If you’ve been struggling to liven up your deck or patio this year, why not consider some plants for your deck? There are so many options depending on your location and the overall climate your outdoor space is exposed to. We’ve got an essential list of flowers, trees, and greenery for you to consider.
Plants for Sunny Decks/Patios
Lavender
This is a quaint and lovely-smelling flower for Spring and Summer. Lavender is known for repelling mosquitos, which makes them beneficial deck plants when you want to sit out on those humid Summer evenings. Lavender prefers direct sunlight and you should be careful not to overwater it.
Marigolds
These annual flowers thrive through even the most difficult conditions, and that’s a plus since you can’t control all of the elements around your patio. They come in a variety of vibrant colors and are most recognized by their orange/yellow variation. Marigolds can take intense heat up until a harder freeze hits.
Mandevilla Vines
If you want to grow Mandevilla on your patio, you’ll need a trellis for these flowering vines. They can handle pretty hot and cooler temperatures and loves being in the full sun, but it isn’t invincible. If you live in a hotter climate, be sure that it is planted somewhere that it can have shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses can be anything from Fountain Grass, to “Morning Light” grasses. The options are endless. They offer privacy and they are easy to grow, especially in colder zones. You might want to be cautious of Pampas grass, though. This kind may be beautiful, but it can be quickly invasive if not monitored.
Succulents
While succulents are known for loving direct sunlight, they do tolerate partial shade. Plant them in well-draining soil and keep an eye on their leaves. The thicker they are, the more hardy they are. There are so many colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find a succulent that is perfect for your patio.
Conifers
Conifers like pine, juniper, and cypress can be planted in pots and placed on your deck or serve as a fence. They need full sun and come in a variety of species with slow-growing dwarf varieties available. Whether you opt for a smaller variant in a pot or directly plant larger trees beside your deck, conifers provide a great source of shade and privacy.
Plants for Shady Decks/Patios
Fuchsia
This is one gorgeous flower that loves the shade. They come in vibrant purples, pinks, and reds that attract hummingbirds. Try placing them in baskets and hanging them from a pergola to add to their visual appearance. It is important to note that this is a delicate flower and the proper care should be researched before you purchase this plant.
Hydrangeas
This flower is especially popular in the Midwest because of the hardiness zone there. This shrub can fill up any outdoor space very well with its bushy leaves and big bushels of flowers. While it is true that they need shade to thrive in a hot climate, they need some sun to bud. If you like to dry flowers, these are an easy option.
Dracaena
The thin and vibrantly colored leaves make this an interesting addition to any home. They are known for not requiring much care and like to be left in indirect sun. This is one plant that can easily grow very tall to fill a space and offer coverage. They can be kept in small pots during the main growth process.
Aglaonema
Many know this plant for its speckled heart-shaped leaves. Aglaonema thrives in shaded pots or gardens. Many gardeners and plant enthusiasts like to dig up their aglaonema before the Winter hits, while others prefer to keep them out as annuals. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy them the next Summer with no worries.
Majesty Palm
Like most palms, this is a tropical plant. It needs frequent watering (about once every 1-2 weeks) and needs humidity. It likes indirect light and, though it grows slowly, it has been recorded to grow as tall as 10 feet. Depending on where you live, this could be the ideal privacy tree to plant in a pot on your deck.
Flowering Dogwood
These trees are low-maintenance and are plentiful with little white or pink flowers in late Spring. They like partly shaded areas and can deal with a variety of soil types. It is known as being one of the most popular ornamental trees here in the United States but isn’t unfamiliar to gardens in the UK either.
Other Deck Plants to Consider
Roses
This Summer flower is one of the most essential for any home. Rose bushes have been known to be difficult, but if you can give them direct sunlight and regular feedings, you’ve gotten over the biggest hurdles. These are lovely options that come in many colors to fit your deck or patio.
Begonias
This is another classic flower with many properties. They don’t involve much cleanup and they come in a variety of sub-species. As you look at the tags, you can see if you are purchasing a begonia that prefers partial shade or if it has other environmental needs.
Herbs/Tomatoes/Berries
Grow a garden on your deck or patio! Planter boxes full of produce are a great way to add some life and color to your outdoor space and give you some healthy eats along the way.
Bamboo
This may not be the most colorful option for your deck, but it offers quite a bit of privacy once it starts growing (up to 30 ft of growth!) It is wise to maintain your bamboo since its quick growth makes it invasive like ornamental grass. This is a shade-loving plant and it does like moist soil.
So Many Deck Plants, So Little Time
This list doesn’t even cover half of the amazing vegetation you could have on your patio. We hope our options inspired you to stop by your local greenhouse though. The experts there can help you understand your home climate, the different plant care levels, and what might look best for your home.