Plants for every outdoor space

If, like us, the first sight of sunshine has you reaching for your gardening gloves, then allow us to offer a little outside inspiration. From windowsills to balconies, patios to terraces, however big – or small – your outdoor space, you’ll find a plant that fits in our collection. 

What to consider when choosing outdoor plants

1. Care requirements

Just like houseplants, outdoor plants all have different needs. Some will thrive in bright sunshine, while others will prefer the cool calm of a shady spot. When choosing your plants, think about the conditions your outside space receives, and try to match them to the care requirements, whether that’s bright light, low light, or tolerance to harsh wind. This will give your plants the best chance of survival. 

2. Experience level

Another thing to think about is your own horticultural skills. Are you a first-time gardener or an expert green thumb? Are you keen to give your plants lots of time and attention, or would you prefer to take a more hands-off approach? Most of our outdoor plants are low maintenance, but it’s worth thinking about the attention they’ll need before committing, as some will require a bit more than others.

3. Size and space 

Finally, think about the actual area you have to play with. Do you have room to grow, or do you need to save space for seating or tables? Are you happy to put down roots, or would you prefer to take your plants with you when you move house? All of these factors will help you whittle down the best plants for your outside space.

The best plants for balconies

Creating an outdoor oasis in the sky, balcony plants offer some much-needed green relief in urban environments, as well as a practical screen for privacy from curious neighbours. As these spaces tend to be both unsheltered from wind but protected from direct rainfall, it's important to find plants that are drought- and wind-tolerant. It's a tricky balance, but our edit of (almost) Unkillable outdoor plants are ideal for this – hardy and able to thrive in almost any condition, they'll bring green energy without the upkeep. Bamboo is a great screening plant, while olive trees, bay trees and fatsia japonica will bring structure and flow to smaller spaces. If you want to save your floor space for furniture, trailing plants such as ivy are great ways to maximise on greenery – trail the vines around your balcony railings for a built-in green screen. 

The best plants for patios

For a paved patio or decking area, potted plants are your best friends. Not only does this mean no digging – and, crucially, no bedding or borders required – but they give you lots of flexibility, so you can move them around as you please. This is particularly handy for those living in rented accommodation, as you can take them with you when you move on. The downside to no-dig spaces is you may not have established plants that provide greenery and flow all year round. Our solution to this is to opt for evergreen, drought-tolerant plants – in our view, these are the best patio plants as they bring structure and foliage to your space throughout the seasons, with minimal effort on your part. Why not try a Bamboo, Bay tree, Olive tree, Chamaerops humilis or Canary Island Date palm? All of these are easy-care outdoor plants that will live happily in most conditions (and in plant pots). Fragrant plants are also great options for patios, as they release a natural aroma as you brush past them – ideal for more compact spaces. The likes of lavender, eucalyptus and flowering plants such as jasmine and honeysuckle will create a sweet scent that fills your patio in the summer months. Who needs a candle when you have the real deal? 

The best plants for windowsills

No outside space is too small for plants. If you have a level windowsill that can support a planter or two then it’s a great opportunity to introduce a touch of nature, especially in urban spaces where greenery may be harder to come by. A window box filled with lavender brings colour and scent to your view, as well as providing a source of food for pollinators, while ivy is an evergreen classic that requires little upkeep. For extra interest, opt for Carex – this low-effort grass has striped leaves and makes a great backdrop to flowering plants.

Ready to get growing? Explore our collection of easy-care outdoor plants, stylish pots and accessories, and bring your outside space to life – just in time for sunshine.