In the field of horticultural design, corten steel planters are becoming more and more popular among gardening enthusiasts and designers due to its unique industrial aesthetics and excellent performance. Not only is it durable, but it also develops an attractive rust-colored appearance over time. But many people are curious as to which plants are best suited to grow in corrugated metal planter boxes. This article will reveal the answer and provide expert planting advice to help you create a stunning outdoor gardening landscape with ease.
I. Why Choose Corten Planter to Grow Plants?
1. Excellent Drainage
Weathering steel itself does not absorb water, so the drainage design of the metal planter is crucial. Good drainage can avoid stagnant water leading to lack of oxygen and rotting of plant roots, and at the same time prolong the service life of the planter. Most metal raised planters on the market have drainage holes at the bottom to ensure that excess water is discharged in a timely manner. If the drainage is not good, the long-term humid environment will accelerate the corrosion of steel, shortening the service life of the pot.
2. Scientific Temperature Management
Under direct sunlight, corten steel planter heats up quickly, which will lead to higher soil temperatures at the edge of the planter than in the center. In summer, the soil temperature can be about 4.5°C higher than the air temperature. This is good for heat-tolerant plants, but for plants with heat-shy root systems, measures need to be taken to regulate this:
- Use foam boards, plastic film, etc. as insulating liners
- Cover the soil surface with mulch such as bark, straw, etc. to moisturize and cool down the temperature
- Reasonably placed planters to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun
- Increase the frequency of watering and keep the soil moist.
3. The Subtle Relationship Between the Rust Layer and the Soil
The rust layer formed on the surface of weathering steel is a stable protective film, which can effectively prevent further corrosion. A small amount of rust entering the soil is harmless to plants, and can even supplement iron for plants such as roses, hydrangeas and citrus, promoting chlorophyll synthesis and healthy growth. However, when the rust is serious and the structure of the pot is damaged, it needs to be replaced in time so as not to affect the plant root system.
4. Excellent Durability and Stability
Thanks to the special alloy composition and the protection of the rust layer, corten steel planters have excellent weather resistance and structural stability. Under normal use, they can last for more than 10 years, and even decades for thick-walled planters. Their sturdy construction can easily support large plants or small shrubs in a variety of outdoor environments. In addition, rusted steel is free of harmful chemicals, making it safe for growing vegetables, herbs and other edible plants.
II. Plant Types Suitable for Corten Steel Planter
1. Drought-Tolerant, Low-Maintenance Plants
- Succulents and cacti: Sedum, Aloe Vera, Agave, etc., are adapted to dry, well-drained environments, and metal steel pots are a perfect match.
- Ornamental grasses, such as moss and blue fescue, are beautiful and drought-tolerant, and can add natural interest to the garden.
2. Herbs and Medicinal Plants
Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil and mint prefer warm, well-drained soil. The insulating properties of outdoor rusted steel planters are ideal for their growth and allow you to pick fresh herbs for your dishes at any time.
3. Vegetables and Fruits
- Warm Vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc. Weather-resistant steel pots can raise the soil temperature and promote fruit development.
- Leafy Vegetables and Legumes: lettuce, spinach, peas, kidney beans, etc., suitable for growth in well-drained environments
- Berries: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc., suitable for growing in deeper pots
4. Flowering Plants
- Flowers with Excellent Color Combinations: lavender, verbena, sage, iris, alstroemeria, etc., the flower color and the rust color of CORTEN steel to form a sharp contrast or harmonious matching
- Drought-Tolerant and Easy-Care Flowers: marigolds, echinacea, etc., suitable for outdoor planting, easy to create a sea of colorful flowers
5. Small Shrubs and Trees
Woody plants such as dwarf yew, holly and Japanese red maple have well-developed root systems, and the sturdy structure of large metal plant pots can provide them with strong support, creating an exquisite garden landscape.
6. Suggestions for Plant Selection
Metal planter boxes have good drainage and are suitable for drought-tolerant plants with well-developed root systems.
- Metal flower pots heat up quickly, more suitable for temperature-loving plants, pay attention to insulate sensitive plants or increase watering in summer high temperature
- Rust is not harmful to plants and some plants can benefit from it.
- Choose plants according to corten planter boxes: large pots for shrubs and small trees; small pots for succulents, herbs or annual flowers
III. Tips for Successful Planting in Corten Steel Planters
1. Ensure Good Drainage
- Drainage layer at the bottom: first lay a layer of gravel, ceramic granules or coarse sand at the bottom of the pot to help water drain out smoothly and prevent the roots from rotting.
- Drainage hole design: Most metal planter boxes come with drainage holes, but if not, it is recommended that you drill your own holes, with a diameter of about 2.5 centimeters, to ensure that the water drains smoothly and is not easy to clog.
- Raise the pot: Use a stand or “tripod” to raise the garden planter box to prevent clogging of drainage holes and improve ventilation.
2. Choose the Right Soil Mix
- Drainage soil: Use loose, airy, well-drained organic soil, such as garden soil mixed with perlite, vermiculite or river sand, avoiding substrates that retain too much water
- Prevent soil loss: lay grass net or strainer over the drainage layer to prevent soil loss with water
3. Consider Pot Size
- Select pots according to the size of plants: for plants with developed root systems or rapid growth, choose larger and deeper pots; small succulents and herbs are suitable for small pots.
- Different shapes are suitable for different plants: high cylindrical pots are suitable for small trees or tall flowers; long trough-shaped pots are suitable for vegetables, herbs or combination planting.
4. Proper Watering Management
- Monitor soil moisture: metal flower pots heat up and evaporate water quickly, and you need to replenish water in time according to the weather and plant demand, to avoid overwatering or waterlogging.
- Principle of alternating wet and dry: keep “see dry and see wet”, and water when the soil surface is slightly dry, which is conducive to root health
5. Mulching and Temperature Regulation
- Mulch application: Covering the soil surface with bark, straw or gravel helps to maintain soil moisture, reduce temperature fluctuations and improve the environment for root growth
- Insulation when necessary: for heat-shy plants, foam board or bubble wrap can be added to the inner wall of the pot to reduce metal heat transfer
6. Placement and Protection
- Avoid placing them directly on easily stained surfaces: rust water may seep out in the early stages, it is recommended to place the pots on gravel, grass or on a protective mat.
- Outdoor use is better: corten steel planters are suitable for well-ventilated outdoor environments, which is conducive to the formation of the rust layer and the healthy growth of plants.
To create a unique corten steel planter garden landscape, high quality planter is the key! Our weathering steel planters, with strict quality control, have the following advantages:
- Superior quality: made of high quality weatherproof steel, sturdy structure, and durable.
- Various styles: Various sizes and shapes are available to meet different planting needs.
- Professional service: Provide planting consultation and matching suggestions to help you get started easily.
Shop our outdoor corten steel planters now to start your gardening aesthetic journey and make your garden the center of attention! Whether you want to create an exquisite private garden or design a unique commercial landscape, we have the perfect solution for you.