Choosing the Right Pot for Your Plant

How to choose your Gardenesque planter

Flower pots come in all shapes and sizes. Your plant should always live in a planter that is slightly larger than the plant itself as they will need enough space for their roots need to grow without becoming pot bound.


Select your plant and note the diameter of the growing pot it is planted in. Our plant pots can be measured in two ways:

  • The volume of the pot in litres (common in larger pots and planters)
  • They can also be measured by the diameter across the top, their height and width. (Usually displayed in either centimetres or inches)

When choosing a pot for both outdoor and indoor plants, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current size its planted in. If the pot size is more than 10”, choose a pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter. The container should be about half the height of your plant. Using this design principle, a 9-inch pot would suit an 18-inch plant.

Plants such as many succulents that have shallow root systems don't need deep containers. Low bowls with less than 6 inches of soil are perfect for growing small succulents.

Herbs and shallow-rooting crops like lettuces, strawberries and salad leaves can grow in 6 to 12 inches of soil so try out Kitchen Herb Planter for size.

Annuals and perennial plants ideally need a soil depth of 12 to 18 inches, making our Clayton Squares or Loudon Classical Planters ideal homes.  Shrubs need a soil depth of 18 inches to 24 inches so the largest of our Claudius XXL terracotta garden pots will compliment your display perfectly.  Likewise, tomatoes, potatoes and fruit bushes will require 24 inches of soil, so invest in Our Julius XXL Tuscan Terracotta Pot to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Plants with deep roots need tall pots so the roots have plenty of room to grow downward. If you’re thinking about something deep-rooting like a rose or vine, our Fibreclay Rusted Finish Garden Urn can be planted with your climbing plants trained on a pergola or trellis.

Both ornamental and fruit trees need soil that’s 2 to 3 feet deep. Our Victor XXL Classic Extra Large Terracotta Pot can accommodate the most decadent of plant arrangements and trees.

For more information on potting your plants, read our full handy guide on plant pot sizes for some expert tips.