Best Plants For Concrete Planters: 15 Attractive And Hardy Choices

The best plants for concrete planters combine attractive growth with the ability to cope with the unique conditions created by heavy, durable containers. Concrete planters are excellent for patios, entrances, balconies, courtyards, terraces, and garden borders, but their depth, drainage, weight, and tendency to retain heat can influence which plants perform well.

Choosing suitable plants starts with considering the planter’s size, drainage holes, location, and exposure to sunlight. Plants with compact root systems can work particularly well in smaller containers, while larger planters can accommodate shrubs, ornamental grasses, herbs, and statement plants with greater root volume.

Moisture management is equally important because concrete containers can become hot in direct sunlight and may dry out differently from plants growing in open ground. A well-drained potting mix, appropriate watering routine, and sufficient drainage can help prevent both drought stress and waterlogged roots.

In this guide, we explore 15 of the best plants for concrete planters, including flowering plants, evergreen foliage plants, herbs, grasses, succulents, and compact shrubs. We will also explain how to select plants according to planter size, sunlight, drainage, watering requirements, maintenance, and the overall style of your garden.

15 Best Plants For Concrete Planters

1. Lavender – Best Drought Tolerant Plants For Concrete Planters

Lavender is one of the best drought tolerant plants for concrete planters because it combines compact growth, attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and a strong preference for sunny, well-drained conditions. Its silvery foliage and purple flower spikes can provide a Mediterranean character that works particularly well around patios, entrances, and sunny terraces.

Concrete containers can become warm during sunny weather, and lavender generally appreciates the excellent drainage that can be provided by a suitable container growing mix. The plant is particularly useful where gardeners want an ornamental specimen that does not require constantly moist soil.

Use a free-draining growing medium and avoid allowing water to remain around the roots. Place the planter in full sun and prune lavender appropriately after flowering to help maintain a compact and attractive shape.

Pros:

• Excellent drought tolerance
• Thrives in full sun
• Highly fragrant flowers
• Attractive evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage
• Works well in containers
• Attracts pollinators
• Relatively low maintenance

Cons:

• Dislikes poorly drained soil
• Can become woody with age
• Needs careful watering during establishment

2. Rosemary – Best Herbs For Concrete Planters

Rosemary is among the best herbs for concrete planters because its evergreen, aromatic foliage provides both ornamental and culinary value. It prefers bright sunlight and well-drained soil, making it particularly suitable for containers positioned on sunny patios and terraces.

A concrete planter can provide enough stability for rosemary plants that may become moderately bushy over time. Growing rosemary in a container also makes it easier to keep the plant close to an outdoor kitchen or another convenient harvesting location.

Use a potting mix that drains freely and avoid excessive watering. During very hot weather, check container moisture regularly because even drought-tolerant herbs can dry out more rapidly when their roots are confined to a planter.

Pros:

• Evergreen foliage in suitable climates
• Useful culinary herb
• Fragrant foliage
• Thrives in full sun
• Good drought tolerance after establishment
• Attractive container plant
• Provides year-round structure

Cons:

• Dislikes waterlogged soil
• Can become woody
• May dry quickly in small containers

3. Agave – Best Succulent Plants For Concrete Planters

Agave is one of the best succulent plants for concrete planters because its architectural rosette and water-storing leaves are well suited to sunny, dry conditions. The bold structure of an agave can also turn a large concrete planter into a strong focal point.

Concrete planters provide excellent stability for heavier architectural plants, which is useful because some agaves can become top-heavy as they mature. A heavy container is also less likely to move during strong winds than a lightweight plastic pot.

Use a sharply draining growing medium and position the planter where it receives abundant sunlight. Water thoroughly but allow the growing medium to dry appropriately between irrigation sessions, and choose a species or cultivar whose mature size fits the container.

Pros:

• Excellent drought tolerance
• Thrives in strong sunlight
• Architectural appearance
• Low water requirements after establishment
• Heavy concrete containers provide stability
• Many varieties available
• Excellent focal-point plant

Cons:

• Some varieties have sharp leaves
• Requires excellent drainage
• Some species become very large

4. Boxwood – Best Evergreen Shrubs For Concrete Planters

Boxwood is among the best evergreen shrubs for concrete planters when year-round foliage and formal structure are priorities. Its small leaves and dense branching allow it to be clipped into balls, cones, low hedges, and other decorative shapes.

The weight of a concrete planter works well with formal boxwood because the container is unlikely to tip easily when positioned in an exposed location. Boxwood can create a polished appearance around entrances, pathways, patios, and formal garden designs.

Choose a planter large enough to accommodate the root system and provide adequate drainage. Container-grown boxwood also requires attention to watering because restricted roots can dry more quickly than plants established in open ground.

Pros:

• Evergreen foliage
• Excellent formal appearance
• Tolerates pruning
• Suitable for topiary
• Works well around entrances
• Heavy planter provides stability
• Provides year-round structure

Cons:

• Can require regular trimming
• Container plants need careful watering
• Can be affected by boxwood pests and diseases

5. Ornamental Grasses – Best Grasses For Large Concrete Planters

Ornamental grasses are among the best grasses for large concrete planters because they provide movement, texture, and height without requiring the formal appearance of clipped shrubs. Depending on the species, grasses can create soft screens, architectural accents, or relaxed contemporary displays.

Large concrete containers provide the root space and stability needed by many ornamental grasses. They are particularly useful on patios and terraces where gardeners want vertical interest without planting directly into the ground.

Select a grass according to its mature height, width, sunlight requirements, and winter hardiness. Water plants consistently while they establish and trim deciduous grasses at the appropriate time to encourage fresh growth.

Pros:

• Excellent texture
• Adds vertical interest
• Many sizes available
• Works well in contemporary gardens
• Good choice for large containers
• Provides movement in wind
• Many varieties are relatively low maintenance

Cons:

• Some varieties become very large
• May need seasonal cutting back
• Large containers can become heavy

6. Geranium – Best Flowering Plants For Concrete Planters

Geraniums are among the best flowering plants for concrete planters because they can provide abundant seasonal color while remaining manageable in containers. Depending on the type selected, gardeners can enjoy flowers in shades such as red, pink, white, purple, and orange.

Concrete planters are particularly useful for creating colorful displays around patios, balconies, steps, and entrances. The substantial weight of concrete also makes the containers stable when plants become full and flowering stems extend outward.

Provide appropriate sunlight according to the geranium type and use a well-drained growing medium. Remove spent flowers regularly when appropriate to encourage continued flowering and maintain a tidy display.

Pros:

• Produces abundant flowers
• Many colors available
• Excellent container plant
• Useful around entrances
• Good for patios
• Easy to combine with other plants
• Provides strong seasonal color

Cons:

• Flowering can decline without adequate care
• Requires regular watering in hot weather
• Some types are not reliably hardy outdoors in cold winters

7. Heuchera – Best Shade Tolerant Plants For Concrete Planters

Heuchera is one of the best shade tolerant plants for concrete planters because its colorful foliage can provide interest even in locations where flowering plants may struggle. Cultivars are available with foliage in shades of green, silver, bronze, burgundy, purple, and other tones.

A concrete planter can make an excellent raised display for heuchera beneath trees, beside shaded walls, or on patios receiving filtered sunlight. Its compact growth habit allows it to fit comfortably into many medium-sized containers.

Use fertile but well-drained potting mix and monitor moisture carefully. Avoid keeping the crown excessively wet, while also preventing the container from becoming completely dry for prolonged periods.

Pros:

• Excellent foliage variety
• Works in partial shade
• Compact growth
• Many colors available
• Suitable for containers
• Produces delicate flowers
• Useful for year-round interest

Cons:

• Can suffer in poorly drained soil
• May need division
• Some varieties dislike excessive summer heat

8. Rosemary And Thyme – Best Herb Combination For Concrete Planters

A combination of rosemary and thyme can create one of the best herb combinations for concrete planters where gardeners want useful plants with attractive foliage. Both herbs appreciate sunny conditions and can work well in a Mediterranean-inspired container arrangement.

The strong visual contrast between upright rosemary and low-growing thyme allows a single large planter to provide different heights and textures. Their culinary usefulness also makes the arrangement practical for patios and outdoor cooking areas.

Use a free-draining growing medium and position the planter in full sun. Avoid combining plants with radically different moisture requirements in the same container because watering should be based on the needs of all plants sharing the planter.

Pros:

• Provides edible herbs
• Attractive foliage
• Fragrant plants
• Excellent for sunny locations
• Good Mediterranean appearance
• Useful around outdoor kitchens
• Works well in large containers

Cons:

• Requires good drainage
• Both plants can become woody
• Not ideal for consistently wet conditions

9. Hostas – Best Plants For Shaded Concrete Planters

Hostas are among the best plants for shaded concrete planters because their broad leaves provide substantial texture and color in areas with limited direct sunlight. Varieties range from compact plants suitable for smaller containers to large cultivars that need substantial planters.

The raised position of a container can make hostas easier to appreciate visually, particularly when their foliage is positioned at eye level on a patio or terrace. Different cultivars provide green, blue-green, yellow, and variegated leaves.

Hostas prefer moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and should not be allowed to dry severely during hot weather. Monitor containers carefully because large leaves can lose considerable moisture through transpiration.

Pros:

• Excellent shade tolerance
• Large attractive foliage
• Many colors available
• Suitable for containers
• Works well in woodland-style displays
• Produces flowers
• Strong visual texture

Cons:

• Needs regular moisture
• Slug and snail damage can occur
• Leaves die back in winter

10. Japanese Maple – Best Small Trees For Concrete Planters

Japanese maple is one of the best small trees for concrete planters when gardeners want a dramatic focal point without planting a full-sized tree directly into the ground. Its finely divided foliage and elegant branching structure can provide exceptional ornamental value.

A large concrete planter can provide the stability and root volume needed for a carefully selected compact Japanese maple cultivar. The container also creates a defined focal point that works well on patios, courtyards, terraces, and formal garden areas.

Choose a cultivar whose mature size is appropriate for the container and protect the plant from excessive drying. Partial shade or protection from harsh afternoon sun can be beneficial for cultivars with delicate foliage, particularly during periods of extreme heat.

Pros:

• Exceptional ornamental foliage
• Excellent focal-point plant
• Compact cultivars available
• Works well on patios
• Strong seasonal interest
• Concrete provides container stability
• Many foliage colors available

Cons:

• Requires careful watering
• Some cultivars dislike harsh afternoon sun
• Large planters are necessary for tree-sized specimens

11. Sedum – Best Low Maintenance Plants For Concrete Planters

Sedum is among the best low maintenance plants for concrete planters because its fleshy leaves allow many varieties to cope with relatively dry conditions. Low-growing sedums can create trailing displays, while upright varieties provide flowers and additional height.

These plants are particularly effective in modern concrete containers because their geometric or fleshy foliage contrasts with the hard surface of the planter. They can also work well in gravel-style displays and sunny courtyard gardens.

Use a gritty, well-drained growing medium and avoid excessive watering. Place the container where it receives sufficient sunlight and select the sedum variety according to its mature size and growth habit.

Pros:

• Low maintenance
• Good drought tolerance
• Attractive fleshy foliage
• Many varieties available
• Excellent for sunny containers
• Some varieties produce attractive flowers
• Works well with modern concrete

Cons:

• Requires good drainage
• Some varieties can spread
• Excessive moisture can cause root problems

12. Dwarf Conifer – Best Evergreen Plants For Large Concrete Planters

Dwarf conifers are among the best evergreen plants for large concrete planters when year-round structure is more important than seasonal flowers. Their compact forms can provide reliable foliage through winter and create a permanent focal point on patios, terraces, and entrances.

The substantial weight of concrete containers pairs particularly well with conifers because it reduces the likelihood of the planter moving in windy conditions. Compact cultivars can also provide the appearance of a small tree without requiring a large area of open ground.

Select a genuinely dwarf or slow-growing cultivar and check its eventual height and width before purchasing. Ensure that the planter has adequate drainage and monitor moisture during dry periods because container-grown conifers cannot access moisture beyond the boundaries of the pot.

Pros:

• Evergreen year-round
• Excellent winter structure
• Compact cultivars available
• Works well in large containers
• Good architectural appearance
• Concrete provides excellent stability
• Many forms and colors available

Cons:

• Some varieties eventually become large
• Requires careful cultivar selection
• Can suffer if containers dry excessively

13. Fuchsia – Best Flowering Plants For Shaded Concrete Planters

Fuchsia is one of the best flowering plants for shaded concrete planters when gardeners want colorful flowers in locations protected from intense midday sunlight. Its hanging or upright flowers can provide strong visual interest on patios, entrances, and sheltered terraces.

Concrete planters provide a stable base for fuchsias, particularly when plants develop substantial foliage and flowering stems. Depending on the variety, they can be used as upright specimens, trailing displays, or part of mixed container plantings.

Provide a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained growing medium and protect plants from excessive heat where necessary. Regular watering is important during warm weather because fuchsias generally require more moisture than drought-tolerant succulents.

Pros:

• Produces colorful flowers
• Excellent for partial shade
• Many flower forms available
• Works well in containers
• Good for patios and terraces
• Attractive trailing varieties available
• Provides long seasonal interest

Cons:

• Needs regular watering
• Can struggle in intense heat
• Some varieties need winter protection

14. Hebe – Best Compact Evergreen Plants For Concrete Planters

Hebe is among the best compact evergreen plants for concrete planters because many varieties remain relatively manageable while providing dense foliage and seasonal flowers. Its compact forms can bring structure to entrances, patios, courtyards, and exposed garden areas.

Many hebes have glossy or textured evergreen foliage, while summer flowers can add additional interest. The plants can complement the strong architectural appearance of concrete without requiring the elaborate clipping associated with formal topiary.

Select a cultivar appropriate for the available space and local winter conditions. Good drainage is important, and newly planted hebes should be watered consistently until their roots establish within the container.

Pros:

• Evergreen foliage
• Compact varieties available
• Produces attractive flowers
• Works well in containers
• Provides year-round structure
• Useful around entrances
• Many forms available

Cons:

• Some varieties are sensitive to severe frost
• Needs good drainage
• May require pruning to maintain shape

15. Dwarf Olive Tree – Best Mediterranean Plants For Concrete Planters

A dwarf olive tree is one of the best Mediterranean plants for concrete planters when gardeners want an elegant evergreen focal point for a sunny patio or terrace. Its silvery foliage and naturally architectural form can complement modern concrete particularly well.

Concrete containers provide considerable stability for olive trees, which is valuable when plants are positioned in exposed outdoor spaces. Growing an olive in a planter also makes it easier to control the available root volume and maintain a manageable specimen.

Provide abundant sunlight and a sharply draining growing medium. Water thoroughly when needed but avoid keeping the roots permanently wet, and consider winter protection where local temperatures are unsuitable for the selected olive variety.

Pros:

• Attractive evergreen foliage
• Excellent Mediterranean appearance
• Thrives in sunny locations
• Works beautifully with concrete
• Provides strong architectural structure
• Suitable for patios and terraces
• Container growing helps control size

Cons:

• Needs excellent drainage
• May require winter protection
• Large planters can be difficult to move

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Plants For Concrete Planters

1. Consider the planter size — Match the plant to the available root space rather than choosing solely according to its appearance when young. Small planters are better suited to compact herbs, succulents, and small ornamentals, while large concrete containers can support shrubs, grasses, and selected small trees.

2. Check drainage carefully — Concrete planters should have suitable drainage holes that allow excess water to escape. Even plants that enjoy moisture can suffer when water remains permanently around their roots, while drought-tolerant plants such as lavender, agave, and sedum require particularly free-draining conditions.

3. Match the plant to sunlight — Determine how many hours of direct sunlight the planter receives and whether nearby walls or paving increase reflected heat. Lavender, rosemary, agave, sedum, and olive trees generally appreciate strong sunlight, while hostas, heucheras, and fuchsias can be better suited to partial or filtered shade.

4. Think about moisture requirements — Plants sharing a concrete planter should have broadly compatible watering needs. Combining a moisture-loving plant with a drought-tolerant succulent often creates a difficult compromise because watering enough for one plant may be excessive for the other.

5. Account for heat retention — Concrete can become warm when exposed to strong sunlight, particularly on patios and terraces surrounded by other hard surfaces. During hot weather, monitor the growing medium and consider whether a heat-sensitive plant would benefit from afternoon shade or a more sheltered position.

6. Check mature size and growth habit — A plant that looks ideal in a small nursery container may eventually outgrow the planter. Check mature height, width, root requirements, and whether the plant is upright, trailing, spreading, clumping, or naturally shrubby before making your selection.

7. Consider the planter’s permanent location — Concrete containers are extremely heavy and can become even more difficult to move once filled with soil and established plants. Position the planter carefully before filling it, particularly on balconies, terraces, paved areas, or locations where the combined weight of the planter, growing medium, water, and plant needs to be considered.

Best Plants For Concrete Planters In Full Sun

Lavender, rosemary, agave, sedum, dwarf olive trees, and suitable ornamental grasses are strong choices for sunny concrete planters. These plants generally cope well with bright conditions when they are planted in suitable drainage and receive watering appropriate to their individual requirements.

Best Plants For Concrete Planters In Shade

Hostas, heucheras, fuchsias, and suitable shade-tolerant plants can work well in concrete planters positioned away from intense direct sunlight. Monitor moisture carefully because shaded containers may dry more slowly, particularly when they are protected from wind and rainfall.

Best Evergreen Plants For Concrete Planters

Boxwood, dwarf conifers, hebes, rosemary, lavender, and suitable olive trees can provide evergreen or semi-evergreen interest in concrete containers. Evergreen plants are particularly useful when the planter is positioned near an entrance or patio where year-round structure is desirable.

Best Plants For Concrete Planters FAQs

1. What are the best plants for concrete planters?

Some of the best plants for concrete planters include lavender, rosemary, agave, boxwood, ornamental grasses, geraniums, heucheras, hostas, Japanese maples, sedum, dwarf conifers, fuchsias, hebes, and dwarf olive trees. The best choice depends on planter size, sunlight, drainage, moisture requirements, and the mature size of the plant.

2. Are concrete planters good for plants?

Concrete planters can be excellent for plants because they are durable, stable, and available in many large sizes. Their main considerations are drainage, weight, heat retention, and the amount of growing medium available to the plant.

3. What plants do well in large concrete planters?

Large concrete planters can accommodate ornamental grasses, dwarf conifers, Japanese maples, olive trees, larger herbs, shrubs, and substantial flowering plants. Always check the plant’s mature dimensions and root requirements before selecting a specimen.

4. Do concrete planters get too hot for plants?

Concrete planters exposed to strong sunlight can become warm, particularly during periods of extreme summer heat. Heat-sensitive plants may benefit from afternoon shade, adequate soil moisture, insulation from extreme heat, or a position that receives gentler sunlight.

5. What are the best drought tolerant plants for concrete planters?

Lavender, agave, sedum, rosemary, and suitable olive trees are among the useful drought-tolerant choices for concrete planters. They still need appropriate watering while establishing and should be grown in soil that drains efficiently.

6. What is the best plant for a concrete planter in full sun?

Lavender is an excellent overall choice for a sunny concrete planter because it combines attractive flowers, fragrant foliage, compact growth, and strong tolerance of dry conditions. Agave, rosemary, sedum, and dwarf olive trees are also suitable when their specific growing requirements are met.

7. Do plants need drainage holes in concrete planters?

Drainage holes are highly desirable because they allow excess irrigation and rainfall to escape from the container. Without adequate drainage, water can accumulate around roots and increase the risk of root damage, particularly for plants that prefer dry or sharply drained conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lavender is the overall winner among the best plants for concrete planters because it combines compact growth, attractive flowers, fragrance, strong performance in full sun, and good tolerance of relatively dry conditions. Its preference for well-drained soil also makes it particularly compatible with a carefully prepared concrete container where gardeners can control the growing medium and drainage.

Rosemary is the runner-up and an excellent alternative when practical usefulness is as important as ornamental appeal. Gardeners who want an evergreen, fragrant, edible plant for a sunny patio or outdoor kitchen may prefer rosemary, especially when they want foliage that can be harvested regularly rather than a purely decorative container specimen.

The choice should nevertheless be guided by the conditions surrounding the planter, including sunlight, heat exposure, drainage, moisture availability, container size, mature plant dimensions, and winter conditions. Succulents such as agave and sedum are better suited to dry, sharply drained containers, while hostas, heucheras, and fuchsias require more consistent moisture and can be better choices for shaded or partially shaded positions.

For the strongest long-term result, choose a plant whose mature growth habit fits the concrete planter rather than selecting a specimen simply because it looks attractive at purchase. A properly sized container, free-draining growing medium, suitable watering routine, and carefully selected planting position will allow the chosen plant to remain healthy while making the concrete planter a durable and attractive feature of the garden.