A big flower vase for outdoor spaces can transform your patio, deck, or garden entrance into a vibrant, welcoming display. Choosing the right size, material, and style ensures your outdoor oasis thrives, adding striking visual appeal and a breath of fresh air to your home’s exterior without overwhelming your space or budget.
Ever looked at your outdoor area and thought, “It needs a splash of color and life?” You’re not alone! Many of us dream of a beautiful garden, but sometimes the idea of planting and maintaining beds can feel a bit overwhelming, especially for beginners. But what if there was a simpler way to bring big floral impact? Enter the big flower vase for outdoor spaces. These aren’t just pots; they’re statement pieces that can instantly elevate your curb appeal. Finding the perfect one and knowing how to fill it can seem tricky, but I’m here to help you navigate it with easy, step-by-step guidance. Get ready to create a stunning focal point that will have your neighbors talking!
Why Choose a Big Flower Vase for Your Outdoor Space?
Big flower vases, often called planters or urns, offer a fantastic way to introduce greenery and blooms without the commitment of traditional garden beds. They provide flexibility, allowing you to rearrange your decor or move plants as seasons change. Plus, when you want that “wow” factor, size really does matter! A substantial outdoor planter can hold a larger volume of soil, supporting more robust plants and creating a more dramatic visual impact than smaller containers.
Key Benefits of Large Outdoor Planters:
- Instant Visual Impact: A large vase acts as a focal point, drawing the eye and making a statement.
- Flexibility & Movability: Unlike in-ground gardens, you can move large planters to optimize sunlight or change your landscape design.
- Accessibility: They bring gardening up to a more comfortable height, perfect for those who prefer not to bend down.
- Soil Volume: More soil means better moisture retention and room for roots to grow, leading to healthier, happier plants.
- Controlled Environment: You have complete control over the soil type and drainage, which is great for plants that have specific needs.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Available in endless designs, materials, and colors to match any outdoor style.
Finding the Perfect Big Flower Vase: What to Consider
Selecting the right big flower vase for your outdoor setting involves a few key considerations. It’s not just about picking the prettiest one; practical aspects play a huge role in its longevity and how well your plants will flourish.
Size Matters: How Big is “Big”?
When we talk about “big,” we mean vases that stand at least 18-24 inches tall and have a diameter of 15-20 inches or more. The ideal size depends on your space and what you plan to plant. A very large urn can hold a small tree, a substantial shrub, or an abundance of cascading flowers. For a patio or deck, a collection of medium-to-large vases can be more manageable and visually interesting than one colossal piece.
Material Options: Durability & Style
The material of your outdoor vase will determine its look, weight, durability, and price. Here’s a breakdown of common choices:
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terracotta/Clay | Natural, attractive, breathable (good for roots), affordable. | Brittle, can crack in freezing temperatures if not protected, heavy. | Warm climates, Mediterranean or rustic garden styles. |
| Ceramic/Glazed Pottery | Wide range of colors and finishes, decorative, durable. | Can be heavy, may crack in freeze-thaw cycles, can be expensive. | Formal gardens, patios, balconies where style is key. |
| Concrete/Fiber Cement | Extremely durable, heavy (won’t tip easily), modern or industrial look, can be made to resemble stone. | Very heavy, can be porous (might need sealing), can be costly. | Modern landscapes, high-wind areas, permanent installations. |
| Plastic/Resin | Lightweight, affordable, weather-resistant, variety of styles and colors, easy to clean. | Can look less premium, may fade in direct sun over time, not as breathable. | Budget-conscious gardeners, renters, easy maintenance. |
| Metal (e.g., Zinc, Corten Steel) | Modern, stylish, durable, lightweight options available. | Can heat up in direct sun (potentially harming roots), may rust over time (unless treated/stainless), can be expensive. | Contemporary garden designs, accent pieces. |
| Wood | Natural, warm aesthetic, can be DIY-friendly. | Requires sealing and maintenance to prevent rot, can be heavy, may warp. | Cottage gardens, rustic or farmhouse styles. |
Drainage is Crucial!
This is non-negotiable for plant health. Ensure your chosen vase has drainage holes at the bottom. If it doesn’t, you might need to drill them yourself, or use a layer of gravel at the bottom (though proper holes are always best). Without proper drainage, water sits at the roots, leading to rot. You can read more about the importance of container drainage on resources like the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide to container gardening.
Style and Color: Complementing Your Home
Think about the existing architecture and landscaping of your home. Do you have a modern house that would suit sleek concrete or metal planters? Or a more traditional home that would pair well with classic terracotta or glazed ceramic urns? Consider colors that enhance your home’s facade or the surrounding greenery. A bright pop of color can liven up a neutral space, while earthy tones can blend seamlessly with nature.
Styling Your Big Flower Vase: What to Plant
Once you have your perfect vase, the fun begins: planting! For large outdoor vases, you have a wealth of options. The idea is to create a visually appealing arrangement that cascades, stands tall, or offers a full, lush display.
The Thriller, Filler, and Spiller Technique
This is a classic container planting method that creates a balanced and dynamic look:
- Thriller: The main, eye-catching plant that adds height and drama. Think ornamental grasses, a tall spikey plant like a Cordyline, or a small dwarf evergreen.
- Filler: These plants fill in the space around the thriller, adding volume and color. Examples include petunias, geraniums, or coleus.
- Spiller: Plants that trail or cascade over the edge of the vase, softening the look and adding another layer of interest. Sweet potato vine, creeping jenny, or lobelia are great choices.
Plant Ideas for Big Outdoor Vases
Here are some popular and effective planting combinations:
| Container Theme | Thriller | Filler(s) | Spiller(s) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vibrant Summer Annuals | Geranium ‘Rozanne’ (tall variety) or Salvia ‘Black and Blue’ | Petunias (various colors), Marigolds, Zinnias | Sweet Potato Vine (dark or lime green), Lobelia | Adding bright, seasonal color to patios or entryways. |
| Shade Elegance | Grecian Urn Hosta or a large Fern (like Ostrich Fern) | Impatiens, Begonias, Heuchera (Coral Bells) | Vinca Vine, Creeping Charlie (if contained) | Shady porches, courtyards, or north-facing entrances. |
| Textural Interest | Ornamental Grass (e.g., Pennisetum ‘Rubrum’) or a small Evergreen (dwarf Alberta Spruce) | Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Artemisia (Silver Bush) | Creeping Thyme, Sedum (trailing varieties) | Adding year-round structure and lower-maintenance beauty. |
| Edible Delight | Dwarf Tomato bush or a compact Pepper plant | Herbs like Basil, Parsley, Rosemary | Nasturtiums (edible flowers & leaves), trailing strawberries | Kitchen patios or balconies for fresh ingredients. |
| Tropical Flair | Canna Lily or a small Palm tree | Crocosmia, Lantana | Calibrachoa (Million Bells), Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ | Creating a vacation vibe on decks or by pools. |
Consider Sun Exposure
Before you buy plants, observe how much sun your chosen spot receives. Most annuals need at least 6 hours of sunlight to bloom well. If your spot is shady, opt for shade-tolerant plants like hostas, ferns, and impatiens.
Essential Tools and Supplies for Big Outdoor Vases
While you don’t need a professional setup, a few key items will make planting and maintaining your big flower vase much easier.
What You’ll Need:
- The Big Flower Vase: Your chosen planter!
- Potting Mix: For containers, never use garden soil as it compacts too easily. A good quality potting mix provides aeration and drainage. Look for mixes containing peat, perlite, and compost. You can learn more about different soil types at Planet Natural’s guide to soil types.
- Plants: Your chosen thrillers, fillers, and spillers.
- Gardening Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Watering Can or Hose with a gentle spray nozzle: For watering.
- Trowel: For digging and moving soil.
- Optional: Slow-Release Fertilizer: To give your plants a nutrient boost.
- Optional: Pot Feet or Riser Blocks: To elevate the vase, improving drainage and airflow, and protecting surfaces.
Step-by-Step Guide: Planting Your Big Flower Vase
Let’s get planting! Follow these simple steps to fill your large outdoor vase with beautiful blooms.
- Prepare Your Vase: Ensure the vase is clean and importantly, has drainage holes. If elevating your vase, place pot feet or riser blocks underneath now. This allows water to escape freely and prevents waterlogging.
- Add Drainage Material (Optional but recommended): While some swear by a layer of gravel, for most modern potting mixes, it’s not strictly necessary if you have good drainage holes. If you are using a very heavy soil or have fewer drainage holes, a 1-2 inch layer of gravel or broken terra cotta shards can help.
- Fill with Potting Mix: Fill the vase about two-thirds full with your high-quality potting mix. Gently press it down, but don’t compact it too much.
- Arrange Your Plants: Take your plants out of their nursery pots. Place your “thriller” plant in the center or at the back (depending on viewing angle). Position your “filler” plants around it. Finally, place your “spiller” plants along the edge. Step back and look at the arrangement from all angles to ensure it’s balanced. Adjust as needed.
- Plant Them Up: Once you’re happy with the layout, begin planting. Dig small holes for each plant, just large enough to accommodate their root balls. Gently remove plants from their pots, loosen any tightly bound roots, and place them in the holes.
- Add More Potting Mix: Fill in around the plants with more potting mix, leaving about an inch or two of space from the rim of the vase to the soil surface. This gap is important to prevent soil and water from overflowing when you water. Gently firm the soil around the base of each plant.
- Water Thoroughly: Water your newly planted arrangement immediately and deeply. Water until you see it start to drain from the bottom holes. This helps settle the soil and reduces transplant shock.
- Add Fertilizer (Optional): If you didn’t use a potting mix with extended-release fertilizer, you can mix some into the top layer of soil or plan to use a liquid feed according to product instructions.
Caring for Your Big Flower Vase
Keeping your large outdoor planter looking its best is straightforward with a little regular attention.
Watering: The Most Important Task
Vases, especially large ones, can dry out surprisingly quickly, especially in hot, windy weather. Check the soil moisture daily by sticking your finger about two inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water deeply until it drains from the bottom. Avoid light, frequent watering; it encourages shallow root growth.
Feeding Your Plants
Plants in containers deplete nutrients faster than those in the ground. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season, or incorporate slow-release granules into the potting mix at planting time.
Deadheading and Pruning
Remove spent flowers (“deadheading”) regularly. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms rather than go to seed. Trim back any plants that get too leggy to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage bushier growth.
Pest and Disease Monitoring
Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids or spider mites, and signs of disease. Early detection makes treatment much easier. Often, a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can handle minor infestations. Healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Seasonal Considerations
In regions with freezing winters, you’ll need to protect your vase and plants:
- Empty and Store: For frost-sensitive plants or delicate vases (like unglazed terracotta), it’s best to empty them for winter. Store tender plants indoors or as houseplants.
- Protect Materials: Some materials, like unglazed terracotta, can crack in freeze-thaw cycles. You can wrap them in burlap for winter protection.
- Draining: Ensure all vases are completely empty of soil and water before winter sets in to prevent damage from freezing water expanding.
FAQs: Your Big Outdoor Vase Questions Answered
Q1: How do I prevent my large outdoor vase from tipping over in the wind?
A: Choose heavy materials like concrete or ceramic. If your vase is lighter, you can add a layer of gravel at the bottom before adding soil, or you can strategically place it near a wall or railing for added stability. Ensure plants aren’t too top-heavy for the vase’s base.
Q2: Can I use regular garden soil in my big flower vase?
A: No, it’s best to use a high-quality potting mix. Garden soil compacts too much in containers, hindering drainage and airflow, which is crucial for root health.
Q3: How often should I water a big outdoor vase?
A: This depends on the weather, the material of the vase, and the plants. In hot, sunny, or windy conditions, you might need to water daily. Always check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about two inches deep. If it’s dry, water thoroughly.
Q4: What’s the best location for a big flower vase?
A: Consider the sunlight needs of your plants. Full sun-loving plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day. Shady areas are perfect for ferns, hostas, and impatiens. Also, think about visibility – place them where
