While planters are commonly thought of as being large pots intended for holding plants outdoors,  they have slowly become universally used in residential, commercial and industrial projects. While all planters have the same intention - to hold a plant - the large assortment of planters available can be overwhelming. That's why we've outlined the options of planters available so that you can choose the best one for your project.

Placement

Prior to choosing the colour or style of the planter, you should first consider the placement of the planter. Will you have it sitting on a solid surface, hanging, or mounted on a wall to form a green wall? Where you intend to have your planter will ultimately influence the style, material it can be made out of, and shape. 

Materials

After choosing the placement of the planter, the next task is considering the material for your planter. While concrete and terra-cotta tend to be the most popular materials chosen, some prefer using metal, plastic, or wood.  Below we take a look at the pros and cons of each material.

Cast Stone and Concrete

If you reside in a windy and cooler environment, then choosing a cast stone or concrete planter is ideal since they are wind-resistant and frost proof insulators.  Known disadvantages of stone or concrete planters is that they tend to be heavier and more costly.

Metal

When selecting metal planters, it's important to note that the surfaces tend to overheat when in direct sunlight and depending on the finish, the fertilizer can damage some metals. Their durability prevents them from breaking or cracking, however, it's important to note that they can dent.

Terra-Cotta

The warm orange colour of terra-cotta planters in addition to its relatively low cost makes it a popular choice. While the planters can withstand strong winds, they are not compatible with freezing temperatures and the plants within the container will have to be watered frequently due to the porousness of the pot.

Resin and Plastic

Known for being the least expensive, plastic pots are also beneficial because they can be purchased in virtually any size, colour, or shape. They are known for being long-lasting and lightweight, however, cannot withstand freezing temperatures as the plastic can become brittle and break.

Wood

Versatile in design and opportunistic for colour, wood planters are perfect for those looking to express creativity at a relatively low cost. While they can be left outside year round, it is important to properly maintain the wood by either staining or painting it to prevent it from rotting or decaying.

Shapes & Sizes

When it comes to planters, an assortment of shapes & sizes are available. Below we've highlighted the different styles of planters available.

Azalea planter: A pot three-fourths as tall as it is wide. Excellent for annuals, ferns, azaleas, and plants with shallow roots.

Basket Planters: Circular planters that come in a variety of sizes and are ideal for smaller plants. 

Bowl Planters: Come in a variety of sizes that can be utilized on table tops or as lawn ornaments.

Bulb planter: A pot half as tall as it is wide. Perfect for spring bulbs or very low-growing plants, such as sedums.

English planter: Classic slanted sides, which allow for easy removal of plants. A thick rim also adds strength.

Italian planter: Rimless with slightly flared edge. Pretty with plants that spill over the edge.

Large Tree Containers: Ideal for gas stations, convenience stores, malls, campgrounds, and other businesses that are looking to spruce up their landscape. 

Long Tom: A pot taller than it is wide and usually rimless. Prone to tipping, but good for deep-rooted plants or to display trailing vines.

Standard planter: As tall as it is wide. Good for tap-rooted perennials and deep-rooted plants.

Trough Planters: Long and narrow planter that attaches to a ledge. 

Urn Planters: An urn planter is traditionally selected to act as a focal point of the space and come in varying heights, sizes, and decorative patterns.

Vase Planters: Similar to the urn planter, a vase planter is best utilized when acting as a focal point for a space. A vase planter has an interchangeable function with holding freshly cut flowers or growing plants. 

Plants

It's important to remember that the size of the planter you choose will infringe upon your selection of plants. So when selecting a planter, you must also consider the types of plants you prefer. According to Country Living, these are some of the best type of plants for planters: Coral Bells, Begonia, Angelonia, Coleus, Euphorbia, Nemesia, Hydrangea. 

Maintenance

While it can be tempting to set up a planter and leave it, regular maintenance should be done to not only increase the longevity of the planter but also the aesthetic appeal. Keeping your plants trimmed, removing spent flowers, wiping the exterior of the planter, and properly fertilizing your plants are great ways to maintain the integrity of the planter. 

Versatility

While the main purpose of a planter is to host plants, some can also be used to line pathways, distinguish outdoor spaces, and be used as vehicle barriers. 

Whether you decide to use a planter for a versatile purpose, or prefer to use it as a strictly decorative piece, CADdetails.com has a selection of planters that you can view and easily incorporate into your project plans. 

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