The Best Plants for Your Patio, No Matter How Much Sun It Gets

As you spend more time outdoors enjoying the warmer weather, extend your garden to where you hang out the most: your patio or porch! The best outdoor patio plants are low-maintenance and thrive in containers, window boxes, or hanging baskets. That’s right—there’s no need for in-ground gardening. Outdoor patio plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but can also attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, creating a seamless transition from your outdoor living area to your garden.

When shopping for outdoor patio plants, pay attention to the amount of sun or shade your patio receives throughout the day. Full sun is considered six or more hours of direct sunlight, while part sun is about half that. The afternoon sun is the most intense, so plants that prefer part sun typically do better if they receive only morning sun. Don’t try to cheat: plants that need full shade will fry under strong rays while sun-loving plants won’t bloom well in the dark!

It's also important to know that outdoor patio plants in containers are more prone to dehydration than those planted in the ground, so you’ll need to implement a more frequent watering schedule during the summer months. Nutrients tend to leach out of pots quickly, so fertilize your containers regularly with an all-purpose plant food, following the label instructions to keep them healthy and lush.

No matter how much space you have, whether it's a city balcony or a sprawling backyard, outdoor patio plants can help your alfresco space look its best. Read on for our 20 favorite outdoor patio plants to enhance your patio.