Seashells evoke images of sunny beach vacations and carefree days by the ocean. Now, these natural wonders are making their way into backyards and patios as the latest trend in garden decor. Large seashell planters are a gorgeous way to display your greenery while adding a touch of coastal charm. Keep reading to learn all about these statement-making planters!
With their eye-catching shape and texture, seashell planters make your plants the star of your outdoor space. If you’re looking to give your garden an upgrade with a decorative accent that will get your neighbors talking, a seashell planter is just the thing.
What Are Seashell Planters?
Seashell planters get their name from their distinctive spiral shape modeled after real seashells. Ranging from small pots to extra large statement pieces, seashell planters are made from durable materials like:
- Concrete
- Fiberglass
- Cast stone
- Ceramic
These heavy, long-lasting materials allow seashell planters to be used both indoors and outdoors. No matter where you place them, these planters become an eye-catching focal point.
Sizes and Shapes
While medium seashell planters look great on porches and patios, large, oversized seashell planters truly steal the show. Giant planters spanning over two feet wide make a dramatic statement in any garden. Their expansive size allows you to get creative with plantings by combining everything from tall exotic palms to cascading vines.
For maximum visual impact, look for extra large planters modeled after species like conchs, nautilus, and whelks. The spiraled shape adds fluid, naturalistic style.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Thanks to their durable construction, most seashell planters can be used either outside or inside your home. Fiberglass and concrete planters hold up to sun, wind, and rain when placed on an open patio or porch. For indoor use, look for lightweight ceramic and resin seashell pots perfect for desks, tabletops, or floor spaces.
Key Benefits of Seashell Planters
What makes seashell planters so popular for gardens and porches? Here are some of the top reasons to consider these statement-making pots:
- Unique Shape – The flowing, spiraled silhouette makes an eye-catching focal point and conversational piece.
- Coastal Vibe – The seashell shape brings a breezy, beachy feel to your space.
- Decor Power – Seashell planters make a gorgeous decorative accent that upgrades your garden.
- Showcases Plants – The neutral seashell color lets your plants shine.
- Complements Landscaping – Naturalistic form blends beautifully into garden designs.
With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why giant seashell planters are rising in popularity. Their gorgeous form and function check all the boxes.
Using Seashell Planters Outdoors
To get the most out of seashell planters outdoors, follow these tips:
Select a Durable Material
Outdoor seashell planters need to withstand the elements year-round. Look for pieces made from:
- Fiberglass – Extremely durable and weather-resistant
- Concrete – Long-lasting and able to handle cold climates
- Cast stone – A mix of concrete and other materials for durability
- Resin – Lightweight yet strong against weathering
Avoid cheaper plastic or ceramic pots that can crack and warp outside.
Allow for Proper Drainage
Outdoor planters require drainage holes so excess water can escape. Check that your seashell planter has holes before purchasing. If not, you’ll need to:
- Add drainage holes yourself with a power drill.
- Place a layer of gravel at the bottom beneath the soil to improve drainage.
- Pour away excess water that collects in a drainage saucer.
Trapped water can cause root rot and other problems for your plants.
Handle the Weight
Extra large seashell planters often weigh over 100 pounds when filled with soil and plants. Make sure you choose a permanent spot that is:
- Accessible for planting and maintenance.
- On a sturdy, level surface that can handle heavy weight.
- Has multiple people available to assist in moving if needed.
Wheeled plant stands are great for easily moving heavy pots into place.
Select the Right Size
Take plant dimensions into account when choosing your seashell planter size. Look for a planter that:
- Accommodates the root ball with extra room.
- Is proportional in size – don’t overwhelm or underwhelm your plants.
- Allows enough space as plants grow taller and wider.
Bigger is not always better – an oversized planter can lead to issues with too much damp soil.
Maintenance
Regularly care for outdoor seashell planters by:
- Rinsing dirt and debris with clean water.
- Resealing concrete, fiberglass, or resin planters annually.
- Watching for cracks, chips, fading.
- Treating any damaged areas promptly to avoid worsening.
Proper maintenance preserves your planter’s beauty and keeps plants healthy.
Styling With Seashell Planters
The right accessories and placement let your seashell planters make the biggest impact. Design tips include:
Pick Colors and Finishes
Look for seashell planters in:
- Warm neutral tones like sand, taupe, and ivory that complement natural materials.
- Glossy finishes that reflect light beautifully.
- Matte and textured finishes for understated elegance.
- Distressed finishes with chips and variation for a timeworn look.
Place for Maximum Impact
Position extra large seashell planters as the star in spaces like:
- An empty patio.
- The center of a gravel garden.
- Near walkways as a gorgeous greeter.
- Surrounded by smaller pots on the porch.
Repeat for Drama
Using identical or coordinating seashell pots together amps up the wow factor. Try:
- Flanking an entryway.
- Pairing on each side of steps.
- Creating a seashell border.
Repeating planters with lush, overflowing plants looks incredibly full and vibrant.
Blend Sizes and Shapes
An eclectic mix of planters adds intrigue. Combine seashell pots by:
- Pairing large and small sizes.
- Mixing round ceramic and spiral shaped.
- Including complementary shapes like starfish and scallop.
The staggered heights and silhouettes provide visual interest.
Pick Coordinating Accessories
Complete the coastal vibe with accents like:
- Woven seagrass or jute mats
- Driftwood logs and bleached boards
- Water features like birdbath fountains
- Beach glass, seashells, and pebbles
Nautical accessories blend seamlessly with seashell planters.
Shopping for Large Seashell Planters
Keep the following criteria in mind when selecting an outdoor seashell planter:
Materials Guide
| Material | Durability | Texture | Weight | Cost |
| Fiberglass | Excellent | Smooth | Heavy | $$$ |
| Concrete | Very good | Rough | Heavy | $$ |
| Cast Stone | Very good | Smooth | Heavy | $$$ |
| Resin | Good | Smooth | Light | $ |
Size Guide
Pick a seashell planter size in proportion to your space:
- Small – Under 1 foot wide. Good for porches and tabletops.
- Medium – 1 to 2 feet wide. Well-suited for patios and accent planting.
- Large – Over 2 feet wide. Makes a bold statement in gardens.
- Extra Large – 3+ feet wide. Dramatic focal point; Very heavy.
Where to Buy
Find seashell planters at:
- Local nurseries and garden stores.
- Outdoor furniture and home stores.
- Online retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon.
Shop early in the season for the best selection.
What to Look For
High quality seashell planters should have:
- Detailed, realistic seashell sculpting.
- Drainage holes (or space to add them).
- A sturdy, weighty feel.
- A smooth finish without cracks or flaws.
- Fade and weather-resistant materials.
Avoid thin, lightweight pots prone to chipping and damage.
Displaying Plants in Seashell Planters
The right plants can make your seashell planter the star of your garden. Considerations include:
Select Plants by Size
Choose plants suited to your planter’s proportions:
- Small planters – Succulents, trailing vines, herb gardens.
- Large planters – Tall tropicals like banana trees, grasses, large shrubs.
Make sure root balls and growth habits allow plants to thrive.
Mix Heights and Textures
Create visual interest by combining:
- Tall vertical plants with low trailing varieties.
- Large, architectural leaves like monstera with delicate ferns.
- Leafy plants, grasses, and flowering varieties.
The layered look packs a punch.
Let Plants Flow Over the Sides
Select spreading or cascading plants and encourage growth over the sides with pruning. This achieves a soft, billowing look. Great options include:
- String of pearls
- Swedish ivy
- Sweet potato vine
- Spillers like petunias or calibrachoa
Use the Planter Itself as a Decor Piece
With larger seashell planters, the substantial planter itself makes a statement. Keep plantings simple with:
- A single sculptural tree or large succulent.
- Symmetric rows of uniform plants like grasses.
- Greenery around the edges to highlight the planter shape.
Let the gorgeous seashell shape shine as the star.
Play With Temporary and Permanent Plantings
Consider versatile plant combinations like:
- Large perennials as permanent anchor plants paired with changing annuals for seasonal pops of color.
- Houseplants placed outside just for summer, then overwintered indoors.
- Quick growing salad greens and vegetables that can be replaced with flowers later on.
Get creative mixing up temporary and permanent plantings.
Caring for Plants in Seashell Planters
Keep your seashell display thriving with proper care:
Water Correctly
- Check soil moisture frequently, watering when the top inch is dry.
- Adjust watering for sheltered/exposed areas.
- Remove excess water to avoid saturation.
- Reduce watering for succulents and cacti.
Fertilize for Growth
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer.
- Switch to low nitrogen fertilizer in fall.
- Always follow package instructions.
Prune for Shape
- Trim back wayward, leggy growth.
- Pinch off spent blooms to encourage new ones.
- Cut back foliage spilling over the edges.
Overwinter for Next Year
- Move indoor appropriate plants inside before frost.
- Cut back, prune, and mulch hardy outdoor plants.
- Remove dead annuals and replant in spring.
Proper care keeps your seashell planter looking fabulous year after year.
Need a little inspiration to get those creative juices flowing? Here are some stunning ways designers have used seashell planters:
- A bright orange fiberglass seashell overflowing with purple and pink petunias for a playful pop of color.
- A concrete shell in a zen garden with waving grasses and raked pebble detail.
- A gold seashell showcasing a single monstera deliciosa for tropical flair.
- A pair of oversized nautilus shells bordering an entryway with red and yellow cascading flowers.
- An eclectic vignette with starfish, pearls, and miniature blue ceramic shells around a fountain.
