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Over the years, I’ve learned that a few well-chosen plants in pretty containers can completely transform a porch or patio—no green thumb required. These are some of my favorite potted plant arrangement ideas that always look good, no matter your style or space.
Choosing Containers That Work for Your Space
The type of planter you choose can elevate the look and success of your summer plant displays. When selecting containers, consider placement, size, material, and drainage.
Large Planters
Large containers make a bold statement and allow for generous arrangements. Use them as focal points on patios, flanking doorways, or anchoring deck corners.
- Material: Resin (lightweight), terracotta, or ceramic
- Drainage: Ensure each planter has drainage holes
- Soil Tip: Fill the bottom with empty plant containers to reduce soil volume and weight
Tip: Use Those Empty Flats!
I’ve been doing this trick for years—it makes my planters lighter and saves on potting mix. Win-win!
If you’re also refreshing your outdoor setup this season, don’t miss my favorite small deck decorating ideas for creating a cozy retreat in even the tiniest spaces.
Window Boxes
Perfect for small decks or porch railings, window boxes maximize space while adding a splash of color.
- Look for boxes with built-in drainage and moisture-retaining liners
- Combine trailing flowers, upright blooms, and foliage for impact
If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide, be sure to check out my post on how to plant window boxes like a pro—it’s full of tips for creating full, lush displays that last all season.
Hanging Baskets
Hanging planters offer vertical interest and are great for porches, fences, or even shepherd’s hooks in the garden.
- Choose baskets with water reservoirs to prevent drying out
- Ideal for sunny or shaded areas depending on plant choice
Potted Plant Arrangement Ideas That Always Work
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of designing a container garden, don’t worry—there’s a simple trick that works every time: the thriller, filler, spiller method. It’s the go-to formula for creating balanced and beautiful potted plant arrangements, no matter your style or space.
The “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” Formula
This arrangement technique adds height, fullness, and softness to your planters:
Thriller: Start with a tall, eye-catching plant to provide structure. It goes in the center (or back, if your planter will sit against a wall).
Examples: Purple Fountain Grass, Cannas, Salvia, Dwarf Dracaena
Filler: Add mid-height plants with lush foliage or lots of blooms to fill in around your thriller.
Examples: Petunias, Begonias, Calibrachoa, Coleus, Euphorbia
Spiller: Choose trailing plants that drape over the edges of your planter for a soft, finished look.
Examples: Sweet Potato Vine, Creeping Jenny, Bacopa, Ivy
💡 Tip: Don’t overthink it—start by grouping three plants together at your garden center and arrange them in the cart to see how they look together. I do this every spring at the garden center—I stand there for way too long arranging combos in my cart until I find one I love!
Creative Color Combos for Summer Planters
Color makes all the difference in your potted plant designs. Here are a few classic combinations to inspire you:
- Monochromatic: One color family in multiple tones (e.g. purple verbena + lavender + dusty miller)
- Complementary: Opposites attract—like orange and blue or purple and yellow
- Harmonious: Use next-door colors like red, orange, and coral for a soothing effect
Mixing textures—spiky grasses, velvety leaves, delicate flowers—adds even more interest.
Easy-to-Grow Plants for Every Light Level
Full Sun Favorites
Perfect for decks or patios that get 6+ hours of direct sun:
- Petunias
- Sunpatiens
- Calibrachoa
- Sweet Potato Vine
- Zinnias
- Angelonia
- Geraniums
- Lemon Coral Sedum
- Snapdragons
Part Sun / Partial Shade Picks
Ideal for areas with morning sun and afternoon shade:
- Coleus
- Begonia
- Bacopa
- Diamond Frost Euphorbia
- Creeping Jenny
- Caladium
- Impatiens
- Ivy
Full Shade Champions
Thriving in low-light porches or beneath tree cover:
- Ferns
- Heuchera (Coral Bells)
- Fuchsia
- Begonia
- Hydrangea (compact varieties)
- Caladium
🌿 Pro Tip: These shade-loving plants also work beautifully in covered spaces like screened-in porches or sunrooms.
Need more porch inspiration? I’ve shared screened-in porch ideas that pair perfectly with shade-loving plants like ferns and begonias.
When to Plant Summer Planters
In most regions (like here in Boston), it’s safe to plant once the risk of frost is gone—typically in mid to late spring. For an early start, you can keep planters in the garage or cover them overnight.
How to Keep Planters Thriving All Season
Fertilizing
- Use a slow-release fertilizer or water-soluble plant food formulated for containers
- Follow the label instructions for frequency and quantity
Watering
- Always ensure your containers have drainage holes
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Planters in full sun may need daily watering in peak heat
Deadheading
- Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers
- Snip with pruners or pinch off by hand
- Also remove yellowing leaves for a tidy look
To keep your whole outdoor space looking fresh, don’t miss my guide to cleaning outdoor cushions—it’s surprisingly simple.
Final Thoughts
I hope these potted plant arrangement ideas help you create your own little outdoor retreat—I look forward to redoing mine every spring, and it never fails to make our patio and porch feel special.
