A beautiful front porch is a perfect way to welcome guests and add charm to your home's exterior. And what better way to add to that charm than with beautiful flowers? Flowers add color and texture to your front porch and provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that can make you feel right at home.
In this post, I'll share top front porch flower ideas that will enhance your home's curb appeal and make your front porch the envy of the neighborhood.
Over the years, I have adorned our small front porch with many flowers in planters and pots. I have learned which flowers thrive on the porch while others didn't make it very long. I also have a few tricks up my sleeve on what colors work together when it comes to flowers.
So I thought it was time to share my best porch planter ideas to help you plan and decorate your front porch for the best curb appeal in the neighborhood.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.
Front Porch Flower Ideas
Like I said before I have decorated our front porch with all kinds of flowers and colors. If you have been around me very long you may have picked up that the green thumb in my family is my hubby and daughter Hannah. I did not inherit a green thumb. So to be honest most flowers on the front porch don't last long and are rescued by my husband.
But aside from my lack of horticulture, I have a knack for selecting the right flower colors to pull together a most welcoming front porch and experience with which ones will last the longest. So, let's dive into my best advice on flowers for your front porch.
Front Porch Flower Ideas FAQs:
What Kind of Plant is Best for the Front Porch?
When considering front porch flower ideas, of course you want to use flowers and plants that you love for the front of your house. To make your porch visually interesting, consider combining annuals, perennials, grasses, and even small shrubs for a compelling display in your front porch flower planters. Keep in mind, the easiest way to keep your front porch flowers and plants alive and thriving is to have flowers and plants with similar light and water requirements. But whether you choose bright colors or neutral colors, or a mix of both, for your outdoor space is up to you.
What Flowers Grow on Covered Porches?
When you're considering your front porch flower ideas, think about the amount of sunlight your porch gets. If your front porch is covered and doesn't get a lot of sun, the best way to give your flowers a fighting chance is to select flowers and plants that thrive in partial shade. We'll talk more about flower selection in a bit but these flowers in particular do well in partial sun: impatiens, coleus, sweet potato vine, vincas, violas, petunias, pansies, hostas, astilbes, and trilliums.
Best Flowers for Front Porches
When shopping for flowers for your front porch, there are several things to consider – size and color along with what will last until your ready to change your decor again if you are like me. Here is a list of the best flowers for front porches. Remember that depending on where you live some of these may not work as well so look at your zone to see if they will survive very long.
- Petunias – These annuals come in various colors and are known for their long-lasting blooms.
- Geraniums – Another popular annual, geraniums come in a range of colors and are easy to care for.
- Pansies – These cool-season annuals come in beautiful colors and are known for their hardiness.
- Impatiens – These annuals are delicate looking and come in assorted colors and are perfect for shady areas.
- Begonias – These annuals come in a range of colors and are known for their bright blooms.
- Marigolds – These annuals come in a range of colors and are known for their pest-repelling properties.
- Salvia – These perennials come in a range of colors and are known for their drought tolerance.
- Dianthus – These perennials come in a range of colors and are known for their spicy fragrance.
- Daylilies – These perennials come in a range of colors and are known for their easy care.
- Lantana – These perennials are hardy in full sun and come in many vibrant colors.
- Sweet Asylum – These annuals or short-lived perennials come in various colors and love moist but well-drained soil.
- Vinca – These flowers, known for their vibrant blooms, are hardy perennials that thrive in a range of colors and prefer well-drained soil
Perennials are grown year around and are evergreen, while annuals only have one life which means you have to replace them yearly.
Shop the post: tap on the small photos to shop online for these flowering plants.
Planter Size and Style
When selecting the flowers and plants for your front porch, keep in mind the planter you'll be using. You can find planters at various price points to fit your budget as well as your porch size. Whether tall or short, hanging or standing, your flowers and plants deserve a beautiful home to grow in.
Petunias
When you're thinking about front porch flower ideas, you can't go wrong with petunias. Petunias are so pretty and they look great alone in a pot or clustered together with other flowers in a planter. Petunias are definitely a great option for your front porch.
Here is an example of petunias I planted in our planter one spring – they are the colorful purple pink flower on the right side of this container garden with tall grasses to add depth and dimension.
Petunias are annual flowering plants, meaning they complete their life cycle in a single growing season. They are known for their vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, red, and yellow.
Petunias typically grow to a height of 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60 cm) and can spread up to 36 inches (91 cm) wide, depending on the variety. They prefer full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade during the warmer months.
Petunias are excellent choices for front porches, as they can be planted in hanging planters, window boxes, or containers to add a splash of color and beauty to these areas.
Geraniums
Just like petunias, geraniums are full show of color. While visiting Walt Disney World I saw this gorgeous display of geraniums in a concrete planter at the Crystal Palace restaurant. What a great place to get front porch flower ideas.
Aren't they pretty!
Geraniums are popular flowering plants that can be either annuals or perennials, depending on the species. Common geraniums, also known as zonal geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum), are typically grown as annuals during warmer months.
These flowers have rounded, lobed leaves that often feature distinctive patterns, and their flowers come in a variety of colors, including shades of red, pink, white, and purple. Geraniums can grow to a height of 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm) and can spread up to 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) wide. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Look at these gorgeous red flowers.
Geraniums are perfect for front porches, where they can be used in pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes to create beautiful and colorful displays that add charm and fragrance to the area.
Pansies
Have you ever seen Alice in Wonderland? If so then you will recognize this next flower because pansies are singing, along with other flower varieties, during the cartoon movie.
Pansies are typically grown as annuals, although some varieties may act as short-lived perennials. When considering front porch flower ideas, pansies are a great choice. They are small, compact plants with distinctive flowers that have “faces” in various colors, including purple, yellow, orange, and white, often with dark markings. Pansies have rounded, velvety petals and a compact growth habit.
They can grow to a height of 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) and can spread up to 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) wide. Pansies prefer cooler temperatures and thrive in part sun to full sun conditions. They can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter regions.
Pansies are excellent for front porches as they can be used in containers, window boxes, or flower beds. Their charming blooms add a splash of color and vibrancy to the porch, creating a welcoming and cheerful display.
Impatiens
At our old house we had lots of shade over our front yard and front door so impatiens were perfect for that environment. They look so delicate and pretty on display by your front door or in a pot.
Impatiens are typically grown as annuals, although there are perennial varieties as well. When considering front porch flower ideas, they are popular for their profusion of colorful, showy flowers and lush foliage. Impatiens have oval-shaped leaves and produce clusters of flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, purple, and white. The flowers have a unique shape with a distinctive spur at the back.
Impatiens can grow to a height of 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60 cm) and can spread up to 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) wide, depending on the variety. They prefer part shade to full shade conditions, as they are known for their ability to thrive in low light conditions.
Impatiens are well-suited for front porches in shady areas where they can be planted in containers, hanging baskets, or flower beds. Their bright and eye-catching blooms bring color and beauty to shaded spots, creating a lively and inviting porch display.
Begonias
Just this year, I added begonias to my porch. I love how easy it is to care for this flower, especially when all I did was drop the pot down into this smaller terra cotta lime washed pot. LOL! Here is an example of using begonias in a smaller pot in front of my larger container garden.
Begonias are versatile flowering plants that can be either annuals or perennials, depending on the species. They are known for their attractive foliage and vibrant flowers.
Begonias come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some begonias have large, showy blooms, while others have smaller, delicate flowers. The foliage of begonias can range from glossy green to bronze or variegated with intricate patterns.
The height and width of begonias vary depending on the species, but generally, they can range from 6 inches to 3 feet (15 cm to 90 cm) in height and spread. Begonias prefer part sun to shade conditions. They thrive in dappled sunlight or areas with bright, indirect light.
The best places to use begonias on a front porch are in containers, hanging baskets, or flower beds where they can receive filtered sunlight or partial shade. Begonias add a touch of elegance and color to front porches, creating a welcoming and visually appealing display.
Marigolds
While out for my walk one morning, I came across these beautiful marigolds by my neighbor's mailbox. The combination of salvia and marigolds is so pretty that I couldn't wait to share.
Marigolds are primarily annual flowering plants, although some perennial varieties exist. They are known for their cheerful and vibrant blooms. Marigolds have dense clusters of small flowers with yellow, orange, or red petals. The petals may be single or double, and some varieties have a distinct maroon or brown center.
Marigolds typically grow to a height of 6 inches to 3 feet (15 cm to 90 cm), depending on the cultivar, and can spread up to 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45 cm) wide. They require full sun exposure to thrive and produce abundant blooms.
Marigolds are ideal for front porches, which can be used in containers, hanging baskets, or flower beds. Their vibrant colors and compact growth make them excellent choices for adding a splash of color and charm to the front porch area. I love mixing them with taller plants and flowers for a stunning display.
Salvias
While walking around our local nursery which is like visiting an oasis, I came across this cluster of container flower gardens, and peeking up over the flowers are purple salvias. Do you see them?
I love the look of salvia, but I have never tried using it on my porch. It reminds me of lavender.
Salvia plants encompass a wide variety of species, some of which are annuals while others are perennials. The common characteristic of salvias is their vibrant flowers and aromatic foliage. Salvia flowers come in various colors, including shades of blue, purple, red, and white. They often have tubular or hooded shapes, arranged in dense spikes or clusters.
The height and width of salvias can vary depending on the species and cultivar, but they generally range from 1 to 4 feet (30 cm to 120 cm) in height and spread. Salvia plants thrive in full sun conditions, although some varieties can tolerate partial shade.
For a front porch, salvias can be used in flower beds, borders, or containers to add vertical interest and bursts of color. They are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a delightful addition to a porch garden.
Dianthus
Here is another flower that was recommended over and over, a great front porch flower idea that I have never used. After doing research, I find myself wanting to try it too.
Dianthus, commonly known as carnations or pinks, are mostly perennial flowering plants, although some varieties are grown as annuals. They are prized for their exquisite and fragrant flowers. Dianthus flowers come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, and purple. They have delicate, ruffled petals and a distinctive fringed or serrated edge.
Dianthus plants typically grow to a height of 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60 cm) and can spread up to 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) wide, depending on the variety. Dianthus thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate part sun. They prefer well-draining soil and are relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Dianthus can be used on a front porch in containers, hanging baskets, or as border plants to add fragrance and a touch of elegance to the space. Their compact growth habit and lovely blooms make them ideal for creating charming displays and attracting pollinators to the porch area.
Daylilies
Our yard is full of daylilies because they were my mother-in-law's favorite. Since she had lots of daylilies in her yard, my hubby was able to transplant some in our yard.
I love these flowering plants; they are perfect for containers on your front porch. Think about adding them in the center of your container garden because they are taller.
Daylilies are perennial flowering plants, meaning they come back year after year. They are known for their beautiful and showy flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Daylily flowers have six petals arranged in a trumpet or spider-like shape, and each flower usually lasts for just one day, giving the plant its common name.
The height of daylilies can vary depending on the cultivar, but they typically range from 1 to 4 feet (30 cm to 120 cm), with some taller varieties reaching up to 6 feet (180 cm) in height. They have a clumping growth habit and can spread about 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) wide. Daylilies prefer full sun to part sun conditions. While they can tolerate some shade, they generally bloom best in full sun.
Daylilies can be used on a front porch in flower beds, borders, or as standalone plants to create a stunning display of colorful and long-lasting flowers. They add beauty and a touch of elegance to the porch area and are also attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
Lantana
Now we have arrived at a favorite of mine because of the tiny delicate cluster of flowers. I captured this photo at my favorite nursery.
Lantanas are so hardy and great if you don't have a green thumb. I should know. I forget to water them on my front porch and they come right back.
Here is a close-up so you can see those sweet little flowers.
They look so pretty in hanging pots. And they work great in a container garden along the edge.
Lantana is a versatile flowering plant that can be grown as both an annual and a perennial, depending on the region and variety. It is known for its clusters of small, colorful flowers that bloom in a wide array of vibrant shades, including yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple. Lantana flowers are often multicolored, with clusters containing different hues. The plant has coarse, textured foliage that ranges from medium to dark green.
Lantana can grow anywhere from 1 to 6 feet (30 cm to 180 cm) in height, and its spread can reach 2 to 8 feet (60 cm to 240 cm), depending on the cultivar. Lantana thrives in full sun, although it can tolerate some shade. It is highly drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Lantana is an excellent choice for front porches, as it adds vibrant color and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. If you have tall planters, they will drape beautifully. It can be used in containers, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover to create a visually appealing and low-maintenance display.
Sweet Alyssum
Like lantana, this flower is another favorite but requires more attention. Lantana will last all summer long on my brick, hot sun Florida porch, whereas sweet Alyssum doesn't last for me. I am not sure if it is the overall heat or if I keep forgetting to water it. LOL!
It is an absolutely gorgeous plant for pots and trails beautifully in container gardens.
Sweet Alyssum is an annual flowering plant. It is a delicate and charming plant often used as a ground cover or edging in garden beds. Sweet Alyssum features small, fragrant flowers that form clusters in shades of white, pink, or purple. The flowers have a sweet honey-like scent, which adds to their appeal.
Sweet Alyssum grows to a height of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) and can spread up to 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) wide. It thrives in full sun to part sun conditions and can tolerate light shade.
Sweet Alyssum is an excellent choice for front porches, where it can be used in hanging baskets, containers, or along the edges of flower beds. Its low-growing habit and profusion of fragrant flowers create a beautiful and welcoming display.
Vinca
Vinca reminds me of impatiens but love full sun, which makes it a perfect plant for my hot front porch. We tend to use them more in a flower bed near our porch rather than on my porch, but many still recommend them as the perfect flower for your front porch. Consider using Vinca in a hanging planter.
Vinca, also known as Periwinkle or Vinca minor, is a perennial ground cover plant. It features small, attractive flowers with shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, with glossy evergreen leaves. Look at how pretty these pink flowers are.
Vinca plants form dense mats of trailing stems, and they can grow up to 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) tall and spread up to 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) wide. They are highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. While Vinca prefers full sun to part sun, it can also thrive in shaded areas.
Vinca is best used as a ground cover or cascading plant in hanging baskets or containers. Its low-maintenance nature, attractive flowers, and ability to grow in various light conditions make it a versatile and beautiful addition to porch landscapes.
Low maintenance flowers for front porch
Low maintenance flowers are an important choice for those who do not have a lot of time and have busy lives. When I was a busy mom raising my daughters, I found these plants to hold up best on my front porch. They were easy to care for and looked pretty for a long time. It's like hanging a welcome sign.
Since we have already gone through these flowering plants, if you want more information and images, refer to them above.
- Petunias: These annual flowers come in a wide range of colors and are very easy to care for. They require full sun and regular watering, but don't require much attention beyond that.
- Marigolds: These hardy annuals are available in various shades of orange and yellow. They are drought-tolerant and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
- Geraniums: These perennial flowers are available in a range of colors, including pink, red, and white. They require regular watering and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
- Begonias: These shade-loving annuals are available in a range of colors, including pink, red, and white. They require regular watering but are relatively low maintenance.
- Succulents: These plants come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. They require minimal watering and can add a unique touch to a porch display.
A Note About Succulents
I captured some of the prettiest succulent photos at Tallahassee Nursery and couldn't resist sharing as a low maintenance plant. But I want to mention that I don't find all succulents easy to care for, only certain ones. Ask your local nursery for help in selecting the easiest to care for.
Overall, the key to low-maintenance flowers for front porches is choosing plants well-suited to the amount of sunlight and water they will receive. It's also important to choose plants known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions.
Seasonal front porch flower ideas
Seasonal flowers make the perfect decoration for that time of year and holidays. Certain flowers say spring, while others say fall. I will explain more, but here are ideas for flowers to use during each season.
- Spring planter ideas: For a pop of color in the spring, consider planting tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, or pansies. These flowers are relatively easy to care for and can add a cheerful touch to your front porch.
- Summer planter ideas: During the summer months, you might consider planting petunias, zinnias, or marigolds. These flowers are heat-tolerant and can withstand the hot summer sun. Ornamental grasses can be used to add height and dimension.
- Fall planter ideas: For a fall-inspired display, try planting mums, asters, or ornamental cabbage. These plants come in a variety of colors and can add a festive touch to your front porch in the autumn season.
- Winter planter ideas: During the winter months, you might consider planting evergreens, such as pine or holly, in pots or hanging baskets. You could also add some winter-blooming plants, such as pansies or winter jasmine, to add some color to your porch.
- Year-round: If you want a low-maintenance display that will look great year-round, consider planting succulents or other drought-tolerant plants or flowers that are neutral colored like white lantana. These plants require minimal watering and can add a unique touch to your front porch.
Spring Front Porch Flowers
Vibrant colors of pinks, purples and yellows will welcome spring on your front porch. Here is a great example of spring color in a container garden.
Summer Front Porch Flowers
I debated sharing zinnias, an annual flowering plant, in my top flowers, but to keep it to 10 flowers, I decided to add it here in summer flowers for your front porch.
Isn't this the prettiest daisy-like flower? I love the summer sun colors in this photo of Zinnias.
Consider using yellows and reds when decorating your porch for the summer, and remember, Zinnias thrive in full sun, as they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, which makes them perfect for porches that get lots of sun. They are not well-suited for shade or part shade conditions.
Look at these beautiful yellow flowers! Zinnias can be used in containers, flower beds, or as border plants on a front porch. They provide a burst of vibrant color and are excellent for attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Their tall and bushy growth habit adds vertical interest and creates a stunning display on a front porch.
Fall Front Porch Flowers
Mums, an annual or perennial, depending on the variety and climate, are a favorite when it comes to fall porch decorating. In Florida, they are a challenge to keep alive because it is still very hot here but they create the most beautiful display for fall until we cannot resist.
Mums prefer full sun to part sun conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.
They can tolerate some shade but may have reduced bloom production. Choosing mums for your front porches, as they can be used in containers, hanging baskets, or as border plants. And you can find them in beautiful fall colors. Their vibrant and long-lasting blooms add a pop of color and create a welcoming atmosphere on the porch.
Winter Porch Flowers
In the winter, I mostly use greenery to decorate my front porch, with occasionally a poinsettia flower for Christmas on my porch. It doesn't snow here, but I believe that greenery of pine and holly works great in Northern states.
Another flower that works nicely during the summer months is pansies. Plant them in the front of tall plants in container gardens for a show of color.
Placing a small Christmas tree in a pot works nicely for Christmas, but after the holiday is over, set a few pots of different colored pansies in front for a winter display of color.
Remember to take into account the climate and weather conditions in your area when selecting seasonal flowers for your front porch.
Container Gardening Ideas for Front Porch
Container gardens are a favorite when it comes to front porch decorating with flowers. They can be pretty, add character and curb appeal, or be functional like a herb garden. Let's look at six ideas for container gardens for your front porch.
- Herb garden: A container herb garden is a great way to add fresh herbs to your cooking and some greenery to your porch. Popular herbs to grow in containers include basil, parsley, cilantro, and rosemary.
- Succulent garden: Succulents are low-maintenance and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can create a beautiful succulent garden in a large container or a grouping of smaller pots.
- Hanging baskets: Hanging baskets can add a pop of color to your porch while also saving space. Consider planting flowers like petunias, fuchsias, or trailing lobelia in hanging baskets.
- Vegetable garden: You can also create a container garden for vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Just make sure the container is large enough and the plants get enough sunlight.
- Fairy garden: Create a whimsical container garden with tiny plants, miniatures, and fairy figurines. This is a fun way to add some personality to your front porch.
- Flower garden: Finally, you can create a beautiful container flower garden using a variety of annuals or perennials. Try combining different colors and textures to create a unique display.
Herb Container Garden
Herb gardens are great to have on your front porch or back porch. They are beautiful and functional, all wrapped up in one.
Overall, I have found keeping an herb garden in the ground easier to care for because I am terrible at remembering to water them when they are in a container. But if you have a green thumb, a herb container garden is perfect.
Fill it with your favorite herbs, and you have beautiful decorations and can easily snip herbs for your favorite dish.
Like flowers, research your herb heights and place the taller ones in the middle or the back and the lower ones in the front and along the edge.
Succulent Container Garden
A variety of succulents make the prettiest container gardens. Plant different heights and different sizes in succulents and place flowering ones too, like they did in this container garden.
I love the rock in the middle. Consider different textures when planting a succulent garden.
Hanging Basket Container Garden
If you don't have space for large planters, hanging baskets are a great idea. You can do many things when planning hanging basket container gardens. Plant taller flowers in the middle and trailing flowers around the edge.
I have a hook near my front door where I hang container gardens, but if you are lucky to have a place to hang pots along your front porch, consider a container garden full of flowers.
Vegetable Container Garden
Are you as surprised as I am that a vegetable container garden made the list of great front porch flower ideas? I have never thought of this but now that I think about what a genius idea. Not only is it practical and useful but some vegetables and fruits look so pretty mixed in with other flowers.
My friend Mel over at Adventures of Mel was gracious enough to talk to us on my YouTube video about vegetable and fruit plants that work nicely in containers. You can check out the video here to get all the dibs from Mel.
Flower Container Garden
I loved this example of a flower container garden until I decided to include it again in this section. It is the perfect example of a container flower garden. It has three different popular flower varieties and a tall plant in the middle. All the flowers and the plant have pink undertones, making it so delightful to look at.
Remember to choose containers that are the appropriate size for the plants you want to grow and make sure they have adequate drainage. Also, consider the amount of sunlight and water the plants need when selecting container garden ideas for your front porch.
Conclusion
Flowers are an easy way to brighten up your front porch, make a great first impression and add instant curb appeal. I hope you found some great front porch flower ideas in this post.
Even if your front porch is small, you can still brighten it with flowers. Remember to keep in mind the time of year and your area's climate, how much sun your porch gets, if you want annuals or perennials – or both, and how much care the flowers will need.
Try to create visual interest with different heights, colors, and types of flowers and plants. You can change out your front porch flowers and plants each season to reflect the spirit of the season.
Your front porch gives the first impression of your home, and having a beautiful front porch full of colorful flowers will enhance its beauty.
If you're looking for more front porch ideas to get the front porch of your dreams, check out these posts:
- 7 Jaw-Dropping Concrete Ideas You Need For The Best Front Porch
- Decorating a Front Porch for Spring in a Vintage Aesthetic
- Fall Front Porch Decorating Ideas on a Budget
- 7 Best Porch Ceiling Ideas
I'd love to hear your front porch flower ideas! Share your experience here and on social media, and let's all learn the best front porch flower ideas together. Happy planting!
Happy Decorating!
