Confused by all the plant pot choices?

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 super 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 ones can have a much greater presence.

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. The bigger the pot, potentially the less you have to water it, as the more compost the pot can hold, the longer it takes to dry out.

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. Geraniums are ideal, as they don’t take much watering, and collections of succulents also make excellent shows lined up in 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, perfect candidates for a boundary or a wide path.

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 frostproof versions, says the RHS.

Metal is popular, particularly in minimalist, more modern settings, but if your pot is placed in a sunny spot it will heat up quickly in summer and can damage the plant’s roots. Plastic is a contentious issue, but if you buy a plastic container it should last a long time. Upcycled containers such as teapots can be a quirky addition to an outdoor space.

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, for instance, don’t put a tall thin plant in it because it will look unbalanced. Instead, plant something which will trail over the sides.