Beautify Your Fence with Flower Pots – A Comprehensive Guide

Fences are an integral part of every home. They not only provide security but also enhance the beauty of your outdoors. While a fence on its own does add aesthetic value, decorating it with flower pots takes the appeal up by several notches.

Flower pots on the fence serve multiple purposes. They allow you to grow beautiful plants even when you have limited gardening space. The pops of color from the flowers and foliage help soften hard edges and materials of the fence. Hanging planters and pots also add height and create a layered look. Last but not the least, flowering pots inject life and vibrancy into any dull corner.

If you wish to decorate your fence with pots but don’t know where to begin, read on This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need – right from choosing the pots to the plants that will thrive in them

Types of Flower Pots for Fences

The most important decision is choosing the right type of flower pot for your fence. The possibilities are many so go through the features of each to pick what suits your needs

Hanging Baskets

As the name suggests, these pots are designed to hang down from the fence. Hanging baskets come in different materials like metal, plastic, ceramic etc. You’ll find them in myriad sizes, shapes and colors too.

The great thing about hanging flower pots is that they are extremely easy to install. All you need is a hook or clip to attach them to the fence. You can hang a single pot at regular intervals or group 3-5 baskets together for greater impact.

Go for lightweight plastic or resin hanging planters if your fence cannot take heavy weight. Opt for metal or ceramic pots for sturdier fence structures.

Rail Planters

Rail planters are elongated pots designed to sit on top of the fence rails. They are usually made of weather-resistant materials like resin, plastic, concrete or metal. Look for rail planters with pre-drilled holes at the bottom. This allows you to secure the pots to the fence with screws or zip ties so they don’t blow away.

These planters look best when placed at regular intervals on the fence. Use them to grow trailing flowers or cascading greens for a waterfall effect.

Wall Pots

As the name suggests, wall pots are flat against the fence so they can be secured to the surface. These are ideal for fences made of wood, vinyl or other solid materials. Wall mounted planters come in a wide range of materials too.

Look for lightweight resin or plastic wall planters if your fence cannot handle heavy weights. Opt for ceramic or concrete pots for sturdier wooden or masonry fences. Install them using provided screws or hooks.

Window Boxes

Window boxes are elongated containers designed to be installed outside windows. But you can also use them on fences with a small DIY modification.

Simply install sturdy brackets on the fence. Then secure the window boxes to the brackets. An advantage of using window boxes is you can customize the size – make them as long as you wish.

These planters are great for growing trailing flowers and vines that will cascade down the fence. Go for window boxes made of cedar wood or plastic for durability.

Freestanding Pots

For ultimate versatility, use freestanding pots placed on the floor against the fence. You can move them around whenever you wish. Use hooks or decorative stands to elevate the pots higher on the fence.

Opt for lightweight plastic, resin or fiberglass freestanding pots. These provide portability. For larger fences, use robust materials like concrete, ceramic or terracotta.

Go for round, oval, square or rectangular pots depending on your preference. Match the colors to your fence for a cohesive look.

Best Plants for Fence Pots

When choosing plants for your fence pots, opt for varieties suitable for containers. Here are some options to consider:

Annuals

• Petunias: Available in vivid colors, these fast-growing annuals bloom profusely in pots. Great for hanging planters.

• Marigolds: Compact marigold varieties like French marigolds thrive in small pots. Choose single or double blooms.

• Zinnias: Sturdy, sun-loving zinnias add pops of color for months in fence pots. Go for dwarf varieties.

• Geraniums: These cheerful flowers bloom continuously in planters. Opt for vigorous ivy and zonal geraniums.

• Coleus: Grown for their fabulous foliage, coleuses come in stunning color combinations. Low-maintenance.

Perennials

• Lavender: This fragrant herb grows beautifully in fence pots. Provides scent and color.

• Sage: Culinary sage varieties like purple and tricolor sage add hit of color and texture.

• Sedums: Low-growing succulent varieties like Dragon’s Blood stonecrop are perfect for planters.

• Hens and chicks: Another hardy succulent, hens and chicks multiply easily to form a thick clump.

Ornamental Grasses

• Dwarf fountain grass: This tough grass grows in mounded clumps with graceful blooms. Nice in hanging pots.

• Dwarf pennisetum: With purple or chartreuse foliage, these compact grasses add drama to pots.

Vines

• Mandevilla: Showy, tropical-looking vines thrive in pots. Provide a trellis for support.

• Passion flower: Unique flowers on vigorous vines that love planters. Needs trellising.

• Sweet potato vine: Grown for its chartreuse or black foliage, this vine cascades beautifully.

Tips for Growing Plants in Fence Pots

Follow these tips to help your fence planters thrive:

• Choose the right sized pots – avoid very tiny or oversized containers. Pick pots in proportion to the plant’s size at maturity.

• Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.

• Use good quality potting mix formulated for containers and hanging baskets.

• Water the plants regularly, and even more frequently in hot weather. Do not allow pots to dry out completely.

• Apply controlled release fertilizer at planting time and follow up with monthly liquid fertilizer.

• For hanging pots, provide plant supports like trellises for vines and trailing plants.

• Prune back wayward growth to keep plant sizes manageable. Remove spent blooms and foliage.

• Towards winter, move pots to a protected area or greenhouse if possible.

Decorative Touches for Flower Pots

Besides plants, also incorporate some decorative accents in your fence pots:

• Paint or stain the pots in a color that complements your fence

• Add pebbles, moss or marbles as top dressing around plants

• Use complementary container combinations – pair a trailing plant with an upright one

• Incorporate quirky accents like birdhouses, benches, stakes and sculptures

• Weave fairy lights through the fence pots for a magical evening display

• Group 3-5 matching pots together for a collection effect

• Attach creative labels to identify the plants

Decorating your fence with flower pots is an easy DIY project that offers big benefits. Follow the tips above to choose pots that work best for your fence. Select appropriate plants and care for them properly.

Add your personal touch with decorative accents. Soon your boring old fence will be transformed into a thing of beauty that makes your garden shine!