Rusty like Corten steel, but cheaper

Corten, or weathering steel, is a strong, durable corrosion-resistant steel alloy that, when exposed to the weather, develops a stable, rust-like layer that protects the underlying metal from further corrosion. This unique patina eliminates the need for painting and maintenance, making it a popular choice for all kinds of outdoor uses — check out this park in Scottsdale, Arizona!

Corten is also used for planters. Here are few in my garden. My most recent Corten projects include this rectangular planter for my silver torch cactus and edging for a new cactus bed in the backyard. I’d gladly have more Corten planters, but they’re not exactly cheap. That’s why I was excited to discover that the Canadian company Veradek has a new line of planters called the Patina Series. They look very much like Corten, but they’re actually made from a patented plastic-steel composite that rusts just like weathering steel. They’re lighter than Corten and cheaper, and they come partially rusted. So far, there are only two planters in the Patina Series: a tall and slender one named Selena and a smaller, shorter one named Kona. I decided to give the Kona a try when it was discounted as part of Veradek’s Black Friday sale.

Veradek Patina Series Kona planter (I got a two-pack)

Tag describing what to expect

I got the small Kona, 10" D x 10.25" H. It also comes in 15" and 20".

One reviewer on Amazon complained that the “paint [is] not applied evenly, [leaving] very visible and uneven brush strokes and drip marks.” To which Veradek replied that “these planters are not painted; they are made from a composite of plastic and steel materials” and that “[d]uring the rusting process, there may be some uneven textures and colors as the steel reacts with the environment, which is common even with our corten steel planters. Eventually, once the planter has completed its rusting process, the finish will be an orange patina that is consistent across the planter’s surface.”

This is an important clarification, I think, and should alleviate any concerns people might have.

These “uneven brush strokes and drip marks” are expected to disappear over time

As soon as my two Kona planters arrived, I potted up the Agave ‘Sierra Azul’ you see in the next photo. It’s one of the most striking new agaves I’ve seen in a long time, and it deserved a special pot. There’s very little information about it online, but through some sleuthing I was able to figure out what it is. I’ll reveal the answer in my next post.

Agave ‘Sierra Azul’ in a 10" Veradek Patina Series Kona planter

I’ve talked about Veradek planters before. I bought some in August for the new “planterscape” in the backyard. Those are made from a stone-plastic composite and have held well so far (admittedly, it’s only been four months).

Lest you think that Veradek pays me to say nice things or sends me free products: I wish! All the Veradek planters I have I bought myself, often when they were on sale. I simply highlight Veradek products because I’ve been very satisfied with them and want to share my experience.

© Gerhard Bock, 2025. All rights reserved. To receive all new posts by email, please subscribe here.