A few weeks ago Nature Hills Nursery sent me a portrait planter to review.
I pulled the 8 X 10 frame out of the box and began to put it together.
The planter is supposed to be displayed vertically as soon as you plant it.
This means you don’t have to lay it flat for a few weeks while the plants establish a root system in the dirt so they don’t fall out.
Every single vertical planter I have either hung or leaned against the wall has had to lay flat for weeks before I could display it correctly.
I was skeptical, and also very curious.
The planter came with everything I needed minus the plants.
So I decided on succulents, as I already had a nice collection on hand growing in my greenhouse.
Steps to Assemble and Plant
- This planter can be hung or you can display it like a photograph. First, I put the picture hanger on the back of the planter. You want to make sure you get the picture hanger hung in the right direction for display.
- The planter also comes with a watering tray that you attach to the bottom. This allows you to water the succulents from the top down and any residual water is caught in the tray.
- Next, I filled the succulent planter with some cactus and citrus planting soil. This is my preferred dirt for succulents as it dries out quicker than typical potting soil.
- Then I placed my succulents the way I wanted them to be displayed.
- The planter comes with stakes that fit through both the vertical and horizontal holes in the planter. These stakes are what keep the succulents in place and from falling out once you hang it vertically.
- I stuck the vertical stakes (which are longer) through the planter first. Then, I fed the stake through the top hole, down through the succulents, and into the bottom lip of the planter.
- I repeated the process again with the horizontal stakes.
- Then I gently misted the succulents in the planter with my garden hose.
- I immediately turned it vertically and positioned the picture hanger. None of the succulents fell out.
Photos of the Process










My Final Thoughts
This planter is fabulous. I love that you have two different options to display this planter.
I also love that you are not limited to succulents. You could use different types of ferns or moss or even some colorful annuals.
My favorite perk of this portrait planter is that you an immediately display it vertically. There is no waiting and it looks fantastic as soon as you place it in its perfect spot.
Mine is on our pool patio.

Also, if you have some leggy succulents, don’t throw them away.
You can easily fix those long stalks.
I have the perfect tips to help you re-pot them and get them looking their best again.
And, if you are looking for some the perfect Nature Hills Nursery plants to add to your gardens, here are my personal recommendations.
I planted this Chinese Blue Wisteria Tree in my yard several years ago.

This tree is stunning, fragrant, loves full sun, and behaves perfectly – unlike traditional wisteria, which can get out of hand fast.
I just ordered another Chinese Blue Wisteria for the pool flower beds.
And, my other love is The Rising Sun Redbud. I have five of these beauties planted around the house and the foliage on this tree is just as exquisite as the blooms.

If you have shade gardens, my recommendations are two of my favorite hosta, Empress Wu and Francis Williams.
The Empress Wu is HUGE and the leaves are so impressive. I love Francis Williams for her gorgeous chartreuse leaf edging. You can not go wrong with either one.


Don’t forget to drop me a comment below and tell me how you plan to use your portrait planter. I would love to know what plants you are adding to your garden this spring!
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Vivian
April 11, 2022 5:04 pmI saw you put this together on Instagram. I thought no way. And surprise surprise, it worked! Fabulous planter. And i love your plant recommendations.
mary
April 11, 2022 5:06 pmThank you for the plant recommendations. I planted a rising sun redbud last year on your recommendation. We enjoy our view and the unique leaves.
Casey
April 11, 2022 5:07 pmFantastic planter! You make it look so easy. Thank you so much for all you share with us. I have no idea where you find the time to do so much.
Sara
April 11, 2022 5:18 pmLove this; I’ve always wanted to do one!
Jayne via Chalking Up Success
April 11, 2022 5:45 pmI love this succulent planter but I have a terrible reputation for killing anything that grows in a pot – shame!
leanna
April 11, 2022 6:54 pmThis is a very unique planter. It would make a very pretty backdrop especially on the front porch or patio.
Marie
April 12, 2022 5:14 amSuch a cool concept! This would be a pretty idea for wedding table numbers.
Lynne Zemaitis
April 13, 2022 12:52 pmWhat a pretty planter! I love this and will be on the lookout for one! Thank you for sharing!
Kimberly Snyder
April 14, 2022 10:09 pmSuch a unique idea! I will have to see if I can find one like it! I have quite a few succulents, too!
Kippi
April 27, 2022 4:41 amWhat a lovely planter for succulents. It is perfect to add an organic touch to my home.
Happy Spring,
Kippi