With warmer weather just around the corner, now’s the time to embrace the space you're in and create an outdoor space you love! Give your outdoor patio an upgrade with our go-to summertime essentials - outdoor artificial flowers and greenery! These outdoor pros thrive rain or shine, are remarkably realistic and require little to no maintenance. Whether planted in a pot or garden, hung in a basket, or woven in a trellis you’ll get the look, without the hassle.
When deciding which artificial flowers and greenery will thrive in your space, remember not all fake flowers are created equal. Some are made from fabric and plastic while others are made from latex and foam. The foam will melt in the rain, so steer clear of real-touch flowers. Look for the keywords outdoor, weather-resistant, UV protected, and plastic for optimal outside use. Our favorites: geraniums, clematis, crotons, and ferns.
Weather-Resistant
This all-encompassing term protects from rain, wind, and UV rays. Typically, these artificial flowers or plants are made from a polyblend (a blend of two materials) or plastic, not fabric. Although pliable and realistic, they will feel more like plastic and have a slight sheen. On the plus side, they are the most resilient option and will last the longest. Depending on your location and wear-and-tear these flowers or plants can last anywhere from 2 seasons to 5 years.
UV Protected
The sun can be harsh, especially in the south or dry desert climates where maintaining florals is a struggle. Thankfully,
UV protected florals and greenery fend off the rays in a variety of ways. Polyblend and plastic plants mix UV protection into the formula while silk or fabric flowers are coated in it. Either way, we recommend purchasing a clear UV protection spray to prevent future fading. UV-protected flowers and plants are a great option for hanging baskets, windowsills, or any location spared from the elements. We’re talking torrential rain, ravenous winds, or your high-pressure sprinkler system.
Outdoor or Plastic
Go ahead, fill your planters with
plastic succulents or
artificial snake plants..they’ll be fine! Most plastic artificial flowers and plants are safe to use outside. Spray them down with a nice coat of UV protectant and you’re good to go!
Planting Tips:
Planting artificial flowers and plants in your outdoor space is surprisingly simple. If your plant has an anchoring stake or long plastic stem, place directly into the ground as deep as the stake allows. Another option is to attach the stake to a wider/heavy material before planting, this will allow the plant to “grab” the soil around it and will keep the plant from being pulled up from the ground in heavy winds. If you’re fastening a hanging plant to a basket, use what you have on hand like zip ties. If placing in a pot or the ground, zip tie rocks or create a mound of clay around your stem/stake before planting, then cover with soil. Make sure to “style” your plant once it’s securely fastened by bending the wired stems and leaves. Curved and organic lines are what you’re aiming for!
It may seem counterintuitive to put fake plants outside, but it’s a simple swap that can save you time and money. Skip the harsh chemicals, conserve water, and if bees are an allergy issue - enjoy the flowers without smelling them. Weave garland along railings, drape wisteria from a basket, create a zero-scape with forever succulents, and plant potters full of azaleas or geraniums. Spend an afternoon landscaping, and forget about it!
