Best Plants for Vinyl Decks and Patios

While we all tend to focus on our yards when it comes to adding plants and flowers, vinyl decks and patios are also a great place to grow. Adding plants and flowers to vinyl decks and patios helps to increase enjoyment and can even keep pests away. Tuff Industries has pulled together the best heat-loving plants for decks.

Agave

Yes, that agave. This cactus-like plant has interesting petals that add a desert-like flair to any deck. Combined with a terra cotta pot to stand out it can sit in a corner or on a ledge. It may not be great for houses with children, as the leaf tips are spiny and can cause injury. Since they are cactus-like, agave is perfect for vinyl decks and patios that are in hot and sunny climates. They also do not require much watering.

Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)

Featuring dark purple flowers on stems up to two feet high (also white or pink), the Angelonia is a gorgeous summer blooming flower. It does require a fair amount of water, though, so it might not be best if you’re watching your water consumption.

Bamboo

Not only is bamboo easy to care for, fast growing, and drought-tolerant, but it’s also great for adding privacy to your vinyl deck or patio. With thousands of varieties, you can find the perfect plant to work with your space – whether it’s one that’s potted or left to spread.

Catmint

A sort of shrub-like flowering plant, catmint features scented purple blooms that will attract butterflies and bumblebees. It is also drought-tolerant. Another alternative would be lavender.

Echinacea (Coneflower)

This perennial herb will come back each year, with its unique center and starburst petals. Blooming throughout the year, they’ll add color and withstand cold winters.

Madevilla

This pretty climbing plant regularly blooms and can grow up to 10 feet tall, perfect for hiding part of your yard or enhancing privacy. For a similar climbing plant that also attracts butterflies consider a Passionflower plant.

Salvia

Dark blue-purple flowers of the salvia are a great attraction for butterflies and birds – bringing nature right to your doorstep. Saliva is also drought tolerant.

Sunflowers

Not just in the 12-foot variety, many sunflower types are perfect for containers or railing boxes. Available in a range of colors they can quickly add variety to your vinyl deck and require a minimum of care.

Tropical Milkweed

In hues of brilliant red, yellow, and orange, adding tropical milkweed to your deck is like containing your own little sunset – and butterflies will flock to your space as well. It grows three feet or more, so make sure you have the room.

Sunflowers

Not just in the 12-foot variety, many sunflower types are perfect for containers or railing boxes. Available in a range of colors they can quickly add variety to your vinyl deck.

Of course, before you can enjoy your vinyl deck it will need a good spring cleaning. Once you’ve checked that the vinyl membrane is in good working order it’s time to find some pots and start your springtime deck garden. If you’re at all unsure about the condition of your deck you should contact a professional to have it inspected, to avoid problems down the road.