Terracotta trough planters are a versatile choice for patios, pathways and garden walls, offering plenty of room to create a beautiful planted display.
Their long, low shape works particularly well with a mix of planting, from Mediterranean herbs to trailing plants and seasonal colour. Here are some of our favourite plants for terracotta troughs.
Mediterranean Herbs
Rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano are all well suited to terracotta trough planters. They enjoy sunny positions and free-draining soil, while their foliage looks perfectly at home against warm terracotta.
Plant a mixture together for an informal herb garden, or keep things simple with one variety repeated along the length of the trough. For more advice, read our guide to growing herbs in terracotta pots.
Lavender
Lavender is another natural partner for terracotta. It prefers plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil, making it a great choice for a sunny patio or seating area.
For a more structured display, plant the same lavender variety along a large terracotta trough. Alternatively, combine it with herbs and other drought-tolerant plants for a softer Mediterranean feel.
Grasses and Trailing Plants
Compact ornamental grasses add movement and texture without overwhelming the shape of the trough.
Trailing plants can also be used around the edges to soften the display. Creeping thyme, trailing rosemary and erigeron are all lovely choices, particularly when paired with taller planting through the centre.
Late-Summer and Autumn Colour
Terracotta troughs are a lovely way to bring fresh colour into the garden as summer begins to fade. Asters, sedums, heucheras and ornamental grasses can add plenty of texture and interest, keeping your display looking full well into autumn.
As the season moves on, you can also plant spring bulbs beneath your display, ready to appear when the warmer weather returns.
Choosing the Right Plants
Before planting your trough, consider how much sun the area receives and choose plants with similar watering requirements.
Good drainage is particularly important, and remember that terracotta is naturally porous, so containers can dry out more quickly during warm weather.
Whether filled with herbs, lavender, grasses or seasonal flowers, a terracotta trough planter gives you plenty of scope to create a display that suits your garden and changes with the seasons.
