Tall outdoor planters are fantastic for adding height, structure, and visual appeal to patios, balconies, and garden spaces. Their elevated design can showcase plants beautifully and create a more dynamic landscape. But which plants truly thrive in these taller containers and offer that wow factor? Here are some excellent choices, including both striking foliage and vibrant flowering varieties, perfect for making a visual statement:

Foliage Plants :

• Ornamental Grasses: Many ornamental grasses, such as Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis), Fountain Grass (Pennisetum), and Switchgrass (Panicum), add incredible texture, movement, and height to tall planters. Their plumes and graceful foliage create a stunning visual impact, especially when swaying in the breeze. Choose taller varieties that won’t be overwhelmed by the container’s height.
• Bamboo (Clumping Varieties): For a lush, tropical feel and significant height, consider clumping bamboo varieties. These won’t spread invasively like running bamboo and can create a beautiful green screen or backdrop in a tall planter. Look for varieties suitable for your climate.
• Dracaena: With their architectural, sword-like leaves, Dracaena plants add a modern and tropical touch to tall planters. They come in various colors, including green, red, and variegated options, providing excellent visual interest. They are also relatively low-maintenance.
• Cordyline (Ti Plant): Similar in appearance to Dracaena, Cordyline offers vibrant foliage in shades of red, pink, purple, and green. Their upright growth habit makes them ideal for adding height and color to tall containers.
• Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): For shady spots, the Cast Iron Plant is a resilient and visually appealing choice. Its long, broad, dark green leaves create a lush and elegant look in a tall planter.
• Elephant Ears (Colocasia/Alocasia): With their large, dramatic, heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves, Elephant Ears make a bold statement in tall planters. They come in various colors, including deep green, purple, and even variegated options. Ensure they have enough moisture.

Flowering Plants for a Burst of Color:

• Geraniums (Pelargonium): Classic and reliable, geraniums come in a wide array of vibrant colors and thrive in sunny locations. Their mounding or trailing growth habit makes them perfect for spilling over the edges of tall planters, adding both height and colorful blooms.
• Petunias: Especially trailing varieties like Wave Petunias, are fantastic for tall planters. They produce masses of colorful flowers that cascade beautifully over the sides, creating a stunning display that lasts throughout the growing season.
• Verbena: Known for their long bloom time and clusters of small, vibrant flowers, Verbena adds a touch of whimsy and color to tall planters. They come in various colors and attract pollinators. Trailing varieties work particularly well.
• Salvia: With their striking flower spikes in shades of red, purple, blue, and pink, Salvia adds vertical interest and vibrant color to tall containers. They are also attractive to hummingbirds.
• Lantana: These heat-tolerant plants produce clusters of small, colorful flowers that often change color as they mature. They are low-maintenance and attract butterflies, making them a great addition to a sunny tall planter.
• Begonias: Many varieties of begonias, especially upright and trailing types, thrive in tall planters. They offer a wide range of flower colors and foliage textures, adding elegance and continuous blooms.
• Impatiens (for Shade): If your tall planter is in a shady spot, Impatiens will provide a burst of vibrant color with their delicate, continuous blooms.
• Hydrangeas (Smaller Varieties): While some hydrangeas can get quite large, smaller, more compact varieties can thrive in tall planters, providing beautiful and long-lasting blooms. Choose varieties suitable for container gardening.

Creating Visual Impact with Combinations:

Don’t be afraid to combine different types of plants in your tall outdoor planters for even greater visual impact. Consider the “thriller, filler, spiller” approach:

• Thriller: A tall, upright plant that serves as the focal point (e.g., ornamental grass, Dracaena, Salvia).
• Filler: Mounding plants that fill in the middle space and add bulk (e.g., Geraniums, Begonias, Lantana).
• Spiller: Trailing plants that cascade over the edges of the planter (e.g., Petunias, Verbena, Ivy Geraniums).

Key Considerations:

• Sunlight: Choose plants that are well-suited to the amount of sunlight your planter location receives.
• Watering Needs: Select plants with similar watering requirements to make maintenance easier. Tall planters may dry out faster than in-ground plantings, so regular watering is essential.
• Climate/Hardiness Zone: Ensure the plants you choose are appropriate for your local climate and USDA hardiness zone.

By selecting the right combination of foliage and flowering plants, you can transform your tall outdoor planters into stunning visual features that enhance your outdoor living space and bring joy to your garden.