As the days get longer and the first signs of warmth return, spring is the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space. A few well-chosen planters can instantly brighten up a patio, stoep or garden corner without the need for a full landscaping overhaul.

The key is choosing plants that not only look striking, but are also suited to South Africa’s climate — and importantly, won’t become invasive. Here are six spring planter ideas that are as practical as they are beautiful.

1. Go bold with pelargoniums

Few plants say South African spring quite like pelargoniums (often called geraniums). Their long flowering season, range of colours and tolerance for our sun make them an effortless choice. Mass them in terracotta pots for a Mediterranean feel, or mix trailing varieties in hanging baskets for extra drama.

2. Add fragrance with indigenous daisies

The cheerful blooms of African daisies (Osteospermum) are hardy, water-wise, and thrive in containers. Their purple, pink, and white petals open wide in the sunshine and close at night, making them a lively addition to any spring display. Place them in full sun for a planter that practically glows.

3. Try the thriller, filler, spiller formula

For professional-looking containers, follow the tried-and-tested combination:

  • Thriller: a tall plant for height — like bulbine or a striking aloe hybrid.
  • Filler: medium plants to cover the soil — think gazanias or nemesias.
  • Spiller: trailing plants to soften edges — like Helichrysum petiolare (liquorice plant) or trailing lobelia.

This creates balance while keeping your planter lush from every angle.

4. Play with texture using grasses

Ornamental grasses, such as Aristida junciformis (Ngongoni grass), add softness and movement to spring pots. Pair them with compact flowering plants for contrast — the fine grassy foliage next to bold blooms is a winning combination.

5. Keep it simple with succulents

If you prefer low-maintenance gardening, fill a shallow container with water-wise succulents. Options like crassulas or vygies (Lampranthus) provide colour bursts while requiring minimal watering. Add a layer of gravel on top for a neat, modern finish.

6. Choose a colour theme

Sometimes the most striking displays are the simplest. Choose one colour family — such as fiery oranges and yellows with gazanias and aloes, or cool purples with indigenous daisies and lavender — and repeat it in planters of different sizes. The repetition feels intentional and stylish.

Final touch

Wherever you place your planters — by the front door, grouped on a patio, or scattered through the garden — remember to water regularly as containers dry out quicker than beds. A layer of mulch will also help retain moisture and keep roots cool as the season heats up.

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Worst plants for pollinators and what alternatives to choose

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