The Weather-Defying Planters Large Outdoor Models That Stand Up To Nature's Worst

Written by Justin “Love” Lofton

Choosing the Right Planters

Factors to Consider

Picking out large outdoor planters isn't just about grabbing the first one you see. You gotta think about what works for your garden and can handle the weather. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Material: What your planter's made of matters big time for how long it'll last and how it handles the weather. You've got options like fiberglass, concrete, metal, plastic, and terracotta. Each one has its own quirks that can affect how your plants grow (Urban Pot).
• Durability: You want planters that can tough it out in the great outdoors. Fiberglass and concrete are champs when it comes to strength and sticking around for the long haul. Metal planters bring a sleek vibe and are pretty tough too.
• Weather-Resistance: Planters need to be able to roll with the punches of Mother Nature. They should handle temperature swings, rain, and sun without falling apart. Good drainage is a must to keep your plants from drowning.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Big planters can really jazz up your outdoor space. They can be the star of the show, add some height and depth, and help carve out different spots in your garden or patio (Urban Pot).

Material Durability and Weather-Resistance

Knowing how tough and weather-ready different materials are can help you pick the best planters for your outdoor hangout:

• Fiberglass: These planters are light but tough, shrugging off weather and UV rays like a boss. They're less likely to crack or fade, so they're in it for the long run.
• Concrete: Concrete's got muscle, making it great for big planters. But it's heavy and might crack if the weather gets wild. Keep them in sunny spots to avoid mold (Decker's Nursery).
• Metal: Metal planters, whether aluminum, copper, or stainless steel, bring a modern flair and are super durable. They can handle different weather but might heat up in direct sun, which could mess with your plant roots (Decker's Nursery).
• Plastic: These are easy on the wallet and light, making them a breeze to move around. They come in all sorts of styles but might not last as long and can break down with too much sun.
• Terracotta: These classic planters let air circulate to the roots, but they can crack in the cold and might need more watering.

Picking the right planter is all about finding the sweet spot between these factors to suit your gardening style. For more tips on raised gardening beds, check out our articles on raised garden bed and raised planter boxes.

Best Plants for Large Outdoor Planters

Picking the right plants for those big outdoor planters can really jazz up your garden. Whether you're after some all-year greenery or a pop of seasonal color, we've got some great picks for you.

Year-Round Plant Options

If you want your planters to look fab all year, evergreen plants are your best bet. These tough cookies keep things interesting no matter the weather.

• Yucca (Yucca filamentosa ‘Golden Sword’)

• Zones: 4–11

• Features: Spiky and stylish, with creamy white flowers in summer and a colorful winter show

• Conditions: Loves the sun and dry spots, but can handle a bit of shade

• Height: 2-3 feet

• English Ivy (Hedera helix)

• Zones: 4–9

• Features: Evergreen leaves that spill over the edges of planters

• Conditions: Likes partial to full shade and moist soil

• Variegated Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei)

  

• Zones: 5–9

• Features: Variegated leaves that add texture and color

• Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, needs well-drained soil

• Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)

• Zones: 4–9

• Features: Colorful leaves that keep things lively all year

• Conditions: Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil

• Skimmia japonica

• Zones: 6–8

• Features: Evergreen leaves, fragrant flowers, and red berries

• Conditions: Partial to full shade, moist, well-drained soil

Seasonal and Colorful Choices

If you're all about that splash of color and seasonal flair, these plants will keep your garden looking fresh and exciting.

• Perennial Wallflowers (Erysimum)

• Zones: 6–9

• Features: Blooms for ages, up to 12 months in mild spots

• Conditions: Needs full sun and well-drained soil

• Hosta

• Zones: 3–9

• Features: Big, lush leaves with summer flowers

• Conditions: Partial to full shade, moist soil

• Fountain Grass (Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum')

• Zones: 8–11

• Features: Graceful, arching leaves with purple plumes

• Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil

• Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’)

• Zones: 4–8

• Features: Golden, coin-shaped leaves that cascade beautifully

• Conditions: Partial shade, loves water, can handle full sun if the soil's moist

• Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica)

• Zones: 6–8

• Features: Evergreen leaves, colorful spring growth, and showy flower buds in winter

• Conditions: Full sun to full shade

For more tips on gardening in raised beds and picking the best plants for your raised garden bed, check out our other articles. Happy planting!