Are you looking to transform your patio into a contemporary haven? Choosing the right plants can make all the difference. Not only do they add a touch of nature to your space, but they also provide ecological benefits like cleaner air and increased biodiversity. But with so many options, where do you start?
This blog post will guide you through nine ideal plants for greening a modern patio. From lush, colorful foliage to resilient and low-maintenance varieties, we’ll show you how to create a stunning and sustainable outdoor retreat. Each plant featured here has been selected for its unique aesthetic and practicality, ensuring your patio remains chic and easy to care for.
1. Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ (Switch Grass)
Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah,’ also known as Erect Switchgrass, is a showstopper with its colorful, ribbon-like foliage. This perennial grass, hailing from the American Midwest, reaches 60 to 80 cm both in height and width. From July onwards, its bluish-green leaves develop striking burgundy-red hues, transitioning to dark copper and purple in autumn. By August, this plant dazzles with its delicate red and dark pink inflorescences that last until October.
Resilient to extreme conditions, ‘Shenandoah’ thrives in drought, cold, and even soggy soils. If you want to add a touch of wild color and elegance to your patio, this grass loves full sun and little maintenance.
2. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Bannow Bay’
The Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Bannow Bay’ is a feast for the eyes with its constantly changing foliage. Starting with olive green leaves edged in white; they adopt pink and copper hues, finally turning purple in winter. Native to New Zealand, this shrub’s dense, globular shape reaches 50 to 80 cm. During May and June, ‘Bannow Bay’ blooms with small, intoxicatingly fragrant, red, almost black flowers.
Hardy in temperatures from -7°C to -10°C, this shrub favors sunny, sheltered spots and well-drained soil. In colder areas, provide some winter protection.
3. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Libelle’ (Teller white)
For a floral touch, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Libelle’ (Teller white) is your go-to shrub. Growing up to 1.20 meters, its dark green, deciduous foliage showcases flat white flower umbels from July to October. As the flowers mature, they form beautiful blue blooms.
Plant it in the sun or partial shade with a fresh substrate. With hardiness down to -23°C, this Hydrangea will light up your patio effortlessly.
4. Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’
Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’ excels in bringing seasonal color changes to your patio. Growing to 60 cm high, its foliage transitions from green to red, then copper, burgundy, and finally blue-green by mid-summer. In autumn, it turns purple until the end of winter. White flowers emerge from June to August, adding another layer of beauty.
This shrub needs a neutral to slightly acidic substrate and a sunny or semi-shaded spot. In full sun, ensure regular watering. Hardy to -15°C, it can be brought indoors during harsh winters.
5. Melianthus major – Large melianthus
Melianthus major, or Large Melianthus, turns your patio into an exotic retreat. Reaching up to 2 meters, its architectural form and giant fern-like appearance make it a focal point. Its large, cut, evergreen bluish-green leaves are stunning. From May to July, it produces unique brown-red spikes with a honey scent, attracting nectar-loving insects.
Hardy to -9°C, this shrub prefers sunny, well-drained soils. It tolerates dry summers, but shelter it from winds for best results.
6. Dianella revoluta ‘Blue Stream’
Dianella revoluta ‘Blue Stream’ offers an elegant, refined touch with its light blue-green evergreen foliage. This graphic perennial grows to 70 cm, featuring drooping panicles of small blue flowers with yellow centers from June to August. Post-bloom, you might spot small, decorative, bright purple fruits.
Originating from Tasmania, this plant thrives in sun or partial shade with acidic, well-drained soil. While not very hardy (down to -6°C), it is drought and sea spray tolerant.
7. Phormium tenax Purpureum (New Zealand Flax)
Phormium tenax Purpureum, or New Zealand Flax, is perfect for adding an exotic, vertical touch to your patio. Reaching 2.5 meters high and 2 meters wide, its dense clump of linear and erect purple-tinged bronzed foliage is eye-catching. In June and July, it blooms with dark, erect spikes.
Easy to grow in a large pot, this flax needs sun and well-drained soil. Hardy to -7°C, it should be protected from severe cold in winter.
8. Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n gold’
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n gold’ brings vibrant yellow to your contemporary patio. This ground cover shrub forms a 60 cm high and 90 cm wide bush. Its evergreen foliage is variegated with yellow, green, and gold. In May and June, its discreet greenish flowers appear, followed by white berries that attract birds.
Plant this in sunny or semi-shaded spots with fresh soil. Hardy down to -23°C, it withstands wind, sea spray, and drought with minimal care.
9. Eucalyptus ‘Baby Blue’ – Silver Gum
The Eucalyptus ‘Baby Blue’ stands out on a contemporary patio with its intense blue, pleasantly scented foliage. Growing to 2.5 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide, its small round leaves feature a silvery white bloom. In May and June, creamy white flowers appear along its branches. Additionally, its bark exfoliates in shreds, adding textural variety.
Hardy to -10°C, this shrub needs sun and well-drained soil. Sheltering it from extreme cold is advisable in winter-prone areas.
