Are you looking to add wow-factor to an indoor or outside space? Extra-large planters filled with a multitude of plants, shrubs, and even small trees, are guaranteed to get your business noticed. They bring a bounty of much-needed greenery and life to commercial buildings and make a powerful design statement that will instantly differentiate you from your competition.
While they add a big dash of contemporary sophistication to tired and dated schemes, large planters also have several functional purposes. Use them to block off unsightly areas, and direct traffic flows, make them the centerpiece in a bare foyer or courtyard, or install them as borders to separate office cubicles or restaurant seating — the options are endless!
However, finding the perfect oversized container for your foliage can be challenging, especially with so many styles, colors, and shapes on the market. This guide is here to explain everything, including what planter material is best, how to fill large planter boxes, and what plants to grow in them.
Planting in large planters can seem daunting, but with some simple tips and tricks, you can create stunning container gardens full of beautiful blooms and lush foliage. As the CEO of an online pots and planters retailer, I’ve helped countless customers successfully grow plants in oversized planters In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to get the most out of your large containers
Why Use Large Planters?
While small pots have their place, there are many benefits to using large planters:
-
Bigger plants Large containers allow you to grow bigger, more mature plants like shrubs, trees, and tropicals that would become root-bound in smaller pots.
-
Fuller look: You need fewer plants to fill up a large planter, creating a fuller, bushier look with less effort.
-
Higher impact A huge planter overflowing with flowers and greenery makes a dramatic statement in any space
-
Flexibility: Big pots are mobile so you can move them around to redecorate different areas.
-
Variety: One large container provides enough room to experiment with different plant combinations.
With the right approach, any porch, patio, or commercial space can be enhanced with these oversized plant-holders.
Choosing the Right Large Planter
You’ll first want to pick a planter with sufficient volume for the plants you wish to grow. I recommend a minimum width of 16 inches for flowering annuals. For larger shrubs or trees, opt for planters at least 2-3 feet across.
Material: Fiberglass and plastic planters are extremely lightweight yet durable, great for oversized containers. Terra cotta and wood look stylish but are heavy when empty.
Style: Match your planter’s color and shape to your existing decor. For versatility, choose neutral earth tones like black, brown, or gray.
Drainage: Ensure your planter has drainage holes so excess water can escape. Elevate pots on feet or bricks to further improve drainage.
Filling Large Pots with Soil
All that soil to fill a huge container gets pricey. Save money with these handy tricks:
-
Use packing peanuts, empty plastic bottles, or upside-down pots to take up space at the bottom.
-
Add a layer of landscaping fabric over your filler material to prevent soil from trickling down.
-
Mix in water-retaining gel crystals which absorb water then slowly release it to plant roots.
-
Fill the final 2/3 with high-quality commercial potting mix, not garden soil which is too dense.
Positioning Large Planters
Since big pots are heavy to move once planted, carefully choose their permanent home first:
-
Place near a water source for easy watering.
-
Check sun requirements and situate in either full sun or part shade accordingly.
-
Allow enough room to walk around each planter and access plants for care.
-
Stage pots on an even surface, elevating if needed for drainage.
What to Plant in Large Containers
When planting extra-large planters, it helps to use the “thriller, filler, spiller” formula:
Thrillers: Choose a focal point plant like a small tree, tall exotic, large shrub, or flowering vine trained on a trellis. Go for maximum visual impact.
Fillers: Surround the thriller with midsize plants like lantana, petunias, or begonias that fill in space.
Spillers: Trailing plants like ivy geraniums or sweet potato vine cascade over the planter’s edges, softening lines.
Here are some specific varieties ideal for massive planters:
-
Trees: Japanese maple, dwarf crape myrtle, citrus trees
-
Shrubs: Boxwood, hibiscus, rosemary, palms
-
Tropicals: Banana plants, elephant ears, bird-of-paradise
-
Vines: Mandevilla, passionflower, clematis
-
Annual flowers: Zinnias, sunflowers, geraniums, marigolds
Caring for Plants in Large Pots
A few basic maintenance tips will keep your large container garden thriving:
-
Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil dries out. Hose down the foliage to imitate rainfall.
-
Apply a controlled-release fertilizer once every 2-3 months. Look for low NPK numbers like 6-6-6 or 8-8-8.
-
Prune back any overgrown plants blocking light from reaching lower growth.
-
Watch for pests like aphids and mites. Hose down leaves or use insecticidal soap sprays for treatment.
-
Rotate pots seasonally to keep all sides exposed to sunlight and promote even growth.
Overwintering Large Planters
In cold climates, you’ll need to store or protect large containers in winter:
-
Move pots into an unheated garage or shed once nights drop below freezing.
-
Wrap planters with burlap or foam insulation covers if leaving outside.
-
Remove dead annuals and trim back perennials/shrubs before storage for winter.
-
Stop fertilizing 6 weeks before expected first frost date.
-
Repot rootbound plants in early spring before moving pots back outdoors.
Key Takeaways
-
Go big! Massive planters let you grow small trees, shrubs and maximize visual impact.
-
Save money on soil by filling the bottom with lightweight fillers before adding potting mix.
-
Place giant pots near a water source and in the right sun exposure for your plants.
-
Use the thriller, filler, spiller formula and choose plants that can fill out the large space.
-
Provide ample water, fertilizer, pruning and pest control for thriving container gardens.
With smart plant choices and proper care, your oversized planters will soon be overflowing with beautiful blooms! Reach out if you need any advice getting your large container garden started. Happy planting!
How to Fill a Large Planter Box
A common concern with large planters is the amount of expensive potting soil it takes to fill them, as you cant use ordinary garden dirt in your containers due to it possibly containing weeds, pests, and diseases.
The simple solution to this dilemma is to stuff the bottom third of your pot with lightweight filler materials. These may include aluminum cans, milk bottles, foam blocks, or bagged packing peanuts, although do check these are non-toxic and wont disintegrate during the growing season. And remember to cover this layer with a piece of landscape fabric or newspaper to prevent the soil from filtering down.
What’s the Best Size and Material of Large Planters to Pick?
Large planters arent a specific size. Instead, vendors tend to categorize them as containers that take two hands to lift, starting around 12″ in length, depth, or height, all the way up to 60″ or more. To ensure you pick the correct size, always choose a pot thats a couple of inches bigger than the mature plant it will contain. One thats too small will stunt your vegetation’s growth, potentially leading them to wilt and die. On the other hand, opt for one too sizable, and it will retain moisture for longer, leaving roots sitting in stagnant water and rotting.
Containers are also available in a variety of materials, from concrete to ceramic. However, fiberglass planters are the most popular due to their lightweight, easy-care finish, and superb durability. Leave them out in the elements or high-traffic spaces like receptions, lobbies, and waiting rooms without worry!
How To Save Money On Potting Soil When Filling Large Containers, Pots, Planters.
FAQ
What do you fill the bottom of a large planter with?
-
YouTube · The Gardening Channel With James Prigionihttps://www.youtube.comHow to FILL Raised Garden Beds CHEAP and EASY – YouTubeMar 16, 2024 — if I were to fill the whole bottom of our bed with native soil it would be too dense. and wouldn’t drain well and the soil would lack oxygen. and po…
-
Pots Planters & Morehttps://potsplantersandmore.comHow to Fill a Large Planter: Effective Tips and TricksMay 23, 2024 — Pot filler First, add filler materials at the base of your planter to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. Common filler materials to consider…
How do you arrange plants in a large planter?
As a rule of thumb, when planting flowers in large planters, you should always position your largest plants first. This ensures that the largest plant is given enough planting space. You can then fill in any gaps with smaller plants.
Should I put anything in the bottom of my planter?
-
Rocks don’t improve drainage:A layer of rocks or gravel at the bottom of a pot can create a barrier that prevents water from draining out efficiently, potentially leading to root rot and other plant problems.
-
Potting mix is designed for drainage:Well-draining potting mixes are specifically formulated to allow water to pass through while retaining enough moisture for the plant.
-
Consider container size:If you’re using a large planter, you may need to use more potting mix, but you shouldn’t add any filler to the bottom.
-
Ensure good drainage:Make sure your pot has sufficient drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
-
Use a saucer:A saucer can help collect any excess water that might drain out of the pot, according to Crescent Garden.
How do you prepare a large planter for planting?
Save empty plastic bottles with caps on them and fill the bottom third with them. That will give you good drainage and make the planter much lighter for moving. You can use a few bags of soil from the garden center to fill it. Wet it down good so that the soil fills it around the bottles and you are good.
How do I choose a planter for a large planter?
I always start by selecting the right blend of plants for large planters. Using the “thriller, filler, and spiller” method works wonders. The thriller is that eye-catching, tall element that provides height—think ornamental grasses or a tall flower like gladiolas. Next come the fillers, which fill out the body of the arrangement.
How do I choose the right plants to plant in large pots?
When planting in large pots, selecting the correct plants is the most crucial consideration. It can be challenging to pick the ones that complement each other, add interest, and balance the whole planter. For example, a big plant might overpower another small, compact one.
Should you plant flowers in large planters?
As someone who has spent quite a bit of time with my hands in the dirt, I can tell you that planting flowers in large planters is both an art and a science. With the right approach, your patio, deck, or garden can transform into a vibrant tapestry of blooms and foliage.