Snake plant (aka sansevieria) is showing up a lot these days in outdoor containers.

That’s because summer’s hot weather is ideal for this African native. Snake plant’s upright, modern style makes it the perfect “thriller” portion of any outdoor planter. (Read more about how to use thrillers, fillers, and spillers in container gardening with these street-side Chicago containers.)

Because snake plant likes all light types (it will happily withstand full sun as well as low light) you can plant it on your porch in the shade or out by the pool in full sun. Or in a planter with another tall tropical beauty, bird of paradise, like above. 

So what does a snake plant look good with? Well, everything.

You can pair it with colorful annuals. Snake plants come in many varieties. Some are all green, but others have lovely variegation, or color, in the leaves.

For example, Sansevieria trifasciata 'Gold Hahnii' or 'Black Gold' feature broad yellow stripes, so they are beautiful when paired with yellow annuals such as petunias, calibrachoa, and marigolds.

Or you can pop it into a colorful pot, like the one left, and add a mandevilla, fittonia, and variegated ivy.

Green on green is a beautiful way to make a quiet, minimalist statement with a planter. Here a snake plant is paired with a blanket of ivy, spilling over the edge of the pot.

And if you are looking for a low-maintenance outdoor planter (that you won't have to water much), plant snake plants with a mass of succulents.

NOTE: If you live in a tropical climate, check local planting restrictions about snake plant before planting it outdoors. It can become invasive in some areas.  

Who will you pair up with your snake plant outside?