Which plants are suitable for a 30- or 50-cm pot?
You’ve bought a nice planter for your balcony or patio. Maybe it’s been sitting empty by the fence for a while, or maybe you just put it there after an afternoon at the garden center. And then comes the question almost everyone asks: what should I put in it?
At the garden center, everything seems small and manageable, but once you get home, you soon realize that some plants grow much faster than expected, while other combinations end up looking sparse or cluttered. That’s especially a shame in a small garden or on a balcony, because every pot counts.
We’re happy to help you choose based on something very practical: the size of your pot. Here, we’ll look at two common sizes for patios and balconies: 30 cm and 50 cm. What fits in them, what pairs well together, and most importantly: what will still look good even after a few months?
What do we mean by 30 cm and 50 cm?
When we talk about a 30- or 50-cm pot, we’re referring to the pot’s diameter—that is, the width at the top. That’s the standard size you’ll find at garden centers and online stores, and it’s therefore the most useful basis for making your choice.
The 30-cm pot: small, understated, and surprisingly versatile
A 30-cm pot is compact. That’s not a disadvantage—it’s actually an advantage. It forces you to keep things simple, and that often yields the most beautiful results in small spaces like a balcony railing, a staircase, or a small garden table.
In this format, a cluttered look can quickly work against you. That’s why a single striking plant or a subtle combination usually stands out better than a busy mix.
What grows well in a 30-cm pot?
Flowering plants often thrive best here:
- lavender
- geranium
- Petunia
- Begonia
- Verbena
Herbs are also ideal for this, because they stay compact and are also practical:
- thyme
- oregano
- basil
- chives
- parsley
For a slightly calmer, greener look, consider small perennials such as Sedum or Campanula. With this pot size, the rule is always: the simpler, the stronger the effect.
The 50-cm pot: plenty of room for your plants
A 50-cm pot immediately feels like a step up in size. With this size, you can really start playing with layers, height, and combinations. On a patio or in a small garden, this is often the size you need to create a real eye-catcher.
While the 30-cm pot requires restraint, the 50-cm pot actually allows for freedom.
What grows well in a 50-cm pot?
Here, you can move on to shrubs and larger structures:
- hydrangea
- Rhododendron (compact varieties)
- Camellia
- olive tree (young trees)
- Japanese maple (compact varieties)
Ornamental plants with interesting texture also do well here:
- ornamental grasses
- Agapanthus
- Yucca
- Heuchera Combinations
If you'd rather have something to eat, there are plenty of options:
- blueberry
- raspberry (compact varieties)
- tomato (with support)
- zucchini (max. 1 plant)
This is the pot size that lets you create a truly miniature garden.
Here's how to create a beautiful arrangement in a single pot
The most beautiful planters are usually not just a collection of individual plants, but a well-thought-out combination. A simple rule can help with this:
- 1 main plant for height or structure
- 1 to 2 supporting plants
- possibly a low-growing or trailing plant to fill in the space
In a 30-cm pot, you often keep it simple or choose a single plant. In a 50-cm pot, however, this approach works perfectly and creates a truly full, natural look. Of course, you should always consider where you’ll place your pot and choose plants that are suitable for that location.
A few examples will help make this clearer:
30 cm pot:
- lavender only
- geranium with sedum
- herb blend (thyme and basil)
50 cm pot:
- olive tree with lavender
- hydrangea with Heuchera
- ornamental grasses with flowering perennials
What size pot should you choose?
A good pot isn't just a nice addition to your garden or balcony—it's also the foundation for healthy, strong plants.
If you're torn between 30 and 50 cm, this tip often helps:
- A 30-cm pot is ideal if you want something small, simple, or seasonal.
- A 50-cm pot is best if you want a long-lasting, lush, and eye-catching arrangement.
In practice, many people end up choosing the larger size right away, because it gives the plants more room to grow and thrive.