27 Plants for the Perfect Southern Porch
A compilation of the perfect plants for your Southern Porch.
The weather is improving and we are starting to spend more time outdoors. Neighbors are sprucing up their landscaping and filling their porches with new plants and decor. This is my favorite time of the year, as seasons change and plants start growing again. I’m here to share some of my favorite plants for the perfect Southern porch.
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Southern Porch Plants
Before you start selecting your front porch plants, make sure you know your planting zone. You will also want to ask these questions:
- Hours of sunlight?
- Direct or indirect sunlight?
- Morning or evening sun?
- Does the planter have drainage holes?
- Water access? Will you be able to water frequently or not often?
- Level of care? Will you care for these daily or do you prefer to leave them alone?
I suggest reading the care instructions for every plant you plan of using before purchasing. This way, you know what you’re committing to and you are able to give it exactly what it needs to thrive.
1 // White Bird of Paradise
The White Bird of Paradise has large leaves that add height to any planter. They prefer a lot of sun and some shade, with moist but well drained soil. This plant looks tropical with upright leaves and it is perfect for curb appeal.
2 // Impatiens
These Appleblossom Double Impatiens are a showstopper. I love how they look like peonies and roses. They prefer shade and are great for containers on your porch!
3 // Coleus
There are several different varieties of coleus. It is perfect for full sun and some shade with well draining soil.
4 // Split Leaf Philodendron
This is one of my absolute favorite plants. They are very easy to maintain and ours thrive on our front porch. They love medium light and come back each year in our zone. You can find these at most nurseries and larger stores like Lowe’s Home Improvement and Home Depot.
5 // Majesty Palm
These plants like bright spaces with several hours of indirect sun. They can also grow indoors but they do prefer humidity, making them perfect in our location.
6 // Mandevilla
Mandevillas are a beautiful option for your porch planters. They love to grow up a trellis but can be grown without one. There are several color options as well. These prefer full sunlight with at least 6 hours of sun daily, so these are a great option if your porch gets morning and afternoon sun!
7 // Lady Palm
These hardy plants prefer full or part shade. Lady Palms are great for containers and can grow very large to create privacy or a canopy.
8 // Caladium
Caladiums are grown from bulbs and prefer full or partial shade. They come in several varieties and will give your Southern porch a tropical vibe.
9 // Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet Potato vine is available in several shapes and colors. These will grow in sun and shade. As they vine out, you can trim them and they will grow again.
10 // Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa prefer at least 4 hours of sunlight daily. They have several vibrant colors available to give your planters life!
11 // Cast Iron
Cast Iron Plants thrive in full shade. These plants are your best friend if you have a black thumb. They require minimal watering and they are low-fuss plants.
12 // Petunia
Petunias are incredibly easy to care for and they come in several colors. They are fast growing and love full sun. I recommend deadheading (removing spent flowers) frequently to increase blooms.
13 // Hydrangeas
When I think of Southern gardens, hydrangeas come to mind. I love planting a few of these in pots next to the front door. They prefer partial shade and well draining soil. The Endless Summer Hydrangeas are repeat bloomers and can be cut for vases and decor!
14 // Gardenia
Gardenias are another classic plant for your Southern porch. They smell heavenly and can be grown as trees or bushes in containers. They prefer partial shade.
15 // Eugenia Topiary
The Eugenia Topiary is hardy in zones 10-11 but can be brought indoors during cooler temperatures. This shrub can be shaped into different forms and looks great flanking your front doors.
16 // Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny is a perennial that brightens up containers. It thrives in sun to partial shade. This plant works great as a ground cover and it is perfect for spilling over containers.
17 // Purple Heart
Purple Heart has beautiful cascading leaves with tiny purple blooms. It likes partial shade to full sun. In our zone, it dies back in the winter and returns in the spring.
18 // Hibiscus
Hibiscus are tropical plants with large beautiful blooms. They thrive in several hours of direct sunlight daily. They also require frequent watering during high temperatures.
19 // Begonia
Begonias provide color throughout spring and summer. Depending on your location, they prefer full sun to full shade. There are also varieties with extra large blooms.
20 // Elephant Ears
There are several different types of elephant ears but Giant Upright Alocasia are my favorite. They are low maintenance and prefer full sun to part shade. They grow upright and can add height to any planter.
21 // Angelonia
Angelonia prefer full sun and bloom all summer. They are rebloomers and heat tolerant also. These are a favorite for bees as well.
22 // Fatsia
Fatsia plants have large glossy leaves that are beautiful when clipped and placed in a vase. These can be grown as houseplants and in containers. They prefer part sun and are perfect for your porch.
23 // Geranium
Geranium flowers are large and stunning, blooming all season long. They are easy to maintain and love sun.
24 // Pentas
Pentas prefer several hours of sun and produce small star-shape flowers. These plants are heat tolerant and act as fillers for your containers.
25 // Fern
This traditional plant is a southern staple for beautiful porch planters. Whether you use it hanging or in a planter, it will add texture to your space. Ferns prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial sun and shade.
26 // Foxtail Fern
Foxtail Ferns add texture to containers with their long plume like shape. They prefer partial shade and weekly watering, or more often in high temperatures.
27 // Vinca
Vinca are colorful heat tolerant plants that prefer full sun or several hours of bright light. They flower all season and look beautiful in planters.
Which is your favorite?
Have you used any of these plants for your front porch decor? Which is your favorite? I am using philodendron, impatiens, foxtail fern, and bird of paradise in my planters this year. Be on the lookout for porch decor inspiration next! Have a wonderful day!
