Pot clustering is a unique way to add a personal touch to your outdoor space, whether it be your garden, a patio or balcony. “Pot clustering” is an idea of clustering multiple pots, birthing a new gardening term called “containerscaping.” Sometimes also called “potscaping,” containerscaping is a hybrid buzzword for landscaping with container plants.

Whilst pot clustering is a relatively simple way to create a huge impact, things can start to look awkward if you don’t follow a few key landscape design rules. Here are my top five simple tips about how to cluster pots to ensure you get an eye-catching result!

1. How many pots will you cluster?

The first thing to consider is the size of the cluster. Typically, you will need, 3, 5 or more pots. The number of pots you choose will depend on the purpose. For example, are you planning to create a standout feature in a certain area, or do you need a small cluster in the corner hiding the air conditioning unit?

TIP: Odd numbers tend to work better and look more natural than even numbers.

Featured in the images above are our award-winning Chelsea Pots

2. Pick the main feature

With pot clustering, you should have one big feature. Decide which pot and plant you will use as this feature and then work back from that. By doing so, this will draw the eye to the focal point but also offer a lot of beauty in the surrounding pots as well.

TIP: For an eye-catching feature plant, try an elongated plant or a flowering plant.

3. Mix it up!

The best way to create an impact with your pot cluster is to have varying shapes and sizes. Whilst the pots can be the same but in different shapes and sizes, you can also mix and match styles, materials, and colours. If you have limited space, you may want to use oval-shaped pots to create more mass without the pot taking up additional room or encroaching forward.

TIP: When selecting your pots, consider which colours, textures and styles will complement the space you have in your environment. Is it modern and clean? Is it traditional and decorative? Is it bright and light? Or is it neutral and luxe?

Featured in the images above are our Atlantis Pots

4. Decide on your plants

So now you have your pots chosen, it’s time to decide which plants to put in each. It’s important to consider your plant choice carefully, as you don’t want to ‘hide’ the pot behind with a plant that is too big. The idea is that the pots and plants should step down proportionally from each other. You may also want to consider contrasting the textures of the plants. For example, mix hard spiky leaves with soft smaller flowers. Another idea would be to pick a plant theme colour and repeating it in all pots.

TIP: Add an extra layer to your bigger pots by adding trailing plants, such as a Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, so they spill over the edge.

5. Test it before you plant it

If you are concerned about whether your display will look good or not, consider arranging your pots and plants BEFORE you pot them. This gives you the flexibility to try different combinations and arrangements until you are happy with the result.

TIP: We can assist you to do this in our showroom – so you can feel confident before committing to a purchase!

You might also like: Arranging Pots and Planters for Impact

Need help with ideas for how to cluster pots?

If you would like to get a question answered or access our garden consultancy services to make the perfect pot cluster for your garden, balcony or patio, give us a call to arrange a free consultation.