A practical introduction to terrace plants and their characteristics


A practical introduction to terrace plants and their characteristics


The patio is one of the most used outdoor areas of the home – a place for relaxation, togetherness and personal style. With the right patio plants, you can create a green oasis that is both easy to maintain and suited to your climate. Whether you prefer lush pots, fragrant herbs or evergreen plants, there are many ways to give your patio character and life.
In this article, you’ll get an overview of different types of patio plants and their key features, so you can find inspiration for choosing plants that suit both your taste and practical needs.
The article presents a wide range of patio plants – from classic flowering varieties to modern, structural plants. The aim is to provide an overview of their characteristics, growing conditions and uses, so you can more easily assess which types are best suited to your patio. The information about the plants is based on publicly available descriptions from manufacturers and retailers and has been summarised to offer an informative and clear overview of the many possibilities.

The hemp palm, also known as Trachycarpus fortunei, is one of the most cold-tolerant palms that thrives in the Finnish climate. It withstands temperatures down to about -18 degrees and is therefore well suited for both planting in the ground and as a potted plant on the terrace.
The palm has a strong, upright trunk with dark brown, fibrous bark and large, fan-shaped green leaves that give it a distinctly tropical appearance. It is evergreen and retains its leaves all year round, making it decorative in all seasons.
In Finland, the hemp palm typically grows to a height of 3–4 metres, while in its natural environment it can reach 10–12 metres. It grows moderately, about 7–20 cm per year after rooting. During the growing season, it continuously produces new leaves.
In June, the hemp palm develops small, yellow flowers in large clusters. Fruits form only if the plant is pollinated, as it is not self-pollinating. The fruits are not edible but have ornamental value.
The hemp palm thrives best in sun or partial shade and in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It can be planted directly in the ground or in a spacious pot. For potted plants, winter protection or overwintering indoors is recommended, as the roots are sensitive to frost.
For best growth, the palm should be watered regularly during dry periods and fertilised in spring with a liquid fertiliser. In strong winter winds, the leaves can be tied together to protect them from damage.
- Winter hardy: Withstands temperatures down to about -18 °C.
- Evergreen: Retains its green, fan-shaped leaves all year round.
- Decorative trunk: Strong, fibrous bark with a tropical appearance.
- Suitable for pots and plantings: Can be planted both outdoors and indoors with proper protection.
- Blooms in June: Small, yellow flowers in clusters.
Pros and cons
- Extremely cold-tolerant and strong
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Suitable for both pots and garden planting
- Requires little maintenance after rooting
- Requires winter protection in potted plantings
- Not self-pollinating – needs both male and female plants to produce fruit
- May take a year before growth really begins
Pros and cons
Pros
- Extremely cold-tolerant and strong
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Suitable for both pots and garden planting
- Requires little maintenance after rooting
Cons
- Requires winter protection in potted plantings
- Not self-pollinating – needs both male and female plants to produce fruit
- May take a year before growth really begins
Pros
- Extremely cold-tolerant and strong
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Suitable for both pots and garden planting
- Requires little maintenance after rooting
Cons
- Requires winter protection in potted plantings
- Not self-pollinating – needs both male and female plants to produce fruit
- May take a year before growth really begins
Specifications
- Botanical name: Trachycarpus fortunei
- Danish name: Hemp palm
- Category: Terrace plants / Trachycarpus
- Height (in Denmark): 300–400 cm
- Growth: Vigorous, 7–20 cm per year
- Leaf type: Evergreen
- Leaf colour: Green
- Flower colour: Yellow
- Flowering: June
- Flowering time: Summer
- Growth habit: Umbrella-like
- Placement: Sun or partial shade
- Optimal growing conditions: Full sun, partial shade
- Wind conditions: Should be placed in a sheltered location
- Use: Pots, windbreak, gardens
- Fruit/berry: No
- Autumn colour: Green
- Bee-friendly: Yes
- Origin: Japan and China

The Phoenix palm (Phoenix canariensis) is a classic palm species originally from the Canary Islands. It is characterised by strong, single-stemmed growth and long, feather-like leaves that give it a distinctly tropical appearance.
In Danish conditions, the plant typically grows to about two metres in height, while in its natural environment it can reach 15–20 metres. It grows slowly and over time develops a sturdy trunk with dark brown, flaky bark.
The leaves are dark green, evergreen and elegantly arch from the centre, making the plant suitable as a solitary specimen in a pot on the terrace or as a decorative houseplant. During the summer months, it can produce small yellow flowers that later develop into small, inedible fruits in yellow and reddish shades.
The Phoenix palm thrives best in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It tolerates short-term temperature drops close to zero but should be protected or moved indoors during the winter season.
When planting, it is recommended to use a spacious pot with well-drained soil and to add slow-release fertiliser in spring. During the winter months, the root system can be covered with a layer of soil to retain warmth and moisture.
- Decorative palm: Creates an exotic and Mediterranean look in the garden or home.
- Suitable for pots: Thrives well in large pots and can be moved as needed.
- Hardy plant: Tolerates temperatures close to zero with proper protection.
- Evergreen: Retains its green leaves all year round.
- Slow growth: Develops gradually and requires little pruning.
Pros and cons
- Gives a distinctly exotic look
- Can be used both outdoors and indoors
- Relatively undemanding and hardy
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Requires frost protection in winter
- Slow growth requires patience
- Fruits are not edible
Pros and cons
Pros
- Gives a distinctly exotic look
- Can be used both outdoors and indoors
- Relatively undemanding and hardy
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
Cons
- Requires frost protection in winter
- Slow growth requires patience
- Fruits are not edible
Pros
- Gives a distinctly exotic look
- Can be used both outdoors and indoors
- Relatively undemanding and hardy
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
Cons
- Requires frost protection in winter
- Slow growth requires patience
- Fruits are not edible
Specifications
- Botanical name: Phoenix canariensis
- Danish name: Phoenix palm / Canary Island date palm
- Category: Terrace plants, Specialities
- Height (in Danish conditions): Up to about 2 metres
- Height (in natural environment): Up to 15–20 metres
- Leaf colour: Dark green
- Leaf type: Evergreen, feather-like
- Growth habit: Bowl-shaped, upright, with drooping leaves
- Flowering: June
- Flower colour: Yellow
- Fruit/berry: Yes, decorative but not edible
- Flowering period: Summer
- Placement: Sun or partial shade
- Light conditions: Full sun, partial shade
- Growth: Moderate
- Optimal growing conditions: Well-drained soil, sunny location
- Use: Pots, terrace, garden
- Autumn colour: Green
- Ripening: September–October
- Pot variant: 3.0 litres

The hemp palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is one of the most cold-hardy palms that can be grown in Denmark. It withstands temperatures down to about -18 degrees and can therefore be planted directly in the garden or used as a potted plant on the terrace.
The palm has a strong, upright growth habit and develops a sturdy trunk with dark brown, fibrous bark. The large, fan-shaped leaves are green and evergreen, giving the plant a tropical appearance all year round.
In its natural environment, the hemp palm can grow up to 10–12 metres tall, but in Denmark it typically reaches a height of 3–4 metres. It grows moderately, about 7–20 cm per year after rooting.
Flowering occurs in June, when the palm produces many small, yellow flowers in clusters. Fruits develop only if both male and female plants are present, as the species is not self-pollinating.
The hemp palm thrives best in sun or partial shade and in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It can be planted in a bed or pot, but potted plants should be protected in winter or overwintered indoors to prevent root freezing.
When planting, it is recommended to use well-drained exotic soil and to provide the plant with support during the first growing seasons. During dry periods, it should be watered regularly, and spring fertilisation promotes growth.
- Cold-hardy palm: Withstands temperatures down to about -18 °C.
- Evergreen: Retains its green, fan-shaped leaves all year round.
- Decorative trunk: Sturdy, fibrous bark with a distinctive texture.
- Suitable for pots and beds: Can be grown both outdoors and indoors.
- Blooms in June: Produces small, yellow flowers in clusters.
Pros and cons
- Very durable and cold-tolerant
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Suitable for both garden and terrace
- Requires little maintenance after rooting
- Potted plants need winter protection against frost
- Fruits form only if male and female plants pollinate each other
- Growth is slow in the first years after planting
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very durable and cold-tolerant
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Suitable for both garden and terrace
- Requires little maintenance after rooting
Cons
- Potted plants need winter protection against frost
- Fruits form only if male and female plants pollinate each other
- Growth is slow in the first years after planting
Pros
- Very durable and cold-tolerant
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Suitable for both garden and terrace
- Requires little maintenance after rooting
Cons
- Potted plants need winter protection against frost
- Fruits form only if male and female plants pollinate each other
- Growth is slow in the first years after planting
Specifications
- Botanical name: Trachycarpus fortunei
- Danish name: Hemp Palm
- Category: Terrace plants
- Height (mature plant): 300–400 cm
- Leaf type: Evergreen
- Leaf colour: Green
- Flower colour: Yellow
- Flowering: June
- Flowering period: Summer
- Growth habit: Umbrella-shaped
- Growth: Strong
- Placement: Sun or partial shade
- Optimal growing conditions: Full sun, partial shade
- Wind conditions: Should be placed in a sheltered location
- Use: Pots, windbreak, gardens
- Fruit/berry: No
- Autumn colour: Green
- Bee-friendly: Yes
- Origin: Japan and China

The Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) is a classic ornamental palm originating from the Canary Islands. It is characterised by strong, single-stemmed growth and long, feather-like leaves that give it a striking and exotic appearance.
In its natural environment, the palm can grow up to 15–20 metres tall, but under Danish conditions it usually reaches about 2 metres in height. It is therefore well suited as a terrace plant in large pots or as a houseplant in bright rooms.
The leaves are dark green and evergreen, meaning the plant retains its foliage all year round. The trunk has a strong, brown bark covered with patches, adding to the plant’s sculptural appearance.
During the summer months, the palm may produce small yellow flowers that later develop into decorative but inedible fruits in yellow and reddish shades. These fruits often attract birds to the garden.
The Canary Island Date Palm thrives best in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil – ideally an exotic potting mix. It tolerates temperatures down to around freezing but should be protected or moved indoors during the winter season.
When planting, it is recommended to use a spacious pot so the roots have room to develop. A slow-release fertiliser in spring and a layer of mulch around the root area during the winter months can promote healthy growth.
- Decorative palm: Creates an exotic and Mediterranean look in the garden or home.
- Evergreen: Retains its dark green leaves all year round.
- Suitable for pots: Well suited as a terrace or houseplant in spacious pots.
- Hardy: Tolerates temperatures down to around freezing with proper protection.
- Slow-growing: Requires little pruning and maintenance.
Pros and cons
- Gives a striking, tropical look to the garden or home
- Can be used both outdoors and indoors
- Relatively undemanding and hardy compared to other palms
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Requires frost protection or indoor storage during winter
- Slow growth means that larger plants take time to develop
- Fruits are not edible
Pros and cons
Pros
- Gives a striking, tropical look to the garden or home
- Can be used both outdoors and indoors
- Relatively undemanding and hardy compared to other palms
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
Cons
- Requires frost protection or indoor storage during winter
- Slow growth means that larger plants take time to develop
- Fruits are not edible
Pros
- Gives a striking, tropical look to the garden or home
- Can be used both outdoors and indoors
- Relatively undemanding and hardy compared to other palms
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
Cons
- Requires frost protection or indoor storage during winter
- Slow growth means that larger plants take time to develop
- Fruits are not edible
Specifications
- Botanical name: Phoenix canariensis
- Danish name: Canary Island Date Palm / Phoenix Palm
- Category: Terrace plants, Specialities
- Growth form: Bowl-shaped, single-stemmed
- Height (under Danish conditions): Up to about 2 metres
- Height (in natural environment): Up to 15–20 metres
- Leaf colour: Dark green
- Leaf type: Evergreen, feather-like
- Flower colour: Yellow
- Flowering: June
- Fruit/berry: Yes, decorative but inedible
- Flowering period: Summer
- Placement: Sun or partial shade
- Light conditions: Full sun, partial shade
- Growth: Moderate
- Optimal growing conditions: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
- Use: Pots, terraces, gardens
- Autumn colour: Green
- Ripening: September–October









