Best Patio Plants for UK Gardens: 30 Beautiful Plants for Pots and Containers

Choosing the best patio plants can completely transform an outdoor space, whether you have a large garden, a small courtyard, a balcony or simply a few containers outside your back door.

One of the wonderful things about growing plants in pots is that you don’t need a traditional flower border to enjoy beautiful flowers, attractive foliage or even homegrown fruit.

With the right selection of plants, a patio can provide colour, fragrance and interest throughout the year.

You can grow evergreen shrubs for winter structure, colourful bedding plants for summer displays, flowering perennials that return every year and even compact fruit trees in larger containers.

However, not every plant is suitable for growing in pots.

Some plants develop extensive root systems, while others need particular soil conditions, regular feeding or protection during winter.

Choosing plants that suit your patio’s sunlight, exposure and available space is essential.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I love experimenting with different containers and finding ways to make the most of every growing space.

Whether it’s growing strawberries in hanging baskets, planting colourful flowers in patio pots or experimenting with vegetables in containers, there’s always something new to try.

In this complete UK gardening guide, we’ll explore 30 of the best patio plants for pots and containers.

We’ll cover plants for sunny patios, shady patios, evergreen displays, flowering containers, fragrant plants, compact trees and low-maintenance options.

We’ll also explain how to choose suitable pots, which compost to use, how to water and feed patio plants and how to protect containers during winter.

Why Grow Plants in Patio Pots?

Container gardening offers numerous advantages.

Ideal for Small Spaces

Pots allow you to grow plants where traditional borders aren’t available.

Flexible Planting

Containers can be rearranged to change the appearance of your patio.

Seasonal Colour

You can replace seasonal displays throughout the year.

Better Control of Growing Conditions

Different plants can receive suitable compost and watering.

Easier Access

Raised containers can make gardening more accessible.

Grow Edible Crops

Many fruits, herbs and vegetables grow successfully in containers.

Attractive Garden Design

Pots can soften paving and create colourful displays.

30 Best Patio Plants for UK Gardens

1. Lavender

Lavender is one of the best patio plants for sunny locations.

Botanical Name

Lavandula angustifolia.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Free-draining compost.

Flowering Time

Summer.

Why Grow It?

Produces fragrant flowers and attractive evergreen foliage.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Lavender ‘Hidcote’ is an excellent compact variety for containers.

Avoid allowing pots to become waterlogged.

2. Patio Roses

Compact roses are excellent for growing in large patio pots.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained compost.

Flowering Time

Usually summer into autumn, depending on variety.

Why Grow Them?

Provide beautiful flowers and sometimes fragrance.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Choose a compact, disease-resistant rose specifically suitable for container growing.

3. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are excellent for patios with partial shade.

Best Position

Partial shade, depending on variety.

Soil

Moisture-retentive compost.

Flowering Time

Summer.

Why Grow Them?

Produce impressive flower heads.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Choose compact varieties and keep compost consistently moist during warm weather.

4. Heuchera

Heucheras provide attractive foliage throughout much of the year.

Best Position

Partial shade.

Why Grow Them?

Available with purple, bronze, lime, red and green leaves.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Combine different foliage colours for attractive patio displays.

5. Hostas

Hostas are excellent for shaded patios.

Best Position

Partial shade.

Soil

Moisture-retentive compost.

Why Grow Them?

Produce beautiful foliage in different colours and patterns.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Check regularly for slugs and snails.

6. Fuchsias

Fuchsias are popular patio plants.

Best Position

Partial shade.

Flowering Time

Summer through autumn.

Why Grow Them?

Produce attractive hanging flowers.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Choose hardy varieties for permanent containers or protect tender varieties during winter.

7. Pelargoniums

Pelargoniums are often sold as summer geraniums.

Best Position

Full sun.

Flowering Time

Summer through autumn.

Why Grow Them?

Provide colourful flowers over a long period.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Protect pelargoniums from frost if you want to keep them for another year.

8. Petunias

Petunias are excellent summer bedding plants.

Best Position

Full sun.

Flowering Time

Summer through autumn.

Why Grow Them?

Produce masses of colourful flowers.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Feed regularly during active growth and remove faded flowers from varieties that benefit from deadheading.

9. Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa is often called million bells.

Best Position

Full sun.

Flowering Time

Summer through autumn.

Why Grow It?

Produces masses of small trumpet-shaped flowers.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Excellent for hanging baskets and containers with good drainage.

10. Begonias

Begonias are popular for summer containers.

Best Position

Depends on variety.

Flowering Time

Summer through autumn.

Why Grow Them?

Provide colourful flowers in sunny or partially shaded positions.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Tuberous begonias are particularly useful for sheltered patios.

11. Lobelia

Lobelia is excellent for softening container edges.

Best Position

Sun or partial shade.

Flowering Time

Summer.

Why Grow It?

Produces delicate blue, purple or white flowers.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Use trailing lobelia around the edges of mixed summer containers.

12. Nemesia

Nemesia is a beautiful flowering patio plant.

Best Position

Sun or partial shade.

Flowering Time

Spring through autumn, depending on variety and conditions.

Why Grow It?

Produces colourful, sometimes fragrant flowers.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Excellent for mixed patio pots.

13. Salvia

Salvias provide colourful flowers and attract pollinators.

Best Position

Usually full sun.

Flowering Time

Summer through autumn.

Why Grow Them?

Produce attractive flower spikes.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Compact Salvia nemorosa varieties are useful for containers. Some other salvias require winter protection.

14. Nepeta

Nepeta is commonly known as catmint.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Flowering Time

Late spring through summer.

Why Grow It?

Produces blue-purple flowers and aromatic foliage.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Choose compact varieties for smaller containers.

15. Erysimum

Erysimum includes popular perennial wallflowers.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Well-drained.

Flowering Time

Spring through summer, depending on variety.

Why Grow It?

Produces colourful flowers and attracts pollinators.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ is popular for its long flowering period, although plants may be relatively short-lived.

16. Skimmia

Skimmia is an excellent evergreen patio shrub.

Best Position

Partial shade.

Soil

Humus-rich, moisture-retentive compost, generally neutral to acidic.

Why Grow It?

Provides evergreen foliage and attractive flower buds.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Excellent for autumn and winter containers.

17. Sarcococca

Sarcococca is commonly known as sweet box.

Best Position

Shade or partial shade.

Why Grow It?

Produces fragrant winter flowers.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Position near a doorway to enjoy its fragrance.

18. Hebe

Hebes are popular evergreen shrubs.

Best Position

Sun or partial shade.

Soil

Well-drained.

Why Grow Them?

Provide attractive foliage and seasonal flowers.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Choose compact, hardy varieties for UK patio pots.

19. Euonymus

Euonymus includes useful evergreen shrubs for containers.

Best Position

Sun or partial shade.

Why Grow It?

Provides attractive foliage, including variegated varieties.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Excellent for adding evergreen structure.

20. Bay Tree

Bay trees are excellent for formal patio displays.

Botanical Name

Laurus nobilis.

Best Position

Sun or partial shade.

Why Grow It?

Produces aromatic leaves that can be used in cooking.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Bay trees can be grown as standards or compact bushes. Protect container roots during severe winter weather.

21. Olive Tree

Olive trees provide a Mediterranean appearance.

Botanical Name

Olea europaea.

Best Position

Full sun.

Soil

Free-draining compost.

Why Grow It?

Produces attractive silvery-green evergreen foliage.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Olive trees need excellent drainage and may require protection from severe frost, especially in pots.

22. Japanese Maple

Japanese maples are excellent for sheltered patios.

Botanical Name

Acer palmatum and related cultivars.

Best Position

Partial shade or gentle sun.

Why Grow Them?

Produce beautiful foliage and autumn colour.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Protect from strong, drying winds and avoid allowing containers to dry out.

23. Cordyline

Cordylines provide architectural foliage.

Best Position

Sun or partial shade.

Why Grow Them?

Create height and a dramatic appearance.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Protect vulnerable varieties during prolonged freezing conditions.

24. Phormium

Phormiums provide bold, sword-shaped leaves.

Best Position

Sun or partial shade.

Why Grow Them?

Excellent for modern patio displays.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Compact varieties are more suitable for containers. Protect from severe winter cold.

25. Dwarf Conifers

Compact conifers provide evergreen structure.

Best Position

Depends on variety.

Why Grow Them?

Excellent for year-round interest.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Check mature size carefully because some plants sold as dwarf conifers eventually become quite large.

26. Hardy Cyclamen

Hardy cyclamen are excellent for autumn and winter interest.

Recommended Types

• Cyclamen hederifolium
• Cyclamen coum

Best Position

Partial shade.

Why Grow Them?

Produce delicate flowers and patterned foliage.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Use well-drained compost and avoid excessive winter moisture.

27. Hellebores

Hellebores are excellent for winter and spring containers.

Best Position

Partial shade.

Why Grow Them?

Provide beautiful flowers during colder months.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Use a reasonably deep container and avoid allowing compost to dry out completely.

28. Strawberries

Strawberries are excellent edible patio plants.

Best Position

Full sun.

Why Grow Them?

Produce attractive flowers and delicious fruit.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Everbearing varieties such as ‘Albion’ are excellent for suitable patio pots and hanging baskets.

29. Dwarf Fruit Trees

Compact fruit trees can be grown in large containers.

Suitable Fruits

• Apples
• Pears
• Cherries
• Plums

Best Position

Usually full sun.

Why Grow Them?

Provide blossom, fruit and attractive structure.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Choose trees on suitable dwarfing rootstocks and check pollination requirements.

30. Herbs

Herbs are excellent for patio containers.

Suitable Herbs

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Sage
• Chives
• Parsley
• Mint

Why Grow Them?

Provide attractive foliage, fragrance and fresh ingredients.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Grow mint in its own container because it spreads vigorously.

Best Evergreen Patio Plants for Year-Round Interest

Evergreen plants provide structure during winter.

Recommended Plants

• Skimmia
• Sarcococca
• Hebe
• Euonymus
• Bay trees
• Dwarf conifers
• Lavender
• Suitable phormiums

Best Advice

Choose varieties that are hardy enough for your local conditions.

Plants in containers are often more vulnerable to winter cold than plants growing in the ground.

Best Flowering Patio Plants

Flowering plants provide beautiful seasonal displays.

Spring

• Erysimum
• Hellebores
• Primroses
• Pansies
• Spring bulbs

Summer

• Petunias
• Pelargoniums
• Begonias
• Salvias
• Nemesia
• Fuchsias

Autumn

• Hardy cyclamen
• Suitable salvias
• Autumn-flowering heathers
• Late-flowering container plants

Winter

• Hellebores
• Cyclamen coum
• Winter-flowering heathers
• Sarcococca

Best Low-Maintenance Patio Plants

Some plants require relatively little attention once established.

Recommended Plants

• Dwarf conifers
• Euonymus
• Compact hebes
• Bay trees
• Lavender
• Suitable hardy ornamental grasses

Important Advice

Even low-maintenance plants in containers require watering and occasional feeding.

Best Patio Plants for Full Sun

Sunny patios can become very warm during summer.

Recommended Plants

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Salvias
• Nepeta
• Pelargoniums
• Petunias
• Olive trees

Gardening with Ben Tip

Check containers regularly during hot weather because compost can dry out quickly.

Best Patio Plants for Shade

Shady patios can look beautiful with suitable planting.

Recommended Plants

• Hostas
• Heucheras
• Ferns
• Hellebores
• Sarcococca
• Skimmia
• Fuchsias
• Japanese maples

Best Advice

Use contrasting foliage colours and textures to create interest.

Best Patio Plants for Small Gardens

Compact plants are ideal for limited spaces.

Recommended Plants

• Compact lavender
• Patio roses
• Heucheras
• Small hebes
• Dwarf conifers
• Hardy cyclamen
• Herbs
• Strawberries

Gardening with Ben Tip

Use vertical space with wall-mounted containers and hanging baskets where structures can safely support them.

Best Fragrant Patio Plants

Fragrance makes patios more enjoyable.

Recommended Plants

• Lavender
• Roses
• Sarcococca
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Scented pelargoniums
• Suitable nemesia varieties

Best Advice

Position fragrant plants near seating areas and doorways.

Best Patio Plants for Bees and Butterflies

Flowering containers can support pollinating insects.

Recommended Plants

• Lavender
• Salvias
• Nepeta
• Erysimum
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Single-flowered roses
• Suitable flowering herbs

Gardening with Ben Tip

Choose plants with different flowering periods.

Best Patio Plants for Winter

Winter containers can provide colour and structure.

Recommended Plants

• Skimmia
• Sarcococca
• Hellebores
• Cyclamen coum
• Evergreen Euonymus
• Dwarf conifers
• Winter-flowering heathers

Best Advice

Avoid leaving containers waterlogged during winter.

Best Patio Plants for Autumn

Autumn displays can remain colourful.

Recommended Plants

• Hardy cyclamen
• Heucheras
• Ornamental grasses
• Autumn-flowering heathers
• Suitable salvias
• Hylotelephium

Gardening with Ben Tip

Combine colourful foliage with late flowers for longer-lasting displays.

How to Choose the Right Patio Pots

Choosing suitable containers is essential.

Terracotta Pots

Attractive and traditional, but can dry out quickly.

Plastic Pots

Lightweight and retain moisture relatively well.

Glazed Ceramic Pots

Decorative and often retain moisture well.

Wooden Planters

Useful for larger displays, provided drainage is adequate.

Metal Containers

Attractive but may heat up in strong sunlight.

Important Advice

Always choose containers with suitable drainage holes unless you’re creating a specialised water garden.

What Compost Is Best for Patio Plants?

Different plants require different growing media.

General Flowering Plants

Use suitable peat-free multipurpose compost.

Shrubs and Trees

A loam-based compost can provide greater stability and longer-term structure.

Acid-Loving Plants

Use ericaceous compost where required.

Mediterranean Plants

Choose a free-draining growing mix.

Fruit Trees

Use a suitable long-term container compost.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Avoid assuming one compost is ideal for every plant.

How to Plant Patio Pots

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Container

Allow enough room for root growth.

Step 2: Check Drainage

Ensure water can escape.

Step 3: Add Suitable Compost

Choose a growing medium suited to the plant.

Step 4: Position the Plant

Keep the plant at the correct depth.

Step 5: Fill Around the Roots

Gently firm the compost.

Step 6: Water Thoroughly

Help the compost settle.

Step 7: Position the Pot

Place it where the plant receives suitable sunlight.

Step 8: Monitor Moisture

Check regularly during establishment.

How Often Should You Water Patio Plants?

Watering depends on plant type, container size and weather.

Spring

Water when compost begins drying.

Summer

Some containers may need daily watering during hot weather.

Autumn

Reduce watering as growth slows.

Winter

Water only when necessary, avoiding waterlogged compost.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Check moisture below the compost surface rather than relying only on appearance.

How Often Should You Feed Patio Plants?

Container plants depend on the nutrients available in their growing medium.

Flowering Bedding Plants

Often benefit from regular liquid feeding during active growth.

Roses

Use a suitable rose fertiliser.

Fruit Trees

Feed according to their requirements.

Evergreen Shrubs

May need occasional feeding.

Mediterranean Plants

Avoid excessive fertiliser.

Best Advice

Follow product instructions and avoid overfeeding.

How to Protect Patio Plants During Winter

Container plants can be vulnerable to frost.

Move Tender Plants

Place tender plants in a suitable frost-free location.

Protect Roots

Wrap vulnerable containers with suitable insulating material.

Improve Drainage

Prevent waterlogging.

Raise Pots

Use pot feet where appropriate.

Group Containers

Grouping pots in a sheltered location can reduce exposure.

Check Watering

Avoid allowing evergreen plants to dry out completely.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Pay particular attention to plants that are only borderline hardy in your area.

Patio Planting Ideas for Year-Round Colour

A successful patio combines plants with different seasonal interests.

Spring Container

• Daffodils
• Tulips
• Primroses
• Pansies

Summer Container

• Pelargoniums
• Petunias
• Lobelia
• Calibrachoa

Autumn Container

• Heucheras
• Hardy cyclamen
• Ornamental grasses

Winter Container

• Skimmia
• Hellebores
• Evergreen foliage plants

Best Advice

Choose plants with compatible growing requirements when combining them in one container.

Common Patio Gardening Mistakes

1. Choosing Pots That Are Too Small

Roots need sufficient space.

2. Forgetting Drainage Holes

Waterlogging can damage roots.

3. Using the Wrong Compost

Different plants have different requirements.

4. Overwatering

Excess water can cause root problems.

5. Underwatering

Small containers can dry out quickly.

6. Forgetting to Feed

Nutrients can become depleted.

7. Ignoring Winter Protection

Some plants are vulnerable to frost.

8. Choosing Plants for the Wrong Position

Sun-loving plants may struggle in shade.

9. Overcrowding Containers

Allow room for growth.

10. Forgetting Mature Plant Size

Some shrubs and trees eventually outgrow their pots.

Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Plants

What Are the Best Patio Plants for UK Gardens?

Lavender, compact roses, hydrangeas, heucheras, salvias, hebes and suitable evergreen shrubs are excellent choices.

What Are the Best Evergreen Patio Plants?

Skimmia, Sarcococca, Euonymus, dwarf conifers and bay trees.

What Are the Best Low-Maintenance Patio Plants?

Dwarf conifers, compact hebes, Euonymus and lavender.

What Are the Best Flowering Patio Plants?

Petunias, pelargoniums, begonias, salvias and fuchsias.

What Are the Best Patio Plants for Full Sun?

Lavender, rosemary, thyme, salvias and pelargoniums.

What Are the Best Patio Plants for Shade?

Hostas, heucheras, ferns, hellebores and Skimmia.

What Are the Best Patio Plants for Small Spaces?

Compact lavender, patio roses, herbs and strawberries.

What Are the Best Patio Plants for Winter?

Skimmia, Sarcococca, hellebores and hardy cyclamen.

What Are the Best Patio Plants for Autumn?

Heucheras, ornamental grasses and autumn-flowering heathers.

What Are the Best Fragrant Patio Plants?

Lavender, roses, rosemary and Sarcococca.

What Are the Best Patio Plants for Bees?

Lavender, salvias, nepeta and flowering herbs.

Can You Grow Roses in Patio Pots?

Yes, particularly compact varieties.

Can You Grow Hydrangeas in Pots?

Yes, with suitable compost and regular watering.

Can You Grow Fruit Trees on a Patio?

Yes, if you choose suitable rootstocks and sufficiently large containers.

Can You Grow Strawberries on a Patio?

Yes. Strawberries grow well in pots and hanging baskets.

Can You Grow Herbs on a Patio?

Yes. Many herbs are excellent container plants.

What Size Pots Are Best for Patio Plants?

Choose a size suited to the mature plant and its root system.

What Compost Should You Use for Patio Plants?

Use a suitable compost for the plant species.

Do Patio Pots Need Drainage Holes?

Most terrestrial patio plants need containers with adequate drainage.

How Often Should Patio Plants Be Watered?

Water according to weather, compost moisture and plant requirements.

Do Patio Plants Need Feeding?

Many benefit from feeding during active growth.

Can Patio Plants Survive Winter?

Hardy plants often can, although container roots may need protection.

Should You Move Patio Pots in Winter?

Tender and borderline-hardy plants may need moving to a sheltered location.

How Do You Keep Patio Plants Looking Good?

Water appropriately, feed when needed, deadhead suitable plants and check for pests.

Can You Have Year-Round Colour on a Patio?

Yes. Combine evergreen shrubs, seasonal flowers and plants with attractive foliage.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Patio Plants for UK Gardens

Patio gardening is one of the easiest ways to enjoy beautiful plants in a limited space.

Whether you have a large paved area, a small courtyard or just a few pots outside your back door, there are plenty of excellent plants to choose from.

Lavender, salvias and compact roses provide beautiful summer flowers.

Heucheras, hostas and ferns are excellent for shaded patios.

Skimmia, Sarcococca and dwarf conifers provide evergreen structure.

Hardy cyclamen and hellebores add colour during autumn, winter and early spring.

Strawberries, herbs and dwarf fruit trees allow you to combine ornamental planting with growing your own food.

The most important thing is to choose plants suited to your patio’s conditions.

Consider sunlight, wind exposure, available space, container size and watering requirements.

Use suitable compost, provide good drainage and protect vulnerable plants during winter.

With a little planning and regular care, your patio can become a beautiful, colourful and productive garden space throughout the year.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!