Top Tall Plants for Covered Patios: Transform Your Space

Transforming a covered patio into a lush, vertical garden oasis is an exciting challenge. Tall plants not only add drama and height, but they also create a sense of privacy and separation from the wider world. If you're space-challenged, many tall plants thrive in pots and can be easily moved around to create different looks. Let's explore some of the best tall plants for your covered patio that are low-maintenance, visually striking, and provide excellent screening.

Before we dive into the plant selection, consider your patio's conditions. Is it mostly shaded, or does it get plenty of sunlight? Do you prefer plants with vibrant flowers, or are you more interested in the foliage? Answering these questions will help you make the best choices for your space.

Light-Loving Plants for Sunny Patios

If your patio is bathed in sunlight, consider these tall, sun-loving plants.

While they generally require at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, many are relatively low-maintenance and reward you with stunning foliage or gorgeous flowers.

Evergreen Banana (Musa basjoo)

The evergreen banana plant is an incredibly versatile and fast-growing plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It's an attractive, dwarf variety that grows about 5-6 feet tall and wide, making it a fantastic option for pots or larger patio spaces.

One of the most striking features of the evergreen banana is its large, broad, glossy leaves. It's also cold-hardy, making it a suitable choice for slightly cooler climates. In summer, it bears small, insignificant, creamy white flowers, followed by clusters of readonly fruits.

Canna Lilies (Canna species)

Canna lilies are fascinating, low-maintenance plants that produce stunning, yellow, orange, red, or bi-colored blooms from summer to fall. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making them excellent choices for covered patios with filtered light.

Ranging from 3 to 8 feet tall, cannas are typically grown as annuals in colder regions, but they can also be treated as tender perennials in warmer climates. Their lush, green foliage and colorful blooms add vibrancy and warmth to any patio space.

Shade-Tolerant Tall Plants

If your covered patio is more shady, these plants will thrive in the dappled light and partial shade.

They're perfect for patios under trees or adjacent to buildings that cast shadows.

Trees: Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum)

Japanese maples are beautiful, slow-growing trees that add a touch of elegance to any patio. They come in various sizes, from dwarf varieties to 20-foot giants, making them suitable for both pot culture and in-ground planting.

Many Japanese maples have finely-cut, lobe-shaped leaves that turn stunning colors in the fall. They prefer partial shade but can tolerate full shade. Some popular dwarf varieties include 'Crimson Queen' (up to 6 feet tall) and 'Red Lace' (up to 5 feet tall).

Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Arborvitae is a versatile evergreen shrub that grows into a tall, dense, and narrow pillar shape. It's an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or dividing spaces on your patio.

Arborvitae prefers partial shade but can tolerate full shade. It grows about 1 foot per year, reaching heights of 10 to 15 feet in about 10 years. 'Emerald Green' is a popular variety with dense, dark green foliage. Grow it in a pot, or plant it directly into the ground.

Creating a green oasis on your covered patio involves careful planning and consideration of your space's unique conditions. By selecting the right tall plants for your environment, you can transform your patio into a lush, inviting escape. Embrace the process, experiment with different plants, and watch your personal sanctuary take shape.