
It is easy to think of a patio as just a place to sit – somewhere that is fundamentally separate from the rest of the garden.
We might place a few pots of bedding plants on the patio for a bit of colour. But we don’t always make th most of these garden spaces.
So, it’s worth remembering that you can bring your plant passion and gardening flare to your patio, just as much as you can to your garden beds and borders.
One of the best dream patio ideas that can make the area really special is to incorporate trees and large plants in pots and containers into your patio design. Large plants in small spaces work spectacularly well. So it is well worth giving this a try.
I asked AI to conjure me up some images of dream spaces where trees and pots are featured impressively in and around the patio.
I’ve featured the images here, along with my thoughts on design principles, container selection, plant options, and essential care tips to help you create your dream patio retreat.

Design principles for your dream patio ideas
When designing your dream patio using potted trees and large plants, consider these key principles:
- Balance and proportion: Ensure your plant and container choices complement the size of your patio. Large trees and plants can create a sense of intimacy, while smaller varieties can be used more liberally in compact spaces.
- Layering: Create visual interest by incorporating plants and containers of varying heights. Place taller trees at the back or corners, medium-sized shrubs in the middle, and smaller plants in the foreground.
- Focal points: Use striking plants, unique containers, or carefully arranged groupings as focal points to draw the eye and create visual anchors in your design.
- Colour harmony: Choose a colour palette that complements your home’s exterior and outdoor furnishings. Consider both foliage and flower colours when making your selections, and coordinate with your container choices. Don’t include too many different colours in the mix.
- Texture variety: Mix plants with different leaf shapes and sizes, and combine smooth and textured containers to add depth and visual interest to your patio garden.
- Year-round interest: Select a combination of evergreen and deciduous plants to ensure your patio remains attractive throughout all seasons.
- Traffic flow: Arrange your potted plants to create natural pathways and define separate areas for different activities, such as dining, lounging, or entertaining.

Selecting pots and containers
The containers you choose can play a crucial role in both the health of your plants and the overall aesthetic of your patio garden. Here’s how to select and harmonise your pots for a cohesive and visually appealing effect:

Types of containers
Start by thinking about the types of containers you are going to use. Here are some points to consider:
- Terracotta: Classic and porous, these pots allow roots to breathe but dry out quickly. Ideal for Mediterranean plants and succulents.
- Ceramic: Available in various colours and glazes, ceramic pots add a decorative touch. They retain moisture well but can be heavy and prone to cracking in freezing temperatures. They can also be expensive..
- Wood: Natural-looking and insulating, wooden planters like half barrels or cedar boxes blend well with outdoor settings.
- Metal: Modern and sleek, metal containers like galvanised steel or copper planters make a statement. Be careful of heat retention in sunny areas – the roots of the plants can get cooked in hot weather.
- Fibreglass or resin: Lightweight and durable, these pots mimic more expensive materials and are excellent for large plants or trees. The problem is most of them look a bit fake. So you need to hunt down ones that you ae happy with.
- Concrete: Sturdy and long-lasting, concrete planters provide a contemporary look and excellent insulation for roots.
- Fabric grow bags: Flexible and promoting air pruning of roots, these are great for vegetables and small trees. But they look like fabric grow bags – so they won’t give you the classiest of looks.

Harmonising your containers
To create a visually cohesive patio garden:
- Choose a unifying element such as material, colour, or shape for your containers. This creates harmony while still allowing for variety.
- Match pot sizes to plant sizes and your patio’s dimensions. Use larger containers as focal points and smaller ones for accents.
- Combine different materials or styles thoughtfully, maintaining a consistent colour scheme or shape to tie the look together.
- Arrange pots in groups of three or five for a natural, balanced look.
- Use plant stands, overturned pots, or varying container heights to create visual interest and depth.
- Echo certain pot styles or colours throughout your patio to create a sense of rhythm and cohesion.
- Ensure the size of your containers is proportional to your patio space and the plants they hold. Oversized pots can make a small space feel larger.
- Don’t be afraid to include unique or vintage containers as accent pieces. A perfectly matched set can sometimes feel too rigid or formal.

Trees and large plants for patio containers
Here is a quick rundown of suitable plants you can think about using.
Citrus trees
Citrus trees are excellent choices for patio containers, offering fragrant blossoms and edible fruits. Some popular options include:
- Lemon (Citrus limon): Meyer or Eureka varieties are well-suited for containers.
- Lime (Citrus aurantifolia): Key lime or Kaffir lime trees add a tropical touch.
- Orange (Citrus sinensis): Compact varieties like Calamondin or Valencia work well in pots.

Other fruit trees
Beyond citrus, consider these fruit trees for your patio:
- Fig (Ficus carica): Compact varieties like ‘Brown Turkey’ or ‘Chicago Hardy’ thrive in containers.
- Olive (Olea europaea): Slow-growing and drought-tolerant, olives add a Mediterranean flair.
- Dwarf apple (Malus domestica): Colonnade or dwarf varieties are perfect for small spaces.

Ornamental trees
For year-round beauty without the fruit, try these ornamental options:
- Japanese maple (Acer palmatum): Varieties like ‘Bloodgood’ or ‘Crimson Queen’ offer stunning foliage.
- Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia): Dwarf varieties provide beautiful summer blooms and attractive bark.
- Bamboo (various species): Clumping varieties like Fargesia are ideal for creating privacy screens.

Large shrubs and plants
Complement your trees with these striking large plants:
- Hydrangea: Big-leaf varieties like ‘Endless Summer’ offer showy blooms.
- Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae): Adds a tropical touch with its distinctive flowers.
- Banana plant (Musa): Dwarf varieties like ‘Truly Tiny’ create a lush, exotic atmosphere.
- Fatsia japonica: Large, glossy leaves provide a bold, tropical look.
- Dicksonia antarctica: tree fern with wonderful structural shape and large fronds.

Key maintenance and plant care tips
To keep your potted patio garden thriving, follow these essential container gardening guidelines:
- Watering: Potted plants dry out faster than those in the ground. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, and adjust frequency based on weather conditions and plant needs.
- Fertilising: Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring and mid-summer. Supplement with liquid fertiliser during the growing season, especially for heavy feeders like citrus trees.
- Pruning: Regularly prune your trees and large plants to maintain their shape and size. Remove dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation and overall plant health.
- Repotting: Every 2-3 years, repot your trees and large plants to refresh the soil and provide more room for root growth. Choose containers 1-2 sizes larger than the current pot. Alternatively, you can top dress. This means removing the top layer of compost and replacing with a fresh mix.
- Winter protection: In colder climates, move tender plants indoors or to a protected area during winter. For the more tender plants that you want to leave outdoors, wrap pots in bubble wrap or burlap to insulate roots.
- Pest and disease management: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Treat issues promptly using organic methods when possible, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Soil quality: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for container plants. Add organic matter like compost to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
- Light requirements: Place plants according to their light needs. Most fruit trees require full sun, while some ornamental trees and shrubs can tolerate partial shade.
- Container maintenance: Ensure all containers have adequate drainage holes. Use pot feet or saucers to protect your patio surface and improve drainage. Clean pots annually to prevent disease build-up.
- Root management: For trees prone to circling roots, consider air-pruning pots or regularly root-prune to encourage a healthy root system.

Conclusion
Creating a dream patio using trees and large plants in pots and containers allows you to transform even the smallest outdoor space into an inviting place to be.

If you follow sound design principles, select the right plants and containers, and provide proper care, you can enjoy a vibrant, display that brings nature right to your doorstep.
I know cost can be a factor with large plants and large pots; but there is no doubt that the impact these can make on your patio means you do get a decent ‘bang for your buck’.

Note: I created the images of ‘dream patio ideas’ in this post for design inspiration by using AI.
More garden design inspiration
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.