Best outdoor plant pots to decorate your garden or patio

Hard-wearing planters that can withstand the elements

ow the sun is shining, it's time to reinvest in our outdoor space.

Whether you’re heading to your local garden centre to pick up some greenery, having one delivered straight to your door or you’re trying your hand at growing, you will need to house your new plant baby in some sort of pot so it can grow up happy and fruitful.

Outdoor plant pots come in many shapes, sizes and materials. For modern aesthetics, look to concrete, sandstone or fibrestone materials, while those going for a Morrocan-inspired theme will find the addition of terracotta pots as a stylish finishing touch. Plastic is one of the most common and cheapest, while ceramic is usually expensive and typically come with pretty decorations. There's benefits to each option.

Concrete is hard-wearing with a tough construction that means it will stand in situ in your garden for years to come. Its minimalistic colourway means you can keep things pared-back and chic or mix and match with bright blooms to let the flowers do the talking.

Stone is contemporary, cool and durable, but fibrestone is easier to move around your garden with the bonus that it's barely distinguishable from the real thing. This means you can set them in patios, balconies or wherever you desire to bring vibrant greenery with no fear of the floor collapsing through. The same goes for sandstone. Terracotta is a hugely popular material for planters - and for good reason. Its porous nature means that the soil within gets just the right amount of hydration.

Then there's the question of circular, square or troughs, hanging or traditional - questions that depend on your preference and the space available.

You want an option that gives roots space to grow, but also not too large otherwise you may overwater. Troughs make for an easy way to transform bijou balconies in the heart of the city into pretty escapes or let you create a home-grown herb garden to add new levels to your cooking.

Those lacking in space can still flex their gardening prowess with hanging designs or wall fixtures that prove you can do a lot with a compact exterior.

While a plant pot's appearance may feel like the most important thing, you must also consider function. Plant pots with reservoirs at the bottom to store excess water will provide a helping hand for the forgetful yet optimistic green-fingered among us.

Most crucial of all, a drainage hole is an absolute essential for outdoor plant pots in the UK, both for the weather and to help with overwatering. The latter may also cause the fatal condition of root rot so if there's not a draining hole, you should DIY one with a drill.

Those that come complete with plates will allow you to drag the plant inside at the end of the summer, keeping your flooring dry when watering.

Shop the best outdoor plant pots below

Dimensions: H27.8 x D29.5cm

This plant pot is ideal for those just dipping their toe into growing. It is made from plastic that's frost-proof so you can leave it outside all year round. There's also the added bonus of a water reservoir to store some much need H2O for your plant babies for when they need it most - be it during a heatwave or when you’re abroad. The material is easy to clean and the black colourway means you can place it alongside any other design and it will match seamlessly, while also letting your flowers shine.

Dimensions: H80 x W78 x D58cm

You’ll never be without a sprig of rosemary for a Sunday roast or a clap of mint in your mojito when you grow your own. VegTrug has made it easier than ever to show off your herb gardening skills by creating this planter with designated spots for each of the essential cooking elements. No longer will the individual herbs compete for resources; they can flourish side by side in botanical harmony. The planter sits at the ideal working height (no bending necessary) and the durable FSC-certified wood construction will stand the test of time. Available in a neutral tone or the grey pictured.

Dimensions: H20 x W20 x D20cm

With the vibe of the British seaside, this playful planter from Habitat is a mood-boosting garden addition. It is adorned with handpainted blue and white stripes that give the summer feeling all year long. This is set alongside a soft mint green hue at the base that will elevate the greenery placed inside. You can place this pot inside or out due to the frost-resistant nature of the product.

Dimensions: H39 x Dia.48cm

If your garden aesthetic leans towards more modern sensibilities, you will want a planter like this from Nkuku to follow suit with the rest of your garden furniture. It is made from reclaimed iron that was once storage drums - so there's an eco-conscious nod too, while making a real statement with the textured finish that only gets better with age. The planter is created by hand in India using traditional artisinal techniques - something you’ll no doubt brag about when hosting parties al fresco.

Dimensions: Large: H37 x Dia.37cm, Medium: H32 x Dia.32cm

With this set of two planters, Ivyline has taken corrugated steel but instead of offering it in its natural state, it is given a modern and bright update with a powder-coated finish in an orange hue. The robust material will be able to withstand whatever the British weather throws at it, while remaining UV-stable and rust resistant. The duo of little and large is also available in green and slate and comes with a two year guarantee.

Dimensions: H22 x Dia.24cm

The soft pastel pink hue of this planter will bring the colour from the outset, even if your blooms have not yet had the chance to flower. The ceramic construction is hard-wearing, while the glossy finish is aesthetically-pleasing as well as gives the pot durability.

Dimensions: Three different available

Not only can you have some the most sought-after and aesthetically-pleasing plants delivered straight to your door at Patch, but the brand also offers the planters to match. There's an array of different materials to choose from but we have selected the concrete for its minimalistic but durable construction. You can be sure this pot will stand the test of time. It has a neutral colourway and will require draining holes to be drilled in.

From £15.

Dimensions: W32cm x L20cm x H35cm

The market is awash with wooden troughs as well as metal variations that are minimal but let's face it, kind of boring. This iteration is anything but. Made from fibre clay, it has been embellished with a stylish silver coating that is eye-catching and contemporary. Form, function and everything in-between, it can withstand the elements being both heat and frost resistant. Use indoors or out.

Dimensions: H100 x D23cm

Give your plants the space they need to grow tall, long and wide with this wooden planter that is not only a trough, but has a built-in trellis panel to encourage your vines to climb and flourish. It's a real statement piece that will become a focal point in your blossoming outdoor oasis.

Dimensions: H36 x W36 x D36cm

Terracotta furnishings remain an enduring garden trend and it's clear why. From the colour that will transport you to an outdoor oasis in Italy, to its frost-resistant nature, the pot provides a balance of style and substance.

Dimensions: H23 x Dia.23.1cm (for the largest size)

The interiors offering at H&M serves up some of the most underated soft and hard furnishings on the high street. The pieces are trend-led but are available at affordable price tags. These outdoor planters follow suit and come in three sizes and an array of neutral tones. Made with terracotta, they have been treated to a glossy glaze finish for both the pot itself and the saucer accompaniment.

Dimensions: Five available

Dot your pathways with a line of this stoneware vase and create the feel of a stately home. The beauty of the neutral grey tone is the ability to place shrubbery or flowers of any hue inside. It also comes in black, taupe and beige and is more lightweight than you’d expect from a stone construction.

Dimensions: 24cm

Whether you’re bringing a touch of nature to your urban balcony or adorning a patio with blooms, these baskets will transform any space with a cute countryside retreat vibe. The rattan construction is bang on trend that you can mix and match with furniture in the same fabric - after all, our love for the material shows no signs of wavering. Helpfully, it's lined to ensure precious water can't escape.

Dimensions: H34.5cm x W40cm x D15cm

You don't need a sizable landscape to be able to get your green fingers wagging. Make a feature wall by affixing this hexagonal planter to showcase your plant babies so they get the attention that they deserve. The design is made entirely from metal and is weather-resistant.

Dimensions: H52.5cm x W24.5cm x D24.5cm

It's not always easy to grow plants from scratch or keep your store-bought options alive, but if you’ve successfully manage to do either of the above, you may want to treat the greenery in question to the pedestal that it deserves. Enter this black frame and planter set. Both are made entirely from metal to remain sturdy yet offer a subtle, modern statement.