20 Best Potted Plants For Porch – (Shaded And Full Sun)

20 Best Potted Plants For Porch – (Shaded And Full Sun)

Is your porch looking a little…meh?

We’ve all been there. You step outside with a cup of coffee, only to be greeted by a sad, lifeless patio. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to turn around and go back to bed.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need a green thumb to have a stunning porch. All you need are the right potted plants. And whether your porch is basking in full sunlight or hiding in the shade like a vampire at high noon, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve spent years testing and failing (and occasionally succeeding) with porch plants. Today, I’m sharing my top 20 favorite potted plants that thrive on both shaded and sunny porches. Some love the spotlight. Others prefer a shady retreat. But they all bring serious curb appeal.

Let’s dig in (pun 100% intended).

Best Potted Plants For Shaded Porches

1. Caladium

These plants don’t bloom, but honestly, they don’t need to.

Caladiums show off bold, colorful leaves in pink, red, white, and green. They practically scream, “Look at me!” Their arrow-shaped leaves and delicate veining add instant flair to any shady porch.

Light needs: Indirect light or part shade
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
Bonus: Great for adding drama to dull corners

2. Ferns (Boston or Kimberly Queen)

I swear, ferns are like the throw pillows of the plant world.

They fill space, soften edges, and make everything feel lush and cozy. The Boston fern has a delicate, classic look, while the Kimberly Queen is upright and more structured — perfect for tight spots.

Light needs: Bright, indirect light to full shade
Watering: Likes humidity and moist soil
Pro tip: Mist it occasionally if your porch is dry

3. Impatiens

Want flowers in the shade? Impatiens are your BFF.

They bloom like it’s their full-time job and come in all the happy colors. These compact plants fill containers quickly and offer months of nonstop blooms with minimal effort.

Light needs: Shade to part shade
Watering: Likes evenly moist soil
Warning: Snails love them, so stay vigilant

4. Begonias (Rex or Wax)

I’ve killed a few begonias, but I keep coming back for more.

They’re just that pretty. And surprisingly tough. Rex begonias have swirled, colorful leaves that look hand-painted. Wax begonias throw in adorable flowers too.

Light needs: Filtered light or shade
Watering: Let soil dry a bit between waterings
Fun fact: Rex begonias are all about the foliage, wax ones bloom too

5. Coleus

These are like abstract art pieces in a pot.

Bright, patterned leaves make them the focal point of any shady setup. The foliage ranges from lime green to burgundy, often with contrasting edges or veins.

Light needs: Shade to part sun
Watering: Moist soil but not soggy
Heads up: Pinch the flowers off to keep foliage looking great

6. Hostas (in containers)

Yes, you can grow hostas in pots.

They’re shade-lovers with beautiful foliage, and they handle container life like champs. Varieties range from small and cute to large and dramatic.

Light needs: Full shade to part shade
Watering: Keep soil consistently damp
Best use: Group them with taller shade plants for texture

7. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

These plants are like jewelry for your porch.

They come in deep purples, lime greens, and bronze. Coral Bells also bloom with tall, delicate spires of tiny flowers, giving height and elegance.

Light needs: Shade to partial sun
Watering: Regular watering, but don’t overdo it
Cool perk: Their tiny flower spikes attract pollinators

8. English Ivy (In Hanging Baskets)

If you want a cascade of greenery, this one’s a no-brainer.

It drapes dramatically over the sides of pots and gives that cozy cottage look. You can even shape it around small topiary frames if you’re feeling fancy.

Light needs: Full shade to bright, indirect light
Watering: Let the top inch dry between waterings
Bonus: Super low maintenance once it’s established

9. Tuberous Begonias

These are the drama queens of shade flowers.

They bloom with big, ruffled petals that almost look fake (in a good way). Ideal for hanging baskets or pedestal pots where they can really strut their stuff.

Light needs: Shade to part shade
Watering: Keep moist but avoid waterlogging
Heads up: Remove faded blooms to keep them tidy

10. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)

This one’s a bit fancy, but worth it.

The golden-green blades sway like a soft waterfall in the breeze. It adds motion, light, and a graceful touch to shaded porches.

Light needs: Full shade to part shade
Watering: Regular watering; loves moist soil
Adds: Movement and texture to shady porches

Best Potted Plants For Sunny Porches

11. Geraniums

These classic porch plants never go out of style.

They bloom like crazy and handle heat like pros. Geraniums also come in upright or trailing varieties, so you can pick what suits your space.

Light needs: Full sun
Watering: Let soil dry slightly between waterings
Tip: Deadhead to encourage more blooms

12. Lavender

Want fragrance and function? Go with lavender.

It smells amazing and repels mosquitoes. Plus, it brings a touch of Provence to your front door.

Light needs: Full sun
Watering: Dry, well-draining soil
Reality check: Needs less water than you think

13. Petunias

Petunias are like the life of the summer party.

Colorful, cheerful, and non-stop blooming. Wave petunias spill over edges beautifully, and you can find them in just about every color imaginable.

Light needs: Full sun
Watering: Regular watering in hot weather
Good to know: Supertunias trail beautifully over containers

14. Marigolds

Low effort, high reward.

Marigolds add vibrant yellow and orange to any sunny spot. They also help deter aphids and nematodes in nearby plants.

Light needs: Full sun
Watering: Let the soil dry slightly between watering
Pro: Keeps pests away too

15. Mandevilla

This vine knows how to show off.

Big, tropical-looking blooms climb and twirl around porch railings. The glossy green leaves provide a rich backdrop to the bright trumpet flowers.

Light needs: Full sun
Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy
Heads up: Needs a trellis or support to climb

16. Lantana

If your porch gets scorching hot, plant this.

Lantanas laugh in the face of sun and heat. Their tiny cluster blooms change colors as they age, giving a multi-colored effect.

Light needs: Full sun
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established
Bonus: Butterflies love it

17. Salvia

These plants bring color and pollinators.

They’re heat-tough, reliable, and surprisingly elegant. Spiky blooms in purple, red, or blue attract hummingbirds and bees alike.

Light needs: Full sun
Watering: Let soil dry a bit between waterings
Great for: Pairing with low-growing flowers

18. Sweet Potato Vine

This one’s all about the foliage.

Bright green or deep purple leaves spill over containers like a waterfall. It grows fast and creates lush volume in no time.

Light needs: Full sun
Watering: Likes moist but well-draining soil
Fun fact: It grows fast, so give it room

19. Portulaca (Moss Rose)

Portulaca thrives in heat and poor soil.

It’s basically the succulent that acts like a flower. The blooms are almost neon in color and close at night or during cloudy weather.

Light needs: Full sun
Watering: Drought-tolerant
Blooms: Only open in bright sunlight

20. SunPatiens

These are the sunny cousins of impatiens.

They bloom like wild and handle heat like champs. You get the shade flower look without the drama of trying to coddle it through a sunny day.

Light needs: Full sun to part sun
Watering: Regular watering in hot temps
Great choice: For color and ease on a sunny porch

Final Thoughts

Your porch doesn’t have to be boring.

With the right potted plants, it can become your favorite “room” in the house. Whether you’re working with deep shade or full sun, there’s a plant on this list that will thrive.

Play around. Mix shade lovers with textured foliage. Combine sun-lovers with trailing vines and fragrant herbs. And most importantly, pick what makes you smile.

After all, it’s your porch. Why not make it awesome?