Concrete Planters and Pots: Types, Sizes and How to Choose

A plastic pot blows away in the wind and breaks down in the sun; a concrete planter stays where you put it. But there is a world of difference between a Ø 32 cm tabletop piece and a Ø 130 cm one for planting a tree. In this guide we go through Vetonek's white concrete planters, with the real sizes and weights from their data sheets, and help you choose the shape and size to suit the spot and the plant.

What they are made of and what to expect

According to the data sheets, the classic line is made of white artificial stone (moulded concrete), the modern line of white moulded concrete and the giant of moulded reinforced concrete. Every piece comes in white, is stated to resist frost and sun and, apart from the giant (outdoor and public space), is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They are solid pieces: that makes them stable against wind and knocks, and it means you should choose the position carefully before filling them with soil.

Classic round and ribbed planters

This is the traditional format and the easiest to combine:

• Corera planter: classic line in three diameters, Ø 41 × 23 cm (19 kg), Ø 47 × 30 cm (31 kg) and Ø 67 × 41 cm (82 kg).
• Herce planter: ribbed, in Ø 45 × 30 cm (20 kg) and Ø 55 × 40 cm (38 kg). Its data sheet presents it for a terrace, balcony, porch or garden.
• More variants from the same family: the Tudelilla planter, with a flower relief (Ø 55 × 30 and Ø 70 × 40 cm); the compact Munilla (Ø 42 × 22 and Ø 50 × 27 cm); the cylindrical Cervera (Ø 40 × 35 cm); the wide-mouth Préjano (Ø 55 × 35 cm) and the Cornago (Ø 42 × 31 cm).

One design in several sizes, and the conical shape

• Grávalos planter: four sizes of the same design, from Ø 32 × 17 cm (9 kg) to Ø 61 × 58 cm (92 kg), designed for stepped groupings.
• Nestares planter: conical shape in Ø 40 × 30 cm (28 kg), Ø 45 × 40 cm (45 kg) and Ø 60 × 55 cm (110 kg).

Tall planters and low bowls

• Bergasa planter: a tall cup of Ø 52 × 50 cm and 50 kg that lifts the plant; the data sheet suggests placing a pair on either side of a door or at the foot of a staircase.
• Enciso planter: a low bowl of Ø 60 × 25 cm (40 kg) or Ø 95 × 25 cm (72 kg), for arrangements of succulents, ground cover or a dry garden seen from above.

Modern planters and the giant

The modern line steps up in scale. The Torremontalbo planter is round and comes in Ø 52 × 35 cm (50 kg), Ø 71 × 50 cm (145 kg) and Ø 85 × 73 cm (275 kg); according to its data sheet, the largest takes olive trees, citrus trees and young palms. Above it is the Daroca planter: Ø 130 × 105 cm and 820 kg of moulded reinforced concrete, for outdoor and public-space use. With that weight, decide the final position before filling it and, if it will sit on a slab, a raised terrace or any surface with a limited load, check the permissible load with the project technician.

Saucers for planters

The Villarroya planter saucer collects drainage water and protects wood, decking, tiles and indoor floors from water rings. It comes with an inside diameter of 30, 37, 48 and 65 cm, 6 cm high, weighing 7, 11, 14 and 30 kg. Its data sheet advises choosing one 5-10 cm larger than the base of the planter, not than its mouth.

How to choose the planter

• Size: for balconies and stairs, the compact Ø 42-50 cm models work; for shrubs, roses and small fruit trees, the Tudelilla data sheet points to Ø 55-70 cm; for a tree, the Ø 85 × 73 cm or the giant Ø 130 cm.
• Depth: deeper pieces such as the Cervera (35 cm) or the Bergasa (50 cm) suit plants with a vertical root; the 25 cm bowls call for succulents or Mediterranean plants (the Enciso data sheet mentions sedum, lavender and santolina).
• Weight: from 9 kg (Grávalos Ø 32 × 17 cm) to 820 kg (Daroca). A heavy piece will not tip over in the wind, but it is not easy to move either.
• Composition: the data sheets suggest groups of three sizes in an odd number, pairs flanking an entrance, or the same planter repeated every 1.5 m along a wall.
• Floor: on tiles or wood, the Herce data sheet recommends resting it on three rubber pads so the drainage water can flow underneath and leave no rings.

Planting: tips from the data sheets

For drainage, the Corera data sheet suggests partly covering the outlet with a piece of roof tile and adding a layer of gravel; the Cihuri XL one mentions 10 cm of gravel at the bottom before the soil. For the larger diameters, the Tudelilla one suggests planting in an inner plastic pot resting on bricks: that way the plant can be renewed without emptying all the substrate.

If you need more planting area in a line, see our guide to concrete planter boxes, and to complete the terrace with figures, clocks or parasol bases, the one on concrete garden decor.

Frequently asked questions

What size of concrete planter do I need?

It depends on the plant and the spot. For balconies and stairs, the compact Ø 42-50 cm models work; for shrubs and roses, Ø 55-70 cm; and for a tree, the Ø 85 × 73 cm or the giant Daroca of Ø 130 × 105 cm.

Do concrete planters withstand frost and sun?

Yes. The data sheets for the range state that the artificial stone and concrete of these pieces withstand frost and sun without deteriorating, so they can stay outdoors all year round.

How much does a concrete planter weigh?

From 9 kg for the smallest Grávalos (Ø 32 × 17 cm) to 820 kg for the giant Daroca. Check the weight of each size before deciding where to put it, especially on terraces or raised surfaces.

Can they be used indoors?

Yes. The data sheets for almost the whole range state indoor and outdoor use; the giant Daroca is stated for outdoor and public-space use.

What is a planter saucer for?

To collect drainage water and protect wood, decking, tiles or indoor floors from water rings. The Villarroya saucer data sheet advises choosing one 5-10 cm larger than the base of the planter.

To get started, take a look at the pots and planters collection and the garden decor one, or go straight to the Corera planter, the Grávalos planter and the Nestares planter.