There is nothing I look forward to more each summer than setting up our outdoor living and entertaining spaces out on the back deck and planting tons of pots with all my favorite flowers. We spend a lot of time in the backyard, so it’s easy for me to keep everything watered and thriving all summer because I’m out there with the dogs daily. My front porch however… that’s where plants come to die, and it’s not exactly the curb appeal I’m going for having brown, shriveled-up plants displayed front and center. We don’t have a hose close and don’t even use the front door (we come in the side door by the garage), so it’s fighting a losing battle trying to keep plants alive up there.
This year I decided to try something different to stop wasting money and really make the front of our home look polished and put together.
Complete Guide to Using
Artificial Plants & Flowers Outdoors
I spent a lot of time researching artificial plants that checked two boxes: 1) look highly realistic and 2) last for years to come without fading. I found some really good options and listed all of them towards the end of this post. But first I thought it would be helpful to share what to look for and how to get the most out of your outdoor faux plants and flowers (a.k.a. how to make people think they’re 100% real!).
1. Reasons to Go Faux
- Low maintenance – no watering, pruning, or fertilizing and ideal for busy families, rental properties, or vacation homes
- Year-round beauty – green and vibrant through all seasons and great for harsh climates
- Cost-effective long-term – one-time investment with years of use and savings on gardening materials
- Flexibility in design – place them anywhere – no need for sunlight, drainage, or good soil
- No seasonal clean-up – no fallen leaves, trimming, or deadheading required
- Aesthetic control – always look perfectly pruned, symmetrical, and full for instant curb appeal or staging homes
2. Choosing the Right Artificial Plants for Outdoor Use
Not all faux plants are outdoor-safe. Look for:
- UV-resistant materials: These prevent fading over time from sunlight
- Weatherproof construction: Check for materials like polyethylene (PE) or polyblend plastics or PVC, which can withstand rain, wind, and temperature shifts
- On the label: UV-resistant/UV-protected, Weatherproof, Outdoor-safe, Fade-resistant
Pro Tip: For extra UV protection, use this clear spray when you first purchase your artificial plants to keep them from fading over time.
3. Planting Artificial Plants (Yes, You “Plant” Them)
The key to making fake plants look real is actually “planting” them in your containers. Not only does this anchor the stems and add stability, but it tricks the eye and mimics how real plants grow.
To plant faux plants:
- Start with a heavy pot or container:
- You can fill your pot with stones or sand if necessary to give it weight.
- Create an anchor point:
- Add floral foam or a ball of chicken wire inside the pot. Insert the stem/s and adjust the final height by adding soil underneath the anchor point.
- Top with soil or natural materials:
- Cover the foam or chicken wire with soil and top with mulch, moss, or rocks for a natural, finished look (optional).
- Secure with adhesive (if needed):
- Use weatherproof glue, silicone sealant, or zip ties for extra stability if you’re in a highly windy area.
4. Styling Artificial Plants
Design principles to follow:
- Use odd numbers (3, 5, 7) for natural-looking groupings.
- Mix textures and heights: Combine leafy greens with florals and tall grasses for a layered look.
- Stick to a cohesive color palette to avoid a fake or chaotic look.
- For a simple, elegant look try using a single large fern, tree, or topiary.
- Blend with real elements: Use real soil, rocks, or mulch in pots to disguise artificial stems.
- Use stylish containers: Choose planters that complement your outdoor decor (e.g. terracotta, rattan, concrete).
Ways to style outdoor artificial plants:
- Line a balcony railing or window with faux flower boxes
- Place topiary balls in decorative urns on a porch
- Create a vertical garden or green wall with faux vines
- Add a splash of color with hanging baskets on shepherd hooks or pergolas
Popular outdoor options:
- Faux boxwood spheres or topiaries
- Artificial grasses (e.g., pampas, fountain)
- Silk or plastic hanging baskets
- Plastic succulents and ferns
- Wisteria, ivy, or vine garlands
5. Cleaning Artificial Outdoor Plants
Do this monthly or as needed depending on weather:
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster.
- Spray clean with water using a low hose setting.
- For deep cleaning:
- Mix a solution of warm water + mild dish soap.
- Use a cloth or sponge to gently wipe leaves and stems.
- Rinse with clean water and let air dry.
- Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, or high-pressure hoses, which can damage color and material.
6. Winter Storage and Maintenance
Most artificial plants won’t survive extreme cold or snow. Some UV-rated plastic plants can stay out year-round in milder climates but may still fade over time.
Before winter hits:
- Remove plants from containers if they’re not labeled as frost-proof.
- Clean and dry them thoroughly to prevent mold or mildew.
- Wrap in bubble wrap or cloth to protect against crushing or dust.
- Store in a cool, dry place:
- Use plastic bins with silica packs to avoid moisture buildup.
7. Where to Buy High-Quality Outdoor Artificial Plants
Online:
In-store:
- IKEA
- Michaels or Hobby Lobby
- Home Goods / TJ Maxx / Marshalls
8. Top Artificial Options for Each Season
- Spring – tulips, daffodils, cherry blossom, boxwood
- Summer – tropical leaves (palm, banana leaf, monstera), bright florals (geranium, roses, petunia), coastal tall grass, lavender, ferns
- Fall – sunflowers, mums, oak/maple branches, rust-colored grasses
- Winter – evergreens trees or topiaries, poinsettia, frosted or white birch branches
8. Artificial Options for Every Budget
Under $100
46″ triple boxwood topiary | 2ft set of 2 cedar ball trees | 48″ boston ferns set of 2 | 4ft boxwood tree | 4ft cedar tree | 47″ tall grass | 3ft spiral cedar | 2ft boxwood sphere set of 2 | 38″ camellia tree | geranium hanging basket | 60″ ficus tree
Under $250
5ft triple bay leaf topiary | 3ft podocarpus double ball topiary | 3ft cedar tree | 52″ grand dame estate deluxe fern | 60″ tall grass | 38″ tall grass | 5ft spiral boxwood | 5ft spiral rosemary tree | 20″ lavender sphere | 30″ peace lily | tabletop fern planter
Under $500
4ft cypress double ball topiary | 42″ boxwood cone | cypress spiral topiary | 6ft boxwood spiral | 4ft double lemon topiary | 7.5ft palm tree | 5ft triple boxwood topiary | 6ft tall grass | 76″ plume grass | 3ft cypress topiary | 4ft camellia tree
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