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Patio Plants to Grow on Your Outdoor Space

When it comes to patio plants, there are a lot of factors to consider, including your location’s climate, the type of soil in your garden, the sun exposure your patio receives, and the style you want to achieve with your plants.

With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which plants are the best for your space. Below we discuss some of the best plants to enhance your patio space and help you create a beautiful and inviting outdoor area.

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Patio Plants You Can Start Growing Today

Succulents

Succulents are a great plants for your patio, as they thrive in sunny, dry conditions

Succulents are a great plants for your patio, as they thrive in sunny, dry conditions. They come in various shapes and sizes, making them perfect for any style of garden. 

Plus, succulents are low-maintenance plants that don’t require a lot of water or care, which gives them an edge over other plant options for a patio. The best succulents you can consider for your patios include:

  • Echeveria (Black Prince) – This plant has beautiful dark purple leaves. It grows in rosettes and produces vibrant red flowers when it blooms.

    They do best in dry, sunny spots but can survive cold temperatures down to 20°F (-29°C).
  • Echinopsis Atacamensis - This is a cactus with long, spiky leaves and large red flowers. It grows up to six feet tall when mature and can be grown in containers or directly planted into the soil outside.

    They need full sun exposure but will tolerate partial shade as well.
  • Sedum (Stonecrop) – This plant produces small, star-shaped flowers on reddish-green leaves. They are drought tolerant and can thrive in various climates, from cold to hot.

    Sedum is also a great plant for areas that get little sunlight and when you need a reliable ground covering option. If you’re looking for something with a little more color, consider pairing your succulents with a few annuals.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most popular flowers for gardens and patios

Lavender can grow up to two feet tall and prefers full sun exposure with well-drained soil. This purple wonder is one of the most popular flowers for gardens and patios.

The flowers have a calming scent and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. If you’re looking for something more compact, try dwarf lavender, which only grows to be about six inches tall.

For more details on lavender, don't miss our ultimate lavender growing guide

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is a great addition to any garden or patio

This perennial herb is a great addition to any garden or patio. The leaves have a lemony scent and can be used in teas, salads, or desserts. Lemon balm likes full sun exposure and well-drained soil.

It can grow up to two feet tall and is hardy in USDA zones four through nine. You're better off with lemon balm if you come from an area with cooler summers.

Lemon balm is a great plant for novice gardeners, as it's very easy to grow and rarely bothered by pests or diseases. It also self-seeds well, so you can enjoy many lemon balm plants in the future if you decide to keep just one this year.

Blue Ternate

Blue ternate is a vigorous grower and can quickly cover an entire patio trellis or arbor

A Blue ternate is an evergreen vine native to Asian tropical regions but is common in Africa, America, and Australia today. The plant is a vigorous grower and can quickly cover an entire patio trellis or arbor.

It does best in full sun but will also tolerate some shade, making it a versatile choice for any patio space. Blue ternate have beautiful blue flowers that bloom all year long and favorite butterflies and bees. 

The vines are also drought tolerant and make a great choice for gardens with limited water resources. Here is everything you need to know to grow and care for Blue Ternate in your home

Hostas

Hostas are a great addition to any shady spot and come in various colors, sizes, and shapes

You can't think of a shady patio without possibly thinking of Hostas. These plants are a great addition to any shady spot and come in various colors, sizes, and shapes.

They boast lush foliage that look attractively beautiful in pots and containers. Hostas are a perfect addition to any patio space and add color, texture, and even aroma to your garden. 

They're also deer resistant, so you don't have to worry about them being eaten by your furry friends.

Coleus

Coleus is a tropical plant that looks striking in pots and containers

Coleus is a tropical plant that looks striking in pots and containers. They're also very easy to grow, making them a great choice for those who don't have the greenest thumbs.

This robust annual comes in many different colors, including reddish-purple, lime green, and deep blue. They make a great addition to any patio space and can fill in gaps between other plants.

Depending on the variety you're planting, you can either use them in shaded areas or leave them in the open sun.

Lantanas

Lantanas make for great border plants and look beautiful when planted in clusters

These make for one of the most versatile plants around. They grow in both sun and shade, come in various colors, and can be used as either annuals or perennials.

Lantanas are also drought-resistant, so you don't need to worry about giving them too much water. They make for great border plants and look beautiful when planted in clusters. 

Be sure to keep an eye on them, though, as they can quickly become invasive if not contained. There are a few types of lantanas that you can't miss in your patio space. These include:

  • Popcorn Lantana - This variety has small, round blooms that are a beautiful shade of pink.
  • Lemon Drop Lantana - This one is aptly named for its lemon-like scent. It features bright yellow blooms and grows best in full sun.
  • Trailing Lantana - If you're looking for a plant that will trail over the edge of your patio walls, this is a great pick. It features bright orange blooms and does well in full sun.

Regardless of the type of lantana you choose, you can rest assured that they'll bring color and pomp to your patio space.

Plumbago

Plumbago look beautiful planted as accents in pots on your patio or along walkways outside of your home

Plumbago is a shrub that produces gorgeous blue flowers throughout the summer months. They'll look beautiful planted as accents in pots on your patio or along walkways outside of your home.

The plant has a long blooming period, so you'll be able to enjoy its beauty for weeks on end. It's a great addition to patio entrances or as a backdrop to your seating area.

You can stick to patio covers from leading landscapers like Malone’s Landscape to enhance your patio space, but well-chosen patio

plants can also go a long way in enhancing and giving life to your patio space.

Wrapping Up Our Patio Plants Guide

Patio Plants can bring beauty and life to an otherwise dull, concrete patio space. With the right plants in place, you can enjoy your outdoor living area to the fullest extent.

Whether you want to go the succulent way or are a lavender enthusiast, you now know where to start. If you're adventurous enough, you could choose to mix up the various options of patio plants in this list for an even more enticing outlook. 

About the Author Ann Katelyn

I'm Ann Katelyn, Creator and Chief Author of Sumo Gardener. Since I was a child I've always been fascinated with plants and gardens, and as an adult this has developed into my most loved hobby. I have dedicated most of my life to gardening and started Sumo Gardener as a way to express my knowledge about gardening with the hope of helping other people's gardens thrive.

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