Adding vibrant plants to your outdoor space can transform your patio into a colorful oasis. These plants range from vibrant blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds to striking foliage for a bold touch, making your outdoor area a relaxing place to enjoy the fresh outdoor air.
Think about it:
- A hanging basket filled with the delicate, trailing blooms of fuchsias
- A planter overflowing with the vibrant, colorful zinnias
- A patio with potted bold, colorful crotons.
The possibilities are endless, and the right plant can transform your outdoor space into a true oasis of color and charm.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 12 patio plants that will add a splash of color to your patio, including annuals, perennials, and tropical varieties that thrive in containers. Let’s get started:
#1 – Petunias
Botanical Name: Petunia x hybrida
Common Name: Common Garden Petunia
Petunias are a popular choice for patio plants due to their showy, trumpet-shaped blooms in a wide range of vibrant colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.
Their long-blooming nature and ability to thrive in containers make them an excellent addition to patios, adding splashes of color that can complement your outdoor decor. Petunias are also low-maintenance and attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds to your patio.
- Mature Size: Petunias range from 6-18 inches tall and 6-24 inches wide, with Grandiflora varieties up to 4 inches wide and Milliflora under 1 inch.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Petunias offer a vibrant array of colors, including pink, purple, red, white, yellow, and even black. Some varieties feature contrasting veining or picotee edges.
- Life Cycle: Petunias are annuals or tender perennials that bloom from spring through fall until the first frost. Deadheading encourages more flowers.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: While deer-resistant, petunias can be susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, requiring monitoring and proper care to prevent infestations.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Petunias thrive in full sun and well-draining, moist soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. They require regular watering and monthly fertilization for optimal growth and blooming.
#2 – Marigolds
Botanical Name: Tagetes Erecta
Common Name: Marigold, Aztec Marigold, African Marigold, Mexican Marigold, Big Marigold, Cempaxochitl, or Cempasúchil
Marigolds are a vibrant addition to patio planters, with their showy blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Their strong scent acts as a natural pest repellent, keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay while attracting beneficial pollinators like butterflies. They also are a low-maintenance choice for adding bold color to your outdoor living space.
- Mature Size: Marigolds can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and wide, with some varieties reaching 4 feet.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Marigolds feature bright yellow, orange, and red flowers, with some varieties having double blooms.
- Life Cycle: Marigolds are annuals, blooming from late spring to early fall, and can self-seed for future years.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Marigolds are generally deer-resistant and have natural pest-repellent properties, making them a low-maintenance choice.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Marigolds thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, with moderate watering and fertilization for optimal growth and blooming.
#3 – Zinnias
Botanical Name: Zinnia Elegans
Common Name: Youth-and-age, Common Zinnia, or Elegant Zinnia
Zinnias are a vibrant and cheerful addition to patio planters, with their bold, daisy-like blooms in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white.
Their long-lasting flowers and easy-care nature make them a low-maintenance choice for adding pops of color to your outdoor living space. Zinnias also attract pollinators like butterflies, making them a beneficial plant for your patio garden.
- Mature Size: Depending on the variety, zinnias can grow 12-36 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Zinnias features a wide range of vibrant colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, white, and purple.
- Life Cycle: Zinnias are annuals, blooming from summer to frost, with deadheading encouraging more flowers.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Zinnias are deer-resistant but susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Zinnias thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring regular watering and monthly fertilization for optimal growth and blooming.
#4 – Geraniums
Botanical Name: Pelargonium x hortorum
Common Name: Zonal Geranium or Garden Geranium
Geraniums are versatile patio plants that thrive in containers and add vibrant color to patios. Their showy blooms come in various colors, including red, pink, white, and orange, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
Geraniums are low-maintenance and can be used year-round in warm climates, providing a pop of color and a pleasant scent.
- Mature Size: Geraniums can grow 12-24 inches tall and wide, with some trailing varieties reaching 36 inches.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Geraniums feature vibrant red, pink, white, orange, and other blooms, and some varieties have variegated foliage.
- Life Cycle: Geraniums are tender perennials, often grown as annuals, blooming from spring to frost.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Geraniums are generally deer-resistant but susceptible to pests like aphids and whiteflies.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Geraniums thrive in full sun and well-draining soil and require regular watering and monthly fertilization.
#5 – Begonias
Botanical Name: Begonia spp.
Common Name: Begonias
Begonias are a versatile choice for patio planters, offering a wide range of vibrant flower colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white.
Their lush foliage and long-blooming nature make them an excellent addition to shaded patio areas, providing eye-catching color and contrast. Begonias are also low-maintenance and attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies to your outdoor living space.
- Mature Size: Begonias range from 6-24 inches tall and wide, depending on the variety.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Begonias offers a wide array of vibrant flower colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. Some varieties also feature colorful foliage.
- Life Cycle: Begonias are tender perennials, often grown as annuals, blooming from spring to frost.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Begonias are generally deer-resistant but susceptible to pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Begonias thrive in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil, requiring regular watering and monthly fertilization.
#6 – Impatiens
Botanical Name: Impatiens spp.
Common Name: Busy Lizzie, Patience Plant, Sultana, Impatiens
Impatiens are a vibrant choice for patio planters. They offer lush, showy blooms and a wide range of bright, eye-catching colors, including pink, red, purple, white, and orange.
Impatiens are also low-maintenance and attract beneficial pollinators, making them an excellent addition to shaded patio areas that provide color and attract wildlife to your outdoor living space.
- Mature Size: Depending on variety, impatiens can grow 6-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Impatiens feature a wide range of vibrant flower colors, including pink, red, purple, white, and orange.
- Life Cycle: Impatiens are tender annuals, blooming from spring to frost with proper care.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Impatiens are generally deer-resistant but can be susceptible to pests like aphids and thrips.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Impatiens thrive in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil, requiring regular watering and monthly fertilization.
#7 – Lantana
Botanical Name: Lantana camara
Common Name: Big-sage, Wild-sage, Red-sage, White-sage, and Tickberry
Lantanas are vibrant patio plants that thrive in containers, adding a burst of color to any outdoor space. Their clusters of blooms come in various hues, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple, creating a stunning visual display.
Lantanas are drought-tolerant, attract butterflies, and have a pleasant, sweet fragrance, making them a low-maintenance and beneficial addition to patios.
- Mature Size: Lantanas can grow 2-6 feet tall and wide, depending on variety, with trailing types reaching up to 3 feet.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Lantana blooms come in a vibrant array of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, and white, often in clusters.
- Life Cycle: Lantanas are tender perennials often grown as annuals. With proper care, they bloom from spring to frost.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Lantanas are deer-resistant but susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Lantanas thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring moderate watering and occasional fertilization for optimal growth and blooming.
#8 – Calibrachoa
Botanical Name: Calibrachoa spp.
Common Name: Million Bells
Million bells are a vibrant choice for patio planters, offering a cascading display of colorful, bell-shaped blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, yellow, and white.
Their trailing habit makes them ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes, adding pops of color to brighten up any patio. Calibrachoa is also low-maintenance and self-cleaning, attracting beneficial pollinators like butterflies to your outdoor living space.
- Mature Size: Calibrachoa can trail 12-24 inches long and grow 6-12 inches tall.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Calibrachoa blooms come in a wide range of vibrant colors, including pink, purple, red, yellow, and white.
- Life Cycle: Calibrachoa are tender perennials, often grown as annuals, blooming from spring to frost.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Calibrachoa are generally deer-resistant but can be susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Calibrachoa thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring consistent moisture and regular fertilization.
#9 – Fuchsias
Botanical Name: Fuchsia spp.
Common Name: Hummingbird Fuchsia, Hardy Fuchsia, or Chilco
Fuchsias are a stunning addition to patio planters, with their unique, pendulous blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. Their cascading habit makes them perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers, adding a touch of elegance and color to your outdoor living space.
Fuchsias are also low-maintenance and attract hummingbirds with their nectar-rich flowers.
- Mature Size: Fuchsias can grow 12-36 inches tall and wide, with trailing varieties reaching up to 3 feet.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Fuchsias feature unique, pendulous blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, often with contrasting sepals.
- Life Cycle: Fuchsias are tender perennials often grown as annuals. With proper care, they bloom from spring to frost.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Fuchsias are generally deer-resistant but can be susceptible to pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Fuchsias thrive in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil, requiring consistent moisture and regular fertilization for optimal growth and blooming.
#10 – Coleus
Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides
Common Name: Coleus
Coleus are vibrant patio plants offering a wide range of bold foliage colors, including red, purple, green, and yellow. Their lush, textured leaves make them ideal for adding visual interest and contrast to containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds.
Coleus are low-maintenance, thrive in partial shade, and attract pollinators to your outdoor living space.
- Mature Size: Coleus can grow 12-36 inches tall and wide, depending on variety, with some varieties reaching up to 3 feet.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Coleus features a wide range of vibrant foliage colors, including red, purple, green, yellow, and more, often with contrasting veins.
- Life Cycle: Coleus are tender perennials often grown as annuals. With proper care, they bloom from spring to frost.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Coleus are generally deer-resistant but susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Coleus thrive in partial shade and well-draining soil, requiring consistent moisture and occasional fertilization for optimal growth and color.
#11 – Caladiums
Botanical Name: Caladium spp.
Common Name: Caladium, Angels Wings, or Elephant Ears
Caladiums are vibrant tropical foliage plants that thrive in shaded patio areas. They add bold splashes of color in shades of red, pink, white, and green.
Their large, heart-shaped leaves create a lush, eye-catching display that can instantly transform a patio into a verdant oasis. Caladiums are low-maintenance and attract pollinators, making them versatile and beneficial for container gardening.
- Mature Size: Caladiums can grow 12-24 inches tall and wide, with some varieties reaching up to 36 inches.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Caladiums feature large, heart-shaped leaves in vibrant shades of red, pink, white, and green, often with contrasting veins.
- Life Cycle: Caladiums are tender perennials often grown as annuals. They die back in winter and re-emerge in spring.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Caladiums are generally deer-resistant but susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Caladiums thrive in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil, requiring consistent moisture and occasional fertilization.
#12 – Crotons
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum
Common Name: Croton, Garden Croton, Puding, Joseph’s Coat, Variegated Croton, Variegated Laurel, Codiaeum
Crotons are vibrant, tropical foliage plants that thrive in patio containers. They add bold splashes of color in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green. Their large, textured leaves create a lush, eye-catching display that can instantly transform a patio into an exotic oasis.
Crotons are low-maintenance and attract pollinators, making them a versatile and beneficial choice for adding tropical flair to outdoor living spaces.
- Mature Size: Crotons can grow 12-36 inches tall and wide, depending on variety, with some varieties reaching up to 3 feet.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Crotons feature large, variegated leaves in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and green, often with contrasting patterns.
- Life Cycle: Crotons are tender perennials, often grown as annuals, blooming from spring to frost with proper care.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Crotons are generally deer-resistant but can be susceptible to pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Crotons thrive in partial to full shade and well-draining soil, requiring consistent moisture and occasional fertilization for optimal growth and color.
#13 – Hibiscus
Botanical Name: Hibiscus spp.
Common Name: Rosemallow, Roselle
Hibiscus are vibrant, tropical patio plants that add a bold, eye-catching splash of color to any outdoor living space. Their large, showy blooms in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow create a stunning focal point, while their lush foliage provides a beautiful backdrop.
Hibiscuses are also low-maintenance, attract pollinators, and can thrive in containers, making them an excellent choice for brightening patios and decks.
- Mature Size: Depending on the variety, hibiscus can grow 4-8 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide, with some dwarf varieties reaching 2-4 feet.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Hibiscus features large, showy blooms in vibrant shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white, often with contrasting centers.
- Life Cycle: Hibiscus are tender perennials often grown as annuals. With proper care, like deadheading, they bloom from spring to frost.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Hibiscus are generally deer-resistant but can be susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Hibiscus thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring consistent moisture and regular fertilization for optimal growth and blooming.
#14 – Gaillardia
Botanical Name: Gaillardia
Common Name: Brown-eyed Susan. Common Gaillardia. Great Blanket Flower. Indian Blanketflower
Gaillardia are vibrant patio plants that thrive in full sun. They add bold splashes of color in shades of red, orange, and yellow to any outdoor living space.
Their daisy-like blooms create an eye-catching focal point, while their drought-tolerance and low-maintenance nature make them a beneficial and easy-to-grow choice for patio containers and gardens.
- Mature Size: Gaillardia can grow 12-24 inches tall and wide, with some varieties reaching up to 30 inches.
- Colors of Flowers, Foliage, or Fruit: Gaillardia features daisy-like blooms in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and burgundy, often with contrasting centers.
- Life Cycle: Gaillardia are perennials that bloom from early summer to frost with proper care.
- Deer or Pest Resistance: Gaillardia are deer-resistant and generally pest-free, making them a low-maintenance choice for patio gardens.
- Specific Environmental Needs: Gaillardia thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring minimal watering once established.
These 12 vibrant patio plants offer a wonderful array of colors, textures, and growth habits to liven up any outdoor living space. But choosing the right plants for your patio goes beyond just aesthetics—it can significantly impact the overall atmosphere and functionality of your outdoor oasis.
Selecting the best patio plants for color is crucial to transforming your space’s look and feel completely. Bright, bold blooms and foliage can inject energy and excitement, while more muted hues can create a sense of tranquility and relaxation. The right plants can also attract beneficial pollinators, adding an extra layer of beauty and ecological value to your patio.
Whether for a vibrant, tropical vibe or a more serene, romantic ambiance, these 12 patio all-stars offer endless possibilities. Zinnias and lantanas bring a burst of sunshine, while begonias and fuchsias add a touch of elegance.
Coleus and caladiums provide bold, eye-catching foliage, while calibrachoa and geraniums cascade beautifully over containers and hanging baskets.
The key is to choose plants that suit your personal style and thrive in your specific growing conditions. With some planning and care, these 12 patio plants will transform your outdoor space into a true oasis of color and beauty.
So get out there, get planting, and get ready to enjoy season after season of patio perfection!