Growing
From Bird's Nest Fern To String Of Pearls - 19 Impressive Trailing Houseplants
IN THIS GUIDE Best For Bathrooms 1) Spider Plant 2) Begonias 3) Bird’s Nest Fern 4) Pothos Best For Bright Spots 5) Aloe 6) Dracaena 7) Spiderwort Other Best Picks 8) English Ivy 9) Chinese Evergreen 10) Peace Lily Notable Mentions 11) String Of Pearls 12) Burros Tail 13) Trailing Jade Plant 14) Red Herringbone 15) Monstera 16) Philodendron 17) Moth Orchid 18) Goldfish Plant 19) Turtle Vine References Trailing houseplants are the ideal addition to the home; boosting its appearance as well as the lives of the occupants! Houseplants are the perfect low-maintenance way to liven up a room. We explore nineteen of the best trailing indoor houseplants for the different rooms in your home, the benefits of house plant ownership and even some tips on taking care of your new houseguests. Philodendron is a popular trailing plant Best For Bathrooms The bathroom is the most humid room in the house. Regardless of sunlight levels in the room, the environment works perfectly for many types of tropical plants which thrive in the heat. We’ll guide you through some of the best houseplants for bathrooms with options for sunlight-filled and windowless rooms alike. 1) Spider Plant BOTANICAL NAME: CHLOROPHYTUM COMOSUM HARDINESS RATING: H2 SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: ONCE PER WEEK Considered by experts as the easiest and most adaptable of houseplants to take care of, the Spider Plant or Chlorophytum comosum is the perfect addition to your bathroom shelves.1 Low-maintenance in its nature, the plant comes in a range of green and yellow hues and grows up to 3 feet long in the right conditions. They can be used as trailing potted plants, or hung in a hanging basket depending on the space available and your decor preferences. Although they tend to prefer bright light, they can handle life in low light conditions with less humidity, if required. One of the best parts of raising a Spider Plant is the creation of baby Spider Plants! These can be re-potted and used throughout the home, or given as gifts to others. So, if you’re looking for a plant that doesn’t need hand-holding to grow big and strong, a Spider Plant could be perfect for your home. 2) Begonias BOTANICAL NAME: BEGONIA SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: DRY OUT BETWEEN WATERING; REDUCE IN WINTER Another plant that thrives in humid environments is the Begonia. Native to the tropical climates of South and Central America, Africa and south Asia, Begonias have over 1,800 different species ranging from small houseplants to five-foot tall bushy plants.2 As a result, begonias are naturally pest-resistant, giving you one less thing to worry about. Of the three main types of begonia (fibrous, rhizomatous and tuberous), the most appropriate for the bathroom are the fibrous and rhizomatous types. Unfortunately, the tuberous begonia will struggle in UK households as it requires more humidity and light than is available in the average bathroom. Begonias come with a more delicate balancing act than most indoor plants, where humidity is important, but too much water can water-log the plants and cause problems such as root rot – so don’t be overzealous with the watering can! If you’ve chosen a floral begonia, a sunny spot in the bathroom is perfect, with some direct sunlight. However, begonias with foliage will need a sunny location away from direct sunlight to grow. 3) Bird’s Nest Fern BOTANICAL NAME: ASPLENIUM NIDUS HARDINESS RATING: H1B SUNLIGHT: MODERATE AND INDIRECT WATERING: KEEP MOIST; NOT WATERLOGGED Although there are plenty of species of fern to choose from, the bird’s nest fern or Asplenium nidus is particularly suited to bathroom environments. As some of the oldest plants in the world, ferns have made their way into homes for decades now, having adapted to cooler climates – in contrast with their native environments of tropical Africa and tropical Asia.3 The bird’s nest fern is a delightful green leafy plant that enjoys moderate, indirect sunlight as long as it’s in a warm and moist environment. Its large fronds can grow quite quickly, with the newer leaves growing from the centerpoint of the plant. The fronds of this particular fern can grow as large as 150cm in length and 20cm in width, making them the perfect plant for lower bathroom shelves. Again, due to their native home, there’s a delicate balancing act in place when growing and taking care of a fern; be sure to provide moist compost without overwatering, and stay away from watering the plant itself. 4) Pothos BOTANICAL NAME: EPIPREMNUM AUREUM HARDINESS RATING: H1B SUNLIGHT: LOW AND INDIRECT WATERING: ONCE PER WEEK; REDUCE IN WINTER Great for bathroom counters, the pothos is ideal for bathrooms with less natural light – thriving in low and indirect light environments. Pothos plants are tough and easy to care for, with fast growth rates that flourish and trail to lengths of up to 9m! Realistically for bathroom space and as an indoor plant, they are kept much shorter than this with semi-regular pruning. Leafy and green in appearance, the plant (also known as ‘Devil’s Ivy’) has heart-shaped leaves with touches of light green, yellow and white hues. The colour of their leaves are also a good indicator of plant health; they may turn all green with a distinct lack of sunlight, or suddenly turn pale if they’re getting too much sun. These plants are also adaptable in other rooms throughout the house with a lack of sunlight and, again, are another easy plant that doesn’t like regular watering. Leave the soil to dry out entirely to avoid root rot and accidental overwatering, with droopy leaves working as a good indicator of this.4 Best For Bright Spots While bathrooms aren’t always the brightest areas of the home, there are a number of beautiful trailing houseplants with easy-maintenance that bask in regular or direct sunlight to grow. 5) Aloe BOTANICAL NAME: ALOE vera HARDINESS RATING: H1C SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT; DIRECT OR INDIRECT WATERING: DRY OUT BETWEEN WATERING Another plant that doesn’t need regular watering and possibly the most well-known house plant of all, it wouldn’t be an indoor houseplant list without an aloe! Green and spiky in appearance, aloe plants in the wild can grow up to heights of 100cm tall, although the varieties for indoor use generally max out at heights much shorter than this. Aloe plants grow well in areas with bright, direct sunlight – so although they can thrive in bathrooms, any area in your house that’s close to a window will keep your aloe plant happy. With over 400 types to choose from, the Aloe vera is one of the most common choices for houseplants.5 6) Dracaena BOTANICAL NAME: DRACAENA REFLEXA VAR. ANGUSTIFOLIA HARDINESS RATING: H1B SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: DRY OUT BETWEEN WATERING The Dracaena or ‘Dragon Tree’ is a beautifully tall addition to any house. With stiff, tall leaves, they’re notoriously easy to grow indoors and perfect for green-thumbed beginners. When grown in their native areas of Madagascar and Mauritius, the Dragon Tree grows up to 6m in height!6 As an indoor houseplant, they generally reach heights of 2m or so, tolerating a wide range of temperatures and climates. This is another plant that enjoys indirect light, and needs watering every 2-3 weeks or so, once the top half of the soil is dry. Brown leaves are a sign of overwatering the dragon tree, and yellow leaves can be an indicator of thirst. 7) Spiderwort BOTANICAL NAME: TRADESCANTIA HARDINESS RATING: H1C SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: KEEP MOIST; MIST REGULARLY Native to southern Canada and northern Argentina, the Tradescantia is a house plant with colourful leaves ranging in appearance from silver and purple to green. Perfect as a hanging plant or trailing potted plant indoors, there are over 70 species of Tradescantia to choose from to brighten up your home. Depending on the variety you choose, this plant generally thrives in bright spots indoors and outdoors alike. For example, the ‘Green Hill’ species simply needs some frequent indirect sunlight, whereas the Purple Spiderwort is a durable choice of indoor plant that can survive in temperatures as low as -4°C, making them perfect for colder rooms in the house and the winter months. Interestingly, studies showed that the Purple Spiderwort in particular was especially skilled at removing indoor toxins and harmful volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) from household air.7 Other Best Picks Here’s a few more notable mentions for trailing houseplants that bring a range of benefits to your home: 8) English Ivy BOTANICAL NAME: HEDERA HELIX HARDINESS RATING: H5 SUNLIGHT: ANY WATERING: DRY OUT BETWEEN WATERING One of the more classic and well-known trailing houseplants, the English Ivy or Hedera helix is a common species of Ivy that thrives in a range of lighting and soil conditions. Native to Europe and western Asia, the English ivy is often seen on the sides of British pavements, brick walls and on the fronts of older houses! The English ivy is an easy-growing and robust plant with a range of cultivars such as the ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ with ruffled leaves, the ‘Gold Baby’ which has a beautiful golden edge to its leaves or the ‘Midas Touch’ with reddish stems and climbing attributes. Grow your English ivy in a plant pot or up in a couple of hanging baskets to emphasise its beautiful trailing appearance. 9) Chinese Evergreen BOTANICAL NAME: AGLAONEMA COMMUTATUM HARDINESS RATING: H1B SUNLIGHT: LOW AND INDIRECT WATERING: ONCE PER WEEK; REDUCE IN WINTER The Chinese Evergreen is another striking house plant to add to a modern home. The Evergreen thrives in low-lit and humid conditions, so would work well in a bathroom. However, the durable plant can be kept elsewhere in the house with occasional misting to the leaves to keep them their striking green and yellow colour, while keeping away dust. An effective cleanser, the plant was another participant in the NASA study where it was scientifically proven to break down formaldehyde and benzene from the air, which can make their way into the household from detergents, cosmetics and even wooden furniture!8 10) Peace Lily BOTANICAL NAME: SPATHIPHYLLUM WALLISII HARDINESS RATING: H1B SUNLIGHT: MEDIUM BUT INDIRECT WATERING: DRY OUT BETWEEN WATERING Finally, the Peace Lily is probably one of the most striking indoor plants. Perfect for livening up any room, they appear with dark green leaves and a white leaf bract called a spathe. As with many indoor houseplants, peace lilies thrive in medium to low-light conditions. However, the plants and its flowers will vary in appearance depending on how much light they get; more light usually means more flowers, and less light will lead to fewer blooms, and more of a foliage look. The most common reason for a peace lily to die is overwatering – so keep your watering can at bay until the leaves begin to droop! Notable Mentions We couldn’t write about trailing houseplants without showcasing the following nine plants: 11) String Of Pearls BOTANICAL NAME: SENECIO ROWLEYANUS HARDINESS RATING: H2 SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: ONCE PER FORTNIGHT; REDUCE IN WINTER A succulent which is easy to grow indoors, this plant has a unique trailing appearance with long threads of ‘pearl’ shaped foliage. It is extremely tolerant of drought and can survive long periods without being watered, making it very easy to care for. 12) Burros Tail BOTANICAL NAME: SEDUM MORGANIANUM HARDINESS RATING: H1C SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: ONCE PER MONTH Sedum morganianum, commonly known as ‘burros tail’ or ‘donkey tail’ is another interesting looking plant that is sure to stand out. As a sedum, the plant prefers warm temperatures that match its native region of Southern Mexico, meaning it works well as a houseplant. As a succulent, the plant needs infrequent watering and should be placed in a bright location with indirect sunlight. 13) Trailing Jade Plant BOTANICAL NAME: PEPEROMIA PROSTRATA SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: DRY OUT BETWEEN WATERING Trailing Jade is a succulent which, despite looking a lot like the Jade Plant, is a member of a completely separate genus. It is tolerant of neglect, requires infrequent watering and a location that is bright but doesn’t usually receive direct sunlight (which may scorch the leaves of the plant). 14) Red Herringbone BOTANICAL NAME: MARANTA LEUCONEURA VAR. ERYTHRONEURA HARDINESS RATING: H1A SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: KEEP MOIST; REDUCE IN WINTER This popular houseplant has stunning foliage and is known for its distinct red veins and variegated leaves, which often trail over the edge of the pot. If you’re looking for a statement plant this would make an excellent choice. This plant does require more regular watering than other options but it is important to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. Choose a south-facing windowsill that avoids direct sunlight for this plant to thrive. 15) Monstera BOTANICAL NAME: MONSTERA DELICIOSA HARDINESS RATING: H1B SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: ONCE PER WEEK Potentially the most instantly recognisable of all houseplants, Monstera has seen a huge surge in popularity over recent years. While it might not strictly be classed as a ‘trailing’ plant, the characterful foliage will grow outwards and often spill over the edges of its pot. They prefer to be watered every week or two and should be kept out of direct sunlight which can cause the leaves to yellow. A bright (but indirect) location will cause the plant to develop holes which give it the apt name of ‘swiss cheese plant’. 16) Philodendron BOTANICAL NAME: PHILODENDRON HARDINESS RATING: H1B SUNLIGHT: MEDIUM BUT INDIRECT WATERING: ONCE PER 1-2 WEEKS Philodendron is an evergreen perennial and a native of Central America. It thrives in indirect light and requires infrequent watering (usually every 1-2 weeks will suffice). For trailing varieties, look for Heartleaf Philodendron or Philodendron ‘Brasil’. 17) Moth Orchid BOTANICAL NAME: PHALAENOPSIS SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: KEEP MOIST; MIST REGULARLY The Orchid is certainly unlikely to be considered a traditional trailing plant, but the foliage and flowers of some varieties will spill over the sides of their container and hang down in a trailing form. The variety pictured above (a Moth Orchid) has stunning patterned flowers in white and pink. Unlike other plants in this list, orchids will need regular daily care, with misting required daily when they’re not dormant. They will also require fertilising every 1-2 weeks using a specific orchid fertiliser. It can be difficult to replicate the humid, tropical conditions they thrive in (especially here in the UK) but they are beautiful and rewarding plants to grow. “Moth Orchids are best watered once a week and excess water must drain away so the plants don’t sit in water,” shares Master Horticulturist Roy Nicol. “Using orchid compost made of bark helps to achieve this.” 18) Goldfish Plant BOTANICAL NAME: NEMATANTHUS GREGARIUS HARDINESS RATING: H1B SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: TWICE PER WEEK; DON’T ALLOW SOIL TO DRY OUT The Goldfish Plant owes its name to the many tiny yellow flowers which bloom in a shape reminiscent of small orange fish. It is native to the tropical areas of Central America and thrives in warm conditions that are out of direct sunlight. With the right care (and plenty of bright, but indirect, sunlight) your plant should bloom heavily in the summer months. 19) Turtle Vine BOTANICAL NAME: CALLISIA REPENS SUNLIGHT: BRIGHT BUT INDIRECT WATERING: KEEP MOIST; NOT WATERLOGGED Callisia repens (also known as ‘Turtle Vine’) is a succulent with beautiful cascading leaves that will trail out of its growing container. Bright but indirect light is ideal with moist but well-drained soil. Overwatering is a common issue, meaning you should always allow the topsoil to fully dry out before watering your Turtle Vine. References 1. Mahr, S. (n.d.-l). Spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum. Wisconsin Horticulture. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/spider-plant-chlorophytum-comosum/ 2. Tian, D., Xiao, Y., Tong, Y., Fu, N. F., Liu, Q., & Li, C. (2018b). Diversity and conservation of Chinese wild begonias. Plant Diversity, 40(3), 75–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pld.2018.06.002 3. Aldasoro, J. J., Cabezas, F., & Aedo, C. (2004). Diversity and distribution of ferns in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and some islands of the South Atlantic. Journal of Biogeography, 31(10), 1579–1604. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2004.01106.x 4. Sawwan, JS. (1987). A Study of Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum) Water Requirements. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/71949 5. Guo, X., & Mei, N. (2016). Aloe vera: A review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, 34(2), 77–96. https://doi.org/10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826 6. Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia. (n.d.). Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77189099-1 7. Yang, D. H., Pennisi, S. V., Son, K., & Kays, S. J. (2009). Screening Indoor Plants for Volatile Organic Pollutant Removal Efficiency. Hortscience, 44(5), 1377–1381. https://doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.44.5.1377 8. Wolverton, B., Douglas, W., & Bounds, K. (1989, July 1). A Study of Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS). Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930072988
Learn more
The Fascinating Fern Types Grown By Expert Nurseries And Garden Designers
IN THIS GUIDE Great For Shade Expert Chosen Varieties Suited For Wet And Boggy Conditions 1) Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) 2) Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) 3) Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) 4) Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) Suited For Damp Shade 5) Aleutian Maidenhair Fern (Adiantium aleuticum) 6) Golden Shield Fern (Dryopteris affinis) 7) Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata) 8) Male Fern / Basket Fern (Dryopteris filis-mas) 9) Evergreen Maidenhair (Adiantum venustum) 10) Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) 11) Common Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) 12) Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) 13) Tree Fern (Dickinsonia antarctica) 14) Golden Tree Fern (Dicksonia fibrosa) 15) Table Mountain Fern (Blechnum tabulare) Suited For Dry Shade 16) Eared Lady Fern (Athyrium otophorum ‘Okanum’) 17) Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant) 18) Common Polypody Fern (Polypodium vulgare) 19) Crested Golden Shield Fern (Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’) 20) Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) Advice For Choosing Ferns Uses In Forest Gardening References Ferns are fantastic plants that can find a place as valuable additions in many British gardens. Ferns are vascular plants that reproduce via spores – they have no seeds or flowers. Botanically fascinating, ferns first appeared in the fossil record around 360 million years ago.1 Many of the current families in this group of plants emerged around 145 million years ago.2 “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to really love my foliage plants,” shares Horticulturist and Author Val Bourne. “Ferns give me great pleasure and are probably my favourite plants in the garden at the moment.” “Ferns come in all shapes and sizes and provide a really tropical feel to your garden,” says Kylie Stocks, Horticulturist at Verdigris Ferns. Great For Shade One of the things that makes them so valuable as a garden plant for UK growers is that they are amongst the best plants for shade. Shade in a garden can sometimes be a challenge – whether it is a north-facing bed, or an area beneath mature trees. Create a fernery or just add a fern or two in a suitable spot… Ferns can often be fabulous plants to choose for such locations – allowing you to make the most of more tricky garden areas. “I love the calm atmosphere that ferns create,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “They are great for damp, shady areas but there are also species for dry shade. Let the conditions dictate your selection. Consider also variations in height and what other shade lovers you can use alongside.” When choosing ferns for a shady site, there are different types of shade, but there are ferns suited to all those different types. Ferns can be found which can cope with a wide range of different conditions and environmental factors. Expert Chosen Varieties We asked three of our expert fern growers to share their favourite varieties with us. “I love growing ferns as they are such a diverse group of plants,” says Mark Taylor, owner of the award-winning plant nursery Alchemy Ferns. “They can be either evergreen or deciduous and can range from ground cover to cover 6-7ft in height. There are also those that can cope with dryer conditions and some that can be in the sun. “As well as the more commonly known ferns that prefer damp or wet conditions, some ferns are also as happy in a container. Then, there are the tree ferns, that add that extra bit of height and glamour to a garden. Cyathea brownii “My favourite type of fern would be a tree fern as they are tall, elegant, architectural, eye-catching plants that make a real statement in the garden. “All in all, there is a fern for every aspect.” Another lover of the tree fern, Kylie Stocks is a Horticulturist at a specialist plant nursery, Verdigris Ferns, based in Australia. “I love the rainforest and the ability to replicate this environment in our own garden is very satisfying and provides a serene working environment,” says Kylie, when discussing why she loves to grow ferns. “I am very partial to tree ferns and there are quite a few different varieties available here in Australia. “They are so tall and majestic and provide a beautiful lacy foliage that really makes a statement. Blechnum brasiliense “I also love the Blechnum genus due to the vibrant red, pink, and bronze that you often see in new foliage.” For Neil Timm, owner of The Fern Nursery in Lincolnshire, ferns offer something special compared to other hardy plants. “I love the wonderful foliage effects of ferns,” he says. “Their great variation in shape, size and foliage, and the rich associations they have with mountains, forests and wilderness in general, is another reason I love growing them.” “Polystichum setiferum is my favourite fern to grow,” says Neil. Polystichum setiferum “It has everything you could possibly want in a garden plant. A compact, non-spreading habit with a strong bold shape and very fine foliage. “It can also withstand and do well in a wide range of soils, situations, and sun. It is a native, and perhaps the most evergreen of our larger native ferns.” So, has that got you in the mood for growing ferns? In the rest of this article, we explore twenty of the best types of ferns to grow in the UK. Suited For Wet And Boggy Conditions First of all, let’s take a look at some of the best ferns for very wet and boggy conditions: 1) Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) Lady fern is a naturalizing wetland plant. It prefers a moist site with moderately high atmospheric humidity. Especially shade-tolerant, these ferns are a vigorous deciduous plant that form clumps of lacy, bi-pinnate fronds. They prefer acidic soil (4.5 – 6.5 pH) but can tolerate more alkaline sites when plenty of leaf mould is added. These ferns are common throughout moist, sheltered woodlands in northern temperate zones. 2) Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) Ostrich ferns prefer a pH between 5 and 6.5. They can cope well in wet sites, even in heavy clay soils. These plants are tolerant of shade and strongly dislike full sun. They make good ground cover when placed at a spacing of around 60cm. A highly ornamental plant, it has feathery fronds and establishes quickly. 3) Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) Royal fern prefers swampy or moist soil, and like the above, prefers acidic soil conditions. Unlike the above, however, royal ferns can also grow in full sun as long as there is no shortage of moisture in the soil. This is a large fern that forms clumps of fronds up to 2.5m in height. The fronds bear rusty brown spore-bearing pinnae at the tips, and the foliage turns a pleasing reddish-brown shade in autumn. 4) Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) Like the above, Sensitive fern is good for cool, moist areas. It can also work well in boggy sites or play a role in pond-side planting schemes. It is another deciduous fern that hears broad, light green, deeply lobed, pinnate fronds up to 60cm in length. One thing to note, however, is that this fern may become invasive in smaller gardens. Suited For Damp Shade All of the ferns above are also suitable for a site that is not as wet, but is still rather damp. In addition to considering the ferns already mentioned above, however, you could also consider many other options. Here are some more options that are amongst the best ferns for damp shade: 5) Aleutian Maidenhair Fern (Adiantium aleuticum) This North American native is a deciduous or semi-evergreen fern with fronds around 50cm in length. The stalks are black, and adorned with green pedate divided fronds with oblong segments. Though hardy, they are sometimes also grown as houseplants. Naturally, they are found in moist soil near streams, often in rock crevices. 6) Golden Shield Fern (Dryopteris affinis) Characterised by their golden-green fronds, which grow up to 1.2m in length, Golden Shield Fern is a great choice for shade or partial shade. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive in quite a wide range of soils and settings. As the plants age, the golden-green colouration grows to a rich green, with golden scales on the stems. 7) Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata) Robust and resilient, this is another fern that can thrive in a range of different settings. It is a semi-evergreen plant that forms clumps of erect or arching fronds that are dark green and strongly serrated. This fern prefers moist, cool, lightly shaded sites but will grow in full sun as long as enough moisture is available. Note: It can also cope with dry shade if watered well until established and mulched well. 8) Male Fern / Basket Fern (Dryopteris filis-mas) This is another sturdy deciduous fern. This one forms clumps of lance-shaped, bipinnatifid fronds that can reach up to 1.2m in height. It is similarly easy and has similar requirements to the broad buckler fern mentioned above. 9) Evergreen Maidenhair (Adiantum venustum) Evergreen (or almost evergreen) in mild areas, this fern forms a mat to a height of around 25cm in height. So it can be a great choice for creating ground cover. Its ovate fronds are made up of many fan-shaped segments. Often, these turn an attractive rusty-reddish-brown in autumn and winter. This is another fern that can, with the right approach, also be grown as a houseplant. 10) Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) This evergreen fern forms a rosette of 30-75cm arching fronds in a deep, rich green. Spores are born in transverse stripes below the fronds. This option will tend to grow well in any humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. It can also be somewhat tolerant to dry shade but only when watered well until establishment and mulched well. 11) Common Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) This compact, low lying fern can be planted within a rock garden or dry wall. It has pinnate, delicate fronds and blackish stems. It will do best where there is a humus-rich soil and plenty of moisture, and prefers alkaline or neutral conditions. Avoid planting it where it will be exposed to bright mid-day sun. 12) Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) This is a tufted evergreen fern that grows rosettes of lance-shaped green fronds with prominent rusty brown scales. It can reach around 1.2m in height. It likes a moist and humus-rich soil, but crowns should be protected from excessive wet in winter. 13) Tree Fern (Dickinsonia antarctica) If you are looking for a fern that will have a bigger and more dramatic impact, you may like to consider a tree fern. Dickinsonia antarctica is the most common tree fern. These are perennial evergreens, with stout brown trunks clothed in fibrous roots, with a large fan of pinnate fronds at the top. These grow slowly to an eventual height of up to 4m. They are evergreen, but may be deciduous in colder climate zones. They like a moist but well-drained fertile soil, rich in organic matter, but the crown should be protected from excessive water in winter. Winter protection will be required in all but the mildest of areas. 14) Golden Tree Fern (Dicksonia fibrosa) This is another tree fern that could be considered for some UK gardens. It can grow up to 6m tall, with a brown trunk-like rhizome and a fan of attractive fronds at the top. Again, these can be grown outdoors without winter protection only in the mildest regions. 15) Table Mountain Fern (Blechnum tabulare) While not a true tree fern, this option will eventually develop a trunk. This is another option that can be used to give a dramatic and tropical look in a shady and moist but free-drained area of your garden. Suited For Dry Shade Finally, let’s take a look at some more ferns that are amongst the best ferns for dry shade in the UK. All of the Dryopteris species mentioned above can also cope with dry shade as well as damp shade. And here are some more options to consider: 16) Eared Lady Fern (Athyrium otophorum ‘Okanum’) This fern is native to East Asia. It forms rosettes of arching, broadly ovate, bipinnate fronds that start out pale green in spring then turn grey-green later. Stalks and the main veins have a purplish hue. It can grow best in moist conditions but can tolerate a much drier spot in full or dappled shade. 17) Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant) This neat and tufted evergreen fern is another that can cope in dry shade, though it also likes moist shaded sites. It forms spreading tufts of narrow, dark green fronds with linear pinnae. This fern prefers acidic or neutral soil. 18) Common Polypody Fern (Polypodium vulgare) While usually found in damp shady spots, it can also survive quite well in relatively dry conditions. It can be great for shade below or on walls, or beneath trees. It has leathery, ladder-like fronds with knobbly spots on the undersides that are the spores. 19) Crested Golden Shield Fern (Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’) Like the other Dryopteris on this list, this fern can cope with a range of different conditions. This particular cultivar is one that can be chosen for dry shade. It has attractive fronds that open golden-green and turn deeper green as they mature. 20) Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) Another adaptable, relatively low-maintenance fern, this option is prized for its brilliant hues. New fronds in spring have a striking reddish-orange colour. And these contrast beautifully with dark green mature fronds. These fade to green as the season progresses, then draw attention in autumn with bright red stores on their undersides. See more ferns for dry shade in this guide. This list is by no means exhaustive and there are many different ferns to discover, but the twenty options above are certainly amongst the best to grow in the UK. Advice For Choosing Ferns The most important thing to consider when choosing ferns for your garden are the environmental conditions. You may be tempted to choose ferns with reference first to the appearance of their foliage, and how they will look in your garden scheme. But first and foremost, it is important to make sure that you refer to the site itself, and choose the right plants for the right places. Typically, ferns in general are considered to be specialists in marginal habitats. This means that they can provide solutions to a number of planting problems or conundrums in your garden. Ferns can help vegetate shaded, waterlogged and boggy areas where many other plants will not thrive. They can be useful in deep, damp shade where they can add interest with their varied foliage, and be used in a traditional Victorian fernery, or in a mixed planting scheme alongside other plants for damp shade. Ferns can also be useful in tricky areas of dry shade which can also be challenging for gardeners. Uses In Forest Gardening Another interesting thing to consider is the role ferns can play in a forest or woodland garden. If you are not familiar with the concept of forest gardening, this is an ecologically sensitive and sustainable way to grow food and other resources. A forest garden is a garden that mimics a natural forest, but replaces typical plants with species that are of benefit to those who tend it, and to the system as a whole. Forest gardens include a wide range of trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, roots, ground cover plants and climbers. Ferns can be useful as part of an overall planting scheme. References 1. Plant Evolution II: Ferns. (n.d.). SUNY Cortland. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://cortland.edu/waldbauer-trail/11-plant%20evolution-II.html 2. Jurassic Period. (2021, May 3). National Geographic. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/jurassic
Learn more
Master Horticulturist Swears By These 25 Flowers For Extraordinary Planters
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Busy Lizzie 2) Clematis 3) Japanese Pieris 4) Siberian Dogwood 5) Japanese Skimmia 6) Rosemary 7) Thyme 8) Sage 9) Emerald Gaiety 10) Oregano 11) Mint 12) Butterfly Bush 13) Hebe 14) African Lilies 15) Wax Begonia 16) Hydrangea 17) Roses 18) Viola 19) Coral Bells 20) Bellflower 21) Strawberries 22) Petunia 23) Pansy 24) African Daisies 25) Million Bells What do you want from a planter? When we’re planning ours, we look for bold and bright colours, appealing shapes, and consistent, predictable flowering. The visual interest provided by a planter can make or break an outdoor space, so it’s essential to choose the right plants for the job. In this guide, I’ll run through 25 of the best plants for containers in UK gardens. I’ll give you a bit of information about what each plant looks like, how you can expect it to behave, and how to take the best care of it. After reading, you should be confident enough to design your very first planters or suitably inspired to rejuvenate your existing ones. Let’s get cracking. 1) Busy Lizzie BOTANICAL NAME: Impatiens wallerina PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL / BIENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H1C RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘SUPER ELFIN’ SERIES PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL / PART SHADE You probably know this plant as Busy Lizzy, and while its bold pink flowers are immediately recognisable, you can expect to see a spectrum of exciting colours in its palette. This plant will reach its maximum spread of about 50cm squared in 1-2 years, making it an excellent choice for planters both in terms of size and timeframe. It’s evergreen, but will only flower in late spring and summer. For best results grow in full or partial shade, facing anywhere but north. If you water regularly and allow the soil to drain, Buzy Lizzies will reward you with bright and beautiful blooms. 2) Clematis PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: VARIES RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘CEZANNE’, ‘COUNTESS OF WESSEX’, ‘BURMA STAR’ PREFERRED ASPECT: VARIES There are a lot of clematis varieties, but in recent years, compact cultivars have been developed that are ideal for planters. As a starting point, I’d recommend C. ‘Countess of Wessex’, ‘Cezanne’ or ‘Burma Star’. C. ‘Cezanne’ Because we’ve given so many potential Clematis cultivars, we won’t give full growing and care tips for each. What we will say is that this flower is renowned for being generally easy to grow and take care of and that with proper research, it’s possible to choose Clematis varieties that, between them, will flower year-round. 3) Japanese Pieris BOTANICAL NAME: Pieris japonica PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: BLUSH PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE There are a few varieties of Pieris japonica to choose from, but all feature incredible bursts of white flowers that will cascade over planter edges. They’re a great way to decorate container boundaries and they can add a new colour to the lower part of your design. This plant likes full sun or partial shade, so take care if you’re incorporating it into a planter with shade-loving friends. With a hardiness rating of H5, this plant will survive even the harshest British winter. It likes well-drained soil, an east or west-facing aspect, and shelter from the wind. 4) Siberian Dogwood BOTANICAL NAME: Cornus alba PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H7 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘ELEGANTISSIMA’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE You may see this striking little guy, called red-barked Dogwood, which is a not-particularly-cryptic nod to its incredible red bark. If you’re looking for something to catch the eye and throw in a splash of bold, captivating colour, we can’t think of many things better than a dogwood shrub. Red will play off of pretty much any other colour in your container’s palette, either as a small cluster or a big backdrop. This plant is incredibly hardy, holding its own down to at least -20°C. It likes full sun or partial shade and can tolerate any aspect. 5) Japanese Skimmia BOTANICAL NAME: Skimmia japonica PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL / PART SHADE This Japonica variety is another of our red favourites. We’ve included it in our list because it holds colour over summer, autumn, and winter, making it a great visual offset to plants that flower only in spring. Whereas Pieris japonica has white flowers, Skimmia is unashamedly red. Clusters of bright berries catch the eye, and the plant gives forth a gentle floral fragrance. Overall, this is a great choice for a planter. It’ll appreciate full or partial shade and isn’t fussy when it comes to aspect. It’ll take a few years to hit full size, and if left to grow, that’ll be somewhere around 1.5 x 2.5 metres. Of course, if you’re growing Skimmia in a container, you’ll probably trim it back to keep things a bit more manageable. 6) Rosemary BOTANICAL NAME: Salvia rosmarinus PLANT TYPE: HERB HARDINESS RATING: H4 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘HAIFA’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN This herb works a treat with chicken and lamb and is commonplace in warming winter dishes like soups and stews. For best results, grow rosemary from a ready-grown plant. Trying to grow from seed is tricky, and they’re so readily available that you may as well skip the hassle. Ensure well-drained soil and a lot of sun. Rosemary doesn’t do well when its roots are allowed to get soggy. Over summer, you’ll want to water often and, during winter, you’ll want to raise your container to improve drainage. If you’re expecting frost, consider covering the soil around your rosemary with horticultural fleece to protect it. To ensure optimal growth, cut it back after the floral blooms start to die off. 7) Thyme BOTANICAL NAME: Thymus vulgaris PLANT TYPE: HERB HARDINESS RATING: H5 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘AUREUS’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN If you’re cooking lamb or anything involving winter vegetables, a sprig of thyme will work wonders. Thyme is a bit less fussy than rosemary and can be more readily grown from seed. You’ll want to propagate them first, then move to individual pots until they’re big enough to introduce to your planter. Well-drained soil and a lot of sun is good for thyme too, just ensure they don’t get burned in hot summer sunlight. Try to keep your thyme out of the rain as much as possible during winter, as this is the biggest threat to its continued survival. 8) Sage BOTANICAL NAME: Salvia officinalis PLANT TYPE: HERB HARDINESS RATING: H5 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Purpurascens’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE This herb brings out the best in fatty meats like beef, pork, and duck. Its unmistakable flavour is a fine addition to any chef’s arsenal. You can grow sage from seed, cutting, or pre-bought plant. The difficulty involved in growing it follows the same order. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering. Trim back growth to keep it neat, tidy, and flowering. Sage is prone to a few pests, so browse the leaves every once in a while and make sure to pick off any unwelcome visitors. 9) Emerald Gaiety BOTANICAL NAME: Euonymus fortunei PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘EMERALD N GOLD’ PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY This hardy and non-fussy evergreen is a fine addition to any planter. Partly because it requires minimal effort to establish and look after, and partly because the yellow and green it contributes visually will make themselves at home in almost any colour palette. The band of yellow skirting each leaf is a subtle yet striking visual element, and one that will work nicely with other plants boasting white. Pieris japonica comes to mind, but there are many others. That’s one of the things we love about planter designs: choosing plants that are not only lovely by themselves, but which combine visually with those around them. Get this mixture right, and your planters will be the envy of everyone who lays eyes upon them. 10) Oregano BOTANICAL NAME: Origanum vulgare PLANT TYPE: HERB HARDINESS RATING: H6 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘GREEK’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE This herb is right at home in Italian cuisine and we love it in any recipe featuring tomatoes. It’s easy to grow from seed; start between February and May, and let propagate. Then move outdoors when plants are strong enough to hold their own against the elements. Care instructions are the same as the herbs above: you want to water regularly, but not so much that you dampen the roots. Take extra care not to over-water during winter – raising your planter onto feet helps with this. Oregano is prone to aphids. Be vigilant, and crush any you find with your fingers. Harsh but effective. 11) Mint BOTANICAL NAME: Mentha PLANT TYPE: HERB HARDINESS RATING: H7 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘SPEARMINT’, ‘PEPPERMINT’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE This summery flavour goes well with everything from courgettes to strawberries to Pimms. We definitely recommend the latter – a sprig of homegrown mint in a glass of Pimms is a surefire way to impress guests. You’ll find mint easiest to grow from pre-bought plants, and it works best in planters because it spreads voraciously in the ground. Water regularly, and make sure to trim back after flowering. This will give you the best chance of healthy growth next season. 12) Butterfly Bush BOTANICAL NAME: Buddleja PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: VARIES RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘LOCHINCH’, ‘BUZZ’ PREFERRED ASPECT: VARIES 13) Hebe PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: VARIES RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘SILVER QUEEN’, ‘PINK ELEPHANT’ PREFERRED ASPECT: VARIES 14) African Lilies BOTANICAL NAME: Agapanthus PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: MOSTLY H5 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘LOCH HOPE’, ‘ENIGMA’, ‘PURPLE CLOUD’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN 15) Wax Begonia BOTANICAL NAME: Begonia PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H1C RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘GLOWING EMBERS’, ‘ILLUMINATION’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL / PART SHADE 16) Hydrangea PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘L.A. DREAMIN’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE 17) Roses BOTANICAL NAME: ROSA PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: VARIES RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘GERTRUDE JEKYLL’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN 18) Viola PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘ALBA’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE 19) Coral Bells BOTANICAL NAME: HEUCHERA PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘OBSIDIAN’, ‘WALNUT’, ‘GREEN SPICE’ PREFERRED ASPECT: PART SHADE 20) Bellflower BOTANICAL NAME: Campanula PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘BRANTWOOD’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE 21) Strawberries BOTANICAL NAME: Fragaria PLANT TYPE: FRUIT HARDINESS RATING: H6 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘RHAPSODY’, ‘PEGASUS’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN 22) Petunia PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H2 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘SURFINIA’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN 23) Pansy BOTANICAL NAME: Viola tricolor var. hortensis PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL (OFTEN GROWN AS ANNUAL) HARDINESS RATING: H7 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘HONEY BEE F1’, ‘TRUE BLUE’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE 24) African Daisies BOTANICAL NAME: Osteospermum PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL (OFTEN GROWN AS ANNUAL) HARDINESS RATING: H3 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘LADY LEITRIM’ PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN 25) Million Bells BOTANICAL NAME: Calibrachoa PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL BEDDING HARDINESS RATING: H2 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘MILLION BELLS’ SERIES PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN
Learn more
17 Popular Dwarf Evergreen Trees With Garden Designer Jilayne Rickards
IN THIS GUIDE Why We Love Dwarf Evergreen Trees 1) Dwarf Scots Pine ‘Watereri’ 2) Dwarf Pencil Point Juniper 3) Hinoki Cypress 4) Colorado Spruce ‘Hoopsii’ 5) Dwarf Black Pine 6) Upright Japanese Plum Yew 7) Dwarf Balsam Fir 8) Glaucous Dwarf Siberian Pine 9) Eastern Hemlock ‘Minuta’ 10) Korean Fir ‘Kohout’s Ice Breaker’ 11) Japanese Cedar ‘Tilford Gold’ 12) Dwarf Scots Pine ‘Gold Coin’ 13) Austrian Pine ‘Hornibrookiana’ 14) Austrian Pine ‘Moseri’ 15) Rocky Mountain Juniper ‘Blue Arrow’ 16) Asian Bell Tree 17) Montery Cypress Choose Dwarf Evergreens For Everlasting Impact Evergreen trees have so much to offer; they provide texture and structure, gorgeous foliage colour, as well as flowers and berries. This type of tree can supply interest to our gardens all year round. Sadly, not all of us are blessed with unlimited space in our gardens – especially those of us living in more urban settings – and it often feels like we’re forced to miss out on the opportunity to include beautiful evergreens in our compact spaces. Thankfully, there are actually lots of lovely dwarf evergreen trees that will be right at home in any garden, no matter its size or style. “Small evergreen trees are great at providing structure in the garden, especially during the winter months,” shares RHS Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “They are also beneficial for garden biodiversity as they provide habitat and shelter year-round and many provide berries.” Why We Love Dwarf Evergreen Trees There are so many benefits of planting dwarf, evergreen trees far beyond their space-saving qualities. “No matter which garden, I always have 2-3 trees going into my designs,” shares Garden Designer Jilayne Rickards. “They are such wonderful plants and they absorb so much toxicity from the air and they give us shade.” Here are our top reasons for loving these little beauties – Dwarf evergreens are predominantly low maintenance. Thanks to their small stature, they require very little pruning, so not only do they save space, but they also save time. With year-round foliage, they provide a safe habitat for birds and other wildlife during winter. As many dwarf evergreens also produce berries, they also provide food for your feathered friends. Dwarf evergreens are perfect for privacy screens, especially for people with modest-sized gardens and those in urban areas. They are excellent at blocking out unsightly views without dominating your entire garden. These little trees are easy to plant: you don’t have to fight with long branches or oversized root balls, so they are quick and easy to place in your garden. Their continuous colour keeps your garden vibrant and popping throughout the entire calendar. Now that we’ve got your heart set on dwarf, evergreen trees, you are probably wondering how on earth you are going to find the right ones for your garden. Well, we have put together a list of our favourites to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s get started! 1) Dwarf Scots Pine ‘Watereri’ BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus sylvestris ‘Watereri’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 3-6 METRES MAX SPREAD: 5 METRES This cute little, slow-growing evergreen has a compact, globe habit, reaching a maximum height of 3-6m. While it can grow up to 5m in width, because of its slow-growing nature, it’s super easy to prune and maintain at the size of your choosing. Being so easy to shape, this dwarf evergreen is ideal for a zen Japanese themed garden but will compliment many other formal and informal styles. With blue-green needles on cinnamon coloured branches, this is a genuinely handsome specimen. The Dwarf Scots Pine also provides added interest by producing clusters of sweet mini cones and red-brown flowers. This little tree will tolerate most soils but prefers well-drained chalk, loam or sand. They are also extremely tolerant of wind, making them an excellent option for coastal regions as well as roof terraces. 2) Dwarf Pencil Point Juniper BOTANICAL NAME: Juniperus communis HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 2 METRES MAX SPREAD: 0.3 METRES This uniquely shaped evergreen is dense, slow-growing and naturally columnar, and while it can reach a height of almost 2m, it grows no wider than just 0.3m. And when we say “slow-growing”, we mean slow-growing: this little guy can take up to 50 years to reach its full stature. Dwarf pencil point junipers are great for adding architectural interest to your garden and can also be popped in containers to decorate patios and decking. Sporting blue-green needles, female plants may also produce blue coloured berries in autumn as well. This slender tree loves full sun and well-drained soil. It’s worth mentioning however that the foliage can cause skin irritation, so we do recommend wearing gloves when pruning. 3) Hinoki Cypress BOTANICAL NAME: Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 2-2.5 METRES MAX SPREAD: 1.5 METRES RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT This charming, mini, soft-needled evergreen tends to grow in a pyramidal form. Its glossy, dark green foliage grows in fan-shaped sprays, giving it an almost feathery appearance. This tree is an excellent choice if you want to add an extra layer of texture to your garden. The hinoki cypress is another super-slow grower, also taking up to 50 years to reach its full height of 2.5m and a spread of 1.5m. Given its slow pace attitude to life, this tree is extremely low maintenance and will only require a little pruning once or twice a year at most. This dwarf evergreen will do its best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, although it will tolerate chalk. This sun-loving specimen can be planted in a fully exposed area, not requiring shelter to thrive. 4) Colorado Spruce ‘Hoopsii’ BOTANICAL NAME: Picea pungens ‘Hoopsii’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 4 METRES MAX SPREAD: 1.5 METRES RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT If you want to add a splash of vibrant colour to your garden, then the Colorado spruce is for you. This plucky little plant showcases chunky, vivid, silver-blue needles, which are particularly splendid when the tree is still young. Growing into a dense, neat, conical shape, this evergreen is highly ornamental and was awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It also produces lovely, leathery-scaled cones which appear at the end of the shoots. When grown in well-drained, moist, acidic soil in a sheltered area, the happy ‘Hoopsii’ will reach a maximum height of 4m and a width of 1.5m. 5) Dwarf Black Pine BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus nigra ‘Nana’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 1.2 METRES MAX SPREAD: 1.5 METRES This engaging, petite pine is slow-growing and hardy with attractive, green, candle-like foliage. With its narrow growth habit, it is perfect for containers as well as small gardens. The dwarf black pine grows just 6-10cm a year and, when mature, will reach no more than 1.2m in height with a spread of 1.5m. This small evergreen requires absolutely no pruning to maintain its natural, round form. You need only remove dead or damaged branches as and when necessary. This plant prefers well-drained soil and, once established, only requires occasional watering. We do recommend tying its branches up in winter if you are expecting heavy snowfall to prevent breakage and damage. 6) Upright Japanese Plum Yew BOTANICAL NAME: Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 MAX HEIGHT: 3 METRES MAX SPREAD: 2 METRES The upright Japanese plum yew is an attractive, broad-needled evergreen with beautiful blue-green foliage. Thanks to its slender, upright growth habit it lends an excellent and delicate texture to landscape composition. Unlike most of the other trees on this list, this beauty will take more shade than almost any needled evergreen out there and will make a great hedge, providing excellent screening for privacy. Maxing out at around 3m in height, this tree will thrive in well-drained soil and can be sheared annually to shape. It also has a high tolerance to pollution, making it a top choice for inner-city gardens. 7) Dwarf Balsam Fir BOTANICAL NAME: Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 0.6 METRES MAX SPREAD: 0.5 METRES The dwarf balsam fir is extra eye-catching thanks to its squat stature and lush, dark green needles with white undersides. It gets the balsam part of its name thanks to the balsamic fragrance it exudes. Globose in shape it only reaches a maximum of around 60cm, making this a fantastic option for borders and beds as well as rockeries and containers. This impactful little fellow thrives in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and is frost hardy and wind-resistant. Requiring little maintenance, aside from removing die back, the one recommendation we have is to add a layer of mulch in winter for protection if in a more exposed location. These are superb little ornamental plants that tend to keep themselves tidy, making them perfect for gardeners with less time on their hands. 8) Glaucous Dwarf Siberian Pine BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus pumila ‘Glauca’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 2-2.5 METRES MAX SPREAD: 2-2.5 METRES RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 9) Eastern Hemlock ‘Minuta’ BOTANICAL NAME: Tsuga canadensis ‘Minuta’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 0.5 METRES MAX SPREAD: 0.5 METRES RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 10) Korean Fir ‘Kohout’s Ice Breaker’ BOTANICAL NAME: Abies koreana ‘Kohout’s Ice Breaker’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 0.6 METRES MAX SPREAD: 0.5 METRES 11) Japanese Cedar ‘Tilford Gold’ BOTANICAL NAME: Cryptomeria japonica ‘Tilford Gold’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 MAX HEIGHT: 1 METRE MAX SPREAD: 0.5-1 METRES 12) Dwarf Scots Pine ‘Gold Coin’ BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus sylvestris ‘Gold Coin’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 1.5 METRES MAX SPREAD: 0.5-1 METRES 13) Austrian Pine ‘Hornibrookiana’ BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus nigra ‘Hornibrookiana’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 0.5-1 METRES MAX SPREAD: 2 METRES 14) Austrian Pine ‘Moseri’ BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus nigra ‘Moseri’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 MAX HEIGHT: 1.5 METRES MAX SPREAD: 1.5 METRES 15) Rocky Mountain Juniper ‘Blue Arrow’ BOTANICAL NAME: Juniperus virginiana ‘Blue Arrow’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 MAX HEIGHT: 2-2.5 METRES MAX SPREAD: 0.5 METRES RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 16) Asian Bell Tree BOTANICAL NAME: Radermachera sinica HARDINESS RATING: H1B MAX HEIGHT: 1.5-2 METRES MAX SPREAD: 1-1.5 METRES RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 17) Montery Cypress BOTANICAL NAME: Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Wilma’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 MAX HEIGHT: 1.5-2.5 METRES MAX SPREAD: 0.5 METRES RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Choose Dwarf Evergreens For Everlasting Impact Dwarf, evergreen trees may be small, but they can make a massive impact in any garden. Plus, with their long life span, they will keep your garden lush and green, every season, year after year. We do recommend that you always research your chosen trees before planting, so you know exactly how much space they require and how best to maintain them. That said, most of these little plants require very little attention once planted and are quite happy to do their own thing. Dwarf evergreens can play so many parts in your garden with their ornamental beauty, creating an exciting and unusual landscape as well as providing privacy from the outside world. With so many to choose from, it’s easy to see how quickly you can take your garden from plain average to utterly extraordinary. So get planting those evergreens, and keep your garden everlastingly lovely.
Learn more
"Don't Be Scared Of Smaller Spaces" - Here's 16 Narrow Trees You Can Use
IN THIS GUIDE Why We Love Narrow Trees 1) Japanese Holly 2) Cherry Plum 3) Cherry ‘Amanogawa’ 4) Common Hornbeam 5) Crimson Spire Oak 6) Bay Tree 7) Japanese ‘Silhouette’ Maple 8) Rocky Mountain Juniper ‘Blue Arrow’ 9) Dwarf Mountain Pine 10) Lawson’s Cypress 11) Dwarf Crab Apple 12) Northern White Cedar 13) Chusan Palm 14) Korean Fir 15) Oak ‘Koster’ 16) Dawyck Purple Beech Tree Be A Little ‘Narrow-Minded’ Most of us aren’t blessed with bountiful space in our gardens, nor are we always lucky to have the time we’d like to spend in them. Choosing trees for small gardens can be a real challenge, and making the wrong choice can completely overcrowd the space and even damage the foundations of your house. For these reasons, you may be quite wary of planting trees; by choosing the appropriate ones, however, you can give your garden much-needed structure and texture as well as providing yourself with privacy from neighbours and the outside world. “Don’t be scared of smaller spaces in a garden,” says Garden Designer Kate Gould. “Just because it’s small, doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. Often, it is much better to go bigger and bolder in small spaces.” And what’s bolder than a tree? “Trees are important in gardens from both a design and biodiversity perspective,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Without the height and volume of trees, gardens can seem flat and trees are crucial for supporting biodiversity in gardens. “For small gardens, columnar trees are a great option.” These days, especially in urban gardens, making use of vertical space as opposed to horizontal space is a great way to hack the space. It can give your garden an added dimension, and allows you the joy of growing a tree even in the most modest-sized outdoor area. Why We Love Narrow Trees When you have a compact garden, you want to make the most of every inch available, and often this scares gardeners away from including trees. But, by opting for narrow trees, you can add interest to your garden year-round and enjoy delightful contrasts of colour throughout the seasons. Many narrow trees also produce berries that will attract birds and other urban wildlife to your garden as well as flowers to attract essential pollinators. Choosing columnar trees can truly pack a punch in your garden, bringing life and colour as well as providing a shield from bad weather for other plants in your garden. 1) Japanese Holly BOTANICAL NAME: Ilex crenata HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN MAX GROWING WIDTH: 1.5M This slow-growing, evergreen tree can grow up to 8m in height, whilst spreading to no more than about 1.5m. This handsome fellow has glossy green leaves and produces small white flowers in summer, which are followed by pretty black fruits. Japanese holly is easy to grow and is best suited to a sunny spot, or partial shade, in well-drained soil. These are an excellent option if you are keen to create a privacy screen or just to add shape to the edging of your garden. Do keep in mind that it can take them between ten and twenty years to reach their ultimate height, so if you’re eager to have a privacy screen quickly, this may not be the best option for you. That said, they are beautiful trees and well worth the wait. 2) Cherry Plum BOTANICAL NAME: Prunus cerasifera ‘Crimson Pointe’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: DECIDUOUS MAX GROWING WIDTH: 2.5M Cherry Plum is a gorgeous, purple-leaved, flowering blossom tree that is ideal for a smaller garden. Growing in a robust and columnar shape, it also produces dainty, fragrant, pink-white flowers in spring and, if you are lucky, may also reward you with a small crop of plums. This deciduous tree has dense foliage and grows to around 6m in height, making it another superb option for a privacy screen. Cherry Plum trees are easy to grow and very cold-hardy. They prefer a spot in full sun and well-drained soil. These trees are very low maintenance and will usually only require light pruning; they are also fast-growing, reaching their full height within ten years. 3) Cherry ‘Amanogawa’ BOTANICAL NAME: Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: DECIDUOUS MAX GROWING WIDTH: 3M Another narrow cherry tree worth considering is the ‘Amanogawa’. This gorgeous, slender, Japanese variety is perfect if you want to add a splash of colour to your compact garden. ‘Amanogawa’ is a small, deciduous tree and, while its foliage is not as dense as the ‘Crimson Pointe’ trees, it does produce showy, pale pink blossoms in late spring. Then, come autumn, the leaves turn to dazzling shades of orange and red, providing your garden with year-round interest. These trees can reach up to around 8m in height, although it can take them between twenty to fifty years to do so. Plant in full sun with moderately fertile soil. 4) Common Hornbeam BOTANICAL NAME: Carpinus betulus HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE: DECIDUOUS MAX GROWING WIDTH: 4M+ Hornbeams are generally narrow-growing trees anyway, but Carpinus betulus is really on the money where slender trees are concerned. These slow growers can reach heights of about 8m, although that can take all of fifty years or more to achieve! C. betulus is perfect for adding architectural interest to your garden. Plant in full sun or partial shade, in fertile, well-drained soil for best results. They require little to no pruning, but if you do want to prune then do so in early spring or late winter. With attractive green foliage that turns into a lovely shade of yellow in autumn, while also producing clusters of hop-like fruit in late summer, this tree is the gift that keeps on giving. 5) Crimson Spire Oak BOTANICAL NAME: Quercus × bimundorum ‘Crimschmidt’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: DECIDUOUS / EVERGREEN MAX GROWING WIDTH: 4M+ This stunning oak is very unique in that it grows up to 15m in height but remains narrow (for an oak), spreading to a maximum of 4m. With its slim, columnar habit of growth and its dark green foliage that changes to a stunning red in autumn, this tree is a bit of a showstopper. Though ‘Crimson Spire’ oak will tolerate both dry and moist soil, it really must be grown in full sunlight. It also tolerates urban pollution well, making it a perfect addition to an inner-city garden. ‘Crimson Spire’ oaks also provide excellent habitat for beneficial garden insects as well as for the songbirds that like to eat them, bringing life into your little garden. With the right conditions, this thin but mighty oak can live for one hundred years or more. 6) Bay Tree BOTANICAL NAME: Laurus nobilis HARDINESS RATING: H4 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN MAX GROWING WIDTH: 4M+ Topiary bay trees are perfect for patio containers and can be cut or trained into many different shapes, such as lollipops, pyramids and balls. Bay can become very large if kept untrimmed, so this tree does require a little more care than some of the other trees on this list. That said, bay trees are slow-growing, so you have lots of time to train them into the shape of your choosing. Topiary bay trees have attractive foliage and produce sweet-fragranced yellow flowers in spring. It is worth noting, however, that frequent pruning will reduce the number of flowers they produce. The leaves can also be used in cooking, offering a fragrant flavour to soups, curries, and many other dishes. Topiary bay trees should be grown in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soil and can be grown either in containers or just in the ground. Growing in containers will make it easier to limit their size, making them a lot easier to manage. 7) Japanese ‘Silhouette’ Maple BOTANICAL NAME: Acer palmatum ‘Tsukasa Silhouette’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE: DECIDUOUS MAX GROWING WIDTH: 2M A wonderfully versatile, narrow tree, the Japanese ‘Tsukasa Silhouette’ maple can be used to create a gorgeous, ornamental hedge or as a centrepiece for your garden. Sporting handsome, lime-green foliage in spring and vibrant red foliage in autumn, this is another tree that can add a lovely aesthetic to your garden all year round. Japanese ‘Tsukasa Silhouette’ maple trees take around ten to twenty years to reach their full height of up to 6m but have a slender spread of only 1.5m. Best grown in moist, well-drained, acidic or neutral soil, these maples will tolerate full sun but will do best in partial shade. Ideally, they should be in a sheltered spot as they can fall victim to leaf scorch if they are exposed to excessive frost, wind and sun when the leaves are young. 8) Rocky Mountain Juniper ‘Blue Arrow’ BOTANICAL NAME: Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Arrow’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN MAX GROWING WIDTH: 0.5M 9) Dwarf Mountain Pine BOTANICAL NAME: Pinus mugo HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN MAX GROWING WIDTH: 1.5M 10) Lawson’s Cypress BOTANICAL NAME: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN MAX GROWING WIDTH: 1.5M 11) Dwarf Crab Apple BOTANICAL NAME: Malus sargentii HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: DECIDUOUS MAX GROWING WIDTH: 1.5M 12) Northern White Cedar BOTANICAL NAME: Thuja occidentalis HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN MAX GROWING WIDTH: 1M 13) Chusan Palm BOTANICAL NAME: Trachycarpus fortunei HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN MAX GROWING WIDTH: 2.5M 14) Korean Fir BOTANICAL NAME: Abies koreana HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN MAX GROWING WIDTH: 1M 15) Oak ‘Koster’ BOTANICAL NAME: Quercus robur ‘Koster’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: DECIDUOUS MAX GROWING WIDTH: 2.5M 16) Dawyck Purple Beech Tree BOTANICAL NAME: Fagus sylvatica HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: DECIDUOUS MAX GROWING WIDTH: 4M+ Be A Little ‘Narrow-Minded’ Hopefully, this article has inspired you and shown that by being a little narrow-minded and choosing some narrow trees for your garden, you can breathe new life into your small space. Make sure you always do your research before planting to ensure you have space for both the spread and height of your trees. This will help you avoid having to do extreme pruning or, worse yet, organise a tree removal further down the line. As you can see, there is an abundance of narrow trees to choose from, so you will be sure to find the perfect one for your compact garden.
Learn more
"They Grow Quickly And Fill Awkward Gaps" - 23 Evergreen Groundcover Plants
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Creeping Thyme 2) English Ivy 3) Creeping Myrtle 4) Japanese Spurge 5) Creeping Phlox 6) Black Mondo Grass 7) Angelina Stonecrop 8) Spotted Dead Nettle 9) Lenten Rose 10) Coral Bells 11) Spindle 12) Creeping Jenny 13) Perennial Candytuft 14) Rock Rose 15) Heather 16) Elephants Ears 17) Thrift 18) Moutain Pride 19) Dalmation Cranesbill 20) Aubretia 21) Woolly Rock Jasmine 22) Polypody Fern 23) Horned Pansy Did We Cover Everything? Groundcover plants are, as the name would suggest, plants that cover the ground. They are naturally low-growing plants that grow quickly, masking bare soil and suppressing weeds. They are ideal for filling awkward gaps and giving your garden a look of fullness, providing interest to your garden year-round. Carpeting your garden, evergreen groundcover plants are also great for keeping things a little more low-maintenance, shielding tricky-to-mow areas and slopes. Where other ground covering plants die back in the colder months, evergreens supply year-round cover. 1) Creeping Thyme BOTANICAL NAME: Thymus serpyllum HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN This spreading thyme variety is easy to grow and is perfect for rock gardens, paths and stepping stones, as well as for helping you to create a living patio. It is also a great lawn alternative. This woody perennial is perfect for sunny spots in your garden and, as with other thyme varieties, is edible and wonderfully aromatic. In late spring to early summer it produces vast clusters of gorgeous little flowers in a variety of shades that are particularly attractive to bees. Creeping thyme is a beautiful candidate for landscaping and not only is it resistant to pests, but this robust little plant can also put up with being tromped across by kids, so it’s perfect for a family garden. 2) English Ivy BOTANICAL NAME: Hedera helix HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY This popular plant is a super climber and can cling to almost any surface, using small roots that grow along its stems. As far as care goes this traditional trooper is super low-maintenance so is ideal for planting in tricky, hard to reach places and just letting it get on with it. English ivy prefers shade and organically rich soil; you can encourage growth by enriching the soil with compost. This ground covering evergreen takes about three years to establish, but once it does, it is truly unstoppable. By shearing off the tops of the plant in springtime, you will help to rejuvenate the vines. This plant is also wonderfully skilled at discouraging rodents, making it one of the most useful plants on our list. 3) Creeping Myrtle BOTANICAL NAME: Vinca minor HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY Creeping myrtle prefers partial shade and moist, rich, well-drained soil; however, it will tolerate more average or dry ground. This evergreen is fast-growing and produces shiny green leaves and adorable blue, star-shaped flowers which bloom for a month in the springtime. It is worth mentioning that this plant has an invasive tendency, forming dense mats that can overcrowd other plants. You can control creeping myrtle’s growth by mowing or cutting back and spraying with herbicide. You should aim to do this two years on the trot between July and October. You can cut it back in spring to encourage new growth, and while it can sometimes get out of hand, creeping myrtle certainly provides superb groundcover. 4) Japanese Spurge BOTANICAL NAME: Pachysandra terminalis HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL OR PART SHADED With glossy rosettes of dark green leaves which help to form dense mats, Japanese spurge is an eye-catching and attractive groundcover evergreen plant that performs well in the sun and the shade. Preferring moist, well-drained soil, Japanese spurge is perfect for providing groundcover to large spaces and is also a great mulch-substitute under shaded tree canopies where not much else will grow. Japanese spurge is ideal for covering bare areas of ground between deciduous shrubs and trees and will keep your garden looking lush and alive year-round. 5) Creeping Phlox BOTANICAL NAME: Phlox subulata HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN Another creeping groundcover plant, creeping phlox is low maintenance and, although relatively unfussy about soil, thrives in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Blooming in springtime, creeping phlox produces gorgeous cascades of five-petalled flowers in shades of red, purple, white and blue. Even when established, this evergreen beauty will benefit from extra water during hot and dry spells, and you can cut back the stems after blooming to promote a second wave of flowers. When massed together to create groundcover, creeping phlox is a real showstopper and a powerful statement in any garden. 6) Black Mondo Grass BOTANICAL NAME: Ophiopogon planiscapus HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL OR PART SUN If you want to create drama with your groundcover plant, then black mondo grass is for you. This low growing perennial sports purple-black, grass-like leaves, forming a uniquely coloured carpet of foliage. Known also as black beard, this densely spreading plant produces spikes of little, purple-flushed, white flowers in summer, followed by pretty, blue-black berries in autumn. Perfect for banks and slopes, black mondo grass thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun or partial shade. 7) Angelina Stonecrop BOTANICAL NAME: Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL OR PART SUN This evergreen, mat-forming, low-growing evergreen perennial showcases succulent stems and leaves and produces lovely clusters of little, star-shaped flowers in spring or autumn. It’s an excellent option if you want to grow something a little bit different and ‘out there’. Growing to 15cm in height and spreading up to 60cm wide, ‘Angelina’s’ leaves become bright yellow in spring, gradually turning to an eye-catching yellow-green in summertime. In autumn the leaves are tinted with orange and red making a plant that really adds interest to your garden all year round. This is a relatively trouble-free groundcover plant that will do well in low to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. 8) Spotted Dead Nettle BOTANICAL NAME: Lamium maculatum HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL OR PART SHADED This handsome, evergreen, groundcover plant forms a lovely mat of coarse, toothed leaves, producing dainty, tubular purple, white or pink flowers in summer. Spotted dead nettle, sometimes called devil’s clover, prefers moist, well-drained soil, in a sheltered position, in deep or partial shade. “I find myself using Lamium maculatum cultivars more and more in the garden,” shares Colin Skelly, Master Horticulturist. “It thrives in and lights up shady areas and spreads quickly without becoming invasive. “The flowers of most cultivars are purple, but my favourite cultivar, L. ‘White Nancy’, has white flowers as its name suggests.” Easy to maintain, this plant is perfect to use as an underplanting for shrubs and roses, and you can cut it back after flowering to ensure fresh foliage cover. Despite the name, spotted dead nettles don’t sting, but probably evolved to look like stinging nettles to protect themselves from predators. 9) Lenten Rose BOTANICAL NAME: Helleborus × hybridus HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL OR PART SUN Lenten roses are an evergreen, perennial groundcover species of hellebore which is part of the buttercup family. This plant is great for creating interest during the winter months, producing nodding flowers from late winter to spring. They are also a great source of food for pollinators in early spring. Best planted during autumn and spring, choose a spot in light shade where it can also enjoy the full sun for part of the day. Be sure to mulch in spring to reduce the dryness of the soil and remove damaged or diseased leaves throughout autumn and winter. 10) Coral Bells BOTANICAL NAME: Heuchera HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL OR PART SUN 11) Spindle BOTANICAL NAME: Euonymus fortunei HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 12) Creeping Jenny BOTANICAL NAME: Lysimachia nummularia HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL OR PART SUN 13) Perennial Candytuft BOTANICAL NAME: Iberis sempervirens HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 14) Rock Rose BOTANICAL NAME: Helianthemum HARDINESS RATING: H4/H5 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 15) Heather BOTANICAL NAME: Erica HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 16) Elephants Ears BOTANICAL NAME: Bergenia HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL OR PART SUN 17) Thrift BOTANICAL NAME: Armeria maritima HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 18) Moutain Pride BOTANICAL NAME: Penstemon newberryi HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 19) Dalmation Cranesbill BOTANICAL NAME: Geranium dalmaticum HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 20) Aubretia BOTANICAL NAME: Aubretia HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 21) Woolly Rock Jasmine BOTANICAL NAME: Androsace lanuginosa HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 22) Polypody Fern BOTANICAL NAME: Polypodium vulgare HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 23) Horned Pansy BOTANICAL NAME: Viola cornuta HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY Did We Cover Everything? Hopefully, this article has covered everything you need to know about evergreen ground cover plants for year-round cover as well as providing plenty of inspiration for the best plants to include in your garden. There is so much to be said for evergreen groundcover plants. They bring interest to gardens, as well as helping to make your outdoor space so much easier to maintain. And with so many flowering varieties, you can really boost your garden’s blooming power and breathe life into it throughout the year. Take care to do your research for each plant to make sure you place it in the perfect spot in your garden to help it thrive. Aside from that, when it comes to evergreen ground cover plants, you can’t go far wrong! With all that said and done, why not get out there and start covering those tricky, empty patches. After that, there’s nothing to do but sit back and watch your garden grow and grow.
Learn more
Chris Lee's Must-Have Small Flowering Shrubs For Easy Gardening
IN THIS GUIDE Why Choose Small Flowering Shrubs? 1) Dwarf Butterfly Bush 2) Rhododendron 3) Small Hydrangea 4) Checkerberry 5) Flax Lily 6) Bearberry Cotoneaster 7) Green Carpet 8) Munstead Lavender 9) Shrubby Cinquefoil 10) Forsythia 11) Dwarf Spiraea 12) Winter Heath 13) Dwarf Lilac 14) Dwarf Fothergilla 15) Dwarf Camellia 16) Hebe 17) Fuchsia 18) Shrubby Mullein 19) Rock Rose Think Small But Mighty! Shrubs and bushes provide a simple framework for gardens, adding shape, texture and structure. By choosing flowering varieties, you can create year-round visual interest. Small flowering shrubs and bushes are generally easy to care for and maintain, and also provide excellent ground cover. With so many varieties to choose from, it’s easy to find options for a wide range of sites and soil that will suit the style and size of your garden. 1) Dwarf Butterfly Bush BOTANICAL NAME: Buddleja davidii RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Flutterby Petite Tutti Fruitti’, ‘Buzz Hot Raspberry’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 100-120cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 100-120cm FLOWERS: PINK / PURPLE FLOWERING PERIOD: SUMMER – AUTUMN A firm favourite among gardeners and butterflies alike, butterfly bush is a fabulous addition to any garden. Also known as buddleja, this fast-growing, deciduous shrub produces masses of long-spiked trusses that bloom from summer to autumn. There are now new dwarf varieties that ensure that this plucky plant won’t take over your entire garden. These come in a range of exciting colours, although butterflies seem to be more attracted to the mauve blooms. Butterfly bushes require full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant in spring or autumn, before frost, and water thoroughly. There is no need to fertilise: while this can promote leaf growth, it will stunt flower production. Even in their first-year butterfly bushes bloom abundantly, making them an extremely rewarding little plant to grow. 2) Rhododendron RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Ginny Gee’ (Pictured), ‘Yaku Fairy’, ‘Alexander’ HARDINESS RATING: TYPICALLY H4-H6 TYPICAL HEIGHT: VARIES TYPICAL SPREAD: VARIES FLOWERS: VARIES FLOWERING PERIOD: TYPICALLY SPRING This evergreen show-stopper sports shiny, deep green leaves that help to showcase its blooms, which come in gorgeous shades purple, pink, yellow and pure white. You’ll want to choose a shade-dappled spot that is well sheltered and avoid areas of deep shade below trees. Rhododendrons enjoy moist but well-drained soil that is rich with organic matter. The small varieties work brilliantly in rock gardens as well as being perfect for containers in a nice shady patio area. Plant in October or from March to April and, where possible, use rainwater rather than tap water when watering. Tap water can often be too hard and contains high levels of calcium, which can reduce the acidity around the roots. 3) Small Hydrangea BOTANICAL NAME: Hydrangea macrophylla RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Altona’ (Pictured), ‘Pia’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 100-150cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 100-150cm FLOWERS: TYPICALLY PINK / PURPLE FLOWERING PERIOD: SUMMER This compact cutie quits growing when it reaches around three feet in height. This variety of hydrangea is quite the show-off and works fabulously in the middle of a border, as well as being ideal for a decorative patio container. Choose a spot in full sun or where it will get at least four to six hours of sunshine per day. Splendidly low maintenance, this shrub requires no pruning. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and admire them. 4) Checkerberry BOTANICAL NAME: Gaultheria procumbens HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 15-30cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 50-100cm FLOWERS: PINK / WHITE FLOWERING PERIOD: SUMMER Gaultheria procumbens, to give it its full name, is a lovely little evergreen with simple, leathery, and dainty, bell-shaped pink or white flowers. After their blooming period, they also produce long-lasting berries in a range of colours. This dwarf shrub maxes out at about 15cm in height and, with its leaves turning a reddish hue in winter, it truly makes it a great year-round shrub. Checkerberry plants prefer moist soils in partial or full shade. They are perfect for garden beds, banks and slopes, rock gardens and patios, making them a very versatile option that will look right at home in both formal and informal gardens. 5) Flax Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Phormium RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Duet’ (Pictured) HARDINESS RATING: H3 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 20-30cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 30-50cm FLOWERS: YELLOW FLOWERING PERIOD: SUMMER This evergreen perennial grows into a clump of leathery, strap-shaped green leaves with creamy white margins, reaching a height of up to 30cm. In summer it produces tall panicles of small, yellow, tubular flowers. Flax lily is best suited to fertile, moist, well-drained soil and will enjoy a spot in full sun. If planted in an area prone to frost then be sure to provide a deep layer of dry mulch over the winter months. This plant is excellent for adding texture to your garden and is a perfect addition to flower borders and beds. A superb low maintenance option, it only requires a little deadheading in autumn and is easy to propagate by division in spring. 6) Bearberry Cotoneaster BOTANICAL NAME: Cotoneaster dammeri HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 10-20cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 150-200cm FLOWERS: WHITE FLOWERING PERIOD: SUMMER This mini-masterpiece can be deciduous or evergreen and wears a simple yet striking attire of deep green leaves and clusters of small pink or white flowers that bloom in early summer. After flowering, it dons delightfully showy red, black or purple berries that make this little plant punch way above its weight. Growing only up to a height of around 20cm, bearberry cotoneaster does its best in well-drained, reasonably dry conditions and prefers full sun or partial shade. This bush is drought resistant and is ideal to use for groundcover of banks and slopes. “Cotoneaster dammeri makes a great functional shrub that covers the ground and keeps weeds down,” shares Horticultural Consultant Colin Skelly. “In addition to this, like other cotoneasters, its small spring flowers are hugely popular with pollinators and its berries are often eaten by birds.” Aphids do take a bit of a liking to it so be vigilant and treat accordingly. 7) Green Carpet BOTANICAL NAME: Pachysandra terminalis HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 10-20cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 80-100cm FLOWERS: WHITE FLOWERING PERIOD: SUMMER This Japanese spurge known as ‘green carpet’ is a mat-forming evergreen with creeping stems and coarse-toothed, leathery clusters of leaves. Growing no more than 20cm in height it produces cute little white flowers in summer. This robust little plant grows well in nearly all soils in full or partial shade, and is another drought-resistant option. Green carpet is great for ground covering under larger shrubs as well as roses and is another small flowering shrub that works well on banks and slopes. 8) Munstead Lavender BOTANICAL NAME: Lavandula angustifolia HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 40-50cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 60-100cm FLOWERS: PURPLE FLOWERING PERIOD: SUMMER No list would be complete without luscious lavender. If planted in the garden, it does have a habit of spreading quite far, but in a container, it’s the perfect small flowering shrub for a patio or on a front porch. Munstead lavender is a small variety growing no taller than 45cm, with narrow, greyish green foliage and producing purple-blue flowers in mid to late summer. Gorgeously aromatic and loved by basically all pollinators, lavender is supremely easy to grow and care for and is a firm favourite in all English gardens. We recommend planting in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil and adding potash to encourage flowering. Once established, munstead lavender is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s easy to propagate by taking cuttings in summer, too, so you can always share the love with friends and family. 9) Shrubby Cinquefoil BOTANICAL NAME: Potentilla fruticosa HARDINESS RATING: H7 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 60-100cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 60-100cm FLOWERS: YELLOW FLOWERING PERIOD: SPRING – AUTUMN 10) Forsythia BOTANICAL NAME: Forsythia × intermedia RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Mikador’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 80-100cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 80-100cm FLOWERS: YELLOW FLOWERING PERIOD: SPRING 11) Dwarf Spiraea BOTANICAL NAME: Spiraea japonica RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Nana’, ‘Firelight’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 20-50cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 70-100cm FLOWERS: TYPICALLY PINK / PURPLE FLOWERING PERIOD: SUMMER 12) Winter Heath BOTANICAL NAME: Erica carnea RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: Wintersonne; Golden Starlet HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 20-40cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 30-50cm FLOWERS: WHITE / PINK / PURPLE FLOWERING PERIOD: WINTER – SPRING 13) Dwarf Lilac BOTANICAL NAME: Syringa meyeri RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Palibin’ (Pictured) HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 80-120cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 100-120cm FLOWERS: PINK / PURPLE FLOWERING PERIOD: SPRING – SUMMER 14) Dwarf Fothergilla BOTANICAL NAME: Fothergilla gardenii RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Blue Mist’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 75-100cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 75-100cm FLOWERS: WHITE FLOWERING PERIOD: SPRING – SUMMER 15) Dwarf Camellia BOTANICAL NAME: Camellia sasanqua RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Dwarf Shishi’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 80-100cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 80-100cm FLOWERS: PINK FLOWERING PERIOD: WINTER 16) Hebe BOTANICAL NAME: VERONICA RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Margret’ (Pictured), ‘Pascal’, ‘Wiri Dawn’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 30-50cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 30-50cm FLOWERS: PINK / PURPLE FLOWERING PERIOD: SUMMER – AUTUMN 17) Fuchsia RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Marinka’ (Pictured), ‘Billy Green’, ‘Herald’ HARDINESS RATING: TYPICALLY H2-H4 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 30-50cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 30-50cm FLOWERS: PINK / RED / PURPLE FLOWERING PERIOD: SUMMER – AUTUMN 18) Shrubby Mullein BOTANICAL NAME: Verbascum dumulosum HARDINESS RATING: H4 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 20-30cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 30-50cm FLOWERS: YELLOW FLOWERING PERIOD: SPRING – SUMMER 19) Rock Rose BOTANICAL NAME: Helianthemum RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘The Bride’ (Pictured), ‘Jubilee’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 TYPICAL HEIGHT: 25-30cm TYPICAL SPREAD: 25-30cm FLOWERS: VARIES FLOWERING PERIOD: SPRING – SUMMER Think Small But Mighty! By now you should be brimming with inspiration about all the best small flowering shrubs and bushes for your garden. With so many to choose from, it’s easy to see how quickly you will be able to fill your garden with beautiful little plants with attractive blooms and luscious leaves. Remember to take time to research the needs of each of your chosen shrubs and bushes to make sure you are giving them the best start in life. Do so, and they will reward you with a colourful and visually interesting throughout the year. Whether you are limited on space or just want to create a more diverse look for your garden, it’s clear to see that though these flowering shrubs and bushes are small, they are indeed mighty. We wish you the best of luck with your small flowering shrubs and bushes!
Learn more
These Remarkable Long-Flowering Perennials Will Keep Your Garden Bursting With Life
IN THIS GUIDE Maintain Plants For Longer Flowering 1) English Lavender 2) Catmint 3) Dahlias 4) Yarrow 5) Hardy Geraniums 6) Spiderwort 7) Daylily 8) Butterfly Bush 9) Pincushions 10) Black-Eyed Susan 11) Masterwort 12) Penstemons 13) Peruvian Lily 14) Coneflower 15) Geums 16) Stonecrop 17) Clematis 18) Phlox 19) Amsonia 20) Bellflower 21) Valerian 22) Wallflower 23) Carnations 24) Aster 25) Hydrangea References When the peak gardening season kicks in, you want your garden to be bursting with life and colour, and long-flowering perennials are just the ticket. Many perennials will offer second blooms to help prevent gaps in your garden, with little maintenance or additional planting required. “A perennial is a plant with a life that exceeds two years,” shares Dan Ori, a Master Horticulturist. “Some perennials are tender and need protection in the winter, but in the UK the term perennial is usually used for hardy plants.” With some, you simply have to remove the flowers before they start seeding, and this will encourage another burst of flowers. Maintain Plants For Longer Flowering Other perennials just need to be cut back entirely after their first round of flowering, and should reflower again if fed and watered. We also recommend deadheading to promote more prolonged flowering and help your garden to look its best for as long as possible. Deadheading prompts plants to direct their energy into new flowers rather than seed generation.1 To get the most out of your garden, we recommend planting in a mix of early, mid-year, and late bloomers. This will keep things as colourful as possible, for as much of the year as possible. There are lots of long-flowering perennials to choose from, all requiring different levels of care and maintenance – we’ve written this list to help you get started: 1) English Lavender BOTANICAL NAME: Lavandula angustifolia HARDINESS RATING: H5 POSITION: FULL SUN; PROTECTED FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – JULY With its fragrant leaves and long-blooming purple flowers, lavender has always been a firm favourite in English gardens. Whether you have a country cottage garden or a more modern, contemporary design, lavender will always fit in and, as it can be grown in containers, it is perfect for even the most modest-sized spaces. Lavender should be planted in spring from March to May in well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous flowers from late spring and all the way through summer. They also attract bees and other important pollinators to your garden, so they really are a must-have.2 2) Catmint BOTANICAL NAME: Nepeta cataria HARDINESS RATING: H7 POSITION: Full Sun; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: MAY – AUGUST Nepeta, or catmint, is also well-loved by pollinators, and this aromatic beauty blooms from late spring to the middle of autumn, producing gorgeous clusters of lavender-blue flowers. Catmint is easy to grow, and you should plant it out in spring. For best results, plant it in sun or partial shade and in average to well-draining soil. “This plant is considered a great companion for vegetable patches as it is thought its essential oils deter insects when used as edging, but there is more study is needed to determine what beneficial and detrimental insects might be affected,” shares Dan. Take care to deadhead them to encourage further flowering. 3) Dahlias HARDINESS RATING: H3 POSITION: FULL SUN; PROTECTED FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – OCTOBER If well cared for and deadheaded when necessary, Dahlias can put on their show from midsummer all the way through until the arrival of frost. With colours ranging from pretty pastels to boastful brights, Dahlias make a real statement in any garden. These little showstoppers should be planted during late May to mid-June, depending on one when the frost has ended. Dahlias prefer a sunny site in free-draining, lighter soil and you can boost your stocks by cutting and division, or by growing new plants from seed. 4) Yarrow BOTANICAL NAME: ACHILLEA HARDINESS RATING: H7 POSITION: FULL SUN; EXPOSED OR PROTECTED FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – OCTOBER One of the longest flowering perennials, yarrow is a bee and butterfly magnet. It makes a lovely addition to herb gardens and flower beds. Yarrow can be planted from October to March in full sun, and while it can thrive in almost any soil types, it much prefers well-drained soil. This plant will produce adorable clusters of flowers in a vast range of colours, and by cutting it back thoroughly in late summer, you encourage fresh foliage and blooms. 5) Hardy Geraniums HARDINESS RATING: H7 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – OCTOBER Reliable and long flowering, hardy geraniums can flower from April through till September in a variety of colours. Tolerating both sun and shade they are best planted in well-drained soil and, if cut back after flowering, they will usually produce a second wave of blooms. Hardy geraniums are also great self-seeders, and you will often find them flourishing in tiny cracks and spaces. They are also well-loved by pollinators such as bees and hoverflies and provide a long season of nectar and pollen. 6) Spiderwort BOTANICAL NAME: Tradescantia HARDINESS RATING: H6 POSITION: PART SHADE; PROTECTED FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – SEPTEMBER Resilient and easy to grow, tradescantias are short-lived; however, they frequently flower and have superb grassy foliage. Producing unusual, three petalled flowers and thriving in a range of soils, this perennial is perfect for hanging baskets as well as for ground colour and filling gaps in borders. Flowering from late spring to late summer this cheerful and charming plant is a beautiful addition to any garden. 7) Daylily BOTANICAL NAME: Hemerocallis HARDINESS RATING: H6/7 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – AUGUST Also known as hemerocallis, this pretty little plant produces lily-like flowers that only last a day or two, but thankfully, in such an abundance that they span the period from spring to late summer. With many colours to choose from, ranging from vibrant yellows and oranges to deep, burgundy-red, these plants bring a valuable flash of colour and life to your garden. Plant hemerocallis in free-draining, fertile soil avoiding heavy shade as well as borders that are prone to drying out come summer. 8) Butterfly Bush BOTANICAL NAME: BUDDLEJA HARDINESS RATING: H6 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – OCTOBER Also known as butterfly bushes, this deciduous perennial typically blooms from June through to September. It can reach up to eight feet in height and sometimes more producing long pinnacles of blue and purple clusters of purple and blue flowers. Buddlejas should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil and should be watered slowly and deeply during dry spells. They are low maintenance and just require deadheading after flowering to prevent them from self-seeding. As the name suggests, butterfly bushes are well-loved by butterflies as well as lots of other pollinators and beneficial insects. 9) Pincushions BOTANICAL NAME: SCABIOSA HARDINESS RATING: H4 POSITION: Full Sun; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER Although a meadow-flower, scabious looks equally at home in a more formal, manicured garden and are also a wonderful gap-filler. Flowering from June through to late August, this perennial comes in many colours, including white, blue and deep red. Scabious prefer full sunlight but they will tolerate some shade and should be planted in moist, well-drained soil. One single scabious can produce over two thousand seeds, which makes them a favourite amongst birds. 10) Black-Eyed Susan BOTANICAL NAME: Rudbeckia HARDINESS RATING: H6 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – SEPTEMBER With their daisy-like appearance that blooms for weeks, this prolific perennial will bring a nonstop cacophony of colour to your late-summer garden, typically flourishing from late June until the first frost. Black-eyed Susan requires minimum effort and care and should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Dead-heading will help prompt repeated flowering, and they are enthusiastic self-seeders. You can also cut back this plant to encourage another burst of blooms in Autumn. These care-free wildflowers are a great way to attract birds into your garden. 11) Masterwort BOTANICAL NAME: ASTRANTIA HARDINESS RATING: H7 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: MAY – AUGUST These sophisticated shade-lovers sport showy, star-like flowers in a range of different colours. They also happen to be slug and snail-proof, making them an ideal asset for any border. Astrantias should be planted in heavy, damp soil in full sun or dappled shade. They will also benefit highly from home-made compost or leaf mulch. Flowering from June to August, this plant provides a long season of colour and, by cutting the plant back after flowering, you can expect more foliage and more flowers. 12) Penstemons HARDINESS RATING: H4 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – OCTOBER If your border is lacking colour in late summer, then this plant will make an immediate impact. This perennial can suffer in winter, so we recommend waiting to cut back until late Spring. Plant in groups of three or five and this plant will reward you with flowers right up to the first frost. 13) Peruvian Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Alstroemeria HARDINESS RATING: H4 POSITION: PART SHADE; PROTECTED FLOWERING SEASON: SPRING / SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: MAY – OCTOBER Alstroemeria – or ‘Peruvian Lily’ – is a perennial flower native to South America. It’s most likely to flower between the months of June and August, though you may see some varieties bloom earlier or later. They will do best in a sheltered area that receives at least partial shade throughout the day. There are many hybrids of this bushy plant and you can expect to grow many different colours and varieties – each with its own flowering period. As it is only H4 hardy, you will need to offer some protection to the roots if you’d like the plant to return the following year. Mulching well before cold weather and frosts set in is usually the best option. 14) Coneflower BOTANICAL NAME: Echinacea HARDINESS RATING: H5 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER The most popular variety of Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea (or ‘Purple Coneflower’) is a well-known favourite here in the UK, where it is H5 hardy. You can expect its large, showy flowers to bloom in the summer months and attract a range of pollinators to your garden. Those in full sun will generally flower better (and for longer), though they will still do well in part shade. 15) Geums BOTANICAL NAME: AVENS HARDINESS RATING: H7 POSITION: Full Sun; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SPRING / SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: MAY – OCTOBER Geums are hardy perennials that are commonly used as companion plants – especially in wildflower and cottage garden planting schemes. They look great with campanula, hardy geraniums, hellebores and many other flowering perennial plants. They have a very long flowering season and will usually appear in late-spring – sometimes lasting all the way until autumn. Plant in full sun and divide every 3-4 years for the best results in your garden. 16) Stonecrop BOTANICAL NAME: SEDUM HARDINESS RATING: H7 POSITION: FULL SUN; EXPOSED FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: AUGUST – OCTOBER 17) Clematis HARDINESS RATING: VARIES POSITION: VARIES FLOWERING SEASON: ALL POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: YEAR-ROUND 18) Phlox HARDINESS RATING: H7 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER 19) Amsonia HARDINESS RATING: H5 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SPRING / SUMMER POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: MAY – JULY 20) Bellflower BOTANICAL NAME: CAMPANULA HARDINESS RATING: VARIES POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – AUGUST 21) Valerian BOTANICAL NAME: VALERIANA OFFICINALIS HARDINESS RATING: H4 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – OCTOBER 22) Wallflower BOTANICAL NAME: ERYSIMUM HARDINESS RATING: H5 POSITION: Full Sun; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SPRING / SUMMER POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: MARCH – AUGUST 23) Carnations BOTANICAL NAME: DIANTHUS HARDINESS RATING: H6/7 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SPRING / SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: MAY – OCTOBER 24) Aster HARDINESS RATING: H6/7 POSITION: Full Sun; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: AUGUST – OCTOBER 25) Hydrangea HARDINESS RATING: H5 POSITION: Full Sun or Part Shade; Exposed or Protected FLOWERING SEASON: SUMMER / AUTUMN POSSIBLE FLOWERING MONTHS: AUGUST – OCTOBER References 1. Deadheading plants. (n.d.). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-jobs/deadheading-plants 2. Benjamin, A. (2013, October 17). Love buzz: bees most attracted to lavender and marjoram, study finds. The Guardian. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/17/bees-most-attracted-lavender-marjoram
Learn more
These 15 Gargantuan Plants With Huge Leaves Will Make A Statement In Any Garden
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Japanese Banana 2) Plantain Lily 3) Elephant Ear / Taro 4) Chinese Rice Paper Plant 5) Angel’s Trumpet 6) Giant Rhubarb 7) Giant Butterbur 8) Umbrella Plant 9) Broussa Mullein 10) Greater Sea Kale 11) Siberian Bugloss 12) Chusan Palm 13) Castor Oil Plant 14) Leopard Plant 15) Canna Lily Create your own tropical paradise As gardeners, we spend a lot of our time investing ourselves in growing and caring for flowering plants. We’re also prone to forget that many other impactful plants deserve to be included in our gardens. If you are looking to add structure and texture to your garden, or want to create a more tropical or jungle-like theme, then choosing large leaf foliage plants is just what the doctor ordered. Foliage plants with large leaves are attention-grabbing and can really make a statement, bringing a luscious, exotic feel to your garden. If you have a small garden, don’t feel like you are going to be left out, there are plenty of options that will make a significant impact in a more modest-sized garden and allow you to play around with scale. Add a taste of the tropics to your garden “Large-leaved plants provide a lush feel to gardens and, combined with some bold coloured foliage and flowers such as dahlias, cannas and crocosmias, you can feel like you are in a different country,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “This can be achieved with pots in small spaces as well as in plants in the ground in larger spaces.” Because these plants are so often overlooked, you may find it tricky to know which ones to choose for your garden, so we’ve put together a list of our favourites to help you narrow it down. Now that you’ve decided your garden needs the bold boost that large foliage plants provide, it’s time to have a look at which ones would be right for your garden. Here is a list of our top contenders to inspire you and help you get started – 1) Japanese Banana BOTANICAL NAME: MUSA BASJOO PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H2 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 4M x 2M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED With a majestic plant like this in your garden, guests could be forgiven for thinking they’ve just stepped right onto the set of A Jungle Book. This tropical treasure produces huge, elegant leaves and will occasionally reward you with bunches of bananas. Best planted between spring and autumn, the banana plant can grow to up to 4m in height. Plant in well-drained soil in a sheltered spot that gets plenty of sunshine. This jumbo, jungly plant should be pruned in spring and, once established, should be fed and watered generously to help it achieve the best foliage. Though these are tender plants, some varieties can cope with being left outside over winter, especially if you live in a milder part of the UK. 2) Plantain Lily BOTANICAL NAME: HOSTA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 1M x 1M PREFERRED ASPECT: PART SHADE; SHELTERED This popular and powerful plant is loved by gardeners and is typically grown for its fantastic foliage. There is a vast variety to choose from with the colours of leaves ranging from green to blue, to vibrant yellow. The size of their leaves also varies with some up to 40cm in length. Lots of hostas also produce purple or white flowers in the summer months. Hostas are super easy to grow and display gorgeous foliage from spring to autumn and with good care will last for many years. Best planted in spring or autumn in moist soil, hostas love the shade so find them a spot that is out of the sun. Hostas are very low maintenance but, once established, make sure their soil is always slightly damp and they may require additional watering in dry spells. The main thing to be aware of is that slugs absolutely cannot resist hostas so be prepared to research ways to protect your plants and repel the invading slugs. 3) Elephant Ear / Taro BOTANICAL NAME: COLOCASIA PLANT TYPE: EVERGREEN PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H1B TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 2M x 1M PREFERRED ASPECT: PART SHADE; SHELTERED This exotic beauty produces colossal, heart-shaped, deep green leaves and there are plenty of reasons to include them in your garden. They are brilliant to use as ground-cover or to provide an attractive, textured backdrop to other plants. They are also perfect to use as edging plants for ponds or surrounding your patio. Elephant ear plants are easy to grow and once established, require very little attention. Plant the bulbs in rich, moist soil in partial sun – the tubers should be planted in the garden after the threat of frost has diminished. During dry spells, we recommend that you water more regularly and you may also wish to use fertiliser. Elephant ear will not stand a chance against freezing temperatures so if you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, you should carefully dig the plant up and overwinter it indoors. 4) Chinese Rice Paper Plant BOTANICAL NAME: Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H4 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 6M x 6M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED If you want to introduce this gargantuan plant to your garden, this is the one. Its leaves alone can grow up to 60cm in length, with the plant growing up to 4m in height with a spread of up to 2.5m. This humongous, hardy evergreen has gorgeous green leaves and produces cream coloured flowers in autumn. The Chinese rice paper plant can be grown year-round and should be planted in sun or partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil and in a spot where it will be well protected from cold winds. We also recommend providing a deep layer of mulch during the winter months. Once established these plants are super easy to care for, just keep them well watered and be sure to provide a well-balanced fertiliser throughout springtime. As far as pruning goes just be sure to remove the leaves when they get scruffy and if you wish, you can cut back in late-winter to your desired size. These are an absolutely ideal plant for an exotic styled garden and will provide texture and structure to your garden. 5) Angel’s Trumpet BOTANICAL NAME: Brugmansia PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H1C TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 4M x 2M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED Also known as Brugmansia, this plant is a perfect addition to any jumbo jungle-themed garden. Angel’s trumpet sports gorgeous foliage and create a tropical spectacle with their glorious, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from summer to autumn. Brugmansias should be planted in containers individually and placed in a warm, sheltered area in partial shade. These plants dislike dry conditions and should be watered and fed frequently during summer. They really don’t tolerate the cold well so we highly recommend that you move them inside during the winter months. Angel’s trumpet is a head turner so make sure you place them in a focal point so everyone can enjoy their exquisite beauty and grace. 6) Giant Rhubarb BOTANICAL NAME: Gunnera manicata PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 2.5M x 4M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE 7) Giant Butterbur BOTANICAL NAME: Petasites japonicus PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 1.5M x 8M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SHADE / PART SHADE 8) Umbrella Plant BOTANICAL NAME: Darmera peltata PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 1M x 1M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE 9) Broussa Mullein BOTANICAL NAME: Verbascum bombyciferum PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 2M x 1M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN 10) Greater Sea Kale BOTANICAL NAME: Crambe cordifolia PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 2M x 1.5M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE 11) Siberian Bugloss BOTANICAL NAME: Brunnera macrophylla PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 0.5M x 0.5M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SHADE / PART SHADE 12) Chusan Palm BOTANICAL NAME: Trachycarpus fortunei PLANT TYPE: PALM TREE HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 2.5M x 10M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE 13) Castor Oil Plant BOTANICAL NAME: Ricinus communis ‘Carmencita’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H2 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 2.5M x 1M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN 14) Leopard Plant BOTANICAL NAME: LIGULARIA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 2.5M x 1M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED 15) Canna Lily BOTANICAL NAME: CANNA PLANT TYPE: TENDER PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 TYPICAL HEIGHT / SPREAD: 1.5M x 0.5M PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED Create your own tropical paradise Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed learning about our five favourite large leaf foliage plants. As you can imagine, there are thousands of plants to choose from, all with different attributes, so you’ve got plenty of options to bring your garden up to your exact specification. These plants can help to showcase your flowers and will add a dynamic depth to your garden refuge. Be sure to research your plants before planting; some can grow to enormous scales so it’s essential to confirm that you have adequate space for them to thrive. Growing such large plants can be a bit daunting at first but they will help to boost your garden to boastful and splendid levels. Be bold, be brave, be extra, and give your garden that boastful, brilliant, exotic look that you’ve been dreaming of.
Learn more
