The right planter does more than hold a plant. It frames a doorway, screens a seating area, or gives an empty corner some height. This guide walks through each style in our range and the job it does best, so you can choose with confidence.
Here at Oxford Outdoor Living, all of our planters come from the Rago range, made from Stonelite. It’s an eco-friendly material that’s over 95% biodegradable, sets naturally without kiln firing or machine moulding, and is built to cope with a wide range of climates.
Let’s explore some of the different types and shapes of plant pots, and which ones will work best in your outdoor oasis.
1. Chelsea Box Planters: Formal and Structured
The Chelsea Box is a classic square planter (£42 to £168 depending on size). Its clean lines suit formal planting and repeated arrangements.
Best for: clipped box balls and topiary, matching pairs either side of a front door, and symmetrical patio layouts.
Try planting: box, bay, lavender or structured evergreens.
Styling tip: use two or four identical boxes to create a sense of order.
2. Trough Planters: Screening, Edging and Herb Displays
We offer two trough styles: the softer Chelsea Trough (£28.80 to £64.80) and the sleek Smooth Urban Trough in black or grey (£45 to £85).
Best for: lining a patio edge, creating a low screen, herb gardens, and narrow spaces like balcony rails and windowsills.
Try planting: herbs, lavender, trailing plants, or a row of grasses for a modern hedge effect.
Styling tip: place a row of troughs behind a dining set to define the space without blocking the view.
3. Smooth Urban Box Planters: Clean and Contemporary
The Smooth Urban Box (£60 to £90) comes in black, grey and white. The plain surface lets the planting take centre stage.
Best for: modern terraces, minimalist gardens, and pairing with contemporary furniture.
Try planting: architectural plants such as phormium, cordyline or clipped evergreens.
Colour tip: black adds contrast against pale paving, white brightens shaded corners, and grey works almost anywhere.
4. Rustic Bowl Planters: Wide and Welcoming
The Rustic Bowl Planters come in light grey and dark grey, across a very wide size range. The textured finish gives a natural, stone-like look.
Best for: showy seasonal displays, succulents, alpines, and low, spreading plants.
Try planting: pansies and bulbs in spring, geraniums in summer, heathers in autumn.
Styling tip: a large bowl makes a striking centrepiece by an outdoor dining table or a terrace focal point.
5. Rustic Tall Planters: Vertical Impact in Small Spaces
The Rustic Tall Planters (£18 to £49) and Rustic Tall Bowl (£18 to £58) give you height without needing much floor space.
Best for: balconies, narrow side passages, and beside garden furniture.
Try planting: tall grasses, sweet peas on a support, or trailing plants that cascade over the rim.
Styling tip: slim shapes are ideal for framing a lounge set without crowding it.
6. Patterned Planters: Adding Character
For a decorative touch, our patterned range includes the Fern, Flower, Geometric and Tropical designs (£38 to £54).
Best for: adding personality to a plain patio, bringing pattern into a mostly neutral garden, and standalone displays.
Try planting: something simple, since the pot is the star. Green foliage plants and single-colour blooms work best.
Styling tip: choose one patterned planter as an accent and keep the others plain so it doesn’t feel busy.
Finishing Touches for Your Garden
The right planter can change how a garden feels. Whichever style suits your space, the best results usually come from choosing a few pieces with intent rather than filling every gap.
If you’re still deciding, start with one statement planter and build from there. Grouping pots in odd numbers and mixing heights is an easy way to create a look that feels considered rather than crowded.
Ready to start? Browse our full planter range, or explore our garden furniture to find seating, dining sets and more to go with your new planters. If you have a question about which planter suits your space, we’re always happy to help.
