9 Patio decorating ideas with plants

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Explore fantastic patio decorating ideas with plants to transform your outdoor space into a lush and inviting oasis of greenery. Whether you are a flower enthusiast or you prefer an urban jungle aesthetic, plants and flowers will elevate your outdoor space and make it ideal for summer gatherings and parties.

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Patio decorating ideas with plants

The first step is to do a short research to learn which plants suit your local climate, sunlight conditions, and direction of your patio. Other plants fit to a patio that facing north or east, others to a patio that is facing west or south, and others to a shaddy patio. Morever, you can opt for low-maintenance plants to create a beautiful, low-effort garden. 

West-facing patio outdoor plants

When choosing plants for a west-facing patio, consider varieties that can tolerate full sun and drought. To thrive these plants, they need well-draining soil and adequate sunlight! Here are some low-maintenance options:

Perennials:

• Lavender: Fragrant and drought-tolerant.
• Sage: Hardy and adds texture.
• Rosemary: Culinary herb with aromatic leaves.
• Yarrow: Colorful flowers in various shades.
• Coneflower: Unique shape with colorful vibrant petals that drop, creating a cone. Full sunlight and well-draining soil. Perennials in zones three through nine.
• Daylily: Gorgeous layered blooms with bright colors and rich leaves. Plant them in full sunlight and well-draining soil. They’re perennials and thrive in zones four through nine.
• Iris: Elegant flowers in different colors.
• Peony: Large, showy blooms.

Annuals:

• Zinnia: Colorful and easy to grow.
• Sunflower: Tall and cheerful.
• Marigold: Pest-resistant and vibrant.
• Cosmos: Graceful flowers.
• Petunia: Abundant blooms.
• Impatiens: Shade-tolerant option.
• Geranium: Classic choice.

East-facing patio outdoor plants

If you have an east-facing patio, you’re in luck because it provides a wonderful opportunity for a thriving container garden. Just choose well-draining soil and provide adequate care based on the specific needs of each plant. Here are some low-maintenance plants that will thrive in an east-facing patio:

• Succulents: These drought-tolerant plants can withstand various weather conditions. Consider varieties like echeverias, sedums, and haworthias.
• Ornamental Grasses: Grasses like feather reed grass (Calamagrostis), blue fescue (Festuca glauca), and Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) add texture and movement to your patio.
• Herbs: Basil, lavender, sage, thyme, rosemary, mint, and oregano are excellent choices. They thrive with sun and regular water.
• Ferns: If your patio is shady, ferns are a great option. They’ll add lush greenery and do well in low light conditions.

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North-facing patio outdoor plants

When planning a garden for a north-facing patio, consider the available light and choose plants that thrive in shade.

Highly Textured Plants:

Opt for plants with interesting foliage to add visual appeal. Look for varieties with textural leaves, such as ferns, hostas, and heuchera. These plants pair well with wooden outdoor furniture and boho style.

Shade-Loving Flowers:

• Azara serrata (Saw-toothed azara): Evergreen shrub with fragrant yellow flowers.
• Cyrtomium falcatum (Holly fern): Hardy fern with glossy fronds.
• Hydrangea integrifolia: Shade-tolerant hydrangea species.
• Osmanthus delavayi: Evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers.
• Lathyrus latifolius ‘White Pearl’ (Everlasting sweet pea): Climbing perennial with white blooms
• Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower): Ground cover plant with delicate flowers.

South-facing patio outdoor plants

If you have a south-facing patio, you’re in luck because it receives plenty of direct sunlight. Ideally choose white or beige outdoor furniture that doesn’t absorb heat and light. Here are some low-maintenance outdoor plants that thrive in full sun and require minimal care.

• Bougainvillea: These vibrant plants come in various colors (deep red, pink, purple) and love full sun. They make attractive hedges and can climb walls, tree trunks, and fences.
• Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): With daisy-like flowers and a lovely fragrance, chamomile thrives in full sun. It’s perfect for south-facing gardens and adds charm to your outdoor space.
• Verbena: This colorful annual blooms profusely in the sun and attracts pollinators.
• Sedum spectabile (Ice plant or Stonecrop): Drought-tolerant and easy to care for, sedum has succulent leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers.
• Lavender: Fragrant and drought-resistant, lavender adds beauty and relaxation to your patio.
• Panicle Hydrangea: These produce fluffy clusters of blooms in various colors. They thrive in well-draining soil and need at least four hours of sunlight daily. Hardy in planting zones three through eight.
• Daffodils: Bright bell-shaped blooms on prominent green leaves. They require at least six hours of sun per day and well-draining soil. Perennials in zones three through eight.
• Salvia: Lush foliage with colorful, vertical blooms. Provide at least six hours of sunlight daily and well-draining soil. Some varieties are perennial (zones four to ten).

Patio plant arrangement ideas

Twin Plant Wall

Create a stunning vertical garden by installing a twin plant wall. Use sturdy planters or hanging containers to display your favorite greenery, herbs, or colorful flowers.

Pallet Wall with Hanging IKEA Mini Buckets

Repurpose a wooden pallet as a vertical garden. Attach small buckets or containers to the pallet slats and fill them with trailing plants or succulents. Alternatively, place small planters inside the pallet. Hang the pallet on your patio wall for a unique and space-saving display.

Patio Wall of Ferns

Ferns love shaded areas and an east-facing patio may be ideal for them. Consider arranging a variety of ferns along your patio wall to add texture and a touch of the tropics.

Tropical patio decorating ideas with plants

If you’re looking for low-maintenance tropical plants to enhance your outdoor garden, here are some excellent options:

• Caladium: Known for its colorful foliage, caladium requires minimal watering and pruning, making it a great choice for a tropical landscape.
• Croton Plants: These vibrant plants thrive in Florida gardens and add a pop of color without demanding much care.
• Begonias: With their attractive leaves and easy care requirements, begonias are perfect for outdoor spaces.
• Ornamental Grasses: These hardy plants provide texture and interest while needing little attention.
• Ficus species, cactus, and succulents.

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Patio decorating ideas mood board with plants

Plants will bring vibrancy and organic texture to your space and offer a vivid background to your patio furniture. Just choose varieties that suit your climate and enjoy the lush beauty of tropical plants in your garden!

This outdoor decor layout pairs brown outdoor furniture with tropical greenery in impressive planters and decor items. The brown and green color combination is one of my favorite for outdoor decoration because it reminds me of nature and woods.

• Argil short planters are a perfect addition for any outdoor decoration.
• Sling chairs with hammock-style seat help you reach peak relaxation.
• Candles gently light the space through summer nights.
• Coasters keep your surfaces dry and looking fabulous.
• Cane planters create a fantastic contrast.
• Outdoor floor cushion is a super comfy and style-forward option for the boho side of us all.
• Baskets are ideal for outdoor decor and storage. 

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