What to Plant in Tall Planters


Tall planters in black and gray on patio

Tall planters have been a staple in indoor and outdoor landscaping for centuries. They're not just containers for plants; they're statement pieces capable of making bold statements.

Tall planters can grace an entryway or accentuate indoor living spaces with their unique blend of aesthetics and functionality.

With various designs and materials available, tall planters can complement any decor. From broad-bodied rectangles to smooth, tapered shapes, they're becoming increasingly popular among consumers.

Tall Planters Add Visual Appeal to Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

The creative possibilities with tall planters are endless. From incorporating lighting to adding water features, you can create a unique atmosphere that complements your design.

The selection of plants can also significantly contribute to achieving eye-catching appeal. You can take a simple approach using a single specimen plant. Or add layers, textures, and colors to create a more dimensional and striking accent.

As an indoor planter, they're ideal for areas with limited space. They allow you to add a vertical accent to a room, making it appear larger. Their tall, clean lines contribute to today's minimalist design style, especially when using black or white for the planter.

As tall outdoor planters, they raise plants to eye level and can beautifully frame a patio, garden path, or entryway.

What Plants Work Best in Tall Planters?

Tall planters can handle a variety of plants. Larger, vertical plants like small trees and shrubs perform well in tall planters. They also accentuate dramatic plants like ornamental grasses, bamboo, and tall flowers.

As you might expect, tall planters provide ample room for root growth, making them ideal for deep-rooted plants. They can retain moisture longer than other planters, meaning less frequent watering.

Some companies, like Root & Vessel, even offer self-watering planters. These decorative planters eliminate the guesswork of watering and improve plant health. Overwatering is the most common mistake made by plant owners. Plant roots may die because of the bacteria and fungus that grow in the bottom of a planter with too much water.

Planting Ideas for Tall Planters

With the background laid out, let's get to the fun part. What to plant in tall planters. You should check your zone to ensure plants can survive outdoors.

Single Statement Plants for Tall Planters

You can keep things simple by finding the perfect statement plant. Any of these plants work nicely as a focal point in a tall planter:

  • Alberta Spruce: This conical evergreen has dense, bright needles. In a tall planter, you can use it to accent entries and flank door posts. You can also add lights to celebrate the Holiday season.
  • Bird of Paradise: This eye-catching plant has large leaves and spiky, colorful blooms resembling bird wings. You can select from different varieties with white, red, orange, blue, and yellow petals.
  • Bamboo: Fast-growing bamboo is lush and perfect for privacy screens.
  • Palm Tree: These striking container plants make a tropical addition to outdoor living spaces. They make striking containers for decks, patios, and porches.

Thriller, Filler, and Spiller Planting Options for Tall Planters

This technique creates a well-rounded, upscale look in containers. The thriller is the star of the planter, while the fillers add texture and mass, often weaving through the thriller. The spiller anchors the planter, adding even more texture and dimension.

  • Purple Fountain Grass: Grasses generally work well in tall planters, but this grass is one of the favorite plants for containers. With its arcing spike, purple leaves, and purple/tan seed heads, it takes center stage. You can substitute Karl Foerster or Shenandoah Red Grass for a similar effect.

    For contrast, you can fill in around the grass with petunias, marigolds, calibrachoas, and other flowering plants. Then, top things off with a spiller like a sweet potato vine like Marginata Lime.
  • Dracaena: The plant's foliage can be green or have green, cream, red, or yellow edges. Dracaena can reach five to six feet.

    It pairs nicely with impatiens. Coral bells are another good companion, adding even more texture and color. You can round things out with a trailing plant like creeping jenny or sweet alyssum for fragrance.
  • Canna Lilly: These plants flower from June to October. They added height and dramatic foliage in shades ranging from green to burgundy. Flowers run the spectrum, including red, orange, yellow, and pink.

    Cannas pair well with geraniums, begonias, coleus, and lantana. Use a contrasting color or match the flower color of your canna for a more monotone look. Then add a spiller with ivy or vinca.
  • Roses: Tall planters are perfect for roses with deep roots. And you select from numerous colors. Roses can get leggy, so you can use filler plants to hide that concern.

    Catmint and lavender hide the bare legs and add even more fragrance to the planter. Heliotropes, petunias, or lantana do the same while adding a spiller effect to complement the planter.

Root & Vessel Has Artstone Tall Planters

Artstone tall planters include a self-watering feature and come in four sizes and colors. They can be used indoors or outdoors. Their resin construction is lightweight but incredibly durable, and their unique marbled finish works with any decor.

Artstone planters include a 100% satisfaction guarantee.