10 Elements to Consider When Choosing a Planter Size

Professional Tips for Planter Sizing From Planters Unlimited

Key Takeaways

• Planter sizing depends on purpose, space, and scale.
• The right planter dimensions strike a balance between visual impact, plant needs, and site conditions.
• Design intent, function, and context all play a role in choosing the correct planter size.

What size planter do I need?

We hear that question a lot at Planters Unlimited. Choosing the right planter dimensions can be a difficult task, and it depends on variables specific to your site. To help, we’ve asked our team of planter design professionals to come up with 10 key considerations to help you determine the right planter sizing for your project.

1. Purpose

Answering one question is the element that sets you down the right path when choosing planter sizing. Ask yourself:

What am I trying to achieve with the planter?

Think about what you need the planter to do. Will it:

• Create a visual focal point?
• Define boundaries or spaces?
• Serve as signage or provide illumination?

In very broad terms, a planter designed as a statement piece should be substantial, like a 60” Seville Terracotta fiberglass pot, whereas you can select small- to mid-sized planter dimensions for functional purposes, such as lining pathways or guiding foot traffic.

2. Application and Space 

For application, think about the effect you’re trying to achieve to determine your planter sizing. For instance, a single, mid-sized Modern Corten steel planter can create a sense of minimalist beauty, while clusters of planters in varying heights make greenery look lush and full.

To accomplish the application you envision, pay careful attention to your space. Measure it, and consider shape, flow, and sightlines. Understanding your space allows you to choose planter sizing that complements the area without overwhelming it. 

3. Scale

Scale is another crucial factor; getting it right means you’ve selected planters with dimensions that achieve balance and proportion.

Consider what can go wrong with scale:

• Choosing small planters to flank a tall doorway can flatten the visual impact of the entryway.
• Placing a 72” window box beneath a small accent window will overpower the opening and create visual tension rather than harmony. 

While these planters are ideal in other applications – and these examples may be a bit exaggerated – you see the importance of calculating scale correctly. As an added recommendation, be sure to include projected plant growth in determining planter sizing.

4. Scope 

Scope is essentially overall scale – in a single space or across your project. In terms of scope, a hundred small pots create repetition and rhythm in an area, while a handful of oversized planters delivers a bold, concentrated impact.

Also consider how planters will be repeated across spaces, as taking advantage of multiple planter sizing options can unify different areas. Maintaining continuity by using the same planter in different dimensions around your site reinforces brand identity and creates harmony.

5. Function

Similar to purpose, if you use planters for more than just aesthetics, then that also impacts your planter sizing choices.

• Planter benches hold greenery while providing seating or storage.
• Trellis planters work wonderfully to create privacy between seating areas or as organic signposts.
• Pathway planters can do more than just define walkways. With customized accessory pockets, audio and power connections can be built into planters, enabling integrated lighting and music.

Functional planters should be chosen in sizing that is appropriate to their purpose and placement.

6. Location and Sense of Place 

This is where the aesthetics and architecture of your space come into play and impact planter dimensions.

You’ll often find imposing stone planters in front of city halls, large venues, and grand entrances, while smaller planters with the look of wood might be grouped as herb or vegetable planters on restaurant patios. In this capacity, planter sizing and material choice enhance a sense of place.

7. Content

Plant selection, of course, directly impacts planter sizing.

• Trees require deep planters for root stability.
• Succulents do well in low bowl planters because of their shallow root systems.
• Cascading flowers look beautiful in tall, tapered planters that allow their blossoms to drape gracefully.

Think about both the plant type and also seasonal rotation, soil volume, drainage, and irrigation when determining planter dimensions. 

 

8. Focal Element vs. Backdrop

Large planters serve as focal points, while smaller planters enhance surroundings and act as accents. A luxury hotel entrance might feature stately urn planters on columns to create a bold impact, while an estate home might add subtle landscaping color with smaller planters.

Strategically varying your planter sizing helps create depth and visual interest, supporting both the main attraction and complementary spaces.

 

9. Solving an Issue

Planters can also provide solutions to aesthetic problems. They conceal:

• Pipes
• Downspouts
• Mechanical equipment
• Poles and posts

Choosing the right planter sizing ensures plants and foliage cover up the concerns and appear seamless and intentional.

 

10. Shape

Lastly, the shapes you want to incorporate into your overall design influence the planter dimensions you can select.

In general, rectangular and square planters can be custom-designed in any size – even in lengths greater than 20 feet. But to remain structurally sound, round planters have size limits. Keep these constraints in mind when determining your planter sizing needs. 

 

Custom Planters, Precisely Sized

We hope these tips guide you in selecting the perfect planters for your project. Whether you’re looking to incorporate a series of small planters or place individual large planters in your landscape, Planters Unlimited has customization capabilities that allow for virtually unlimited planter sizing and planter dimensions. 

From modest to massive, we manufacture with exact precision. Planters Unlimited is committed to making the best outdoor planters and commercial planter boxes available on the market today. 

Call us today to get your project started and receive a free quote at 1-888-320-0626.