How to Choose a Large Outdoor Planter
A large outdoor planter is one of the most impactful investments you can make in your garden — but with so many options available, it helps to know what to look for before you buy.
Why Material Matters at Large Sizes
The larger a planter gets, the more the choice of material affects the practical experience of owning it. A large aluminium or GRP planter is exceptionally lightweight and easy to reposition — ideal if your layout changes between seasons. Corten steel develops a distinctive weathered patina over time and suits contemporary or industrial garden designs. Fiberglass and GRP 2K coating options offer exceptional durability with a refined, smooth finish suited to commercial and high-end residential settings. Clay and glazed-clay planters bring a classic, artisan quality to traditional gardens. At Getpotted, the large outdoor range spans all of these materials, so you can match the pot to the setting rather than compromising on either.
How to Arrange Large Planters in Your Garden
Large planters work best when placed with intention. A single oversized pot can anchor a bare corner or draw the eye to a focal point — a well-positioned large round planter near a seating area immediately makes the space feel more considered. Pairs of matching large square or tall planters are classic at entrances, flanking a gate or front door symmetrically. For longer garden borders, a row of large trough planters creates structure and rhythm without permanent landscaping. If you're mixing sizes, always position the largest pots first, then build around them with medium and smaller pieces — this prevents the arrangement from feeling random.
Delivery and Practical Considerations for Large Pots
Large outdoor planters require a little more planning than smaller ones. Before ordering, check the delivery access to your property — wide pots over 60 cm may need two people to carry from the kerbside. At Getpotted, large planters are carefully packaged to protect against transit damage, and delivery details are confirmed at checkout. Once in position, place large pots before filling them with compost — a fully planted large pot can weigh considerably more than the empty one. If you're placing them on a decked surface, consider pot feet or risers to protect the decking and improve drainage.
Why Getpotted?
Getpotted has been supplying gardeners and landscapers across the UK since 2016, and large outdoor planters are one of our strongest categories. We stock over 20,000 pots at any one time from our warehouse in Dunstable — across a wide range of materials, styles and sizes — so what you see on the site is genuinely available to order. We work with trusted brands to bring you quality products at competitive prices, with free UK mainland delivery on the majority of our range. With a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot from over 2,690 verified customer reviews, you can buy with confidence and know your order will arrive well packaged and on time.
FAQ — Large Outdoor Planters
What capacity do I need for a large outdoor planter?
It depends on what you're planting. For trees, large shrubs or hedging plants, look for a capacity of at least 60–80 litres — this gives the root system room to establish and grow over several seasons. For ornamental grasses, perennials or mixed seasonal displays, a pot in the 30–50 litre range is usually sufficient. Capacity is listed on every product page at Getpotted.
What materials are large outdoor planters available in at Getpotted?
The range covers aluminium, corten steel, fiberglass, GRP, GRP 2K coating, fiberstone, polystone, clay, glazed clay, plastic and more. Each material has its own strengths — aluminium and GRP are lightweight and easy to move, corten steel develops a natural weathered finish, clay suits traditional gardens. You can filter by material directly in the catalogue to find the right match for your project.
How heavy are large outdoor planters, and can I move them once planted?
Weight varies significantly by material. Aluminium and fiberglass planters are among the lightest even at large sizes, while clay and concrete-effect options are considerably heavier. Once filled with compost and a mature plant, any large pot increases in weight substantially — so position the pot and add drainage material before planting. For pots you anticipate moving regularly, lightweight materials or pot casters are worth considering.
Can large outdoor planters stay outside in winter?
Most large outdoor planters at Getpotted are designed to remain outdoors year-round. Frost resistance varies by material — check the individual product page for specifications. As a general rule, ensure drainage holes are clear before winter so water doesn't pool inside and freeze around the roots. Elevating pots slightly on feet or risers also helps in exposed locations.
What's the largest outdoor planter available at Getpotted?
The largest options in the range reach up to 100 cm in length and 90 cm in height, with capacities of up to 185 litres and beyond for certain commercial-grade pieces. These are suitable for large specimen trees, standard bay or olive trees, and substantial bamboo or hedge planting. Full dimensions and capacity are listed on each product page.
Are large outdoor planters suitable for commercial or trade use?
Absolutely. Getpotted supplies both residential and commercial customers, and large outdoor planters are popular for restaurants, hotels, office entrances and public landscaping projects. Trade account holders receive access to competitive pricing and dedicated support. You can apply for a trade account directly on the Getpotted website.
