In at least one sense, patio plants might be the most versatile option for whatever outdoor space you have.
If you live in a house and have at least a bit of a yard, you can have a proper flower and/or vegetable garden. But they can’t all be near your deck or patio. So patio plants give you the option to bring bright colours right to where you relax and entertain.
Of course, if you have a rooftop deck or a balcony, patio plants are just about your only chance to enjoy nearby greenery all summer long.
Try These Patio Plants This Summer
The best plant ideas for patios, decks, gazebos, pergolas or balconies are the ones that suit your personal tastes, require the level of care you’re willing to give and have the best chance of flourishing in your mix of sun and shade.
Also, different plants are better suited for different sizes of pots, planters, window boxes, hanging baskets and trellises.
While there are many plants that can fit the bill, the following are a wide-ranging sampling of some of the more popular options.
- Cherry Tomatoes – We chose a vegetable (or is it a fruit?!) because many first-timers consider only flowering plants for the patio. New varieties offer compact growth perfect for smaller spaces. They need a spot in full sun.
- Roses – This may be another surprise in the list as roses are usually garden plants. But they can handle more than their bright colours, sweet scent and good looks let on. They will need pruning to keep compact, and you’ll need to place them in pots that can handle freezing temperatures.
- Begonias – Begonias tick off lots of “nice-to-haves”. They are hardy and easy to grow, needing little maintenance. They prefer full sun, but don’t mind the part sun, part shade. They bloom all season long, and they come in a wide variety of deep rich colours.
For more ideas to improve your outdoor spaces, check out our article “4 Spring Landscape Design Ideas”.
