10 Best Potted Plants to Instantly Upgrade Your Patio in 2026

One of the simplest ways to enhance your outdoor space and add value and curb appeal to your home is with outdoor potted patio plants. Best patio plants require little maintenance, offer wonderful beauty, grow well in containers, and are adaptable to various outdoor conditions. Even if you don't have a space for a full garden or time for advanced gardening, you don't have to give up the gorgeous greenery in your home. Whether you prefer vibrant clusters of color or lush leaves on your patio, there are plenty of pots and planter that can instantly provide calm and interest to your landscape as you relax and enjoy the spectacle.

So, if you're looking for the best outdoor container plants to spruce up your patio, we're here to help you get started. Here we enlisted ten low-maintenance patio plants that will bring gorgeous beauty, colors, textures, and even pollinators to your space.

Planning Patio Plants

Before choosing your patio plants, consider the location and available space for light and warmth. The amount of direct sunlight your patio receives is a key factor in deciding whether to go with sun-loving plants or shade-tolerant plants. Observe your patio space on a sunny day to determine where you receive sunlight and for how long. This will determine which patio plants you select and where to place them.

If your patio receives sunlight in the morning but gets shade in the afternoon, you should choose a plant that only needs three to four hours of sun exposure daily. Many plants benefit from afternoon shade. Additionally, choose the right pot, planter, or container that is suitable for the size of the plant you want to grow, your desired theme, and the available space. The container can be ceramic, plastic, smart fabric, pottery, metal, or something repurposed.

Top Potted Plants for Patio

Now, let's look at our picks of the top outdoor container plants to add to your outdoor space.

1. Hostas

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Exposure: Partial sun to shade

Habit: Mounding, bushy habit

Height/Spread: 2 to 4 inches tall, 5 to 6 inches wide

Hosta is a long-lived, hardy perennial that is grown for its beautiful foliage in a variety of colors and patterns. It is one of the best potted plants for a shaded patio, if you choose the right size.

When growing hostas in pots, stick to smaller varieties for shaded areas of your patio and avoid the larger ones. The duo-toned ‘Funky Mouse', the gorgeous teal ‘Blue Mouse Ears', and ‘Cameo', ripple-edged ‘Lakeside Downsized' are excellent choices for patio pots and containers.

Shade-loving hostas return year after year, even in containers. So, when dormancy sets in, don't worry if plants return to the compost level in the fall. They will reappear in spring if severe frosts don't damage emerging leaves.

2. Coleus

Hardiness Zones: 10-11

Exposure: Partial sun to shade

Habit: Upright, bushy habit

Height/Spread: 6-36 inches tall, 12-36 inches wide

This popular bedding plant, a member of the mint family, is very easy to grow and rewarding with months of consistent color. Many coleus species make the best outdoor potted plants for shady patio areas. Species like ‘Wizard Scarlet' and ‘Black Dragon' offer dramatic dual leaf color contrasts. However, certain breeds like ‘Wicked Witch' produce unusual, rippled leaf edges that give a ruffled appearance.

Whether you adore a subtle, moody, or a vibrant, vivacious coleus container combo, it makes a stunning focal feature. Just make sure you grow coleus varieties together that are produced specifically to thrive in shade.

3. Hydrangea

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Exposure: Full sun to shade

Habit: Mounding or rounding habit

Height/Spread: 3-15 inches tall, 3-12 inches wide

Hydrangea is one of the most popular and stunning potted flowering plants, available in numerous types and sizes. This shrub has large, eye-catching flower heads that bloom from mid-summer through fall, until a hard freeze. Hydrangeas are easy to dry for floral arrangements or ornamental wreaths, with most varieties needing some sunlight to flower best. Hardiness zones vary by cultivar, so make sure to plant the type that is suited for your hardiness zone.

"Panicle" hydrangea types can tolerate the most sun. If you need a plant for a sunny patio spot, choose a dwarf panicle variety like Bobo or Fire Light Tidbit. For a shaded spot, grow a compact oakleaf hydrangea such as ‘Ruby Slippers.'

4. Petunias

Hardiness Zones: 10-11

Exposure: Full sun

Habit: Mounding or spreading habit

Height/Spread: 6 to 24 inches tall, 12 to 36 inches wide

Petunias are sun-loving annuals that thrive in containers. The trailing types look lovely in pots, window boxes, metal raised containers, and hanging baskets. They can quickly fill a quiet patio space with an array of colors and patterns. Grow Wave or Supertunia varieties if you want to avoid deadheading maintenance and are worried about Petunia plant care. Fertilize containers every couple of weeks during the growing season to keep flowers looking at their best and thriving for as long as possible.

Display petunias on a sunny patio as a perfect focal point, or in mixed plantings. Supertunia Vista Bubblegum adds long-lasting beauty to patio baskets and pots with its vibrant trailing habit and lovely pink flowers.

5. Berries

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Exposure: Full sun

Habit: Upright bushes, spreading habit

Height/Spread: Varies by type

Strawberries are perfect for tiered boxes and hanging baskets, bringing abundant fruit and color to your outdoor space. Bring something creative and beautiful to your container garden ideas. New varieties of strawberries have been bred to be more ornamental and compact, and new varieties of raspberry and blackberry bushes are thornless. They thrive in full sun. Plant these wonderful sun-kissed shrubs as a low border or in decorative patio pots.

Berries are perfect for patio pots, especially dwarf or compact types of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, and currants. These ornamental shrubs offer sweet, juicy berries, are easy to look after, and will grow happily in a container.

6. Lantana

Hardiness Zones: 9-11

Exposure: Full sun

Habit: Spreading, mounding, or upright habit

Height/Spread: 4 to 36 inches tall, 4 to 24 inches wide

This fast-growing, easy-care patio plant, with its vibrant floral clusters, adds cottage-style appeal and fragrant flowers in almost every color. They make quite decorative displays in containers. A patio pot is a lovely way to enjoy cheerful flowers that change into a rainbow of colors as they mature.

‘Patriot', ‘Bandana', and ‘Luscious Grape' are excellent lantana varieties for summer. You can place a lantana container near a patio or deck where the view and scent can be enjoyed.

Read More:Innovative Ways for Maximizing Your Patio and Balcony Gardens

7. Begonias

Hardiness Zones: 9-11

Exposure: Partial sun to shade

Habit: Varied growth habits as per type

Height/Spread: 6 to 36 inches tall, 6 to 12 inches wide

Begonia and patio containers are a classic combo. This annual flower just requires a few hours of direct sunlight every day and loves partial shade. Their requirements are minimal if they are grown in pots with adequate drainage. If you want long-lasting color and easy care, begonias are the solution. These flowering plants come in every size, color, and shape.

You can find a wide variety, from species with dark leaves to brighter options that overflow with cheerful flowers. "Sahara" Million Kisses," and "Glowing Embers" are excellent options for patio planters.

8. Coral Bells

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Exposure: Full sun to shade

Habit: Mounding habit

Height/Spread: 6 to 18 inches tall, 12 to 30 inches wide

Coral bells is a versatile, shade-loving, low-maintenance perennial plant that can tolerate numerous conditions. This quality makes them a perfect plant for patios with variable light levels. There are many types of coral bells with gorgeous foliage options. It thrives in containers and complements other ornamentals due to its evergreen and semi-evergreen leaves in a variety of hues and shapes. Grow varieties like Obsidian, Black Peral, and Palace Purple to bring plum tones and rich burgundies to your patio.

Alternatively, you can plant gold-leaf beauties like Marmalade, Georgia Peach, and ‘Bronze Wave' Coral Bells. Their delicate flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It's a great idea to keep coral bells under glass to protect the leaves from severe frost.

9. Succulents

Hardiness Zones: Varies by genus and species

Exposure: Full sun

Habit: Mounding, vertical, trailing habit (depending on variety)

Height/Spread: Varies by species

Succulents are the fun and easiest plants for sunny patio containers since they are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. They come in hundreds of shapes, colors, and sizes, requiring almost nothing from you. Some succulents are cold-hardy and can survive winter. If not, you can still dig a few up to pot and display them on a sunny patio. They don't even require frequent watering. Plant several succulents in a large round container for a stunning display, such as sedum, echeveria, and Saxifraga. Hens and chicks are low-maintenance succulents that make pretty patio container plants. They thrive in dry, arid, sunny spots as well as spread easily.

10. Herbs

Hardiness Zones: 4-10

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Habit: Spreading, low-growing, medium-sized

Height/Spread: Varies by species

Herbs are some of the lowest-maintenance edible plants to grow in your patio containers. Most herbs need full sun to grow successfully. Create a small herb garden next to your patio or place them in your pots. Perennial herbs, such as thyme, oregano, sage, and chives, will come back every year. Annual herbs, such as basil and cilantro, are easy to grow from seed. Some can be brought indoors to overwinter, like rosemary.

Many mint varieties make excellent patio plants for containers. Their distinctive fragrance is an attractive option for patios, where you can enjoy the scent up close.

Rosemary is also an ideal potted plant for your patio. It smells amazing, looks great, and bees love it. In spring and early summer, rosemary produces lovely blue flowers that draw pollinators.

Also Read:10 Creative Sloped Backyard Ideas to Make the Most of Your Space

The Bottom Line

These leafy and flowering potted plants will bring color and beauty to your outdoor space, drawing everyone's attention. While every area of your home, including the kitchen, office, and bedroom, can benefit from a touch of greenery, don't forget to add seasonal beauty to your patio with sun-loving or shaded container plants.

Plant what you love and what you want to bring to your space. These plants also attract beloved pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. As a result, your patio's prettiest small garden will thrive and provide subtle entertainment as you relax. They'll look good on your patio and make you feel good as well.

Treat your patio plants to the best with our deck and garden drip irrigation kit and hanging basket kit ensuring every plant receives optimal hydration for the best growth.