Select right pots to perk up the patio
Useful pointers for getting size, shape, material and plants correct for your setting
So, you want to perk up your patio with new pots, but which should you choose? Obviously the setting will be key – if you have a traditional cottage garden, you might not want to be accessorising with modern pots. But there’s a wealth of other considerations, including the size and shape of the container and which types of plants you’re intending to display in it, along with factors including heat and moisture retention.
Here are a few pointers to take you through the basics.
Which size?
That depends on your space. If you have a big patio and a broad expanse of paving, clusters of small pots won’t make much impact whereas one or more really large one can have a much greater presence, reckons horticulturist Tom Harris, author of Pots For All Seasons (Pimpernel).
But if you’ve a balcony or roof garden, make sure you consider the weight of the pot and its contents, especially when you’ve just watered it.
However, if you have a small space and available shelving, or even an old ladder which could be upcycled, you can create a fantastic display of plant collections in much smaller pots.
Which shape?
Round pots are the most common and the easiest to arrange in large displays. Formal, square planters are ideal for geometric looks such as topiary.
Square containers are great for creating a continuous line with some space between each container. Use different heights of round planters in clusters, with the tallest at the back.
Which material?
This rather depends on the needs of your plants. Clay or terracotta containers look lovely in virtually all settings, but tend to dry out quicker than plastic and can crack in frost if you don’t buy the frost-proof versions, says the RHS.
Metal is popular, but if your pot is placed in a sunny spot, it will heatupquicklyinsummerandcan damage the plant’s roots.
Plastic is a contentious issue, but if you buy a plastic container it should last a long time.
Resin containers are another lightweight option which can look like stone or pottery and are resistant to frost and heat.
For a natural effect, stone and concrete containers are ideal. But they are heavy.
Which plants?
Consider where you want to place your container and which plant would look best. So, if your pot is in constant sun, you won’t want a shade-loving hosta in it because the plant will just sulk.
Also, think about the balance of plants and the effect you want to create. If you have a tall, narrow pot, don’t put a tall thin plant in it as it will look unbalanced. Instead, plant something which will trail over the sides.