Atlantis French Urn

The Atlantis French Urn is a hand-made Vietnamese ceramic urn in two large sizes, 49 x 61cm holding 95L and 64 x 83cm holding 150L. It is double-fired for frost resistance and finished in a heavily textured aged glaze, so each urn carries its own depth of colour. This is a piece bought for presence: at 60kg and 117kg empty, it is garden furniture rather than a pot you move around.

Why you'll love it

• A classical shape with an aged surface. The profile is formal, but the textured glaze weathers like a relic, so it suits an old garden as readily as a new one.
• Double-fired for frost resistance. The second firing tightens the clay, so it can stand out in a cold winter.
• Two sizes that work as a pair. The 95L and 150L urns share a profile, so a matched pair flanking a gate or steps reads as intentional.
• It will not move. Empty weights of 60kg and 117kg mean wind, dogs and passing wheelbarrows are not a concern.

Sizes and what fits in them

Both measurements are outside, width by height.

• 49 x 61cm, 95L, 60kg. An advanced shrub, a clipped ball or a standard from 300mm to 400mm stock, with room for roots to run.
• 64 x 83cm, 150L, 117kg. A small feature tree or a substantial topiary. At 83cm tall it lifts the canopy well above a low wall or balustrade.

Material, weathering and drainage

Material. Hand-made ceramic from Vietnam, double-fired and glazed. Each piece is finished individually, so no two urns are alike in tone or texture.

Outdoors. Double firing gives the frost resistance, and the aged glaze mellows outdoors rather than staying uniform. Raise the urn on feet so water escapes freely underneath.

Drainage. It has drainage holes and they must be kept clear. Cover them with a single layer of fibreglass flyscreen, never fabric or geofabric, which clog. Add a 50mm layer of 10mm gravel, then fill with a quality premium potting mix, never garden soil. Under cover, stand it on a saucer.

What to expect when it arrives

Urns ship empty and unplanted, packed to travel upright, and are dispatched in 2 to 5 business days. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Arrange help and a trolley: the 64 x 83cm urn is 117kg before a scoop of mix goes in, so decide the position first and plant in place.

Related pots and planting

• See the rest of the urn and jar range
• Browse statement pots
• How to build a statement entrance with plants
• Topiary and shaping plants that suit an urn