Outdoor Planters Buying Guide
Whether you're seeking to create a warm, inviting outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining, looking to explore container gardening, or revamp your home's exterior décor, outdoor planters are a great addition to any yard, patio, pool, roof deck, terrace, or balcony. Garden planters are also ideal for:
Boosting your home's curb appeal
Adding height to your landscape design
Growing flowers, plants, small trees, herbs, and edible/vegetable gardens
Creating borders and dividing spaces
Adding privacy
Depending on the size, design, and other needs of your space, one design may work better than another. In this simple step-by-step guide, we will help you find the best planter material, size, style, and the necessary accessories to fit your space in both design and functionality.
Step 1: Choosing Your Planter Material
Fiberglass
Lightweight
Considerably more durable than other planter materials
Rot- and insect-proof; won't crack, chip, or warp
Weather-proof in any climate, including heat and freezing conditions
Available in a range of styles, from traditional to modern
Available in several colors and finishes, including high gloss and real metal
Most styles include drainage holes
Watertight options available
Easily customizable
Cellular PVC Composite
Looks and feels like wood, but more durable
Rot- and insect-proof; won't crack, chip, or warp
Inherently white (no painting necessary), with 25+ finish and texture options
Matches Cape Cod-style homes and transitional décor
Maintenance-free
Metal
Copper includes solid copper planters and fiberglass planters with ArmoreCoat real copper coating; both will patina over time to a beautiful greyish blue, and will naturally deter insects
Wrought iron is powder coated, rust resistant and includes your choice of a metal or PVC liner
Aluminum is powder coated inherently rust-proof and includes your choice of a metal or PVC liner
Vinyl
Lightweight
Double-walled construction (good for insulating plants from high heat and freezing temperatures)
Most styles have built-in reservoirs, making them self-watering/watertight
Fade-resistant construction
Maintenance-free
Resin
Lightweight
Mimics the look of clay pottery, but durable and shatter-resistant
UV-protected and fade-resistant
Most styles include drainage holes to promote healthy soil
Available in a variety of unique shapes, styles, and colors
Wood
Cedar and redwood garden pots and planters offer charmingly rustic, natural beauty
Available with stains and finishes that protect the wood and deter pests
Require maintenance over time to prevent water and weather damage
Many feature protective liners
Cedar planters are naturally resistant to rot, insects, and fading
Redwood planters are naturally weather-resistant
Step 2: Choosing Your Planter Shape
Square and Rectangular Planters
Can be used as space dividers
Great for lining walkways, patios, decks, rooftop decks, pools, and balconies
A space-saving way to add greenery to small spaces
Can be customized to fit any size
Round planters and low bowls
Can be used as space dividers
Great for lining walkways, patios, decks, rooftop decks, pools, and balconies
Low bowls can be placed on pedestals, pillars, and columns without blocking sightlines
Some manufacturing limitations
Small Planters
Perfect for flowers and plants with shallow root systems
Hold less water and soil dries out faster
Great as small design accents; won't overwhelm the space
Large Planters
Great for trees and other plants with deep root systems and continued growth
Ideal for mixed plantings
Holds more soil and water than smaller planters; soil stays moist longer
Ideal for larger spaces, creating barriers, and for making a visual impact
Step 4: Choosing your Custom Options and Accessories
Many of our plant containers can be customized in size, shape, color and finish. Other options include custom drainage placement, self-watering systems, watertight options, locking and non-locking casters (for easy portability), and elevating feet.
Not only do our outdoor planters add to your décor, but they also help you grow a healthy, gorgeous container garden in any space. For instance:
Make any container self-watering using our convenient planter reservoir inserts
Enrich your soil with nutrient-rich soil amendments
Grow a vertical garden by adding decorative trellises to your planters
Need help? Have questions? Want to customize your order?
Contact our experts by calling 1-800-896-0978 (Monday-Friday 7am-5pm PT).