Patio and entertaining spaces can be challenging when it comes to adding greenery and plants. They’re often small, sun-drenched and every single plant needs to work for its spot. Fragrance, flowers and foliage, then, are important, but you also want patio plants that thrive on neglect and won't keel over if you forget to water during July or August.
Over the years, I’ve gardened in all sorts of spaces, from formal English gardens in London to vast gravel terraces in southern Italy. But, no matter the scale or style, certain plants just work better than others when it comes to patio and dining areas.
So, if you are looking for some of the best patio plants that are low-maintenance but still put on a brilliant summer show, you have come to the right place. Here are five of my favourite patio plants that thrive on neglect, which are sure to elevate any backyard entertaining spot this year.
5 patio plants that thrive on neglect
Whether it's herbs like thyme or lavender that spill beautifully from pots, or perennial hydrangeas or salvias that will reliably flower for many months, you want to pick species that you can rely on for impact.
The following five patio plants include easy-going options for pot displays or borders surrounding entertaining areas.
These are tough and dependable, and will add a sensory element to patios, with captivating color, heady scent and dramatic foliage. Just be sure to choose species of shrubs and perennials that are well-suited to your yard and US hardiness zone.
1. Flowering currant
'The flowering currant, or Ribes sanguineum, is one of the best spring-flowering shrubs,' says Tabar Gifford, plant expert and American Meadows master gardener.
'Growing from zone 6 to zone 9, this plant is sure to brighten up patio areas with clusters of pink blooms in spring, providing an essential nectar source for hummingbirds before most other flowers have emerged.
'As one of the best shrubs that thrive on neglect, these tough plants can handle plenty of heat and drought once they are established, and can grow well in both full sun and partial shade.
'What's more, in addition to its showy flowers, the flowering currant boasts attractive foliage and berries that support wildlife throughout the seasons.
'For container growing, it performs best in large pots with rich, well-draining soil,' Tabar adds, 'and consistent, deep watering in extremely hot weather is important. Other than that, this easy-going species will put on a great display year after year.'
For an edible option, plant something like this white currant, with live starter plants available to order via Amazon.
With unusual, white berries during summertime, this fruiting shrub will prove impactful and delicious in any patio area.
2. Invicibelle Hydrangeas
'Invicibelle Hydrangeas are one of the best hydrangea varieties for small spaces,' says plant expert Katie Sunderlage, who is based in Wisconsin.
'Growing best from zone 3 to zone 8, there are so many different dwarf or mini invicibelle varieties that are perfect for patio pots.
'My favorite is 'Mini Mauvette', which only grows to about three feet tall and wide,' Katie continues. 'The rounded, pink and mauve blooms remain upright on thick stems that won’t flop over when blooms get wet or become full-sized.'
Ruby colored invincibelle hydrangea starter plants can be ordered via Amazon.
'Being a smooth hydrangea variety, they will bloom from early summer until the first frost, thriving with little care in full to part sun locations.
'Hydrangeas prefer well-drained but moist soil,' Katie says. 'While they are fairly drought-tolerant once established, I always suggest adding a layer of mulch to the top of the root ball can help maintain more consistent water levels.
'Each spring, prune the plant back to about a third of its total height just as the new growth emerges.'
3. Mock orange
Mock orange, or Philadelphus, are native to North America, Europe and Asia, growing best from zone 4 to zone 7 in sunny yards.
'These are some of the best fragrant shrubs that are remarkably low-maintenance,' says Gail Pabst, gardening expert and Marketing Director for the National Garden Bureau.
'The perfume is not too different from orange blossom,' Gail adds, 'and works particularly well used on or near patios, filling the air with delightful scent.
'There are many new mock orange varieties that can be found in different shapes and sizes, including dwarf options from two or three feet tall.'
Starter mock orange plants can be ordered from Amazon.
4. Salvia
For low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants, you won't find much better than salvia.
In terms of how to grow salvias, this perennial thrives in sunny borders and pots, can handle drought, and will flower for incredibly long periods.
There are estimated to be over 1,000 species of Salvia growing worldwide, so you are bound to find one to suit your tastes and needs.
One of my favorite types of salvia for patio areas would be Salvia nemorosa, or the woodland sage, which is hardy down to zone 4 and thrives in hot, dry yards.
Live Salvia nemorosa plants are available to order from Amazon.
This popular purple species typically flowers for much of the summer, and, once established, will need little care, other than deadheading during the growing season and pruning down to the base in winter.
5. Lavender
There are many different lavender varieties to choose from, including French lavender, Lavandula stoechas, or English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, both of which are herbs that thrive on neglect.
In terms of how to grow lavender, while it will depend on the variety, most can be planted from zone 5 to zone 9, with a preference for full sun and well-draining soil.
These aromatic herbs do well in pots on a sun-drenched patio, thriving during dry and sunny weather, although the occasional water in summer will prevent them from looking a little sad.
Live lavender plants can be ordered from Amazon.
You can also try growing lavender in a raised bed on a patio, using something like this galvanized raised planter, available from Amazon.
FAQs
What is a good native North American shrub to plant near patios?
For a native North American shrub that works well near patio areas, why not learn how to grow buttonbush? Growing best from zone 5 plus, buttonbush, or Cephalanthus occidentalis, can be planted in either sun or shade.
This easy-going plant will fill pots and borders with lush foliage and unusual blooms, ideal for low-maintenance patio areas. Buttonbush shrubs can be ordered from Amazon.
You can also introduce some patio vegetable garden ideas to your plot, which is a good idea if you are keen on kitchen gardening.
For example, did you know that you can grow spinach in pots? This easy edible leaf can help to add an edible dimension to your patio pot displays.
For more low-maintenance inspiration, see our guide on the best small trees that thrive on neglect, including Japanese maples, which can be grown in pots and grown on part-shade patios.
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Made of lightweight and durable polyethylene, this Pepinn resin pot planter is perfect for patio pot displays and is ideal for colorful herbs and shrubs.
