Find winning combinations for your backyard patio or balcony containers.
Every spring we tend a variety of blooming plants in the planters and terra cotta pots on our patio. Some, like the dwarf clematis and star jasmine, love the wooden trellises affixed to our natural cedar planters. Others enjoy the hot sun offered by the south-facing aspect or the dappled shade, where apple trees snug up against meandering walkways.
Lavender, fuchsia, dahlias, and salvias: these are some of the choices we return to year after year to charm visitors and feed pollinators. Along with these perennial favorites, we cultivate bulbs and tubers and fill in the gaps with flowering annuals–worth their weight in compost for their ability to perform all season long.
Over the years, we’ve also accumulated a list of criteria patio plantings must meet in order to occupy this coveted real estate. Remember, the conditions of most patios are not ideal for every flower. Read on to learn what we’ve discovered after years of trial and error.
What makes something "the best" for patio growing?
By their very nature, backyard patios offer a set of growing conditions that may differ from the surrounding area. Paved or covered in other heat-absorbing surfaces, patios often experience high temperatures that increase throughout the day. Nearby vertical surfaces, such as exterior walls, doors or fences, may compound this effect by absorbing and reflecting light. At the same time, patios are high traffic areas.
For these reasons, we find it’s worth considering the following criteria when choosing plants for your outdoor planters and containers:
- Performance: Containers offer limited soil, drainage and root space. Avoid plants that can’t tolerate dry soil in the short term, since containers will dry out more quickly than in-ground plants unless equipped with a self-watering system.
- Bloom time: Some plants will put on a show for a day or two, while others will bloom throughout the growing season. If blossoms are what you’re looking for, opt for something that earns its keep.
- Maintenance: While all plants need care, some are more forgiving (e.g., petunias might need deadheading, but don’t require winter pruning or disease vigilance like many roses). Consider how often different plants need tending when reviewing your choices.
- Visual impact: Bright color, interesting form, or trailing habits complement patio aesthetics. A pleasant scent is also welcoming when dining on the patio.
- Tolerance: Anything that doesn’t mind heat, occasional neglect, and wind (depending on your location) is worth considering. Since patios tend to border the house and quickly heat up the soil, they may offer conditions that challenge some plants.
- Availability & versatility: Consider what’s easiest to find in garden centers and works well in combination with your favorites or standalone in pots.
Top flowering plants for your patio
Keeping these factors in mind, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites. This list ranges from old standbys to lesser known varieties guaranteed to liven up your patio and the surrounding area.
Geraniums (Pelargonium)
These hardy plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for sunny patios. Their compact growth habit and wide range of colors add instant visual appeal, while their drought tolerance and resistance to pests make them easy to care for. Whether in hanging baskets or decorative pots, geraniums bring cheerful, continuous color to any outdoor space.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep them flowering.
Salvias
We love salvias for the large variety of bloom colors and shapes available, along with their classic look. Their aromatic foliage and tubular petals attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. In addition, they’re available in shades of blue, purple, red, pink, and white, blooming from late spring through fall. Their upright growth habit adds height and structure to containers, and they thrive in hot, sunny conditions with minimal fuss. While some salvias will live as perennials in zones 3 through 9, others will need to be brought indoors to overwinter in cold temperatures. We have both types and find them worth the effort.
Sun: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
Maintenance tips: Water when soil is dry to the touch, deadhead spent blooms for continued flowering, and prune lightly to maintain shape.
Petunias
We like petunias in patio containers because of their prolific blooms, wide variety of colors, and cascading growth habit. They thrive in sunny locations and bloom from spring through fall with minimal effort. Petunias are especially well-suited to hanging baskets, urns, and window boxes, where their trailing stems can spill over the edges for a lush, colorful display. Be ready to water and deadhead your plants regularly for vibrant, long-lasting beauty.
Sun: Full sun.
Maintenance: Use trailing varieties for hanging baskets or pot edges. Deadhead regularly for new blooms and to control the aesthetic of your design.
Begonias
Shade-loving and adaptable, begonias sport vibrant blooms and attractive foliage. They thrive in shaded or partially shaded areas, making them ideal for patios that don’t receive full sun. With a variety of types—like wax, tuberous, and rex—there’s a begonia for nearly any container display. They prefer well-draining soil, consistent but moderate watering, and protection from harsh wind and direct afternoon sun.
Sun: Partial to full shade (especially tuberous begonias).
Maintenance: Dig up and store in fall in growing zones less than 8. You may also choose to grow as an annual.
Lavender
There’s a reason lavender has been a favorite since Victorian times. Not only does it smell heavenly when in bloom, it supports pollinators, repels deer and some insects, and adds a delicate touch to home baking and personal care products (lavender bath salts anyone?). We love lavender for its heat tolerance on our south-facing patio, finding it does equally well in elevated planters and large pots.
Sun: Full sun.
Maintenance: Use well-draining soil with some sand mixed in. Prune once a year, removing the top third of the previous season’s growth.
Impatiens
Impatiens are a classic and reliable choice for patio containers in shaded or partially shaded areas where many other flowering plants struggle. They offer lush, mounded growth and non-stop blooms in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, white, orange, and purple, from spring through fall. Impatiens thrive in well-drained, moist soil and appreciate regular watering. Ideal for pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets, they bring soft, cheerful color to shady patios. They are typically grown as annuals but can be perennial in frost-free USDA zones 10 to 11.
Sun: Shade to partial shade.
Maintenance: Keep the soil consistently moist.
Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, often called “million bells,” is a favorite for patio containers due to its profuse, petunia-like blooms that come in an array of vibrant colors, including pink, purple, yellow, red, and white. This trailing plant is perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and mixed containers, offering a continuous display from spring until frost. Calibrachoa thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, with regular watering and occasional feeding to keep the flowers abundant. It’s low-maintenance, self-cleaning (no deadheading needed), and grows best in USDA zones 9 to 11, though it’s typically used as an annual in cooler climates.
Sun: Full sun to part shade.
Maintenance: Water regularly and feed every two to three weeks with liquid organic fertilizer.
Dahlias (Dwarf varieties)
Dwarf dahlias offer bold, vibrant blooms on compact, bushy plants that fit perfectly in pots and small spaces. These mini varieties produce a stunning array of colors—including red, yellow, orange, pink, and white—throughout the summer and into early fall. Their tidy size, typically under two feet tall, makes them ideal for adding structure to patios, especially in USDA zones 8 to 11, or as annuals in cooler climates.
Sun: Full sun.
Maintenance: Dwarf dahlias benefit from regular watering and deadheading to encourage continuous blooming.
Fuchsias
We love these frilly, pendulous flowers for hanging baskets and shady areas where sun-loving plants won’t thrive. Their multi-colored petals and tubular blossoms are a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators. They’re beautifully delicate in mixed plantings (see below) or as standalone features.
Sun: Partial shade.
Maintenance: Keep well-watered and cool—ideal for areas receiving morning sun and afternoon shade.
Zinnias
It’s hard to find an easier flower to grow than zinnias. Their bright, daisy-like blooms are fairly drought-tolerant once established. They also make ideal cut flowers, allowing you to snip a stem and watch them keep on growing. Choose compact varieties for containers, and pair them with flowers that bush out or trail for the perfect combination (see below).
Sun: Full sun.
Maintenance: Short of occasional dead-heading, zinnias need little maintenance. Cutting blooms and stems will promote a bushier plant as the season goes on.
Nemesia
Nemesia is a charming and fragrant choice known for its delicate, snapdragon-like blooms in a wide range of pastel and vibrant colors. Ideal for cooler seasons, nemesia thrives in well-draining soil and full to partial sun, making it perfect for spring and fall container displays. Its compact, bushy growth habit suits both small pots and mixed arrangements, adding texture and a soft pop of color.
Sun: Full sun to part shade.
Maintenance: Trim back after first bloom flush to encourage reblooming. With regular watering and light feeding, nemesia will bloom abundantly.
Cuphea
Cuphea is a standout choice thanks to its bright, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and pollinators throughout the warm months. With its compact, mounding habit, it fills pots nicely and adds color to any outdoor space. Cuphea thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it tolerates heat and drought once established. Its continuous blooms and tidy form make it ideal for mixed containers, borders, or as a focal point on sunny patios. This option typically grows in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, but it can be grown as an annual in cooler climates or overwintered indoors in containers.
Sun: Full sun.
Maintenance: No deadheading needed; thrives once established.
Diascia (Twinspur)
Twinspur is known for its airy, delicate flowers that bloom in shades of pink, coral, and white. It prefers cool temperatures and performs best in spring and fall, thriving in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Ideal for hanging baskets and mixed containers, twinspur adds soft, cascading texture and charm. It grows as a perennial in USDA zones 8 to 10 but is often treated as an annual in cooler climates.
Sun: Full sun to part shade.
Maintenance: Light pruning keeps it compact and blooming.
Scaevola
Scaevola, commonly known as fan flower, is prized for its unique fan-shaped blooms and trailing habit. Blooming steadily from late spring through fall, it adds a cascade of color in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. Scaevola thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it is highly heat- and drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for summer containers and hanging baskets. Its low-maintenance nature and continuous flowering make it a reliable option for brightening patios, especially in USDA zones 9 to 11, though it can be grown as an annual in cooler areas.
Sun: Full sun.
Maintenance: No deadheading needed; perfect for spillers in mixed containers.
Osteospermum (African daisy)
It’s hard to beat the array of colors offered by African daisies. Yes, they are annuals in many parts of the USA, dying back when the mercury dips, but their availability and long lasting blooms win over many a perennial gardener. We clump them in raised planters for nonstop color, backed by clematis or sweet peas for height and cooling.
Sun: Full sun.
Maintenance: Deadhead to keep blooms coming; protect from extreme heat.
Favorite mixed planting combinations
The following five container planting ideas offer mixes for even the newest gardener. Consider what style appeals to you and your local conditions to find the ideal fit. We’ve included something to capture attention (thriller), something to fill out the gaps (filler), and something to cascade down the side of your container for added beauty (spiller).
Cottage charm
This mix thrives during the cool-season and is suitable for full sun to part shade with spring and fall blooming. Keep in dappled shade in the heat of summer to ensure long lasting blooms, remembering that snapdragons will bend towards the light and may need occasional turning. In growing zones 8 to 11, snapdragons can be grown as tender perennials. Plant in a terra cotta pot for vintage vibes.
Thriller: Geraniums or zinnias (Antique colors such as Ballerina or Aurora)
Filler: Nemesia (soft peach or lavender)
Spiller: Lobelia (Lobelia erinus, trailing blue)
Heat wave pollinator pot
For full sun and hot patios, look no further than this combination for summer-long blooms. Salvias come in so many varieties, so be sure to select something that tolerates hot sun. This planting is sure to attract pollinators, including hummingbirds, with its tubular flowers and stunning color.
Thriller: Salvia (‘Mystic Spires Blue’ or Salvia farinacea)
Filler: Cuphea (Vermillionaire or Bat Face)
Spiller: Calibrachoa (‘Million Bells’ in orange or red)
Vintage mix
For full or part sun, try out this fragrant mix featuring classic lavender and trailing geranium. The combination of soft colors adds a touch of romance to any space. Lavender is also a favorite of bees.
Thriller: Lavender (Lavandula grosso or latifolia)
Filler: Diascia (blush or coral shades)
Spiller: Ivy geranium (in soft pinks or whites)
Tropical burst
For full sun and vibrant colors consider this offering with zinnias paired with brilliant and contrasting colors. Petunias generally need deadheading to keep looking their best, but we find the activity gives us the perfect reason to spend more time in the garden. Try out this punch of color with great heat resistance and relatively low maintenance requirements.
Thriller: Zinnia (Profusion or Zahara series)
Filler: Petunias (hot pink or deep purple)
Spiller: Scaevola (blue or lavender)
Mediterranean
If your conditions are dry and without shade, consider this blend of Mediterranean favorites that also offer delicate fragrances to compliment your patio. Lavender and rosemary are stalwart perennials in most growing zones that require a once-a-year pruning to maintain shape. African daisies are easy-case annuals that add a dose of color and beauty to the mix. Change up the color of this last plant yearly for a new look each season. Place near dining areas for easy access to your rosemary.
Thriller: Lavender (Hidcote or Munstead)
Filler: Osteospermum (white or violet African daisies)
Spiller: Trailing rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’)
Final tips
When putting your plantings together, remember the following:
- Choose the right container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Ensure the size matches the plant’s needs—too small and roots get crowded; too large and soil may stay too wet.
- Use quality potting mix: Opt for a lightweight, well-draining potting mix rather than garden soil, which can be too heavy and poorly aerated for containers.
- Water consistently but carefully: Container plants dry out faster than those in the ground. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid letting containers sit in standing water.
- Feed regularly: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks during the growing season to support continuous blooming and healthy growth.
- Deadhead and prune: Remove spent flowers and trim leggy growth to encourage more blooms and keep plants looking tidy and full.
One of the beauties of patio planters is their ever changing display. Pairing plants that thrive during different seasons can help extend your planters’ bloom time.
Have a planter success story? Share in the comments below!
