This post identifies a combination of 5 indoor and outdoor varieties of plants you can use in your Head Shaped Planter. Planters in the shape of heads with a hollow top or back are becoming increasingly popular. So, this posts identifies varieties of plants you can use effectively in these planters.
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In cased you missed it, planters in the shape of ladies heads with a hollowed out top are extremely popular. I was with a friend the other day at a local nursery and she said “I like these head shaped planters but I never know what type of plant to put in them”. I realized, she had a point. It is not easy to identify the type of plants to put in these planters. So, I tried out several different varieties and narrowed it down to 5 that I thought you would like.
I have had my head shaped planters for quite sometime. The larger of the two planters, I purchased almost 10 years ago when I lived in Delaware. The smaller of the two is more recently purchased and I believe is still available. At the end of this post I will link some similar head shaped planters.
5 Plants for your Head Shaped Planter
Lemon Coral Sedum and Hoya Exotica
My first choice is to use plants that most closely mimic hair for the planter head. These are plants that grow low to the ground and have a “spilling” characteristic. These plants typically grow over the edges of any container they are planted in. Two varieties that work well for the head shaped planters are Lemon Coral Sedum (left) and Hoya Exotica (right). Hoya Exotica is also pet safe – so if you have a cat that likes to chew on your plants, you don’t have to worry about its health.
I particularly like the way the Sedum spills over the sides of the head shaped planter.
The Hoya Exotica also has a soft drape to it that is also appealing.
The photos above are the labels for the respective plants. One caveat, the Lemon Coral Sedum would eventually need to planted outside since it is not an indoor plant.
Aloe Vera and Toffee Twist Sedge
In contrast to a plant that spills over the sides of the head shaped planter, there are some varieties that stand at attention. (And perhaps demand attention)
The plant on the left is a small Aloe Vera and the plant on the right is an annual known as Toffee Twist Sedge. I like the graphic contrast that these plants provide and the color of the grass is fabulous.
The Aloe Vera is always handy to have around in the event of minor cuts or burns.
While the Toffee Twist Sedge would last for sometime, eventually it would need to be planted outside since it is not an indoor plant.
The label from the Toffee Twist Sedge is shown above and as you can see, it gets fairly large with an estimated growth of 18″-24″.
Coleus
Finally, one other variety that I thought looked good in a head shaped planter is Coleus. While this plant can be grown indoors, it is meant to be an outside plant.
Coleus is so easy to propagate so one plant can create many other plants. These coleus were purchased in 3 inch pots and they fit perfectly in the head shaped planters.
The deep purple color is perfect as we transition into late summer and early fall.
This Coleus had more colors which I thought was pretty. Here in upstate New York, coleus seem to do well in the fall and last until we get our first hard frost.
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I linked some similar head shaped planters below. I recommend you visit your local garden nursery to see what plants fit best. It’s a fun process scouring all the different varieties of plants to find the “best fit”.
Summary
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Thank you for stopping by the blog today. It was fun trying out different varieties of plants in these head shaped planters. I am so glad my friend said she didn’t know what types of plants to buy.
Wow!! What a FUN post, Anna!!! I do not own any of said lady heads but I do appreciate their unique beauty! Those plants you chose are so fun. What texture those add to any space!
Thank you Rachel for the kind comment! I always appreciate your support and kindness.
Super cute post. I particularly love the hair style provided by the lemon coral sedum, perfectly pretty!
Thank you Susan! I also loved the lemon coral sedum -which I had never heard of before this project!
I see these all the time but have never known what to put in them, Anna! I LOVE all the ideas you suggested. They feel fun and festive and totally chic all at the same time. Big hugs, CoCo
Thanks Coco! It was fun just to go to the nursery to see what could be used!
I agree with Coco, I see these head planters and think they are beautiful but have always been puzzled how to style them. My favorite look is the plants that look like hair!
Hi Elizabeth! Thanks for commenting ! Yes I too love the plants that mimic hair!
Oh wow! I love these – I so want one. I especially love the sedum with all it’s spikeyness.
Thank you Carol! I love the sedum too! I had no idea this variety was available!
I love the look of bust planters! I only have one and have styled it with faux flowers and plants! All of the live plants look amazing in your planters! I am going to have to try this next! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much Donna! I hope you share a photo of your planters “hair do”.
The lemon coral sedum is gorgeous! What cute planters!
Thank you Liberty! Appreciate the feedback.
This is one of those things that I would never have thought about but I love how thorough you were explaining it. Great information!
Thank you Rachel! I appreciate you reading the post and taking time to comment.
This is such a fun post! I love all the different plants you used. Some of the head planters really look like they have hair. I need to get myself one and now I know what plants work the best. Thanks!
Thanks Meagan for commenting! Most folks love the Coral Sedum.
Oh this is such a good idea for a blog post! I love these containers and would need plant ideas if I ever get one.
Hi Maria! Thank you so much for commenting.