9 Best Potted Plants for Your Patio and Garden

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++Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus)

These sun-loving beauties thrive in pots and are famous for those big, globe-like flower heads that tower over the foliage. Depending on the variety, their elegant, arching leaves can grow up to three feet long. Many types have a delicate, lovely scent, and they’re pretty low-maintenance since they don’t mind the soil drying out for short periods.

++Fuchsia

Fuchsias are a fantastic choice if you have a shady or partially shaded balcony. Taller varieties, like the Coral Fuchsia or the tree-like *Fuchsia excorticata*, make stunning, flower-heavy focal points in a pot. No matter the variety, you’ll get those iconic bell-shaped flowers covering the shrub from early summer right until the first frost.

++Lantana (Lantana camara)

Lantana is a real conversation starter because the flowers actually change color as they age! You’ll see clusters of white, yellow, orange, pink, or red—often with three different shades on a single plant. To keep those buds coming all season long, make sure your Lantana gets a spot with full, bright sun.

++Lemon Tree (Citrus limon)

Want to bring a Mediterranean vibe to your deck? Get a lemon tree. The evergreen leaves are gorgeous and release a wonderful citrusy scent when the sun hits them. Starting in May, white blossoms appear throughout the summer, eventually turning into edible lemons. One of the coolest things about lemon trees is that you’ll often see flowers and ripe fruit on the branch at the same time.

++Fig Tree (Ficus carica)

Figs do surprisingly well in pots if you give them a sunny, sheltered corner. The large, lobed leaves are super decorative and give off a tropical feel. The flowers appear in April but are actually quite hidden. Don’t worry, though—they eventually develop into those sweet, aromatic fruits we all love.

++Passion Flower (Passiflora)

If you’re looking for a climber, the Passion Flower is a winner. It’ll happily scale a trellis or wrap itself around your balcony railing. In a sunny, wind-protected spot, these vines can grow several feet in a single summer. Starting in May, you’ll get stunning flowers up to six inches wide. They look like something out of a sci-fi movie with their intricate blue or red “crowns.”

++Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Oleander has been a patio favorite for decades. They grow into upright, bushy shrubs that can reach up to ten feet in a sunny spot. From June onwards, clusters of flowers bloom at the tips of the branches in shades of white, yellow, salmon, pink, or red. Just a heads-up: Oleander is part of the dogbane family and is highly toxic, so keep that in mind if you have pets or small kids.

++Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Whether it’s bright red, sunny yellow, or deep blue, the Hibiscus is the ultimate tropical show-off. These large, trumpet-shaped flowers start popping in July. You can grow them as a bush or a “standard” (a little tree shape), and they can reach about six feet tall. They love warmth and sun, but they’ll still bloom in partial shade. Just don’t forget to water—they really hate drying out!

++Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Potted hydrangeas have that classic, romantic, slightly vintage look that’s so popular right now. They are perfect for a cozy, cottage-style terrace. Just remember: these are “thirsty” plants. Keep them in a shady or partially shaded spot, as they tend to wilt quickly in the direct afternoon sun.

%%Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia)

Here’s my secret tip: the Angel’s Trumpet. These can grow up to ten feet tall and get covered in massive, hanging flowers in white, pink, yellow, or orange. The blooms can be up to a foot long and usually have an incredible fragrance. They grow incredibly fast, often reaching a decent size in just one season. One important note: like the Oleander, all parts of this plant are very poisonous, so handle with care!