Best plants for under pergola?

[ljm12]

I am looking to put some potted plants under my pergola and was wondering what the best plants for this would be? They would get some indirect sunlight.

Ideally looking for something that doesn’t create too much pollen as I have allergies, so happy for more leafy options.

Thanks!

[EricL]

Hello @ljm12 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about plants.

Can you please tell us your general location? Once we have that information, we can then suggest plants that will be suitable for the area.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know. 

Eric

[ljm12]

Hi @EricL,

Thanks for responding to quickly. We are located in the North West, with the house facing East and the pergola facing the North.

Hope this helps!

[mich1972]

Good Morning @ljm12 

I love your question and I will share some beautiful foliage plants that would look great potted under your Pergola. 
May I ask when you have time, could you please share a couple of photos of your pergola so that we can get an idea of the area and how much indirect sunlight it gets. There are so many plants that you can grow but I will share a few that are common. 
Here is a list: 

Monstera

Philodendron

Peace Lilies 

Sansevieria 

Cast Iron Plant 

Calathea

Devils Ivy

Syngonium

Dracaena

ZZ Plant 

These are just a few, very common, popular foliage plants for pergola / patio, indoors, shade. There are different ways to feature them in beautiful pots or planters. I hope this helps you make a start. 🙂🌿

I forgot to say also when you have time to pop into your local Bunnings store and have a chat with the Greenlife team. I’m sure they will be able to give you great advice and show you what they have available. 

[mich1972]

 Top left : Devils Ivy , Top right : Sansevieria Whale Fin, Bottom left : Sansevieria Silver Sword, Bottom right: ZZ Plant. I have these beauties growing in pots under our pergola @ljm12 and they are growing extremely well without too much fuss. 

[EricL]

Hello @ljm12 

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @mich1972. Just to the plant list there is also:

• Birds Nest Fern
   
• Chinese Evergreen
   
• Rhipsalis
   
• Parlour Palm

When choosing pots, ensure they have good drainage, and consider adding a saucer or riser to avoid staining your deck or paving. Also, a layer of mulch or decorative stones on top of the soil can help with moisture retention and keep things tidy. Rotate your pots occasionally to keep growth even and check leaves for pests or signs of stress from time to time, especially in warmer months.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[mich1972]

Absolutely Eric !!!! The list is endless and I love the extra advice you shared

[ljm12]

Wow thanks so much @EricL and @mich1972! This is fantastic advice, will be extremely useful in picking some options. 

I have attached a photo as requested showing where we would put the plants. Hoping to have a row of them lined up along the window outside, similar to what is shown but those plants have all gone to their correct spots now. It doesn’t really show it as it was overcast when I took this, but the light comes through the pergola, sometimes getting direct light in the morning:

[EricL]

Hello @ljm12 

Thank you for sharing the future location of your plants. The light passing through the translucent roof sheet should be more than enough for the plants being positioned there. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[mich1972]

Ok so first of all..............I LOVE this !!! You can go absolutely crazy and create an amazing potted jungle out here !!!! So damn good , I can't wait to see what you do with this living area under your pergola. You won't want to sit in the house. Put a small outdoor table and chairs there and enjoy it !! Keep in touch and look forward to seeing your creations  

Oh by the way.... Those shelves on the left hand side...... I see potted Devils Ivy cascading down on them and maybe some succulents too !!