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When you're shopping for the best plant pot for the leafy Monstera in your living room, you don't have to consider much more than its appearance (and whether your plant will fit inside). Choosing outdoor plant pots, however, requires a little more thought.
Budget, location and the upkeep you're happy to do must all be considered before you can make your final selection. You have to choose something that's sturdy enough for the job: a garden pot for flowers might not be strong enough to hold a small shrub.
To help you pick the right outdoor plant pot for your needs, we've broken down some of the pros and cons of the most typical materials on offer.
Wood has a rustic, natural finish and, opting for FSC-certified, is a good sustainable option. If you go for those made with untreated timber, they can be stained or painted a colour of your own choice. It does require annual treatments to keep it looking its best and, if not cared for, can become susceptible to damp or mould damage.
Plastic is hardwearing, doesn't need any maintenance, is lightweight and usually quite inexpensive — so it's great for those on a budget. It will fade over time, though, and doesn't always look as smart as metal or wooden options.
Metal typically fares well outside. It won't fade or go mouldy, but lesser-quality options may begin to rust after some time. It's very versatile and there are many different finishes depending on whether you're looking to achieve a more modern or traditional effect.
Terracotta has that lovely warm tone that works very well indoors and outdoors. Larger pots can be pricey and this material will smash if you happen to drop it.
Concrete is long-lasting, a strong insulator and able to withstand elements such as wind or rain. It's incredibly heavy but offers superb durability so will last for decades, and will continue to look better with age.
Whatever you're looking for, we've rounded up a selection of our favourite outdoor plant pots in a range of colours, materials and price points, so you can show off all your plants in your garden or on your patio or balcony perfectly.
A lot of outdoor plant pots are more neutral in colour, but this Habitat number, with its minty base and fun beachy stripes, will bring a splash of joy to your patio.
Bushy shrubs and your homegrown lavender would look especially lovely in this little iron bowl. Its elegant curves are bringing plenty of modern appeal.
As Sarah Raven says, smaller flowers and plants are best displayed clustered together, as shown here to brilliant effect. Use this lovely Auricula stand to add some charm to patio corners, or as a statement tablescaping centrepiece for garden parties. You can buy with or without the terracotta pots.
Small spaces don't have to be drab. This inexpensive set of over-railing planters will add some cheer to even the most bijou of balconies.
This lovely vintage-looking set of planters is just waiting to add some flair to a bare corner in your garden.
This wide-brimmed bowl, made from 100 per cent recycled materials, will bring a more Mediterranean sensibility to your space.
You've got your plants, you've found the right pots, so now you need somewhere to show off all your hard work. This lovely rack, or plant theatre, as the brand calls it, will showcase your shrubs perfectly. It's a good one for your herb garden especially.
This simple wall hung planter will turn a drab fence or unloved bit of wall into a feature in its own right. Stock up on several to amplify the effect.
You can always rely on Joe Browns for offbeat finds you won't find elsewhere. This large planter, replete with a Buddha head, certainly doesn't disappoint. It's an antique-style option that will blend right into leafy environs seamlessly.
A perfect planter for your container garden, this woven basket effect planter is lightweight yet durable, and with the right plants, is perfect for zoning spaces in your garden.
Sleek, modern and really cool, this bench has a built-in planter for some added flair. Just finish with some comfy outdoor cushions to complete the scheme.
This classic earthenware pot is designed to withstand all weather conditions, so it can stay outside all winter without risk of cracking.
You wouldn't think that these striking outdoor plant pots are made from recycled oil drums – so they're both eco friendly and stylish.
These lovely cylinder terracotta plant pots have a timeless appeal. There are four sizes available, so take your pick.
Keep your little trees and shrubs in these wheeled plant pots. They'd look good either side of your front door, too.
Keep baby plants safe with this set of 10 classic terracotta pots. We think they'd look great displayed on an outdoor plant rack.
Keep your bigger, leafiest outdoor plants in here. We love the textured braided effect.
With a deep reservoir tray, these inexpensive plant pots ensure you won't have to worry about needy plants wilting without frequent watering.
Use this versatile trough for herbs, as a window box, or even as an ice box for beers and wine bottles in the summer. It's available in two sizes.
How cute are these? These novelty outdoor plant pots are definitely a good gift for a dog owner.
Mayola is our Ecommerce Intern, covering home and garden content for House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Red, Cosmopolitan and Elle. Mayola has an NCTJ-accredited degree from Brunel University London, where she spent time gaining experience at publications such as The Times, Sky News and Bloomberg TV. Day to day, you’ll find her writing about the latest sales and launches, along with buying guides and reviews on the products you need to know about. From silk pillowcases to smart alarm clocks to dressing tables, Mayola is committed to finding the best products and deals to help readers buy with confidence. Mayola loves to search the internet and social platforms for emerging shopping trends – and also tackles the occasional piece on fashion, beauty, tech and wellness. When not writing, Mayola can be found listening to podcasts, travelling, shopping and dining alfresco in London and beyond.
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Home Hall Decoration Mayola is our Ecommerce Intern, covering home and garden content for House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Red, Cosmopolitan and Elle. Mayola has an NCTJ-accredited degree from Brunel University London, where she spent time gaining experience at publications such as The Times, Sky News and Bloomberg TV. \nDay to day, you’ll find her writing about the latest sales and launches, along with buying guides and reviews on the products you need to know about. From silk pillowcases to smart alarm clocks to dressing tables, Mayola is committed to finding the best products and deals to help readers buy with confidence. \nMayola loves to search the internet and social platforms for emerging shopping trends – and also tackles the occasional piece on fashion, beauty, tech and wellness. When not writing, Mayola can be found listening to podcasts, travelling, shopping and dining alfresco in London and beyond.