See examples of terrace plants for both beginners and experienced gardeners

Create a green oasis on the terrace with plants that suit your level and style
Flowers
Flowers
2 min
Find inspiration for terrace plants suitable for both beginner and experienced gardening enthusiasts. The article provides an overview of different plant types, care levels and opportunities to create a lush and inviting terrace.
Kennedy Wood
Kennedy
Wood

See examples of terrace plants for both beginners and experienced gardeners

Create a green oasis on the terrace with plants that suit your level and style
Flowers
Flowers
2 min
Find inspiration for terrace plants suitable for both beginner and experienced gardening enthusiasts. The article provides an overview of different plant types, care levels and opportunities to create a lush and inviting terrace.
Kennedy Wood
Kennedy
Wood

The terrace is a natural place to create a green sanctuary, where flowers, shrubs and potted plants can bring life and atmosphere. Whether you are new to the world of plants or have many years of experience, there are terrace plants that match both your level of ambition and your surroundings. Some require minimal care and thrive in pots, while others reward the more experienced gardener with lush growth and colourful flowers.

In this article, you will get an overview of different types of terrace plants – from robust classics to more exotic choices – so that you can find inspiration to create your own green oasis.

The article presents a selection of terrace plants that represent different types, sizes and levels of care. The aim is to provide a broad insight into the many possibilities available when choosing plants for the terrace. The information about the plants is based on descriptions from producers and retailers and is summarised to provide a clear and informative overview of their characteristics, growing conditions and uses.

1
Exotic outdoor charm
Hemp palm
A hardy and evergreen palm that withstands Swedish winters and gives an exotic touch to the garden or terrace with its fan-shaped green leaves.
Why it was chosen: The hemp palm was selected for its combination of robustness, winter hardiness and decorative appearance. It represents one of the most cold-tolerant palms suitable for both pots and planting in Swedish gardens.

The hemp palm, also known as Trachycarpus fortunei, is one of the most cold-tolerant palms that can thrive in the Swedish climate. It can withstand temperatures down to around -18 degrees and is therefore suitable for both planting in flower beds and as a potted plant on the terrace.

The palm has a robust, upright trunk with dark brown, fibrous bark and large, fan-shaped green leaves that give a distinctive, tropical appearance. It is evergreen and retains its foliage all year round, making it decorative in all seasons.

In Sweden, the hemp palm usually grows 3–4 metres tall, while in its natural habitat it can reach up to 10–12 metres. It grows moderately, about 7–20 cm per year after establishment. During the growing season, it continuously produces new leaves.

In June, the hemp palm develops small, yellow flowers in large clusters. Fruits form only if the plant is pollinated, as it is not self-fertile. The fruits are not edible but have decorative value.

The hemp palm thrives best in sun to partial shade and in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It can be planted directly in the ground or in a spacious pot. For potted planting, winter covering or overwintering indoors is recommended, as the roots are sensitive to frost.

For optimal growth, the palm should be watered regularly during dry periods and fertilised in spring with a liquid fertiliser. In strong winter winds, the leaves can be tied up to protect them from damage.

  • Winter hardy: Withstands temperatures down to approx. -18 °C.
  • Evergreen: Retains its green, fan-shaped leaves all year round.
  • Decorative trunk: Robust, fibrous bark with a tropical appearance.
  • Suitable for pots and beds: Can be planted both outdoors and indoors with proper protection.
  • Blooms in June: Small, yellow flowers in clusters.

Pros and cons

  • Very cold-tolerant and robust
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round
  • Suitable for both pots and garden planting
  • Requires minimal maintenance after establishment
  • Requires winter covering when potted
  • Not self-fertile – requires both male and female plants for fruit formation
  • May take a year to establish before growth really begins

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very cold-tolerant and robust
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round
  • Suitable for both pots and garden planting
  • Requires minimal maintenance after establishment

Cons

  • Requires winter covering when potted
  • Not self-fertile – requires both male and female plants for fruit formation
  • May take a year to establish before growth really begins

Pros

  • Very cold-tolerant and robust
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round
  • Suitable for both pots and garden planting
  • Requires minimal maintenance after establishment

Cons

  • Requires winter covering when potted
  • Not self-fertile – requires both male and female plants for fruit formation
  • May take a year to establish before growth really begins
Pros: The plant is very cold-tolerant and robust, evergreen and decorative all year round, suitable for both pots and garden planting, and requires minimal maintenance after establishment.
Cons: It requires winter covering when potted, is not self-fertile and therefore needs both male and female plants for fruit formation, and it may take a year to establish before growth really begins.
Pros: The plant is very cold-tolerant and robust, evergreen and decorative all year round, suitable for both pots and garden planting, and requires minimal maintenance after establishment.
Cons: It requires winter covering when potted, is not self-fertile and therefore needs both male and female plants for fruit formation, and it may take a year to establish before growth really begins.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Trachycarpus fortunei
  • Swedish name: Hemp palm
  • Category: Terrace plants / Trachycarpus
  • Height (in Sweden): 300–400 cm
  • Growth: Vigorous, 7–20 cm per year
  • Leaf type: Evergreen
  • Leaf colour: Green
  • Flower colour: Yellow
  • Flowering: June
  • Flowering period: Summer
  • Plant form: Umbrella-shaped
  • Placement: Sun to partial shade
  • Optimal growing conditions: Full sun, Partial shade
  • Wind conditions: Should be placed in a sheltered location
  • Use: Pots, Windbreaks, Gardens
  • Fruit/berries: No
  • Autumn colour: Green
  • Bee friendly: Yes
  • Origin: Japan and China
2
Tropical elegance
Canary Island Date Palm
The Canary Island Date Palm, also known as Phoenix canariensis, is a robust and decorative plant that creates a Mediterranean atmosphere both outdoors and indoors. It thrives in sun to partial shade and can be overwintered indoors.
Why it was chosen: The Canary Island Date Palm has been selected as a representative of hardy, exotic potted plants that combine a decorative appearance with relatively easy care. It is suitable for comparison with other terrace and indoor palms.

The Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) is a classic palm species originally from the Canary Islands. It is characterised by its strong, single-stemmed growth and long, feather-shaped leaves that give a distinct tropical appearance.

Under Danish conditions, the plant usually grows to about two metres tall, while in its natural environment it can reach up to 15–20 metres. It grows slowly and over time develops a sturdy trunk with dark brown, ridged bark.

The leaves are dark green, evergreen, and arch elegantly from the centre, making the plant suitable as a solitary plant in pots on the terrace or as a decorative indoor plant. During the summer months, it can produce small yellow flowers that later develop into small, inedible fruits in yellow and reddish shades.

The Canary Island Date Palm thrives best in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It tolerates short periods of temperature drops down to around freezing, but should be protected or moved indoors during winter.

When planting, it is recommended to use a spacious pot with well-drained soil and possibly add slow-release fertiliser in spring. During the winter months, the root zone can be covered with a layer of soil to retain warmth and moisture.

  • Decorative palm: Creates an exotic and Mediterranean-inspired look in the garden or home.
  • Suitable for pots: Thrives well in large pots and can be moved when needed.
  • Hardy plant: Tolerates temperatures down to around freezing with proper protection.
  • Evergreen: Retains its green foliage all year round.
  • Slow growth: Develops gradually and requires minimal pruning.

Pros and cons

  • Gives a distinct, exotic appearance
  • Can be used both outdoors and indoors
  • Relatively undemanding and hardy
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round
  • Requires frost protection in winter
  • Slow growth requires patience
  • The fruits are not edible

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Gives a distinct, exotic appearance
  • Can be used both outdoors and indoors
  • Relatively undemanding and hardy
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round

Cons

  • Requires frost protection in winter
  • Slow growth requires patience
  • The fruits are not edible

Pros

  • Gives a distinct, exotic appearance
  • Can be used both outdoors and indoors
  • Relatively undemanding and hardy
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round

Cons

  • Requires frost protection in winter
  • Slow growth requires patience
  • The fruits are not edible
Pros: The plant gives a distinct and exotic appearance, can be used both outdoors and indoors, is relatively undemanding and hardy, and is evergreen and decorative all year round.
Cons: It requires frost protection in winter, grows slowly and therefore requires patience, and its fruits are not edible.
Pros: The plant gives a distinct and exotic appearance, can be used both outdoors and indoors, is relatively undemanding and hardy, and is evergreen and decorative all year round.
Cons: It requires frost protection in winter, grows slowly and therefore requires patience, and its fruits are not edible.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Phoenix canariensis
  • Swedish name: Canary Island Date Palm
  • Category: Terrace plants, Specialities
  • Height (under Danish conditions): Up to approx. 2 metres
  • Height (in natural environment): Up to 15–20 metres
  • Leaf colour: Dark green
  • Leaf type: Evergreen, feather-like
  • Growth form: Vase-shaped, upright with arching leaves
  • Flowering: June
  • Flower colour: Yellow
  • Fruit/berries: Yes, decorative but not edible
  • Flowering period: Summer
  • Placement: Sun to partial shade
  • Light conditions: Full sun, Partial shade
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Optimal growing conditions: Well-drained soil, sunny location
  • Use: Pots, terrace, garden
  • Autumn colour: Green
  • Ripening: September–October
  • Pot variant: 3.0 litres
3
Exotic outdoor charm
Hemp palm
The hemp palm, also known as Trachycarpus fortunei, is a hardy and evergreen palm that thrives in the Danish climate and adds an exotic touch to the garden or terrace.
Why it was chosen: The hemp palm was chosen as an example of one of the most cold-hardy palms suitable for both outdoor and indoor planting in temperate climates. It represents a combination of robustness, decorative appearance, and low maintenance level.

The hemp palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is one of the most cold-hardy palms that can be grown in Denmark. It tolerates temperatures down to around -18 degrees and can therefore be planted directly in the garden or used as a potted plant on the terrace.

The palm has a strong, upright growth and develops a robust trunk with dark brown, fibrous bark. The large, fan-shaped leaves are green and evergreen, giving the plant a tropical appearance all year round.

In its natural environment, the hemp palm can grow up to 10–12 metres tall, but in Denmark it usually reaches a height of 3–4 metres. It grows moderately, about 7–20 cm per year after establishment.

Flowering occurs in June, when the palm produces many small, yellow flowers in clusters. Fruits develop only if both male and female plants are present, as the species is not self-pollinating.

The hemp palm thrives best in sun to partial shade and in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It can be planted in a bed or pot, but potted plants should be winter-covered or overwintered indoors to avoid frost damage to the roots.

When planting, it is recommended to use well-drained exotic soil and to provide the plant with support during the first seasons. During dry periods, it should be watered regularly, and fertilising in spring promotes growth.

  • Cold-hardy palm: Tolerates temperatures down to approx. -18 °C.
  • Evergreen: Retains its green, fan-shaped leaves all year round.
  • Decorative trunk: Robust, fibrous bark with characteristic texture.
  • Suitable for pots and beds: Can be grown both outdoors and indoors.
  • Blooms in June: Produces small, yellow flowers in clusters.

Pros and cons

  • Very hardy and cold-tolerant
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round
  • Suitable for both garden and terrace
  • Requires limited maintenance after establishment
  • Potted plants require winter covering against frost
  • Fruits form only with pollination between male and female plants
  • Growth is slow during the first years after planting

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very hardy and cold-tolerant
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round
  • Suitable for both garden and terrace
  • Requires limited maintenance after establishment

Cons

  • Potted plants require winter covering against frost
  • Fruits form only with pollination between male and female plants
  • Growth is slow during the first years after planting

Pros

  • Very hardy and cold-tolerant
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round
  • Suitable for both garden and terrace
  • Requires limited maintenance after establishment

Cons

  • Potted plants require winter covering against frost
  • Fruits form only with pollination between male and female plants
  • Growth is slow during the first years after planting
Pros: The plant is very hardy and cold-tolerant, evergreen and decorative all year round, suitable for both garden and terrace, and requires only limited maintenance after establishment.
Cons: Potted plants need winter covering against frost, fruits form only with pollination between male and female plants, and growth is slow during the first years after planting.
Pros: The plant is very hardy and cold-tolerant, evergreen and decorative all year round, suitable for both garden and terrace, and requires only limited maintenance after establishment.
Cons: Potted plants need winter covering against frost, fruits form only with pollination between male and female plants, and growth is slow during the first years after planting.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Trachycarpus fortunei
  • Swedish name: Hemp palm
  • Category: Terrace plants
  • Height (mature plant): 300–400 cm
  • Leaf type: Evergreen
  • Leaf colour: Green
  • Flower colour: Yellow
  • Flowering: June
  • Flowering period: Summer
  • Growth form: Umbrella-shaped
  • Growth: Vigorous
  • Placement: Sun to partial shade
  • Optimal growing conditions: Full sun, Partial shade
  • Wind conditions: Should be placed in a sheltered location
  • Use: Pots, Windbreaks, Gardens
  • Fruit/berries: No
  • Autumn colour: Green
  • Bee-friendly: Yes
  • Origin: Japan and China
4
Tropical elegance
Canary Island Date Palm
The Canary Island Date Palm, also known as the Phoenix Palm, is a robust and decorative plant with dark green, feather-like foliage that creates a Mediterranean atmosphere both outdoors and indoors.
Why it was chosen: The Canary Island Date Palm was chosen as a representative of hardy, exotic terrace plants that combine a decorative appearance with relatively easy care. It demonstrates how tropical plants can thrive in a Nordic climate with proper maintenance.

The Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) is a classic ornamental palm originating from the Canary Islands. It is characterised by its strong, single-stemmed growth and long, feather-shaped leaves that give a striking and exotic appearance.

In its natural environment, the palm can grow up to 15–20 metres tall, but under Swedish conditions it usually reaches a height of around 2 metres. It is therefore well suited as a terrace plant in large pots or as a potted plant in bright rooms.

The leaves are dark green and evergreen, meaning the plant retains its foliage all year round. The trunk is robust with a characteristic brown, mottled bark that contributes to the plant’s sculptural appearance.

During the summer months, the palm can produce small yellow flowers that later develop into decorative but inedible fruits in yellow and reddish shades. These fruits often attract birds to the garden.

The Canary Island Date Palm thrives best in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil – preferably an exotic soil mix. It tolerates temperatures down to around freezing, but should be protected or moved indoors during winter.

When planting, it is recommended to use a spacious pot so that the roots have room to develop. A slow-release fertiliser in spring and a layer of soil around the root zone during the winter months can promote healthy growth.

  • Decorative palm: Creates an exotic and Mediterranean-inspired look in the garden or home.
  • Evergreen: Retains its dark green foliage all year round.
  • Suitable for pots: Ideal as a terrace or potted plant in spacious containers.
  • Hardy: Tolerates temperatures down to around freezing with suitable protection.
  • Slow-growing: Requires minimal pruning and maintenance.

Pros and cons

  • Gives a striking, tropical appearance in the garden or home
  • Can be used both outdoors and indoors
  • Relatively undemanding and hardy compared to other palms
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round
  • Requires frost protection or indoor storage during winter
  • Slow growth means larger plants take time to develop
  • The fruits are not edible

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Gives a striking, tropical appearance in the garden or home
  • Can be used both outdoors and indoors
  • Relatively undemanding and hardy compared to other palms
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round

Cons

  • Requires frost protection or indoor storage during winter
  • Slow growth means larger plants take time to develop
  • The fruits are not edible

Pros

  • Gives a striking, tropical appearance in the garden or home
  • Can be used both outdoors and indoors
  • Relatively undemanding and hardy compared to other palms
  • Evergreen and decorative all year round

Cons

  • Requires frost protection or indoor storage during winter
  • Slow growth means larger plants take time to develop
  • The fruits are not edible
Pros: This palm gives a striking, tropical appearance in the garden or home, can be used both outdoors and indoors, is relatively undemanding and hardy compared to other palms, and is evergreen and decorative all year round.
Cons: It requires frost protection or indoor storage during winter, grows slowly so larger plants take time to develop, and the fruits are not edible.
Pros: This palm gives a striking, tropical appearance in the garden or home, can be used both outdoors and indoors, is relatively undemanding and hardy compared to other palms, and is evergreen and decorative all year round.
Cons: It requires frost protection or indoor storage during winter, grows slowly so larger plants take time to develop, and the fruits are not edible.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Phoenix canariensis
  • Swedish name: Canary Island Date Palm / Phoenix Palm
  • Category: Terrace plants, Specialities
  • Growth form: Vase-shaped, single-stemmed
  • Height (under Swedish conditions): Up to approx. 2 metres
  • Height (in natural environment): Up to 15–20 metres
  • Leaf colour: Dark green
  • Leaf type: Evergreen, feather-like
  • Flower colour: Yellow
  • Flowering: June
  • Fruit/berries: Yes, decorative but inedible
  • Flowering period: Summer
  • Placement: Sun to partial shade
  • Light conditions: Full sun, Partial shade
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Optimal growing conditions: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
  • Use: Pots, terraces, gardens
  • Autumn colour: Green
  • Maturity: September–October
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