Tuscan Oil Jars & Amphora
Our signature collection of handmade Italian terracotta pots represents the finest tradition of Tuscan craftsmanship. Each pot and vase is individually shaped by master artisans in the historic pottery towns of Impruneta and Siena, where terracotta-making has flourished for over 500 years.
From classic wide-rimmed planters to elegant tall vases, every piece is crafted from authentic Galestro clay and fired for two days at 1,000°C. This creates terracotta that is genuinely frost-proof, naturally porous for optimal plant health, and built to last generations in British gardens.
Whether you're planting bay trees, creating a courtyard display, or establishing a formal entrance, our pots combine sculptural beauty with exceptional durability.
Large Terracotta Pots for Trees & Specimen Plants
Our extra-large terracotta pots are designed for serious planting projects. With capacities ranging from 50 litres to over 200 litres, these substantial planters provide the root space and stability that mature trees, large shrubs, and specimen plants demand.
Galestro clay's natural breathability prevents waterlogging and encourages healthy root development — essential for long-term plant success. The thick walls provide excellent insulation, protecting roots from temperature extremes while the weight ensures stability even in exposed positions.
Ideal for:
Bay trees and topiary
Olive trees and Mediterranean specimens
Mature shrubs and small trees
Architectural foliage plants
Permanent courtyard planting
All large pots qualify for our free UK delivery and personal garden placement service. Our team will position your pot exactly where you want it and provide expert planting advice.
Classic Tuscan Pot Designs
The timeless shapes in our collection draw directly from centuries of Italian pottery tradition. Liscio pots feature clean, smooth surfaces that showcase the natural beauty of terracotta, while fascia designs incorporate subtle decorative bands that add architectural detail.
Wide-rimmed styles echo the grand pots found in Renaissance villas, providing both structural strength and elegant proportion. These classic forms suit both traditional and contemporary gardens, ageing gracefully as they develop a natural patina over time.
Each pot is hand-finished, so expect gentle variations in colour and form — hallmarks of authentic artisan work, not industrial production.
Medium & Small Terracotta Vases
Not every project requires monumental scale. Our medium and small terracotta vases offer the same quality and craftsmanship in sizes suited to balconies, patios, and smaller planting schemes.
These versatile pots work beautifully for:
Herb gardens and kitchen planters
Seasonal colour displays
Tabletop arrangements
Courtyard groupings
Small shrubs and perennials
Even our smallest pots are made to the same exacting standards as our largest pieces — authentic Galestro clay, proper kiln firing, and genuine frost resistance included.
Frost-Proof Terracotta Guaranteed
Every pot in our collection is genuinely frost-proof when used correctly. The secret lies in three elements: premium Galestro clay, proper high-temperature firing, and adequate drainage.
Our pots are fired at 1,000°C for over 12 hours at peak temperature — far exceeding the standards of mass-produced alternatives. This fuses the clay at a molecular level, creating terracotta that can withstand decades of British winters.
Each pot includes three terracotta risers and a planting membrane to ensure water drains freely. This prevents freeze-thaw damage and keeps your investment protected year after year.
What Makes Our Pots Different
Handmade in Historic Impruneta & Siena Every pot is individually crafted in family-run workshops using techniques unchanged for generations. No industrial moulds, no shortcuts.
Authentic Galestro Clay Tuscan Galestro clay contains unique mineral content from ancient limestone deposits, creating terracotta that's stronger, more porous, and more beautiful than common clay.
Two-Day Kiln Firing Firing reaches 1,000°C and includes 12 hours at peak temperature — creating genuine frost resistance, not just marketing claims.
Personal Delivery Service We deliver nationwide and place large pots in your garden (free for orders over £300). Expert positioning and planting advice included.
Award-Winning Heritage Founded by RHS Chelsea exhibitor Julie, who brings decades of horticultural expertise to every pot selection.
Built to Last Decades With proper care, these pots will outlive you. We regularly hear from customers with pots that have passed through multiple generations.
Choosing the Right Size
Small (30-40cm diameter) Perfect for herbs, seasonal colour, and balcony gardening. Mobile enough to rearrange yet substantial enough to anchor small displays.
Medium (40-60cm diameter) Versatile workhorses for shrubs, small trees, and perennial plantings. Large enough for mature plants while still manageable for repositioning.
Large (60-80cm diameter) Statement pieces for specimen plants, topiary, and formal entrances. Provide generous root space for long-term plantings.
Extra Large (80cm+ diameter) Monumental planters for mature trees, architectural plants, and grand garden features. These become permanent fixtures requiring careful initial positioning.
Consider not just the plant's current size but its mature dimensions — terracotta pots are lifetime investments, so choose for the future.
Care & Maintenance
Initial Setup Always use the included terracotta risers to lift pots above ground level. This ensures water drains freely and prevents frost damage. Add the planting membrane before filling with compost.
Ongoing Care Terracotta requires minimal maintenance. Avoid pressure washers and harsh chemicals — a soft brush and water remove moss and dirt. The natural patina that develops over time is desirable, not something to clean away.
Winter Protection Our pots are frost-proof when properly drained. Ensure water can escape freely through the base. Never let pots sit in standing water during freezing conditions.
Long-Term Beauty Over months and years, terracotta develops a living surface as lichen and moss colonise the porous clay. This patina enhances authenticity and character — embrace it rather than fight it.
Delivery & Placement
Free UK Delivery on Orders Over £300 Large pots qualify for our complimentary delivery and garden placement service. Our team will transport your pot safely and position it exactly where you want it.
Expert Positioning Advice We'll recommend optimal placement based on sunlight, drainage, and visual impact. Years of horticultural experience inform these recommendations.
Worldwide Shipping We ship internationally with specialist packaging and crating. Email info@vasotoscano.com for quotes and delivery timelines.
Trade & Designer Services Landscape professionals receive dedicated support including project planning, bulk discounts, and coordinated delivery schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our collection ranges from 30cm diameter accent pots to monumental 100cm+ planters for mature trees. Most pots come in multiple sizes to suit different planting schemes and spaces.
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Yes. Every pot is made from Galestro clay and high-fired for genuine frost resistance. When placed on the included risers for drainage, they withstand British winters without cracking.
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Yes — this is one of our unique services. For UK orders over £300, we offer free delivery with personal garden placement. Our team positions your pot exactly where you want it and provides planting guidance.
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Plant directly in the pot using the included planting membrane at the base. This allows proper drainage while preventing compost loss. Never use impermeable liners that restrict drainage.
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With proper drainage and care, our pots last decades or even centuries. We regularly hear from customers whose pots have passed through two or three generations.
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Most pots come with three terracotta risers and a planting membrane as standard. These ensure optimal drainage and protect your investment from frost damage.
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Yes. We work with landscape designers, garden architects, and horticultural professionals. Contact us directly for trade accounts and project pricing.
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Yes. We regularly create bespoke commissions for specific projects. Whether you need unusual dimensions or particular finishes, contact us to discuss possibilities.
Browse Our Full Collection
Explore our complete range of handmade Italian terracotta pots and vases below. Each piece is individually crafted in Tuscany using techniques unchanged for generations.
From compact balcony pots to monumental garden features, find the perfect terracotta planter to transform your outdoor space — built to last a lifetime and delivered with expert care.