12 Plant Types to Pop Into Built-In Planters
Use these planting ideas for in-deck planters and built-in containers to match any style of garden and sun exposure
Lauren Dunec Hoang
6 May 2017
Houzz Editor; landscape designer and former garden editor for Sunset Magazine and in-house designer for Sunset's Editorial Test Garden. Her garden designs have been featured in the Sunset Western Garden Book of Landscaping, Sunset Western Garden Book of Easy-Care Plantings (cover), Inhabitat, and POPSUGAR.
Houzz Editor; landscape designer and former garden editor for Sunset Magazine and... More
Built-in planters are hardworking garden elements, often doubling as the backs of bench seats, acting as retaining walls for slopes or providing planting space on roof decks and terraces. However, it can be a bit tricky to figure out which plants will grow well and look good in what are effectively giant containers. If you’re looking for inspiration for your built-in planter, take a look at these 12 planting styles in gardens ranging from contemporary to traditional.
1. Contemporary
To give a more modern look to built-in container plantings, you can limit the colour palette and plant forms. For example, consider this rooftop planting in Sydney, NSW. You’ll notice that all the plants – save the olive tree in the large wooden planter – are low-growing, emerald-green ground covers, with the only height variation coming from the planters. This restraint in colour and height brings a modern edge to the design and focuses all the attention on the plants’ textures. The soft, moss-like carpet of zoysia grass under the olive tree looks almost irresistible to touch.
To give a more modern look to built-in container plantings, you can limit the colour palette and plant forms. For example, consider this rooftop planting in Sydney, NSW. You’ll notice that all the plants – save the olive tree in the large wooden planter – are low-growing, emerald-green ground covers, with the only height variation coming from the planters. This restraint in colour and height brings a modern edge to the design and focuses all the attention on the plants’ textures. The soft, moss-like carpet of zoysia grass under the olive tree looks almost irresistible to touch.
2. Carefree
Including plants with loose forms, such as billowing grasses and vines, in built-in planters creates a more carefree feel. This roof deck in Notting Hill, UK, has a laid-back, almost Mediterranean mood thanks to built-in planters filled with swaying ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’), rosemary and echeveria, and ivy and fragrant confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) covering the back wall.
While they may look like miniature trees at first glance, the two lollipop-shaped plants are mature grapevines (Vitis vinifera) trained into upright forms. In summer, the vines produce sweet dessert grapes, which can be easily plucked to enjoy on the terrace.
Including plants with loose forms, such as billowing grasses and vines, in built-in planters creates a more carefree feel. This roof deck in Notting Hill, UK, has a laid-back, almost Mediterranean mood thanks to built-in planters filled with swaying ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’), rosemary and echeveria, and ivy and fragrant confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) covering the back wall.
While they may look like miniature trees at first glance, the two lollipop-shaped plants are mature grapevines (Vitis vinifera) trained into upright forms. In summer, the vines produce sweet dessert grapes, which can be easily plucked to enjoy on the terrace.
3. Evergreen
On this Manhattan, USA, rooftop terrace, boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) planted in a built-in planter behind benches forms a neat and tidy green backdrop. Evergreens offer the advantages of providing year-round structure in built-in planters – saving time on replanting annual flowers or tender perennials – and generally not needing much maintenance.
Other evergreen options to choose from for built-in planters, besides boxwood, include arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), dwarf cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Nana’), fern pine (Podocarpus gracilior), privet (Ligustrum spp.) and many Pittorsporum varieties.
On this Manhattan, USA, rooftop terrace, boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) planted in a built-in planter behind benches forms a neat and tidy green backdrop. Evergreens offer the advantages of providing year-round structure in built-in planters – saving time on replanting annual flowers or tender perennials – and generally not needing much maintenance.
Other evergreen options to choose from for built-in planters, besides boxwood, include arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), dwarf cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Nana’), fern pine (Podocarpus gracilior), privet (Ligustrum spp.) and many Pittorsporum varieties.
4. Quick-growing
There’s nothing quite like bamboo for a fast-growing green screen. In this interior courtyard in Melbourne, Victoria, the narrow growth habit of bamboo makes it a good choice to fill a blank wall with lush foliage without taking up much floor space.
If you plant bamboo in sturdy built-in containers, you won’t need to worry about its spreading to other areas of the garden (a valid concern with bamboo planted in the landscape). ‘Golden Goddess’ hedge bamboo (Bambusa multiplex ‘Golden Goddess’) is a particularly attractive yellow-stemmed clumping form that grows well in containers and can be maintained at 2.4 metres tall.
Privacy plants for the modern home
There’s nothing quite like bamboo for a fast-growing green screen. In this interior courtyard in Melbourne, Victoria, the narrow growth habit of bamboo makes it a good choice to fill a blank wall with lush foliage without taking up much floor space.
If you plant bamboo in sturdy built-in containers, you won’t need to worry about its spreading to other areas of the garden (a valid concern with bamboo planted in the landscape). ‘Golden Goddess’ hedge bamboo (Bambusa multiplex ‘Golden Goddess’) is a particularly attractive yellow-stemmed clumping form that grows well in containers and can be maintained at 2.4 metres tall.
Privacy plants for the modern home
5. Colourful
To get a long-lasting show of colour in container plantings, it can be helpful to rely on colourful foliage, rather than (or in addition to) flowers. Here, a mixed planting of golden breath of heaven (Coleonema pulchellum ‘Sunset Gold’), silver myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites), salvia and ornamental grasses form a bright border for a terrace in the Pacific Northwest of the US. The colour in this combination comes mainly from the plant’s foliage, with flowers in bloom being a bonus to the design. In spring, the breath of heaven would be covered with pale pink or white blossoms and the spurge would bloom yellow-green.
To get a long-lasting show of colour in container plantings, it can be helpful to rely on colourful foliage, rather than (or in addition to) flowers. Here, a mixed planting of golden breath of heaven (Coleonema pulchellum ‘Sunset Gold’), silver myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites), salvia and ornamental grasses form a bright border for a terrace in the Pacific Northwest of the US. The colour in this combination comes mainly from the plant’s foliage, with flowers in bloom being a bonus to the design. In spring, the breath of heaven would be covered with pale pink or white blossoms and the spurge would bloom yellow-green.
6. Minimalist
This T-shaped planter in a Vancouver, Canada, backyard bumps up the foundation planting and defines a simple outdoor seating area. The minimalist planting scheme is made up almost entirely of green foliage: ribbed equisetum, dark green Mexican orange (Choisya ternata) and chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra). The bamboo in the back portion of the planter will grow up to cover the exterior siding.
This T-shaped planter in a Vancouver, Canada, backyard bumps up the foundation planting and defines a simple outdoor seating area. The minimalist planting scheme is made up almost entirely of green foliage: ribbed equisetum, dark green Mexican orange (Choisya ternata) and chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra). The bamboo in the back portion of the planter will grow up to cover the exterior siding.
7. Meadow
You don’t need an expanse of open space to get a little feel of the countryside. In this backyard seating area in Chiswick, UK, deep built-in planters provide enough growing space to support a miniature meadow of perennials and ornamental grasses.
Browse country-style gardens
You don’t need an expanse of open space to get a little feel of the countryside. In this backyard seating area in Chiswick, UK, deep built-in planters provide enough growing space to support a miniature meadow of perennials and ornamental grasses.
Browse country-style gardens
White-flowering lily-of-the-nile (Agapanthus africanus ‘Albus’) rises above cream-coloured yarrow (Achillea sp.), white meadow sage (Salvia pratensis ‘White Swan’) and highly fragrant spikes of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa). Mounds of pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira) mark either side of the seating area and provide year-round structure.
8. Pollinator-friendly
No matter the size, gardens and planters provide an opportunity to grow plant varieties that help support pollinating birds, bees, butterflies and other insects. For example, the lavender growing in the built-in planter on this London, UK, roof terrace would draw bees and other pollinating insects.
Different bloom colours attract different types of pollinators. Hummingbirds are often attracted to red and pink flowers, bees go for bright blue and violet, and butterflies choose bright colours such as red, yellow, pink and orange. Growing flowers in a spectrum of colours and with a long bloom season provides a consistent source of nectar and pollen.
A recipe for bees in your own backyard
No matter the size, gardens and planters provide an opportunity to grow plant varieties that help support pollinating birds, bees, butterflies and other insects. For example, the lavender growing in the built-in planter on this London, UK, roof terrace would draw bees and other pollinating insects.
Different bloom colours attract different types of pollinators. Hummingbirds are often attracted to red and pink flowers, bees go for bright blue and violet, and butterflies choose bright colours such as red, yellow, pink and orange. Growing flowers in a spectrum of colours and with a long bloom season provides a consistent source of nectar and pollen.
A recipe for bees in your own backyard
9. Edible
Depending on their size and sun exposure, built-in planters can also be a great spot to grow herbs, veggies and berries. Many sun-loving Mediterranean herbs, such as basil, parsley, chives, marjoram, thyme and tarragon, need a planting depth of only 30 to 45 centimetres to grow – making them good candidates for shallower built-in containers. Most tomato varieties and blueberry and raspberry plants require a bit more planting space, at least 60 centimetres deep, to thrive.
Depending on their size and sun exposure, built-in planters can also be a great spot to grow herbs, veggies and berries. Many sun-loving Mediterranean herbs, such as basil, parsley, chives, marjoram, thyme and tarragon, need a planting depth of only 30 to 45 centimetres to grow – making them good candidates for shallower built-in containers. Most tomato varieties and blueberry and raspberry plants require a bit more planting space, at least 60 centimetres deep, to thrive.
10. Low-maintenance
Depending on their placement, built-in planters can be more difficult to access than other areas of the garden. Choosing no-fuss plants such as sculptural agaves and evergreen shrubs can cut down on maintenance without compromising style.
Depending on their placement, built-in planters can be more difficult to access than other areas of the garden. Choosing no-fuss plants such as sculptural agaves and evergreen shrubs can cut down on maintenance without compromising style.
In this Perth, WA, backyard, asimple planting of foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) in front and ‘Spring Bouquet’ laurustinus (Viburnum tinus ‘Spring Bouquet’) echoes the clean lines of the decking and built-in seating area, and neither plant requires much care to look good.
11. Full sun
When choosing plants for built-in planters in sunny locations, keep in mind that smaller planters can dry out faster than larger ones. In hot and dry summer climates, Mediterranean and drought-tolerant plants may be your best bet.
The concrete planters surrounding this hot tub in a backyard in California, USA, offer inspiration for a sun-loving, drought-tolerant planting mix. An olive tree grows in the largest planter, underplanted with a mix of golden breath of heaven (Coleonema pulchellum ‘Sunset Gold’), New Zealand sedge (Carex testacea) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas). Drought-tolerant foxtail agave and bright yellow aeonium (Aeonium ‘Sunburst’) act as accents.
When choosing plants for built-in planters in sunny locations, keep in mind that smaller planters can dry out faster than larger ones. In hot and dry summer climates, Mediterranean and drought-tolerant plants may be your best bet.
The concrete planters surrounding this hot tub in a backyard in California, USA, offer inspiration for a sun-loving, drought-tolerant planting mix. An olive tree grows in the largest planter, underplanted with a mix of golden breath of heaven (Coleonema pulchellum ‘Sunset Gold’), New Zealand sedge (Carex testacea) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas). Drought-tolerant foxtail agave and bright yellow aeonium (Aeonium ‘Sunburst’) act as accents.
12. Shade
For built-in planters that receive little sunlight, turn to shade-loving plants such as ferns, hostas, many evergreen shrubs and woodland plants.
In this shady sunken terrace in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village neighbourhood in the US, the built-in planters provide growing space for a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), Japanese laurel (Aucuba japonica), delicate ferns and trailing ivy. The plants, plus inviting furniture and wall accents, transform the urban space into a lush retreat.
See more shady gardens
For built-in planters that receive little sunlight, turn to shade-loving plants such as ferns, hostas, many evergreen shrubs and woodland plants.
In this shady sunken terrace in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village neighbourhood in the US, the built-in planters provide growing space for a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), Japanese laurel (Aucuba japonica), delicate ferns and trailing ivy. The plants, plus inviting furniture and wall accents, transform the urban space into a lush retreat.
See more shady gardens
Choosing plants for built-in containers
For the most part, use the same general rules you would when selecting plants for any other outdoor area. Look for plants that thrive in your region and in the sun or shade exposure the built-in container will receive. Most common garden plants grow best in soil that drains well. Drainage can be an issue in built-in containers, so check before you plant and solve any drainage issues. (Quick test: Soak the soil with water and see if it remains damp but not soggy after two hours.)
Given that you’re planting in a confined space, there are a few additional considerations for selecting plants. Most small to medium-size plants – such as ground covers, succulents, annual flowers, perennials and vines – will grow well in built-in containers, provided they’re planted in the right sun or shade exposure. For shrubs, make sure there is enough soil to support the growth of larger varieties, such as pittosporum and viburnum. For trees, choose shallow rooting varieties and those that don’t grow too tall (olive trees, types of palm and citrus, and many dwarf tree varieties are good bets). Keep in mind that many trees will not grow well in spaces that confine their roots.
Tell us
Do you have built-in planters at home? What plants have worked best for you? Share your tips in the Comments.
More
Read more gardening stories
For the most part, use the same general rules you would when selecting plants for any other outdoor area. Look for plants that thrive in your region and in the sun or shade exposure the built-in container will receive. Most common garden plants grow best in soil that drains well. Drainage can be an issue in built-in containers, so check before you plant and solve any drainage issues. (Quick test: Soak the soil with water and see if it remains damp but not soggy after two hours.)
Given that you’re planting in a confined space, there are a few additional considerations for selecting plants. Most small to medium-size plants – such as ground covers, succulents, annual flowers, perennials and vines – will grow well in built-in containers, provided they’re planted in the right sun or shade exposure. For shrubs, make sure there is enough soil to support the growth of larger varieties, such as pittosporum and viburnum. For trees, choose shallow rooting varieties and those that don’t grow too tall (olive trees, types of palm and citrus, and many dwarf tree varieties are good bets). Keep in mind that many trees will not grow well in spaces that confine their roots.
Tell us
Do you have built-in planters at home? What plants have worked best for you? Share your tips in the Comments.
More
Read more gardening stories
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I am stuck on marigolds now. I planted some last summer because they are supposed to repel mosquitos (a necessity in the south)... but they also attract butterflies!!
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