Terracotta is a timeless style choice for your patio or garden, and makes the perfect home for your plants, especially succulents and herbs.

But did you know that because of terracotta’s porous nature, careful selection of plants for your terracotta planters is important? Luckily, you need look no further than this guide to get it right with terracotta pot plants.

What plants grow best in terracotta pots?

Plants that prefer drier conditions, or are prone to root rot, are ideal for terracotta pots. This is because terracotta pots are porous, so they allow air and moisture to move through their walls quite easily.

Herbs for terracotta pots

When you’re looking for herbs to plant in terracotta pots, those that are used to the Mediterranean climate are a surefire winner.

Rosemary, thyme and oregano are Mediterranean plants for terracotta planters, and easy choices that thrive in hot environments, with thyme preferring gritty, well-drained soil and full sun. Plant these in terracotta herb pots and you’ll be rewarded with aromatic foliage that will add a lovely dimension to your cooking.

Another herb that grows well in terracotta – and actually needs the containment of a planter – is mint. Mint spreads aggressively via underground runners. Planting it in its own terracotta pot keeps it from taking over your garden bed or other herbs.

Best flowers for clay pots in full sun

When choosing flowering plants for clay pots in full sun, bear in mind that terracotta pots lose moisture quite quickly compared to their glazed or plastic counterparts.

Plants that can tolerate dry soil, and thrive in intense heat, are your go-to options here. Take your pick from this list:

• Pelargoniums
• Portulaca
• Calibrachoa
• Lavender
• Echinacea

These other heat superheroes can also be considered for your terracotta pot gardening. It’s also why terracotta pots are great for succulents and Mediterranean herbs.

How to style terracotta pots for the garden

Decorating patios with terracotta planters is a great garden design choice; whether at the front of your house, or poolside, terracotta planters give a touch of Tuscan style and sophistication to your outdoor area.

Placing pots of different heights in a cluster makes for a great focal point; just be sure to keep an element of uniformity to show that this is an intentional style choice.

You can do this by using pots all in the same tone, but with a range of plant types (succulents, herbs, trailing vines), or alternatively the ‘main’ terracotta pot, accompanied by glazed or painted pots, all with the same type of plant.

Watering tips for plants in clay pots

Because terracotta is a porous material, you need to give a little more TLC to plant care for flowers or herbs that you grow in these pots to ensure they don’t risk being over- or under-watered.

Watering plants in clay pots should be guided largely by the position of your pot in your garden.

Does it get a beating from the sun and wind most days in the warmer seasons? If so, any soil it contains will need regular watering, as the elements will lead to quick evaporation of any moisture.

Follow these tips for watering plants in terracotta pots:

• When potting up a new plant, soak the empty terracotta pot in water for 30 minutes before planting. This useful hack prevents the pot from drawing moisture away from the roots too quickly.
• Add a layer of mulch to the top of soil once added to the pot, to trap in moisture. Bark, decorative pebbles and coconut coir are all great options.
• Follow this guide to ensure that your terracotta pot doesn’t crack.

Stock up on essentials for terracotta container gardening

Bring a touch of timeless style to your garden or patio, whether on gravel, stone paving or wooden decking, with the addition of a few tastefully placed terracotta pots.

Feeling inspired? Take the next step and browse our wide range of terracotta pots and plants ideal for sunny, hot areas, and get styling!