. Also, succulents need a well-drained soil, so regular potting soil isn’t an ideal choice. Either get cactus soil from the nursery or mix your potting soil with perlite, pumice or stone to improve drainage.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssums are delicate purple, white or blush-pink flowers growing in clusters. The flowers are tiny and are known for their sweet, subtle scent. The plant needs at least 4-6 hours of sun to bloom to its fullest. Sweet alyssum does well in well-drained soil that can retain moisture during the summer months. This annual plant will self-sow and provide you with beautiful blooms each year in milder climates. Requiring minimal care, sweet alyssum is the ideal plant to add some colour to your patio.
Roses
With more than average care, anyone can grow roses successfully. Available in a variety of colours, roses are unquestionably one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs. When growing roses, it’s crucial to choose an area that receives nearly six hours of sun. Get healthy plants from the nursery and plant them in soil with good drainage. Water evenly and fertilize regularly to get impressive results. Pruning is crucial during early spring to promote a bushier growth next season.
Caladium
Caladiums are strikingly beautiful foliage plants with colourful leaves that can enliven any area. With lush leaves, some larger than the palm of your hand, Caladiums have become a popular plant for shaded areas. The leaves seem to be hand-painted with gorgeous combinations of green, white, red and pink. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and need regular watering especially during the dry summer months.
Berries
If you haven’t ever grown edibles like berries because you think you don’t have ample space, you may want to think again. Berries can easily be grown in containers and the ornamental varieties look just as beautiful as your flowering plants. For gardeners who grow plants on a balcony or a patio, would know that berries can be easily grown on pots. You can grow blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries in containers. Make sure you choose a large container and fill the container with high-quality potting soil mixed with compost. With little care, you would be able to pick home-grown berries right off the plant and toss it straight in your plate.
Cherry Tomatoes
Very few plants are as easy to grow as tomatoes and a single plant can bear fruits for the entire season. All you really need is a decent-sized planter, good-quality potting mix, wire mesh to make cages for your plant and cherry tomato seedlings/seeds. Pick an area that receives at least eight hours of direct sun daily. If you don’t have a cage for your tomato plants, just place it near a railing which can support the tomato vines as it grows. Water only when the top soil feels dry. Fertilize the plant once every few days and very soon you will be able to pick some delicious tomatoes.
And you want to know how to maintain a kitchen garden, read this blog.
Angelonia
Angelonia is a seemingly delicate plant which surprisingly can tolerate blistering heat. Often grown as bordering plants, the small-orchid shaped flowers are beautiful and are cherished by all gardeners. The plant is available in vibrant colours including blue, white, mauve and purple. Angelonia needs six to eight hours of direct sun everyday for maximum blooms and does well in almost all kinds of soil. Loose soil mixed with organic matter will encourage a healthier plant. Regardless of whether you start the plants from seeds or get multiple seedlings from the nursery, they are relatively easy to care for.
Begonia
Begonias can be a focal point in your patio when planted in large numbers and is an ideal choice for container gardening. They grow very quickly and produce delightful foliage and frilly flowers. Available in shades of pink, scarlet, white and yellow, the plant does pretty well in area that receives indirect sunlight. Some of the most popular varieties of begonias are –
- Wax Begonias: Shiny reddish-brown or green leaves with succulent stems
- Tuberous Begonias: Green or burgundy leaves, either trailing or upright
- Angel Wings Begonia: Dark green leaves with tiny speckles. Attractive foliage that lasts all-year round
Begonias thrive in full to partial morning sunlight and prefer moist soil. However, excessive water that makes the soil all soggy will cause the roots of the plant to rot and eventually die. All begonias really need is a balanced fertilizer once every month with little watering, indirect sun and lots of love to grow well.
Herbs
Herbs offer abundant fragrance and beauty to your garden and copious flavour in your kitchen. Nearly all herbs including mint, chives, basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme, oregano, lemongrass, rosemary are extremely easy to grow and require very little care. If you are hoping to try your hand at starting a kitchen garden, growing herbs would be the way to go. Nearly all herbs do well in full sun and require about 6-8 hours of the direct sun. Herbs should be grown in well-drained soil mixed with organic matter to provide nutrition to the plants. Also, herbs will thrive when you harvest them on a regular basis. It’s best to get rid of any flowers to encourage more leafy growth.
Due to limitations of the text in this article, it would be difficult to explain the herb gardening in detail, so we have published in-depth guide on herb gardening, click on the link below,
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum or mums are a staple plant in every fall garden and for the right reasons. Available in a range of vibrant colours, shapes and sizes, the flowers appear as if they have lots of petals. However, each individual petal is actually a floret and when they are all in a cluster; they are what we see as the beautiful chrysanthemum bloom. It’s recommended to get smaller sized plants from nurseries and plant them during the spring so it has enough time to establish stronger roots.
While the plant can survive in nearly all kinds of soil, they thrive in well-drained soil. Chrysanthemums love the sun and require about six hours of sunlight every day to produce flowers in abundance. In areas where the afternoons are particularly hot, it’s best to shift the plant to a shaded area where it receives indirect sun.
Taking care of plants might seem like a daunting task especially if you think you don’t have a green thumb. However, what all plants really need is some sunshine, fertilizing once in a while, watering and loads of love to thrive. Plants will not only add colour to the space but will also make the patio more inviting.I hope this article was helpful and will encourage you to add some more patio plants to your outdoor living space.
Apart from patio plants, we have also written an article on the indoor plant. Have a look before you leave.
Author Bio
Rashmi Shaw – Rashmi Shaw has been writing content since she was in her first year of college in 2014 and since then, there has been no looking back. Recently, she completed her Master’s in English Literature. She has an earnest passion for writing and has written numerous articles, blogs and PR’s for diverse niches. She attempted working as a full-time writer for a year and a half but is back to freelancing as it gives her the creative liberty that she desires. She loves gardening, reading books and travelling.