Looking at fancy garden photos on Pinterest but thinking “yeah right”? I’ve been there!
But here’s the thing – you don’t need a green thumb or tons of time to have a gorgeous patio.
These 7 easy plants are basically impossible to mess up!
1. Petunias
I absolutely adore petunias – they’re like the confetti of the garden world! Their big, cheerful blooms come in gorgeous shades of pink, purple, red, and yellow that instantly brighten up any space.
These beauties are total showoffs in hanging baskets or pots, and they’re surprisingly easy to keep happy. Just give them a sunny spot and regular water, and they’ll reward you with endless blooms.
2. Fuchsias
Remember when I thought nothing pretty would grow in our shaded patio corner? Then I discovered fuchsias! Their delicate, dangling flowers look like tiny ballet dancers in pink, purple, and red tutus.
These shade-loving stunners are perfect for smaller spaces and look absolutely gorgeous in hanging baskets. Just keep them away from strong winds and give them regular drinks of water.
3. Calibrachoa
Think of these as petunias’ adorable little sisters! Also known as “mini petunias,” these cuties produce tons of small, vibrant flowers that create the most amazing color display.
My favorite thing about calibrachoa is how they practically explode with blooms while staying compact. They’re perfect for hanging baskets and don’t need much attention beyond regular watering.
4. Impatiens
When the sunny spots are all taken, impatiens come to the rescue! These shade-loving sweethearts bloom their hearts out in pink, purple, red, and white.
I’ve found they’re perfect for those tricky dark corners of the patio. Just keep them well-watered and protected from strong winds, and they’ll bloom non-stop.
5. Begonias
Want to feel like you’re on vacation without leaving your patio? Begonias are your answer! Their lush leaves and bright blooms in pink, red, and white create an instant tropical atmosphere.
These beauties are another shade-loving option that’s perfect for busy gardeners like me. They’re surprisingly tough despite their delicate appearance.
6. Verbena
If you’ve got a sunny patio, verbena should be your go-to plant! These hardy little bloomers produce the most beautiful clusters of flowers in pink, purple, red, and yellow.
What I love most about verbena is its flexibility – it looks amazing whether you plant it in pots or directly in the ground. It’s truly a “plant it and forget it” kind of flower.
7. Geraniums
There’s a reason our grandmothers all grew geraniums – they’re practically bulletproof! Their cheerful blooms in pink, red, white, and orange never go out of style.
I keep mine in pots around the patio, but they’re just as happy planted in the ground. Give them a sunny spot and regular water, and they’ll bloom their hearts out all season.