The Best Outdoor Planters Buying Guide

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Display your favorite flowers or succulents in containers that blend style and durability.

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Better Homes and Gardens / Kevin Liang

If you want to create a container garden, the plants you choose are important, but finding the best outdoor planter is also essential. Planters become extensions of your plants, subtly complementing the greenery or floral color scheme and adding a sculptural element that elevates the foliage.

As you shop for an outdoor planter, you’ll want to choose a style that fits your outdoor space and complements your decor and your plantings. Also, be sure you pick a planter that will accommodate your choice of plants. Some plants can thrive in a small container, but others will soon outgrow it.

You’ll also want to consider how durable planters are and how much they weigh. Carrie Spoonemore, co-creator of Park Seed’s From Seed to Spoon app, says, “If you anticipate needing to move the planter, a lightweight fabric or fiberglass planter is a great choice." However, if you get a lot of strong winds, you might want a heavier planter that’s unlikely to be knocked over.

When looking for vessels worthy of your beloved boxwoods or hostas, we made sure our list offered a range of materials, weights, sizes, and styles. We also prioritized drainage holes, so you don’t have to sweat about overwatering or heavy rainfalls flooding your greens.

This pot looks like ceramic but is lighter.

The 8-inch style is currently sold out on Amazon (but the 6-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch options are in stock and ready to ship).

This Robert Allen glazed ironstone planter offers the upscale style of ceramic pots, but is half the weight and much more durable. The break-resistant material won't dent, and it’s rust resistant. It’s created by three layers of high-quality paint that has been baked after each layer.

Even better, the planter has foam on the bottom to ensure it doesn’t scratch your floors or outdoor surfaces. It also comes with a drainage hole with a removable plug so it can work well for both indoors and outdoors. At roughly 8 inches in diameter, it isn’t suitable for larger plants, but will be sufficient for small- or medium-sized plants.

Product Details: Material: Metal | Weight: 1.05 pounds | Dimensions: 10.25 x 8 x 10.25 inches | Colors: Autumn blaze

A modern look makes this planter a focal point, even before you put a plant inside.

Its multilayered finish may be too busy for some tastes.

Perfect for small plants, the Better Homes & Gardens Nikolaos Ceramic Planter makes a strong design statement thanks to a multi-layered glaze that creates the look of fine pottery. The ceramic planter, measuring 8 inches in diameter and 6.7 inches tall, features a finish that’s fade- and stain-resistant.

Since it’s both decorative and durable, the planter makes a great vessel for small houseplants that live indoors during the winter and outside in the summer. The drainage hole includes a removable silicone plug, so you can control the amount of drainage as it moves (and ensure none of your indoor surfaces get ruined by water).

While we love the planter’s multi-layer finish, it may compete for attention with your plants and be too busy for some people’s tastes. It’s also available in two other sizes: 6 inches and 12 inches, but both are out of stock at the time of publish.

Product Details: Material: Ceramic | Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 8 x 6.7 x 8 inches | Colors: Multicolor

Handcrafted and painted with a distressed finish, this planter brings the charm and vintage spirit of European gardens to your outdoor living space.

This large planter is too heavy to move around your garden.

With a hand painted distressed finish and a vintage look, the Pottery Barn Eclectic Villa Outdoor Planter will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a European garden. The large pot is 20.75 inches in diameter, but it’s also available in several different sizes—each with a slightly different look.

Made of terra-cotta and handcrafted in the Philippines, the planters look old, but feature modern enhancements, such as silicone waterproofing and a drainage hole at the bottom. The pot weighs 88.25 pounds, so it will be too heavy to move around easily; you may need a plant dolly.

Product Details: Material: Terra-cotta | Weight: 88.25 pounds | Dimensions: 20.75 x 18 x 20.75 inches | Colors: Distressed finish

This planter is a great choice for contemporary-style outdoor living areas and can be left outside in all types of weather.

All sizes are the same height, so you can't create a varied look with several planters.

The Home Depot Metal Box Planter brings a contemporary flair to patios and decks—or it can be paired with a matching container to make a grand statement on both sides of the front door. At 30 inches tall, it serves as a stylish pedestal for eye-catching plants or topiaries.

It’s made from thick-gauge galvanized steel, which resists cracks and rust. The planter comes with a removable shelf, so you can place a smaller planter inside rather than filling the planter completely with dirt. It also comes with an optional drainage hole so you can ensure excess water drains out if you prefer.

A long 38-inch wide planter is also available if you want to mix and match different sizes, but keep in mind that all sizes are the same height. Like a few other planters on our list, this one is heavy at 35 pounds, so you may want to place it in a somewhat permanent location. Luckily it can be left outside year-round.

Product Details: Material: Galvanized steel | Weight: 35 pounds | Dimensions: 13.6 x 30 x 13.6 inches | Colors: Black, espresso, gray

This hand-finished terracotta number—complete with a matching saucer—is as timeless as the 1860 style it’s inspired by and will beautifully patina over time.

It's best to empty contents out and place them upside down throughout winter.

The Bergs Palace Pot and Saucer Set isn’t your typical terracotta planter. Crafted using clay from Italy, it’s Berg’s recreation of an 1860 Danish design for Fredensborg Palace. In other words, fit for royalty. Rest assured that despite the good looks, the material is durable to endure the elements, especially since these are high-fired for frost resistance.

However, the manufacturer recommends emptying the planters and storing them upside in the winter months to make the planters last as long as possible. It might be a better option for people who live in year-round warmer climates.

The layered scalloped edge is the star selling point, available in either a traditional rosy orange or a cement-like gray. Sizes vary greatly, from a petite 4.4-inch option to a larger 13-inch vessel. Though you can snag the same style in a wider bowl shape, too, starting at $64.

While we adore the natural patina of this raw material, which changes in color over time as oils and water slowly soak into the porous material, you can buff these with a soft cloth in between seasons with a mild vinegar solution.

Product Details: Material: Clay | Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.75 x 10.25 inches | Colors: Rose, gray

The contemporary planter doubles as a striking garden sculpture.

It’s heavier than other materials like resin or plastic.

A concrete finish and gentle curves give the Kante Concrete Tall Planter a modern sculptural look that promises to upgrade any outdoor living area. It’s made of a lightweight concrete, which combines the concrete and weather-resistant fiberglass, so it can stand up well to all types of weather.

Although it’s lighter than standard concrete, it’s heavier than planters made from other materials, such as plastic, fiberglass, or ironstone. It won’t easily be tipped over, but it can still be moved after planting if needed. The planter includes a drainage hole and rubber plug, so it can be used both inside and out.

Product Details: Material: Concrete | Weight: 18.7 pounds | Dimensions: 17 x 21.7 x 17 inches | Colors: Charcoal, dark gray, iron oxide, natural concrete, pure white, weathered concrete

Featuring a timeless style, this planter is frost-resistant and exceptionally durable.

It’s relatively simple and won’t attract as much attention as other options with bright colors or patterns.

The round bowl-shape Piccadilly Pot Planter mimics the looks of lead, iron, and concrete, but since it’s made of fiberglass it’s 80% lighter than these other materials. Plus, it’s frost-resistant and won’t fade in the bright sun, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it out in harsh weather conditions.

It's the smallest in the Piccadilly collection and is well-suited for plants with shallow roots. It comes with a drainage hole to ensure any excess water will drain out to help keep your plants healthy. With a simple design and color, the planter won’t attract as much attention as some more sculptural or colorful planters, but it offers a classic, timeless look and top-notch durability.

Product Details: Material: Fiberglass | Weight: 7 pounds | Dimensions: 17.75 x 8.75 x 17.75 inches | Colors: Gray

With a shiny glazed finish and a textural look, these planters will add a modern, artistic flair to your potted plants.

It’s only available in neutral colors.

Only 3 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall, the Better Homes & Gardens Devi Planters are ideal for small succulents or cacti. You get six planters in this set, so you can either display them in a collection or give some away as housewarming or hostess gifts.

Featuring a shiny white glaze and a modern look, the planters serve as a sculptural partner for your plants—adding interest without attracting too much attention. They will fit well on a table on a porch, balcony, or patio. Practical as well as pretty, the planters include a drainage hole at the bottom with a removable plug.

They are available in a few colors, but note that the pots are all neutral colors (even the pink is very muted) and won’t offer much of a pop of color.

Product Details: Material: Ceramic | Weight: 3.96 pounds | Dimensions: 3 x 2.5 x 3 inches | Colors: White and assorted

This tall planter offers a great way to lend privacy to an outdoor living area and can be left outside all year.

Because of its size and weight, it may be cumbersome to move.

Fill the PolyStone Milan Tall Modern Rectangular Trough Planter with flowers, herbs, or foliage plants and use it to add privacy to a deck or patio. It looks and feels like stone, but it weighs much less since it’s made from a composite material. You can leave the planter outside all year, as it’s safe in temperatures as low as -30 degrees and as high as 150 degrees.

It’s also resistant to mold, mildew, stains, and salt spray. An insulated core helps protect plant roots from temperature fluctuations and three drainage holes with exit channels help remove any excess water.

The planter features a contemporary look and is available in an array of colors to match any decor. Since it is longer than most outdoor planters on our list, it may be awkward to move around, so you may want to decide on a permanent location for it before planting.

Product Details: Material: Composite | Weight: 27 pounds | Dimensions: 46 x 19 x 17 inches | Colors: Concrete gray, white, black, chocolate brown, greige, slate gray, gray granite, sandstone granite, white granite, black granite

This hanging planter includes a self-watering feature that allows you to water less often.

It’s more suited for flowers or hanging plants rather than fruits or vegetables.

Hanging baskets are not always the easiest planters to water, but at least the Gardner's Supply Company self-watering planters make the job easier. You fill the water reservoir and can easily check on the water level. This allows you to water less often while still ensuring that your hanging basket doesn’t dry out in the sun.

The planter includes the hanging chain and hook, so you don’t have to purchase the items separately. Since the chain hangs above the planter, it’s not ideal for tall plants like fruits or vegetables. However, we think it's ideal if you want to add a splash of color to your outdoor space by adding a bright hanging planter with flowers.

Product Details: Material: Polypropylene | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Dimensions: 13.75 x 7.5 x 13.75 inches | Colors: Teal

The removable inserts with preplaced drainage holes make it easy to repot plants.

They’re only available in one size (a capacity of 3.7 gallons).

If you're looking for a stylish addition to your entryway, consider the Sunnydaze Wood Slatted Planter Box. The outer planter features slats of acacia wood held together with industrial accents, while the insert is a lightweight plastic liner that’s removable for easier planting.

This feature is also handy when it comes to dumping and cleaning in between seasons; all you’ll have to do is give the planter a good rinse with the hose. For proper drainage, it comes with leveling feet so you don’t have to worry about water soaking more in one corner of the other.

We appreciate that the design is weather- and rust-resistant, reinforced with powder-coated metal. Since this is a free-standing box, it would be easy to dress up a patio, deck, or backyard. That said, it only comes in one size that holds 3.7 gallons.

Product Details: Material: Acacia wood, metal | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Dimensions: 24 x 8.25 x 8.75 inches | Colors: Natural

Separate compartments make it easy to grow multiple herbs in one spot.

If you only grow one or two herbs, this planter may be larger than you need.

The VegTruck 8-Pocket Herb Garden includes eight lined planting compartments so you can grow different herbs and keep all your plants organized. These separate compartments also make it easier to add herbs at different times without disturbing the roots of the existing herbs.

At 32 inches tall, it brings the workspace up to a comfortable level, reducing the need for bending and kneeling. The wood is treated with a water-based, food-safe preservative. We also love that the planter includes a slatted shelf for storage below the planting compartments, so you can easily store your watering can or potting soil.

It’s available in several finishes so you can choose the color that best matches your patio decor. It takes up more space on a deck or patio than a standard pot, so it may be too much for some—but it’s the best outdoor planter if you want to grow a flavorful herb garden.

Product Details: Material: Cedar | Weight: 21 pounds | Dimensions: 31 x 32 x 23 inches | Colors: Brown, natural, gray, and sage green

Fabric pots can help boost air circulation and drainage for vegetable plants, and these have reinforced handles so you can easily move them if needed.

They’re not the most stylish choice of planter.

Fabric pots are one of the best options for growing container vegetables. They increase air circulation to the plant and provide drainage (extra water can pass through the fabric, so you don’t need a drainage hole). The Vivosun pots are made from nonwoven, BPA-free fabric, with reinforced handles to make it easier to move them if needed.

The set comes with five 3-gallon pots, which are big enough for many vegetable plants. Although they are not the most stylish option, they are extremely practical and will help make your vegetable gardening endeavors a success.

At the end of the season, you can just clean these planters out and fold them up for easy storage in your outdoor shed or garage.

Product Details: Material: Nonwoven fabric | Weight: 0.93 pounds | Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.8 x 9.7 inches | Colors: Black

These railing planters won’t take up any square footage.

It’s only available in one color and style.

Nothing completes a garden balcony like a railing planter to add charm to the space. Constructed of hand-welded metal, the Harmiden Window Box Railing Planters (you get a set of two) are sprayed with a hard plastic coating that helps them resist rust and corrosion.

They come with a coconut fiber liner that helps retain water, which the plant roots can use when needed. However, the liner also allows excess water to drain, and the planter has a drainage hole as well to help prevent root rot. These planters do need to be assembled, but assembly is easy.

With adjustable brackets, they’ll fit on balcony or deck railings that are 3 to 6 inches wide. You can also use the pre-drilled tabs to screw them onto a wall or windowsill and install them as a window box rather than a railing planter.

At 30-inches wide, they offer a generous amount of planting space for flowers and plants. While some planters on our list are available in multiple colors and styles, this set is only available in black.

Product Details: Material: Metal | Weight: Not Listed | Dimensions: 7 x 30 x 7 inches | Colors: Black

This planter looks like wood but is made with a durable, UV- and fade-resistant resin that won’t swell or crack during temperature changes.

The 16-inch size is currently sold out.

Although the Better Homes & Gardens Whiskey Barrel Planter resembles a classic whiskey barrel planter, it is actually even harder. The durable resin, constructed with 50 percent certified recycled plastic, won’t bend, warp, or crack when temperatures swing throughout the year.

Aside from its frost- and weather-resistant capabilities, it’s also incredibly easy to care for—all you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth. It also ships pre-assembled, with three molded drainage holes that you can easily punch out, no drill required.

Plus, at just $15 a pop, it’s incredibly affordable for its large 20-inch size. It can easily be used for container gardening or as a pretty perch for trailing flowers, even small bushes or trees. At first glance, visitors will be convinced the wood grain is the real deal. How could you get just one?

The only real downside is that the larger 16-inch size is sold out at the time of publication, and we’re not sure if or when it will be back.

Product Details: Material: Resin | Weight: 4 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 13 inches | Colors: Brown

The terra-cotta pot offers a classic appeal that complements any setting.

This planter will become very heavy when filled with soil and plants so you won’t be able to easily move it around your garden or outdoor living area.

Sometimes classic is best, and the Pennington Heavy Rimmed Terracotta Pot is a great pick for holding a large plant or even a small tree. The terra-cotta clay is porous, so it lets the plant’s roots breathe. Additionally, a drainage hole lets any excess water run out to help prevent overwatering.

The subdued orange color offers a classic look that complements a range of outdoor decor styles, and it will develop a patina over time to add to the appeal. Because the planters are handmade, each one may vary slightly.

These planters are big enough to create a striking focal point near a door or an outdoor living area, but when they’re filled with soil and plants, they’ll be too heavy to move around. You’ll need to decide on a location and keep the planter there all season, or place the planter on a plant dolly.

Product Details: Material: Terra-cotta clay | Weight: 33.5 pounds | Dimensions: 17.5 x 16 x 17.5 inches | Colors: Terra-cotta

It includes a drainage plug to remove excess water after it rains.

It's only available in two colors.

If you tend to forget to water your plants or regularly go on vacation, a self-watering planter may be a great fit for your outdoor space. The Lechuza Canto Cube includes both a built-in water level indicator, which lets you easily see when it's time to water, and a drainage plug to remove any excess, which may be necessary after rainfall.

The planter is made of rust- and fade-resistant resin that has a woven look for added style. Plus, a removable liner allows for easy cleaning and repotting when necessary. The planter is 25 pounds, and its cube shape will help prevent it from becoming top heavy and tipping over from any strong winds.

Keep in mind, this planter is only available in gray or a lighter sand brown color, so it may not be an ideal pick if you're looking to add color to your patio. The planter is made of rust- and fade-resistant resin featuring a speckled stone look for added style.

Product Details: Material: Resin | Weight: 25 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 19.5 x 19 inches | Colors: Granite, sand brown

After researching a range of planters featuring different styles and materials, we chose the Robert Allen Avery Classic Ironstone Metal Planter Flower Pot as the overall best outdoor planter. We love that it is lightweight and rust resistant, and it has non-slip feet on the bottom.

In general, the various types of outdoor planter materials perform similarly, so your choice will be largely based on your personal preference regarding planter design, weight, and durability.

Glazed clay planters, such as ceramic planters like the Better Homes & Gardens Teramo Planter, can help retain more moisture in the soil than unglazed terra-cotta and offer eye-catching colors and designs. However, they can be broken more easily than plastic, resin, or fiberglass pots if knocked over. Plus, large ceramic pots tend to be heavier than other materials.

As you’re considering options, think about whether you need a material that is lightweight or one that can stay out during cold weather. “Metal can withstand cold temperatures, however, some metals are prone to rust if not properly treated or coated with protective finishes,” Spoonemore says.

Other planters, such as terra-cotta pots, should never be left outside when temperatures get below freezing. “Terra-cotta or clay planters should not be left out in the winter as they will eventually expand and crack with repeated freezing and thawing,” Spoonemore says.

“The size you choose should depend on several factors, such as the size of your garden, the types of plants, and personal preference,” Spoonemore says. You’ll also want to consider how much your plants are likely to grow and choose a planter that will accommodate their future growth. Some plants need more space to spread out and other plants, such as herbs and annuals, can do just fine in small planters.

The Better Homes & Gardens Devi Planters are only 3-inches in diameter, while the PolyStone Milan Tall Modern Rectangular Trough Planter is 46 inches long, 17 inches deep, and 19 inches tall.

Drainage is essential to avoid water pooling in the bottom of the container and causing your plant’s roots to rot. All planters should have drainage holes, except for fabric pots which will allow the water to drain because it’s a porous material.

“Check to see if your planter has drainage holes at the bottom,” Spoonemore says. “If it doesn’t have drainage holes, you can drill or punch them using a drill or a hammer and a nail.”

The best outdoor planters for any type of weather include fiberglass, fiber stone, plastic, concrete, and fabric pots. Resin planters, such as the Better Homes & Gardens Kamala Light Blue Resin Planter, and fiberglass planters, such as the Picadilly Pot Planters, are both frost-resistant and lightweight as well.

Concrete planters can also stay outside all winter, but they can be very heavy. Some planters, such as the Kante Weathered Concrete Tall Planter, mix fiberglass with concrete to get the look of concrete with less of the weight. Fabric pots, such as the Vivosun 3-Gallon Fabric Grow Bags, can also withstand the elements in any season and, if they are constructed well, can last for many years.

The price of outdoor planters can vary greatly, ranging from just a few dollars to a few hundred dollars or more, depending on size and material. The Better Homes & Gardens Nikolaos Planter is a bargain at only $6, however, at just 6 inches in diameter, it can only hold small houseplants.

The Eclectic Villa Outdoor Planter, meanwhile, is a few hundred dollars, but is much larger and can hold a wide range of plants. If you want your outdoor planter to make a strong style statement and be extremely durable, you’ll likely pay more.

However, if you just want a planter that can last a year or two and does a good job of holding plants, you can get by with paying less. Concrete planters, for example, are much pricier than plastic pots, but they are also more durable and offer a more upscale look.

Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a freelance writer who specializes in home and garden topics. To write this article, she researched the advantages and disadvantages of various types of outdoor planters and talked to Carrie Spoonemore, co-creator of Park Seed’s From Seed to Spoon app, about her experiences and thoughts about different types of materials used for outdoor planters. This article was most recently updated by Morgan Bulman, who joined Better Homes & Gardens as a senior commerce writer in 2024.