Protecting artificial plants from extreme weather

This quick guide breaks down the practical steps you can take to protect your faux plants and ensure they enjoy a long, vibrant life in your garden.

Choosing the right plant

Selecting the right plant from the start is key. Choosing an artificial outdoor plant generally means it is UV-protected and designed to withstand normal weather conditions.

If you decide to use an indoor plant outside, we recommend keeping it sheltered and out of prolonged direct sunlight.

Applying UV sprays

Some retailers offer UV protection sprays for foliage, but we haven’t tested these and cannot recommend them.

The main issue with sprays is that it’s difficult to cover the entire plant. Missed areas may degrade quickly. In contrast, our UV-stable outdoor plants have a UV-protecting chemical added during manufacturing, providing even protection throughout the plant.

Drainage

Proper drainage is essential when potting artificial plants. Most outdoor pots have drillable drainage holes—make sure to use them.

If planting directly into the ground, place stones or sand at the base to aid drainage.

Topiary

Some of our outdoor topiary trees feature natural wood stems. Treat them annually with a clear preservative to keep them in top condition. For more details, see our guide on planting artificial trees in the ground.

Extreme weather

While our outdoor artificial plants, trees, and flowers are designed to withstand most weather, extreme conditions may require extra precautions.

Storms

Storms bring two main threats: strong winds and heavy rain.

• Heavy rain can waterlog pots or the ground. Natural wood stems may temporarily absorb moisture, making them more susceptible to snapping if combined with strong winds.
• Strong winds can topple plants, causing stems to snap or foliage to be damaged.

To protect your plants, move them to a shed, garage, or sheltered area if possible. If they cannot be moved, reinforce them with supports or tie them to nearby structures.

Heatwaves

The main threat during heatwaves is increased UV exposure, which can fade petal colours and reduce lifespan—especially for hanging baskets and window boxes.

Protect your plants by moving them to shaded areas or temporarily covering them during periods of intense sun.

Have questions?

If you have any questions about protecting your outdoor artificial plants, our knowledgeable team is happy to help. Call 0800 9777 589 or chat with us online.