RooTrimmer 3-Pack 20 Inch Large Plastic Plant Pots for Outdoor, Heavy Duty Extra Large Deep Garden Planter with Drainage Holes, Sturdy Textured Black Flower Pot for Trees, Shrubs, Patio, Lawn

Why I chose these planters

I’ve been on the hunt for large, lightweight outdoor planters that can handle trees and substantial shrubs without cracking after a season in the sun. Ceramic looks great but weighs a ton, and thinner plastic pots often warp or split. The RooTrimmer 20-inch planters struck a practical middle ground: big enough for deep-rooted plants, sturdy enough for year-round use, and sold as a value three-pack for creating a cohesive look on a patio.

After a full season of use, I’ve potted a dwarf olive, a compact citrus, and a large hydrangea into this set. Here’s how they performed and where they fall short.

Build quality and materials

Each planter is molded from virgin polypropylene with a reinforced base. The plastic feels notably thicker than budget pots, and the body doesn’t flex much when you lift it loaded with soil. I’ve moved mine several times (empty and full) and haven’t seen stress whitening, hairline cracks, or warping at the rim—common failure points in cheaper plastics.

• Weight and handling: Empty, they’re easy to carry around. Filled, they’re heavy (as they should be at this size), but the rolled rim gives you a decent grip for repositioning. There are no side handles, which I didn’t expect on a pot this size but would still appreciate.
• UV performance: After months of sun exposure, the black hasn’t chalked or faded. Time will tell long-term, but early signs are good.
• Stability: The tall profile makes sense for deeper root systems. Once planted, the mass of soil keeps them steady in wind. My olive and citrus stayed put through a couple of blustery evenings without tipping.

Size and planting experience

At 20 inches across the top and 14.5 inches tall, these are genuinely substantial. In practical terms, each pot took just under two standard 1-cubic-foot bags of potting mix for my plantings (call it roughly a 14–16 gallon class, depending on your soil blend and whether you top with mulch). That gives small trees and robust shrubs real room for roots to explore.

The depth and volume are perfect for:

• Dwarf fruit trees (citrus, fig, olive)
• Large flowering shrubs (hydrangea, rose standards)
• Bamboo and tall ornamental grasses
• Container vegetable “trees” like indeterminate tomatoes on sturdy cages

If you’re moving up from a typical 16–18 inch pot, the extra depth is noticeable. My olive, which had been circling at the base in its previous pot, showed better top growth and steadier hydration after the move.

Drainage: mostly good, with one quirk

Each planter comes with four pre-drilled drainage holes in the base—no punching required. Drainage is generally effective, and these pots don’t hold onto water the way some “self-watering” designs can. However, I did notice one design quirk: the holes aren’t perfectly centered, and the interior base has a slightly raised geometry. After heavy watering, a small amount of water can linger in a thin layer at the very bottom, especially if the pot sits flat on a patio.

This hasn’t caused root issues in my plantings, but it’s worth addressing if you grow species that really dislike wet feet.

What worked well for me:
- Pot feet or a slatted stand: Lifting the pot even half an inch improves outflow and air exchange at the base.
- Soil structure: Use a chunky, well-aerated mix (pine bark fines, perlite/pumice). Skip the gravel-at-the-bottom myth; it creates a perched water table and doesn’t improve drainage.
- Extra holes (optional): If you’re comfortable with a drill, adding a couple more 3/8-inch holes around the low points of the base helps water exit quickly.

One note: there’s no included saucer. For patios or decks, plan to buy 20–22 inch saucers or use a tray system to catch runoff.

Aesthetics and finish

The finish is a subdued, lightly textured black. It’s not glossy, which helps it blend with different styles and keeps scuffs from showing. The look is clean and modern without calling attention to itself, which I prefer for pots that are meant to showcase plants, not the container.

The black color does warm the soil faster in spring—which I like for early growth—but it can raise root-zone temperatures during summer heat. A layer of mulch or a light-colored top dressing helps mitigate that. I also tucked the citrus pot where it gets afternoon shade on very hot days.

Real-world use: what stood out

• Deep root accommodation: The olive and hydrangea both responded well to the extra depth, and I watered less frequently than in shallower pots of similar diameter.
• Compression resistance: I’ve had cheaper pots deform slightly when set on uneven surfaces—these stayed true to shape, which matters for stability and aesthetics.
• Ease of setup: Four holes pre-drilled saved time. I lined the interior with a piece of mesh over the holes to keep potting mix from washing out; the holes are large enough that this is worth doing.
• Mobility: With soil and a tree, these are not “pick-up-and-go” containers. If you plan to shuffle them often, consider a wheeled dolly.

What could be better

• Drainage geometry: The mild pooling at the base could be solved by a slightly recessed central area or lower hole placement. It’s manageable with pot feet or extra holes, but I’d prefer not to have to modify a new pot.
• Accessory support: No saucers, no matching feet, no optional insert reservoir. Not deal-breakers, but accessories make a system feel complete.
• Heat management: The black finish looks great, but in full-sun, high-heat climates, a lighter color option would be welcome to keep root temps down.

Durability outlook

After a season outdoors (sun, rain, temperature swings), all three planters look essentially new: no cracks, no fading, no rim warping. PP generally holds up well, and the thicker walls here inspire confidence for multi-year use. If you winter in freezing conditions, avoid letting water sit in empty pots; store them upside down or keep them planted and elevated so freeze–thaw cycles don’t stress the base.

Value

The three-pack pricing is a highlight. Buying three matching, large-format planters individually adds up quickly; this set made it affordable to create a cohesive layout along a patio edge. Between the solid build and the generous size, cost-per-pot feels fair, and I prefer this to buying one “showpiece” ceramic and two cheaper backups.

Tips for best results

• Use a well-draining mix: Think container mix with extra perlite or pumice. Avoid garden soil.
• Elevate the pots: Pot feet or a low stand help drainage and prevent staining on patios.
• Mulch the surface: 1–2 inches of bark or gravel moderates temperature and reduces evaporation.
• Plan your irrigation: These support drip rings well; a single 1 GPH emitter isn’t enough for thirsty shrubs at this volume.
• Rotate in sun: If one side gets more exposure, a monthly quarter-turn encourages even growth.

Bottom line and recommendation

The RooTrimmer 20-inch planters are a practical, durable choice for gardeners who need real volume without the weight and fragility of ceramic. They’re deep enough for small trees and substantial shrubs, sturdy under load, and their understated finish plays nicely with most outdoor settings. The drainage works, though the base design could be smarter; plan on pot feet or a couple of extra holes if you’re growing moisture-sensitive species.

I recommend this set. The combination of size, build quality, and three-pack value makes it easy to stage a patio or flank an entry with matching plantings. If you want a fuss-free, long-lasting container for trees and large ornamentals—and you’re willing to nudge the drainage from good to great—these are a strong pick.