Creating a beautiful outdoor space can be as simple as adding the right patio plants. The following plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your patio but also thrive in outdoor conditions, providing lush greenery and vibrant colors.
Croton
The garden shop may sell croton plants (Codiaeum variegatum) as houseplants, but they make great patio plants and grow bigger in sun and rain. Leathery rainbow-hued leaves thrive in full sun with minimal watering. These plants add a tropical feel to your patio with their bright, multi-colored foliage, making them a standout choice for any outdoor space.
Pentas
Few plants attract pollinators like free-flowering pentas (Pentas lanceolata). Pentas, also known as star flower, Egyptian Star Flower, or Star Cluster, bloom in plump clusters of star-shaped flowers. They come in various colors such as pink, red, and white. Their ability to bloom continuously in warm weather makes them ideal for adding vibrant colors and attracting butterflies and bees to your patio.
Lantana
Lantana plants (Lantana camara) are often considered invasive in warm climates; however, barren varieties like “New Gold” decrease their spread. When warm and bright, these plants bloom continually and tolerate drought. Lantanas are perfect for sunny patios where their bright yellow, orange, pink, or red flowers can thrive and add a splash of color throughout the growing season.
Coleus
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) has one great benefit: the emergence of new cultivars in recent years has created different leaf hues to complement any garden design. With a wide variety of leaf shapes and colors ranging from vibrant reds and yellows to deep purples and greens, coleus can add striking visual interest to shaded patio areas. They are easy to grow and maintain, making them a versatile choice for container gardening.
Bromeliad
After flowering, bromeliad plants decline, but you may propagate more by repotting pups around the mother plant. They’re usually houseplants, although potted plants may thrive in warm outdoor conditions. Bromeliads are known for their exotic appearance and striking flowers. They require minimal care and can add a touch of the tropics to your patio with their unique rosette shapes and bright colors.
Caladium
Caladiums (Caladium spp.) thrive in full shade, unlike other patio plants. Cold weather bothers caladiums. In chilly soil, bulbs develop slowly or not at all, but in summer, they sprout overnight. These plants are perfect for shaded patios where their large, heart-shaped leaves in various patterns of white, pink, red, and green can create a lush and colorful display.
New Guinea Impatiens
Many gardeners avoid impatiens because of downy mildew, but New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) are disease-resistant. Keep pots of these vibrant flowers wet and in a shaded patio area to avoid afternoon light. They offer bright blooms in shades of red, orange, pink, and white. New Guinea impatiens are perfect for adding continuous color to shaded patios throughout the summer months.
Heliotrope
Heliotrope is a low-maintenance bloom that is a good container plant and disease-resistant. This plant needs six hours of light, thus it must be irrigated to keep the soil wet but not saturated. Known for its clusters of fragrant purple, blue, or white flowers, heliotrope adds both beauty and a sweet scent to your patio. Its ability to thrive in containers makes it an excellent choice for patios where space may be limited.
