Low Maintenance Patio Plants: Grow An Easy To Care For Patio Garden

Backyard Patio Full Of Furniture And Plants
patio
(Image credit: CurtisC Photoography)

If you don’t have a big garden or any yard at all and would like some low-maintenance gardening, container plantings are for you. Plants that grow well on decks and patios can help you build a green outdoor environment that doesn’t take a lot of work to keep up and maintain. Read on for more on easy-to-grow container plants.

Easy Care Patio Plants

Whether you have a yard or garden at all doesn’t matter. As long as you have a balcony, patio, or deck, you can fill it with plants and flowers. An easy to care for patio garden can be simple if you choose the right plants, those that do well in pots and require little maintenance to thrive. Some easy to grow container plants include:

  • Herbs: If you have a sunny patio, herbs will thrive. You’ll also get to enjoy the smell and use them in the kitchen. Try basil, lavender, sage, thyme, rosemary, mint, and oregano. All they really need to grow well is sun and regular water.
  • Ferns: Shady patios are great for ferns. Choose different varieties in a range of textures and sizes for visual interest.
  • Succulents: For hot, dry climates, choose several succulents to combine in one large container for a striking look. Some examples include echeveria, saxifraga, and sedum. You don’t even have to water these often.
  • Geraniums: For color, try geraniums. These cheerful annuals will survive a few missed waterings and will last all summer.
  • Potato vine: Potato vine, aka jasmine nightshade, is an easy vine to grow and doesn’t need much maintenance. It is often marketed as a patio plant and produces pretty little white or purple flowers.
  • Lantana: This flower is considered invasive in many areas, but if you keep it contained to a pot on your patio, it makes for a colorful, easy-to-grow plant. You’ll have to work hard to kill lantana. The flowers are pretty and multicolored.

Growing Low Maintenance Patio Plants

For easy care patio plants, don’t choose those that require regular upkeep or maintenance. For instance, a climbing vine can be a beautiful patio element, but you’ll also have to train it to a fence or railing. Some annuals, like petunias, require regular deadheading.

Also, keep in mind your conditions. If you choose a plant that needs a lot of water but you don’t get much rainfall, you’ll be watering every day. Use plants that don’t generally require much work and that are suited for your environment for the easiest patio garden.

For the healthiest plants, choose containers that are an appropriate size. Make sure they drain well and add a high-quality potting soil. Water your plants as much as needed and only trim back when necessary to maintain a good appearance or shape.

Mary Ellen Ellis
Writer

Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.