Outdoor design planters – how to find the right model for your home
1. The right planter for every purpose
Indoors, on the balcony or in the garden – there are planters for every purpose, so you can add greenery wherever you like:
A classic planter (2) and a planter box (1) are the most versatile options. Both are also ideal for dividing up areas, bringing greenery to paved surfaces or showing off special plants.
For an outside windowsill, a windowsill planter (3) that fixes in place at each end is the ideal choice.
For the balcony, alongside the classic hanging balcony planter (4), you can choose a balcony planter that fixes over the railing and around the corner (5) or a planter box with a shelf (6).
1. Planter box: Jan Kurtz – Minigarden planter | 2. Planter: Collection – flower pot with saucer | 3. Windowsill planter: rephorm – windowgreen | 4. Balcony planter: Ferm Living – Bau Balcony Box | 5. Railing planter: rephorm – Eckling planter | 6. Planter box with shelf: fermob – Terrazza flower box 2. Finding the right planter material
Indoor planters can be made of any material, but outdoor pots need to meet a few criteria. Outdoor planters should be weather-resistant and stable, so that wind and rain can't harm them. They should also let excess rainwater drain away.
1. Wood: Jan Kurtz – Minigarden planter with stand | 2. Ceramic: Northern – Oasis plant pot | 3. Stone composite: Eternit – Spindel plant pot | 4. Plastic: rephorm – Steckling Duo planter | 5. Textile: Bacsac – Baclong geotextile planter bag | 6. Metal: Ferm Living – Hourglass flower pot Planters come in a wide range of materials, and each one has its own advantages:
Wood (1) is a natural material that pairs beautifully with plants. For outdoor planters, it's important to choose weather-resistant woods. The best options are teak – particularly popular for its grain and for a colour that changes over time – as well as acacia, eucalyptus and bamboo. However, wooden planters are best used as outer pots: in direct contact with soil and the moisture it holds, they can start to break down over time if they are not coated on the inside.
Ceramic (2) planters are also well suited to outdoor use, as they are particularly hard-wearing and durable. The most common materials are earthenware and terracotta, available glazed or unglazed. In their raw, unglazed state, these materials have the advantage of being breathable and moisture-regulating.
"Planters made of stone composite or ceramic usually stand out for their interesting surfaces. Combine a few of them and you can easily give any outdoor space a Mediterranean feel." – Viktoria, interior expert
Pots made of concrete or stone (3) are also breathable and moisture-regulating. The preferred option is fibre cement. It is made from the natural materials cement, limestone powder, fibres, air and water and is 100 per cent recyclable. Fibre cement planters are coloured all the way through, so chipping or colour rub-off is not an issue. They are also frost-resistant, robust and durable. Grey concrete pots bring together urban and rural style for an interesting effect.
Plastic (4) models are available in a particularly wide range of colours and stand out for their light weight – practically all the weight comes from the plant itself. If you choose a plastic outdoor flower pot, make sure the plastic is suitable for outdoor use, as some plastics can become brittle and crack in frost.
Planters made of textile or fabric (5) are the latest trend. They are usually made of 100% recyclable geotextile and are breathable, UV-resistant and frost-resistant. Another advantage: without a plant, they are very light and easy to store.
Another material for outdoor design planters is metal (6), which is extremely durable and holds its shape. However, metal planters should ideally not stand in full sun, as they can heat up. Make sure your plant always gets enough water, too. It's important to look for drainage holes in the base so that excess water can drain away and doesn't collect. Alternatively, you can use saucers.
3. Styling outdoor spaces with planters
Large or tall – there are plenty of striking planters that can show off even simple grasses to great effect. Beyond balconies, terraces and gardens, they also make entrances, paths and plain grey walls look more attractive and welcoming.
1. rephorm – Plantower planter | 2. Eternit – Biasca plant pot | 3. Eternit – Twista planter | 4. Ferm Living – Hourglass flower pots You'll find more tips and ideas for designing small balconies, roof terraces and outdoor kitchens in our guides.
4. Summary – what to consider when buying a planter
- There is a suitable planter for every purpose. As well as classic planters and planter boxes that can go anywhere, there are special models that fix to a windowsill or balcony.
- Indoors, you can use a flower pot in any material. Outdoors, weather resistance and stability are just as important as allowing rainwater to drain away.
- From versatile plastic and on-trend textile to classic ceramic or solid concrete and stone – Connox offers a wide choice of materials for design planters, and each has its own advantages. Natural wood and understated metal are also popular choices.
- Design planters give you plenty of ways to decorate not only balconies, terraces and gardens, but also entrances, paths and grey walls in style and give them a natural touch.
Buy outdoor design planters online at Connox – your benefits at a glance
- high-quality outdoor planters – originals from top design brands
- personal support from our customer service team
- fair delivery costs
- secure payment thanks to SSL encryption
Shopping advice at Connox
Would you like to buy outdoor design planters online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen items delivered straight to your door.
