The 20 Best Outdoor Planters of 2023

Picture the perfect porch, patio, or balcony. Do you imagine climbing roses? Cascading vegetation? Cheerful, flowering blooms? No matter the picture you have in mind, plants are essential, and with them, the perfect pot. Choosing the right pot for your intended plant, climate, and usage can seem deceptively easy, so we asked an expert to break down everything you should know before shopping for outdoor plant pots.

"It's helpful to always consider what the intended usage is for the pot," says Stephanie Horton, professional plant consultant behind Instagram account @botanicalblackgirl. For example, potted vegetables require closer attention to space and depth, while ornamental plants will allow you to "lean more on the aesthetics and style of your pot."

With Horton's advice and hours of research, we set out to find the best outdoor plant pots money can buy, with a focus on materials, size, usage, and durability. Keep scrolling to learn what makes these picks stand out.

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Lajoliemuse.com

Who it's for: Those who want an affordable, easily maneuverable pot at a highly affordable price point.

Who it isn’t for: Those who prefer heavier statuesque pots made of cement or stone.

This cylindrical planter may look luxe, but it's actually made of powder-coated plastic that's weather-resistant, easy to clean, and even recyclable. Four raised drainage holes make it especially practical for outdoor use, which explains why it's beloved by thousands.

The best thing about this La Jolíe pot is that it can easily be lifted and transported, unlike pots made of stone or metal. If you like to rearrange your plants, this is the right pick for you. It's also a stylish choice and can easily complement any decor aesthetic. While it's built to withstand outdoor weather conditions, it can be relocated indoors with the addition of a simple saucer—just in case your new plant prefers to live inside.

Price at time of publish: $21

Material: Plastic and stone powder | Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.6 x 6.7 inches or 14.2 x 14.2 x 10.6 inches | Weight: 1.45 or 3.04 pounds

Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn

Who it's for: Those who like the modern minimalist aesthetic.

Who it isn’t for: Those who prefer bright or decorative pots.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more practical planter than this popular option from Pottery Barn. Made of weather-resistant concrete and featuring a sophisticated fluted design, this planter is available in four colors and 10 sizes and shapes. Because of the range of options, it's easy to create a cohesive look in your garden—group several different sizes together, or scatter a few of the same color around your space.

Price at time of publish: From $40

Material: Cement | Dimensions: 10 sizes ranging from 7 x 7 x 7 inches to 20 x 20 x 20 inches | Weight: 3.5-57 pounds

Target

View On Target

Who it's for: People who like minimalist pieces with a subtly playful vibe.

Who it isn’t for: Those who prefer bright pots or classic vessels.

This textured ceramic piece packs handcrafted appeal. Available in four sizes, you can effortlessly mix and match a few of them to create visual interest without sacrificing stylistic cohesion. But this pot has more to offer than looks—the peekaboo earthenware base hides a useful drainage hole to help protect your plant's roots. With prices starting on the low end, you really can't go wrong.

Price at time of publish: From $15

Material: Stoneware | Dimensions 6 x 6 x 6 inches; 12 x 12 x 10 inches; 16.25 x 16.25 x 14 inches | Weight: 2, 7, or 20 pounds

Union Rustic Alidis 2-Piece Terracotta Pot Planter Set

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Who it's for: Those who want a low-profile planter that's most compatible with succulents or architectural plants like snake plants.

Who it isn’t for: People who want pots that can withstand winter extremes.

These stunning planters have a short and wide design that makes them look more like art than utilitarian homewares. These planters were fired in temperatures above 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, and as a result, they're practically impervious to environmental stressors (other than winter frosts). Plus, the porosity of terracotta and the drainage holes will prevent excess moisture buildup and help protect your plant from overwatering.

Price at time of publish: $170

Material: Terracotta | Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 4.75 inches; 17 x 17 x 6 inches | Weight: 29 pounds (combined)

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Allmodern.com

Who it's for: Those who want to protect their plants from temperature extremes.

Who it isn’t for: Those with a more traditional aesthetic.

If you're willing to spend a little extra, this rust-resistant box planter will make caring for outdoor plants easier than ever. The thick steel base can withstand extreme heat and cold, while the interior contains drainage holes and a layer of styrofoam insulation to protect soil from sudden changes in temperature. A furniture-quality finish helps this handsome planter withstand scratches and cracks, so while it's a bit pricier than other options it is a good investment.

Price at time of publish: $110

Material: Galvanized steel | Dimensions: 5 sizes ranging from 25 x 11 x 13 inches to 60 x 15 x 16.25 inches | Weight: 12-70 pounds

West Elm

View On West Elm

Who it’s for: People seeking a neutral-toned outdoor planter for larger plants.

Who it isn't for: People who want a more portable planter for smaller plants.

This textured West Elm planter is made from ficonstone, which is a mixture of cement, sand, ground stone, and fiberglass. The resulting material looks like heavy stone, but is relatively light in comparison. This planter comes in a variety of sizes (medium, large, extra large, and a “standard entry” taller, slimmer pot) as well as four colorways—white, black, frost gray, and sage. It’s a great pick for people with modern landscaping and larger plants or small trees.

Price at time of publish: From $159

Material: Ficonstone | Dimensions: 4 sizes ranging from 18.1 x 14 | Weight: 31-82 pounds

Opalhouse Outdoor Ceramic Family Planter

Target

View On Target

Who it’s for: People who want colorful, whimsical planters that work indoors and out.

Who it isn’t for: People who need larger, heavier planters for big plants.

This freestanding ceramic planter has a round bowl and a long, tapered base, perfect for adding some height to your plant display. It comes in multiple colorways: tan, beige, brown, light brown, dark brown, and white. Depending on the color, there are various sizes available, including 3.5, 4.25, 6, 8, and 10 inches. Each design has a decorative face on the front of the bowl and colorful detailing on the base, like stripes or polka dots in contrasting colors, making it a fun vessel to fill with a colorful houseplant if you'd like to bring it inside. This whimsical plant pot has a drainage hole, and a flat base for easy positioning.

Price at time of publish: From $5

Material: Ceramic | Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.4 inches, 3.5 x 4.4 inches, 5.5 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 0.5-2.5 pounds

Foundry Select Carreras Self-Watering Resin Pot Planter

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Who it's for: Gardening amateurs worried about overwatering (and, let's be real, gardening pros worried about overwatering!)

Who it isn’t for: Those who prefer decorative or architectural planters.

No one said practical, utilitarian pots must be plain or ugly, yet few self-watering planters escape this fate. One obvious exception is the Carreras Self-Watering Planter Collection. Available in taupe, mint, and black, each pot features handsome horizontal ribs and pretty marbling. Constructed with Artstone (a recycled blend of natural stone and high-grade resin), these pots are frost and UV-resistant, making them outdoor-compatible all year long.

So how does it work? Inside each pot is an aeration screen that sits roughly two inches from the bottom of the planter. When you water your plants, the water runs down into the 2-inch reservoir beneath the screen, allowing the roots of your plants to dip down for a drink when they decide they're thirsty. (Still don't feel confident? Don't worry. There's also an overflow drainage tube.)

Price at time of publish: From $25

Material: Resin | Dimensions: 5 sizes ranging from 6.25 x 6.25 x 6 inches to 14.75 x 14.75 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 1-5 pounds

Whiteside Design Large Ceramic Planter Pot With Drainage

Etsy

View On Etsy

Who it’s for: People who want an artistic-looking planter in a shape inspired by nature.

Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want a ceramic planter.

This ceramic planter has a unique design that was inspired by tree roots and coral. The creator uses 3D modeling technology to make molds for their ceramic designs, resulting in a truly unique look thanks to the ridged, spiraling design. This white planter is available with a matte or glossy finish, and has a 0.25 inch diameter drainage hole.

Price at time of publish: $62

Material: Ceramic | Dimensions: 7.5 x 7 inches | Weight: Not listed

Terrain

View On Anthropologie View On Shopterrain.com

Who it's for: People who want a traditional planter available in a variety of sizes.

Who it isn’t for: Those who gravitate to bright or graphic pots.

Both manicured and cottage-style gardens can benefit from the beauty of Danish design exemplified by Bergs. This collection of planters comes hand-crafted from the highest quality Italian Galestro terracotta clay in three colors: rose, sand, and gray. Because of its porosity, the terracotta will only acquire more character as it ages. (Of course, those who like a more manicured, untouched look can rely on vinegar to maintain a spotless finish.)

This collection of pots includes drainage holes for optimal plant health as well as drainage saucers, which will come in handy should you decide to move your plant indoors. These pots are high-fired to mitigate frost damage, but winter storage is still recommended for product longevity.

Price at time of publish: From $26

Material: Terracotta | Dimensions: 5 sizes ranging from 5.25 x 4 x 4.25 inches to 15 x 10 x 10.5 inches | Weight: Not listed

Tosnail Metal Planter Baskets with Coco Liner 2-Pack

Amazon

View On Amazon

Who it's for: Those with exterior walls, columns, or screens compatible with wall planters.

Who it isn’t for: Those who prefer low maintenance planters.

Looking to create more vertical visual interest on your patio or balcony? Enter the wall planter basket. This type of planter is not just charming—it's also uber functional. The coco fiber liners encourage plants to absorb water gradually by holding the excess water. They also provide effective drainage, and they're porous enough to aerate soil and keep roots healthy. However, buyers should note that the manufacturer recommends adding a thin fabric or plastic liner (with holes) inside the fiber liner in order to minimize soil loss and water leakage.

Price at time of publish: $24

Material: Metal and coco fiber | Dimensions: 9.8 x 4.3 x 11 inches | Weight: 0.93 pounds (combined)

Classic Home and Garden Honeysuckle Planter

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target

Who it's for: Those looking to pot larger plants or small trees/palms.

Who it isn’t for: People with small plants or limited space.

This roomy pot is perfect for small palms, fiddle leaf figs, ficus trees, and pineapple plants. The bell-shaped pot creates the illusion of rustic stone with a high-density resin that's made to withstand the elements. Another positive thing about resin pots? They're lightweight, something you'll be thankful for if you ever need to re-arrange or transport heftier plants. This particular pot doesn't come with drainage holes (perfect to grow plants in water), but adding your own is a breeze.

Price at time of publish: $23

Material: Resin | Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 1 pound

Crate & Barrel

View On Crate & Barrel

Who it’s for: People who want to maximize their wall space by mounting a planter.

Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to deal with any assembly.

If you have an exterior wall you’d love to add plants to, this modern-looking steel planter can help you with just that. The steel frame, which measures 25 x 32 inches and is 3.5 inches deep, holds four 5.5-inch cubed planter boxes to showcase succulents or small trailing plants. The planter boxes are removable, so you can arrange them however you like. Just note that mounting hardware isn’t included, so there’s a DIY element involved in getting this planter installed.

Price at time of publish: $149

Material: Steel with black powdercoat | Dimensions: Wall mount frame: 25 x 3.5 x 32 inches; planter boxes: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: Not listed

CB2 Seminyak Cement Indoor/Outdoor Planter Mini

CB2

View On CB2

Who it’s for: People looking for a planter with a modern, industrial look and a classic shape.

Who it isn’t for: People who prefer more colorful planters.

This industrial-style planter is made from a blend of sand, cement, and fiberglass that produces a warm gray tone. There are three sizes available: 6-inch diameter, 7-inch diameter, and 10-inch diameter, with corresponding heights ranging from 5.75 inches to 9.5 inches. The specific blend of materials creates the look of concrete without the weight, making this planter a nice option for people who want an industrial style planter but also need the flexibility to easily move plants around as needed.

Price at time of publish: From $7

Material: Cement | Dimensions: 6 x 5.75 inches; 7 x 6.75 inches; 10 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 2.86-7.3 pounds

World Market

View On World Market

Who it’s for: People who want a sturdy and contemporary wooden planter.

Who it isn’t for: People seeking a lightweight planter they can easily move around.

This planter is made from acacia wood planks finished with natural oils, and has metal inserts with drainage holes to prevent soil seepage. There are three available sizes (small, large, and long). The small and large planters, which both have a 15 square inch base, are a great option for displaying cascading plants or even a small citrus tree. The long planter can house decorative annuals or ornamental grasses. Just note that this planter is heavy—the largest size weighs almost 30 pounds, and that’s without soil or plants inside—so it might be tricky for one person to move.

Price at time of publish: From $130

Material: Acacia wood with metal inserts | Dimensions: 15 x 24.4 inches; 15 x 36.2 inches; 36.4 x 11.3 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 17-28.6 pounds

GDF Studio Pineview Outdoor Customizable Acacia Wood Plant Stand

Walmart

View On Walmart

Who it’s for: People who want a vertical solution for grouping small plants or placing climbing plants.

Who it isn’t for: People who don’t have a lot of plants.

Tall planter stands like this one are an excellent option for people looking to decorate a patio space or a smaller backyard area where you want to maximize space by going vertical. The stand has an open-slat frame that provides a trellis for your plants, and six removable planter boxes with built-in hooks that you can put anywhere on the frame depending on plant sizing and trellis needs. You can also add smaller hanging plants. The stand weighs around 29 pounds, and won’t tip easily.

Price at time of publish: $221

Material: Acacia wood with iron accents | Dimensions: 35.75 x 17 x 60.5 inches | Weight: 28.66 pounds

Serena & Lily

View On Serena And Lily

Who it’s for: People who want a small planter that looks equally good indoors and out.

Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to spend a lot on a planter.

The upper half of this ceramic planter is glazed, while the bottom was left unglazed for a contrasting textured look. There are two small handles so you can easily move it around, and built-in drainage holes for convenience. This planter would look great on a gravel driveway or on a patio, and it’s a nice pick for people who love the aesthetic of ceramics paired with natural textures.

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: Ceramic | Dimensions: 12 x 9.5 x 10 inches | Weight: Not listed

Lowe's

View On Walmart View On Home Depot View On Lowe's

Who it’s for: People who want a pair of matching planters in a white, modern style.

Who it isn’t for: People with a more classic or natural-looking planter aesthetic.

This pair of composite pots has a design reminiscent of horizontal waves. They’re made from a magnesium oxide composite in a brilliant white color with a matte finish, making them a great addition to a modern-looking plant collection or succulent-heavy garden. Each pot has a drainage hole and a drainage plug to use as needed, and according to the manufacturer, the magnesium oxide material is resistant to both weather and UV damage.

Price at time of publish: $150 for 2-pack

Material: Magnesium oxide composite | Dimensions: 13.4 x 11.6 inches and 17.3 x 15.2 inches | Weight: 9.9-19.8 pounds

Campania International Faccia Cast Stone Statue Planter

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Who it's for: Those with a more whimsical taste.

Who it isn’t for: Those with highly manicured gardens.

If you're vying for secret garden vibes, this cast stone planter will do the trick. This planter exudes enigmatic charm, appearing to have weathered significant time in an abandoned garden where climbing roses have reclaimed their territory. Each piece is made with a high-density cast stone mix and finished with a unique patina applied by skilled artisans to give it the appearance of time-weathered charm. (Despite appearing to have weathered decades untouched, this piece does need to be brought inside in winter to protect it from frost damage.)

Price at time of publish: From $140

Material: Concrete | Dimensions: 11.5 x 11.5 x 7 inches; 16 x 16 x 10 inches; 22 x 22 x 14 inches | Weight: 20-40 pounds

Amazon

View On Amazon

Who it's for: Gardeners growing trees or vegetables.

Who it isn’t for: People who want heavier planters.

For gardeners with limited space for in-ground gardening or raised beds, a Smart Pot Fabric Planter is an excellent alternative. Most vegetables require soil depths of at least 12 inches, and this roomy 20-gallon container offers a generous 15.5 inches to accommodate most veggie roots. This breathable fabric pot also promotes plant health by preventing roots from becoming root-bound and waterlogged. Those living in urban or tight spaces will also appreciate that these bags can be washed and stored away at the end of the growing season.

Price at time of publish: $24

Material: Fabric | Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 15.5 inches | Weight: 0.5 pounds

How to Shop for Outdoor Plant Pots Like a Pro

Material

Classic materials like terracotta and stone have stood the test of time for good reason: They're water-permeable, so they facilitate evaporation and drainage, keeping root-rot at bay. (Over-eager plant-waterers rejoice.) One potential downside of these materials is that they expand and contract with moisture levels, meaning they're more likely to crack in frosty conditions. In that case, they should come indoors during winter. And don't forget: Houseplants experience a culture shock when moved outdoors. According to Stephanie Horton, professional plant consultant behind Instagram account @botanicalblackgirl, taking it slow is the best way to avoid snafus. "Introduce them to a shadier area first and watch for sunburn on the leaves," she says. "Make sure to keep your plants hydrated, also. They will generally dry out faster outside, so keep that in mind."

If you plan to leave your pots out year-round, then a more durable material like high-grade resin is less likely to crack in cold conditions. If you tend to rearrange your pots frequently, resin is also a lighter and more maneuverable option. Many resin pots are made to mirror their copper and stone counterparts, so you don't have to sacrifice aesthetic preferences for durability and maneuverability. Veggie-growers who don't want to go the raised bed route might opt for fabric planters that can be stowed away when the growing season ends.

When it comes to materials, Horton is a fan of the classics, but she's quick to note that many lightweight alternatives are just as visually pleasing and functional. "Terracotta is a staple both indoor and outdoor for me because it's porous, which comes in handy when I mistakenly overwater," she explains. "However, I'm fairly indecisive and often want the ability to move things around. Heavy terracotta or ceramics can make it difficult to achieve that." If mobility is a priority, she recommends opting for high-density plastic pots that mimic the appearance of stone, ceramic, and concrete.

Type

When thinking of outdoor planters, most people envision the classic pot that lies somewhere between a cone and a cylinder. But there are also pots that allow you to capitalize on vertical space, such as hanging pots and wall planters. These options are perfect for top-heavy plants and trailing plants alike. (Think Begonia, Fuchsia, Creeping Jenny, and English Ivy.) These can help draw the eyes upward, creating a greater sense of height, and they can also be used to create a sort of organic privacy screen to protect you from the sight of nosy neighbors.

"Just be sure that whatever you hang is stable," says Horton. "There's nothing worse than relaxing at home, eyes closed, perhaps a beverage in hand…then—BOOM! CRASH!" To avert such crises, take extra time to determine the most secure hanging method possible. "Think of the total weight of your pot, hanger, and plant when watered to give you an idea of what type of hanging apparatus to use for your plant."

Size

The size of your pot really comes down to "intended usage," says Horton. "Are you interested in container gardening, or is this strictly ornamental? We can then determine how much wiggle room we have (or don't have) as it pertains to size." Vegetables—especially root veggies—require much more depth for their roots. Gardeners recommend at least 12 inches for most veggies and at least 15 inches for root veggies. Flowers and herbs don't require nearly as much depth, and some common house plants even prefer smaller pots and snug roots: pothos, philodendron, snake plants, and succulents are happier being rootbound, for example.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Leslie Joblin, who is herself a gardener living in hardiness zone 7b and a writer with two years of experience writing lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in The Spruce, MyDomaine, and Brides. To complete this roundup, she dove deep into the research and reviews on the top-rated outdoor planters and solicited advice from Stephanie Horton, professional plant consultant behind Instagram account @botanicalblackgirl. Further research and writing was done by Nina Bahadur, a writer and editor based in NYC.