When designing a balcony, terrace, or garden, choosing the right containers is a key step. Far more than a simple pot, an outdoor planter is a true decorative element that adds structure to your space and enhances your plants. But with the vast array of shapes, materials, and features available, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide is here to shed light on the essential criteria and present our selection of the best models to help you make the right choice.
Before you take the plunge, let's review the few points that will make all the difference for the longevity of your setup and the health of your plants.
The material is arguably the number one criterion. It determines not only the look but also the durability. New-generation plastic planters have come a long way. A far cry from the models of the past, they are now treated to resist UV rays and frost, making them a perfectly reliable frost-proof option for our climate. Being lightweight, they are easy to move, which is a definite advantage for a balcony planter or a terrace planter. Modern finishes, like the stone effect, successfully combine the practicality of plastic with a stylish and natural aesthetic.
Do you sometimes forget to water your plants or often go away for the weekend? A planter with a water reservoir is the solution you need. This clever system stores excess water at the bottom of the container and gradually releases it to the plants through capillary action. The result: the moisture at the root level remains constant, you can water less frequently, and your plants no longer suffer from water stress, even during a heatwave.
The size of your flower box should be considered based on the available space, but also on the needs of your plants.
To help you bring your project to life, our editorial team has selected three models that meet different needs, always prioritising quality, practicality, and design.
The Editor's Choice This large planter from the Volcania range is designed for those who think big. With its generous 98-litre volume and stone-effect design, it allows you to create veritable flowerbeds on a terrace or in a garden. Its double wall provides better thermal insulation for the roots, protecting them from temperature fluctuations.
Highlights
Who is it for? This model is perfect for those who want to structure a large outdoor space, like a terrace or garden. Its impressive size makes it a central decorative element, capable of hosting large-scale plantings.
The Editor's Choice With its slender silhouette, this square outdoor flower pot embraces modernity and verticality. The Volcania UP tall planter is perfect for majestically showcasing a single plant or for adding rhythm to a space on a balcony or at the entrance of a house. Its trompe-l'?il rim gives the illusion of a double wall, without the weight.
Highlights
Who is it for? Ideal for those who want to add height to their layout, whether on a balcony, a terrace, or even indoors. Its slender shape is particularly suitable for trailing plants or ornamental grasses.
The Editor's Choice The Toscane rectangular planter is the go-to classic for adding flowers to a balcony or windowsill. At 50 cm long, it offers an excellent balance between volume and footprint. Its moulded plastic construction makes it lightweight and weather-resistant, while its anthracite grey colour blends into any decor.
Highlights
Who is it for? This flower box is for those looking for a simple, effective, and affordable solution to add greenery to smaller spaces like railings, windowsills, or small terraces.
The square shape, for example, brings a modern and structured touch, ideal for defining spaces or creating graphic compositions. If our selection doesn't quite match your project, don't worry: there are a multitude of other options available.
? Discover our complete collection of square plant pots to find the container that will elevate your design.
The ideal size depends on two things: the space you have and the plants you plan to put in it. For a small balcony, a rectangular planter of 50 to 80 cm is often a good choice. For a terrace, a large planter of 80 L or more can accommodate a shrub or serve as a plant-based privacy screen. Always remember to check the space needed for proper root development before you decide.
Simply put, it allows you to water less frequently. The excess water is stored and continuously made available to the roots through capillary action. It's the perfect system for summer, if you go on holiday, or if you tend to forget to water. It ensures consistent hydration, promotes healthy growth, and prevents the soil from drying out.
Quality plastic planters, like those from the EDA brand, are now designed to be frost-proof. However, it's mainly the roots that need protection. In case of a deep freeze, a few simple steps can make all the difference: mulch the soil surface, wrap the pot in a winter fleece, or raise it off the frozen ground with blocks. Finally, check that the drainage hole is not clogged so that water doesn't stagnate and freeze, which would be fatal for the roots.