Growing
These 15 Signature Oriental Plants Inspire Garden Serenity And Tranquility
IN THIS GUIDE What Actually Is A Japanese Garden? Best Plants For A Japanese Garden 1) Bamboo 2) Ornamental Cherry Trees 3) Japanese Maple Bonsai 4) Lotus 5) Wisteria 6) Azalea 7) Camellia 8) Japanese Boxwood 9) Hakone Grass 10) Iris 11) Hydrangea 12) Japanese Quince 13) Mondo Grass 14) Peonies 15) Lilies Journey To A Japanese Garden References If you want your garden to exude peace and tranquillity then a Japanese garden could be just the ticket. Japanese gardens are said to bring serenity and the simple beauty of nature into our busy and cluttered lives. They give the illusion of natural landscapes but are actually controlled by the gardener, meaning that though they are inspired by nature they are not naturally grown. Japanese gardens harness the peace and tranquillity of nature The art of Japanese gardens dates back to 1,300 years ago – however, they have become extremely popular in the west over the last century.1 Japanese gardens were heavily influenced by the country’s Shinto religion and Chinese philosophies where ideas about leading peaceful, harmonic lives and being at one with nature are at the core.2 When we think of Japanese gardens we often think of the expansive gardens filled with lakes and pagodas, blossom trees and bridges and you may be wondering how on earth you will be able to recreate this in your own garden. But fear not, choosing the right plants means that even the most modest garden can successfully harness the Japanese theme. What Actually Is A Japanese Garden? Japanese gardens are traditional gardens defined by Japanese philosophies and aesthetics, there should be absolutely no artificial plants and the main focus should be to showcase the landscape’s natural beauty. Including aged and worn materials will also give the appearance of an ancient and distant landscape and will allude to the vulnerability and frailty of life and that time is always marching forwards with us or without us. Japanese gardens are minimalist and should inspire reflection and meditation. They can also include a number of elements including water, rocks and sand, vegetation, paths, islands and bridges. Japanese garden designers also work using the concept of “borrowed scenery”, which means they use the existing scenery such as a mountain or a castle to inspire and accentuate the garden they are creating.3 In modern times skyscrapers are instead used as borrowed scenery to great effect. Choosing the right plants that would best suit a Japanese-themed garden can be tricky so we’ve put together a list of a few of our favourites to get you started. “To build a small-scale Japanese garden, you can create free-flowing contours in the soil, with small islands,” shares Master Horticulturist Peter Lickorish. “Believe me – this can be done in a surprisingly small space. The lower areas could be lined and filled with water, or use a combination of rocks, gravel and moss, plus some of the plants mentioned above on higher areas. “A quick way to evoke a Japanese style is moss. Interesting species can be bought or, with permission, collected, to build up sculpted contours, providing the area is reasonably shaded.” Best Plants For A Japanese Garden Now that you’ve decided that a Japanese garden is for you it’s time to start getting to grips with the plants you might want to choose. Obviously there are thousands to choose from but we’ve narrowed these down to our best picks for UK gardens. 1) Bamboo BOTANICAL NAME: Phyllostachys aurea PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED LOCATION: sheltered SOIL REQUIREMENTS: LOAM-BASED; moist but WELL-DRAINED Topping our list is, of course, bamboo, the plant perhaps most instantly associated with Japan and its culture. Growing throughout Japan, bamboo is used for everything, including chopsticks, toilet paper, chairs, fans and even entire houses. Bamboo is extremely easy to grow but do keep in mind that some varieties can grow up to 70ft in height. Best planted in spring, bamboo requires moist but well-drained soil in a sunny spot where they are sheltered from the wind. Bamboo should be watered regularly during dry spells and receive a high-nitrogen feed in spring and a well-balanced fertiliser during the growing season up to late August. Aside from that they require very little care and will give your garden an instant Japanese aesthetic. 2) Ornamental Cherry Trees BOTANICAL NAME: Prunus avium PLANT TYPE: TREE HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED LOCATION: FULL SUN SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ANY If you have the space for it then including one or more ornamental cherry trees will immediately accentuate your Japanese theme. Japan is renowned for its beautiful, pink blossoming cherry trees – or sakura – and there are even dedicated festivals to celebrate them. Different species or cultivars can be selected for pink blossom, such as Prunus ‘Kanzan’. Ornamental cherry trees should be planted in full sun and in well-draining soil and somewhere sheltered from strong wind. They will do well in most soil types and should be planted in early autumn. Once planted you should water your tree well and often until it is fully established. Moisture at their formative stage is crucial. Applying fertiliser often can also reduce stress on the tree which can encourage pests and disease. Growing to up to 30 ft, these gorgeous trees can live from 25-50 years and if well cared for, will reward you with their beautiful blossoms year after year. For a similar effect in miniature, Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-Mai’ has cherry blossoms on a shrub which tops out at 2.5m. 3) Japanese Maple Bonsai BOTANICAL NAME: Acer palmatum PLANT TYPE: TREE HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED LOCATION: SHELTERED SOIL REQUIREMENTS: SLIGHTLY ACIDIC If you have a more modest-sized garden then opting for bonsai trees is a great way to accentuate the Japanese theme without using much space. Bonsai is the art of growing and cultivating artificially dwarfed trees in containers that mimic the shape and scale of a full-sized tree. Japanese maple bonsai should be kept in a sunny, airy spot although they should be moved to a shadier spot during the midday heat. Shelter from drying winds is really important too. You should be watering the container every other dry day and, in particularly hot weather, daily or more frequently. You can prune and trim shoots and twigs all year round but wait until autumn to prune the stronger branches so you can avoid bleeding. These cute mini-plants will need repotting every two years, and with love and care, they will reward you with clusters of various coloured flowers in May and June. 4) Lotus BOTANICAL NAME: Nelumbo nucifera PLANT TYPE: AQUATIC HARDINESS RATING: H1C PREFERRED LOCATION: FULL SUN; SHELTERED SOIL REQUIREMENTS: SHALLOW WATER If you have included a pond in your garden to incorporate the element of water then the lovely lotus is a must-have plant. These sun-loving, dramatic plants adore the sun and prefer to be bathed in it for at least 5-6 hours. Lotus plants are fairly easy to care for but do be aware that lotus tubers will not tolerate freezing and will not survive. We recommend you dig the lotus out and overwinter it somewhere inside, watering it to prevent it from drying out completely. Keeping it in a large aquatic crate and in water no deeper than 60cm will make it easier to perform the annual move to shelter. These aquatic beauties will really bring a taste of the exotic to your garden and will make a perfect centrepiece for your Japanese theme. 5) Wisteria BOTANICAL NAME: Wisteria FLORIBUNDA PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED LOCATION: SHELTERED SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ANY This is a great option for any sized garden because the wisteria can simply climb up your house. It’s also perfect for training up pergolas and other strong, wooden structures. Wisteria is effortlessly beautiful but do be aware that it can take five years or more to establish itself. However, they are absolutely worth the wait thanks to their pendulous clusters of lilac, white or bluish flowers which they produce in late spring and early summer. Wisteria needs fertile, well-drained soil and should, ideally, be planted in a west or south-facing direction. If you would like to learn more about wonderful wisteria then why not check out our wisteria guide. 6) Azalea BOTANICAL NAME: Azalea PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H4-6 PREFERRED LOCATION: SHELTERED POSITION, PARTIAL SHADE SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ACIDIC; LOAM-BASED 7) Camellia BOTANICAL NAME: Camellia japonica PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED LOCATION: SHADED; SHELTERED SOIL REQUIREMENTS: SLIGHTLY ACIDIC 8) Japanese Boxwood BOTANICAL NAME: Buxus microphylla var. japonica PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED LOCATION: ANY SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ANY 9) Hakone Grass BOTANICAL NAME: Hakonechloa macra PLANT TYPE: GRASS HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED LOCATION: ANY SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ANY 10) Iris BOTANICAL NAME: Iris germanica PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED LOCATION: FULL SUN SOIL REQUIREMENTS: SLIGHTLY ALKALINE; WELL-DRAINED 11) Hydrangea BOTANICAL NAME: Hydrangea macrophylla PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED LOCATION: ANY SOIL REQUIREMENTS: SLIGHTLY ACIDIC 12) Japanese Quince BOTANICAL NAME: Chaenomeles speciosa PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED LOCATION: ANY POSITION WITH SOME SUN SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ANY 13) Mondo Grass BOTANICAL NAME: Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Black Beard’ PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED LOCATION: ANY SOIL REQUIREMENTS: SLIGHTLY ACIDIC 14) Peonies BOTANICAL NAME: Paeonia lactiflora PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED LOCATION: SHELTERED, SOME SUN SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ANY 15) Lilies BOTANICAL NAME: LILIUM PLANT TYPE: BULB HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED LOCATION: FULL SUN; SHELTERED SOIL REQUIREMENTS: SLIGHTLY ACIDIC Journey To A Japanese Garden Hopefully you now feel ready to begin your journey to a Japanese garden. There are so many wonderful plants to choose from and don’t forget to incorporate some of the Japanese elements like sand, water, distressed wood, and so on. A Japanese garden will demonstrate simple beauty and grace and will be the perfect place to enjoy some much-needed calmness in the midst of the hectic lives we all seem to lead these days. We wish you luck on transforming your garden into a Japanese haven, and we hope you enjoy the peace and tranquillity it will surely provide. References 1. Hiromasa, A. (n.d.). Japanese Gardens – Changes In Style. Niponica. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://web-japan.org/niponica/niponica26/en/feature/feature02.html 2. Habib, F., Nahibi, S., & Majedi, H. (2012, August 1). Japanese Garden as a Physical Symbol of Japanese Culture. International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://ijaud.srbiau.ac.ir/article_2252_b51091b0f9b504d92412c40a8efe467a.pdf 3. Borrowed Scenery: shakkei. (n.d.). The Japanese Garden. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://learn.bowdoin.edu/japanesegardens/elements/borrowed/borrowed.html
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These 52 Vivid Garden Plants With Purple Flowers Pack A Visual Punch
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Clematis 2) Butterfly Bush 3) Bellflower 4) Lavender 5) Wisteria 6) Catmint 7) Ornamental Onion 8) Sage 9) Giant Hyssop 10) Monk’s Hood 11) Rhododendron 12) Sweet Pea 13) Scabious 14) Petunia 15) Pansy 16) Morning Glory 17) Michaelmas Daisy 18) Lupin 19) Foxglove 20) Fuchsia 21) Lilac 22) Columbine 23) Crocus 24) Calla Lily 25) Hyacinth 26) Winter Windflower 27) Lily Of The Nile 28) Dendrobium Orchid 29) Bearded Iris 30) Verbena 31) Rosemary 32) Oregano 33) Chives 34) Golden Dewdrop 35) Caryopteris 36) Heather 37) Bougainvillea 38) Abelia 39) Hydrangea 40) Weigela 41) Bear’s Breeches 42) Hardy Geranium 43) Speedwell 44) Phlox 45) Chrysanthemum 46) Daylily 47) Bergenia 48) Meadow Rue 49) Hyacinth Bean 50) Chilean Potato Tree 51) Delphinium 52) Aubrieta Why Choose Plants With Purple Flowers? A Garden Of Purple Is Always In Bloom Historically, the colour purple was associated with wealth and royalty, largely because of how expensive and rare the dye was that was used to produce it. Purple exudes luxury, power and vitality and using this colour in your garden can really pack a visual punch. With so many varying shades to choose from, purple can set a distinct mood within your garden, whether it’s peaceful and tranquil, lavish and luxurious, or brilliant and bold. Purple flowers are a surefire way to make a statement and accentuate the aesthetics of your outdoor spaces. So if you are eager to introduce some purple passion into your garden but you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together some inspiration to help you choose the perfect purple flowers for you. I’ve picked out some of our favourites to help you get started. 1) Clematis PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H5/H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: VITICELLA Though clematis comes in a wide range of colours, there is an abundance of purple flowering varieties to choose from. This popular purple beauty is easy to grow and, if selected carefully, it is possible to have flowers all year round. Best planted in spring or early-to mid-autumn, this plant thrives in sunlight or partial shade. Keep in mind that clematis is a very thirsty plant and will not do well in dry soil but, when well-watered, you will be rewarded with gorgeous blooms in shades from soft mauve to deep, rich purples. 2) Butterfly Bush BOTANICAL NAME: BUDDLEJA PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘BLACK KNIGHT’, ‘LOCHINCH’, ‘DARTMOOR’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Also known as butterfly bushes, buddlejas bear beautiful, conical blooms that butterflies and other pollinators find very attractive. Coming in a variety of purple shades, this plant is easy to grow and maintain, and will thrive in almost any situation. That said, they will attract more butterflies and bees if they are planted in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. We recommend planting in spring or autumn and that you cut them back hard from March to May, as cutting back late promotes late flowering. 3) Bellflower BOTANICAL NAME: CAMPANULA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘PERSICIFOLIA’ This charming plant will tolerate shade but certainly prefers to be in full sun and the more sun received the more flowers there will be. Sow your seeds in spring in well-drained soil and when watering, make sure the soil is moist but never overly soggy. Bellflowers bloom in summer three or four weeks and sometimes longer and add a layer of joy and whimsy to any garden. 4) Lavender BOTANICAL NAME: LAVANDULA PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ENGLISH Lavender has become hugely popular among gardeners, mostly thanks to it’s gorgeous and relaxing fragrance, its heavenly purple shades and the fact that it is darn easy to grow! Not only is lavender popular among gardeners, but bees also adore it. Lavender flowers during the midsummer gap when there is little forage and bees are at their hungriest. Attracting these hungry pollinators to your garden will help your garden to produce more plants and flowers. Lavender enjoys full sun and well-drained soil and should be cut back after flowering to avoid the stems becoming woody. You only need to water them sparingly and apart from that pretty much take care of themselves and will fill your garden with splashes of purple and their signature scent. 5) Wisteria PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: CHINESE Wisteria is effortlessly beautiful and is famous for the pendulous lilac blooms that you often see climbing the walls of a country cottage or draping itself over a pergola. Wisteria demands patience as it can take five years or more to establish itself and begin flowering, but its purple flowers are certainly worth the wait. This vigorous climbing shrub should be planted between October and April in full sun on a south or west-facing wall or structure. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and water frequently, especially in dry spells as wisteria can quickly dry out. Though it may take several years for you to enjoy your wisteria in all its glory, this powerful, purple plant is a real statement and will be the envy of all your friends and neighbours. 6) Catmint BOTANICAL NAME: Nepeta cataria PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN This tough-as-nails purple perennial blooms for months and requires very little attention. This is an ideal purple plant for novice gardeners as it is heat and drought tolerant, is robust and rarely needs watering. Although it can be grown from seed, we recommend planting nursery-grown catmint in full sun anytime from spring to early autumn. Catmint has a lovely, minty, aromatic fragrance and repels deer and rabbits. Despite its name, it is not attractive to cats, but it is incredibly seductive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. 7) Ornamental Onion BOTANICAL NAME: ALLIUM PLANT TYPE: BULB HARDINESS RATING: H6/H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘HOLLANDICUM’ These adorable purple puffs look like they could be out of a Dr Zeuss book. They are full of character and are an excellent addition to any garden. Alliums are super easy to grow, thrive in the sun and are drought tolerant. Best planted in mid to late autumn in well-drained soil, these adorable plants will flower throughout spring and early summer. We recommend planting them in sunny borders or weaving them throughout feathery grass. 8) Sage BOTANICAL NAME: Salvia officinalis PLANT TYPE: HERB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Purpurascens’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 9) Giant Hyssop BOTANICAL NAME: AGASTACHE PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘BLUE FORTUNE’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 10) Monk’s Hood BOTANICAL NAME: Aconitum napellus PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER 11) Rhododendron PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘PURPLE SPLENDOUR’, ‘BLUE DANUBE’, ‘MONSIEUR MARCEL’ 12) Sweet Pea BOTANICAL NAME: Lathyrus odoratus PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘BLUE VELVET’, ‘MOONLIT NIGHT’ 13) Scabious BOTANICAL NAME: SCABIOSA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘BUTTERFLY BLUE’, ‘FLUTTER DEEP BLUE’ 14) Petunia PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘PEPPY PLUM’ 15) Pansy BOTANICAL NAME: VIOLA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘CORNUTA’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 16) Morning Glory BOTANICAL NAME: Ipomoea purpurea PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H1C FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: COMMON 17) Michaelmas Daisy BOTANICAL NAME: ASTER PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Prairie Purple’, ‘Mönch’, ‘Mel’s Blue’ 18) Lupin BOTANICAL NAME: LUPINUS PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Masterpiece’, ‘Purple Emperor’ 19) Foxglove BOTANICAL NAME: Digitalis purpurea PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: COMMON, ‘DALMATION PURPLE’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 20) Fuchsia PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: VARIES FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Deep Purple’, ‘Blue Angel’ 21) Lilac BOTANICAL NAME: Syringa vulgaris PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: COMMON, ‘SENSATION’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 22) Columbine BOTANICAL NAME: AQUILEGIA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5-H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Hensol Harebell’, ‘Blue Barlow’ 23) Crocus PLANT TYPE: BULB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: VARIES NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Vanguard’, ‘Saffron’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 24) Calla Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Zantedeschia PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H1C FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘PICASSO’ 25) Hyacinth BOTANICAL NAME: Muscari armeniacum PLANT TYPE: BULB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Paul Hermann’, ‘Blue Jacket’ 26) Winter Windflower BOTANICAL NAME: Anemone blanda PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘BLANDA’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 27) Lily Of The Nile BOTANICAL NAME: AGAPANTHUS PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H4-H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Northern Star’, ‘Purple Cloud’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 28) Dendrobium Orchid PLANT TYPE: HOUSEPLANT HARDINESS RATING: H1A FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘ENOBI PURPLE’ 29) Bearded Iris BOTANICAL NAME: Iris germanica PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Matinata’, ‘Nightfall’ 30) Verbena BOTANICAL NAME: Verbena bonariensis PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘SANTOS PURPLE’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 31) Rosemary BOTANICAL NAME: Salvia rosmarinus PLANT TYPE: HERB HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER 32) Oregano BOTANICAL NAME: Origanum vulgare PLANT TYPE: HERB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Herrenhausen’, ‘Rosenkuppel’ 33) Chives BOTANICAL NAME: Allium schoenoprasum PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL BULB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘LAVENDER BUBBLES’ 34) Golden Dewdrop BOTANICAL NAME: Duranta erecta PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER 35) Caryopteris PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘HEAVENLY BLUE’ 36) Heather BOTANICAL NAME: ERICA PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN 37) Bougainvillea PLANT TYPE: CLIMBING SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Pink Pillar’, ‘Enchantment Purple’ 38) Abelia PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Edward Goucher’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 39) Hydrangea PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Purple Prince’, ‘Bavaria’ 40) Weigela PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘ALEXANDRA’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 41) Bear’s Breeches BOTANICAL NAME: Acanthus mollis PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: COMMON, ‘SPINY’ 42) Hardy Geranium PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Jolly Bee’, ‘Mrs Kendall Clark’, ‘Orion’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 43) Speedwell BOTANICAL NAME: Veronica longifolia PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN 44) Phlox PLANT TYPE: ALPINE PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Miss Pepper’, ‘Prospero’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 45) Chrysanthemum PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H2/H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: AUTUMN NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Rynoon’, ‘Purple Margaret Dixon’ 46) Daylily BOTANICAL NAME: Hemerocallis PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘VOODOO DANCER’ 47) Bergenia PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Purpurascens’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 48) Meadow Rue BOTANICAL NAME: Thalictrum PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER 49) Hyacinth Bean BOTANICAL NAME: Lablab purpureus PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H1C FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN 50) Chilean Potato Tree BOTANICAL NAME: Solanum crispum ‘Glasnevin’ PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 51) Delphinium PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Faust’, ‘Black Knight’, ‘Purple Velvet’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 52) Aubrieta PLANT TYPE: ALPINE PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER NOTABLE PURPLE VARIETIES: ‘Blue Cascade’, ‘Kitte’
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52 Fiery And Vibrant Orange Flowering Plants With Lilies, Marigolds And Geums
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Mexican Sunflowers 2) Nasturtiums 3) Iceland Poppy 4) Asiatic Lily 5) Crown Imperial 6) Trumpet Vines 7) African Marigolds 8) Yellow Sage 9) Pansy 10) Tulips 11) Chinese Lantern 12) Calendula 13) Montbretia 14) Zinnia 15) California Poppies 16) Geums 17) Oriental Poppy 18) Canna Lily 19) Common Orange Daylily 20) Red Hot Pokers 21) Begonia 22) Foxtail Lilies 23) Gerbera Daisy 24) Witch Hazel 25) Bird Of Paradise 26) Stalked Bulbine 27) Butterfly Weed 28) Carnation 29) Chrysanthemum 30) Cosmos 31) Sneezeweed 32) Iris 33) Peruvian Lily 34) Lion’s Tail 35) Rose 36) Blanket Flower 37) Blackberry Lily 38) Lace Aloe 39) Dahlia 40) Foxgloves 41) Rhododendron 42) Peanut Cactus 43) Crocus 44) Staghorn Cinquefoil 45) Orange Ball Tree 46) California Fuchsia 47) Yarrow 48) Star Of Bethlehem 49) Indian Mallows 50) Golden Opal Flower 51) Golden Barberry 52) Barbados Snowdrop Why Choose Plants With Orange Flowers? Orange Is The Happiest Colour References Combining the powerful energy of red with the happiness of yellow, the colour orange is said to represent enthusiasm, joy, creativity and sunshine. It is considered an energetic colour, believed by some to evoke feelings of courage and strength and passion within us. As they say, “Orange is the new black”! Whether or not you buy into such beliefs, orange certainly is warm and inviting. Many plants flower in this evocative colour, in all kinds of different shades. So if you are ready to add a splash of excitement to your garden, we’ve put together some inspiration to help you choose the best plants with orange flowers for you. 1) Mexican Sunflowers BOTANICAL NAME: Tithonia rotundifolia PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN Let’s kick things off with this fiery little number, the Mexican sunflower. These free-flowering annuals grow anywhere from 3-8 feet tall and bloom in an impactful and delightfully deep reddy-orange. These sun worshipping, spicy, showy plants are ideal for beginners; they can grow in most soil types and require very little care. Mexican sunflowers also attract butterflies and with their height bring them right up to eye level giving your garden an extra layer of magic. 2) Nasturtiums BOTANICAL NAME: Tropaeolum majus PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN Coming in an array of oranges from peachy yellow, all the way to burnt orange, nasturtiums are cheerful, quick and easy to grow, annual flowers. Not only do these plants sport beautifully bright greenery and produce a delightful scent, but all parts of the plants are edible, making them an intriguing addition to salads. Because of how rapidly they grow, these plants are also perfect if you are trying to encourage children to give gardening a go. They are perfect plants for growing in containers but also make brilliant ground cover plants. 3) Iceland Poppy BOTANICAL NAME: Papaver nudicaule PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN Blossoming in creamy peaches, yellow-oranges and simple oranges, this delicate-looking perennial plant shows that orange can also bring a sense of charm to your garden. Flowering in late spring to early summer, the Iceland poppy usually grows no more than two feet in height and will attract birds, bees and butterflies to your garden. The Icelandic poppy also comes in a variety of other colours, meaning that combining it with other colours is a great way to introduce more colour to your garden whilst keeping orange as the centre of attention. 4) Asiatic Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Lilium NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Orange Summer’, ‘Sunset Joy’ PLANT TYPE: BULB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN Lillies are a real statement in any garden, and the orange Asiatic lily is no different. This boastful orange bloomer brings with it romance and drama and will also harmonise with other plants in shades of pinks and blues and pale yellows. Blooming in late spring to mid-summer, these lilies are usually unscented, but what they lack in scent they certainly make up in style. The key to these plants is to make sure you choose a location for them that will allow them to have at least 6 hours of sunlight. They are largely unfussy about soil, but in the right spot, this pretty perennial will reward you with beautiful, bountiful blooms that are guaranteed to impress. 5) Crown Imperial BOTANICAL NAME: Fritillaria imperialis NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘AURORA’ PLANT TYPE: BULB HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT If you are keen to add something a little bit different and unique to your garden, then fritillaria is the plant for you. This bulbous perennial with its narrow, spiky crown of green leaves and its dramatic bell-shaped orange flowers is a real show-stopper. This plant will really give your garden the taste of the exotic. Thriving in partial to full sunlight and blooming in spring, fritillaria bulbs will produce the best blooms when planted in moist soil and once established are relatively simple to care for. Reaching up to four feet in height, these striking plants are perfect for borders, and in the right growing conditions will readily produce huge clumps and are guaranteed to spice up any garden. 6) Trumpet Vines BOTANICAL NAME: Campsis radicans NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘INDIAN SUMMER’ PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN Also known as trumpet vines, these cocky climbers are fast-growing and will quickly cover fences and walls. This vigorous, woody, deciduous plant blooms from late summer to autumn and adds real value to any garden. Their whimsical, orange trumpet-shaped flowers are real head turners and, full of fun, they will truly bring a sense of joy to any garden. Plant these beauties where they will have plenty of sunlight and a surface for them to climb and they will reward you with their blooming-gorgeous blooms. 7) African Marigolds BOTANICAL NAME: Tagetes erecta NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘HERO ORANGE’ PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN This list could not be complete without the marvellous marigold. A firm favourite among gardeners, this no-fuss annual will bring the colour of sunshine to your garden. Plant them in well-draining soil where they can enjoy full sunlight and their flowers will flourish from late-spring to autumn. Marigolds are fast-growing and attract butterflies, bees and ladybirds and make a fine companion for vegetable patches as they can help protect them from pests. This flamboyant flower is easy to grow, making it perfect for a kids’ project or new gardeners. 8) Yellow Sage BOTANICAL NAME: Lantana camara PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H1C FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN 9) Pansy BOTANICAL NAME: VIOLA NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘F1 Frizzle Sizzle Orange’, ‘Matrix Orange’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: BIENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5-H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: WINTER / SPRING PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE 10) Tulips BOTANICAL NAME: TULIPA NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Cairo’ (Pictured), ‘Ballerina’, ‘Orange Sun’ PLANT TYPE: BULBS HARDINESS RATING: VARIES FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 11) Chinese Lantern BOTANICAL NAME: Physalis alkekengi PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 12) Calendula BOTANICAL NAME: Calendula officinalis PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL / BIENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE 13) Montbretia BOTANICAL NAME: Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ PLANT TYPE: BULBS HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 14) Zinnia NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Orange King’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN 15) California Poppies BOTANICAL NAME: Eschscholzia californica PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 16) Geums NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Borisii’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 17) Oriental Poppy BOTANICAL NAME: Papaver orientale PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 18) Canna Lily NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘PHASION’ PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 19) Common Orange Daylily BOTANICAL NAME: Hemerocallis PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE 20) Red Hot Pokers BOTANICAL NAME: Kniphofias NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘ELVIRA’ (PICTURED) PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE 21) Begonia NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Nonstop Orange’ (Pictured), ‘Orange Rubra’ PLANT TYPE: HOUSEPLANT / PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: VARIES FLOWERING MONTHS: VARIES PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; PART SHADE 22) Foxtail Lilies BOTANICAL NAME: Eremurus NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘CLEOPATRA’ (PICTURED) PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN 23) Gerbera Daisy NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘SWEET SUNSET’ PLANT TYPE: HOUSEPLANT / PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN 24) Witch Hazel BOTANICAL NAME: Hamamelis x intermedia NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘ORANGE PEEL’ (PICTURED) PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: WINTER PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE 25) Bird Of Paradise BOTANICAL NAME: Strelitzia reginae PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL / HOUSEPLANT HARDINESS RATING: H1B FLOWERING MONTHS: WINTER / SPRING PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 26) Stalked Bulbine BOTANICAL NAME: Bulbine frutescens PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: YEAR-ROUND PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN 27) Butterfly Weed BOTANICAL NAME: Asclepias tuberosa PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN 28) Carnation BOTANICAL NAME: DIANTHUS NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘SUPER TROUPER’ PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 29) Chrysanthemum NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘SICARDO ORANGE’ PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 30) Cosmos BOTANICAL NAME: Cosmos sulphureus NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Tango’, ‘Cosmic Orange’ PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN 31) Sneezeweed BOTANICAL NAME: HELENIUM NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Chipperfield Orange’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 32) Iris NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Orange Harvest’, ‘Carnival Time’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 33) Peruvian Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Alstroemeria aurea PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE 34) Lion’s Tail BOTANICAL NAME: Leonotis leonurus PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: AUTUMN / WINTER PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN 35) Rose BOTANICAL NAME: ROSA NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Just Joey’ (Pictured), ‘Pat Austin’, ‘Super Trouper’, ‘Grace’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 36) Blanket Flower BOTANICAL NAME: Gaillardia grandiflora NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘DAZZLER’ PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL (GROWN AS AN ANNUAL) HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 37) Blackberry Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Belamcanda chinensis PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE 38) Lace Aloe BOTANICAL NAME: Aloe aristata PLANT TYPE: CACTI / HOUSEPLANT HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; INDIRECT SUNLIGHT 39) Dahlia NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Jodie Wilkinson’ PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 40) Foxgloves BOTANICAL NAME: Digitalis purpurea NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Dalmation Peach’ PLANT TYPE: BIENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 41) Rhododendron NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘GIBRALTAR’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 42) Peanut Cactus BOTANICAL NAME: Echinopsis chamaecereus PLANT TYPE: CACTI HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 43) Crocus BOTANICAL NAME: Crocus angustifolius NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘CLOTH-OF-GOD’ PLANT TYPE: BULBS HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 44) Staghorn Cinquefoil BOTANICAL NAME: Potentilla × tonguei NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Hopley’s Orange’ PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 45) Orange Ball Tree BOTANICAL NAME: Buddleja globosa PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 46) California Fuchsia BOTANICAL NAME: Epilobium canum NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘WESTERN HILLS’ PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 47) Yarrow BOTANICAL NAME: Achillea millefolium NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘Terracotta’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: EXPOSED; FULL SUN 48) Star Of Bethlehem BOTANICAL NAME: Ornithogalum dubium PLANT TYPE: BULBS HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: WINTER / SPRING PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 49) Indian Mallows BOTANICAL NAME: Abutilon NOTABLE VARIETIES: ‘ORANGE GLOW’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER / AUTUMN PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 50) Golden Opal Flower BOTANICAL NAME: Lachenalia flava PLANT TYPE: BULBS HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: WINTER / SPRING PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 51) Golden Barberry BOTANICAL NAME: Berberis × stenophylla PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT 52) Barbados Snowdrop BOTANICAL NAME: Habranthus tubispathus PLANT TYPE: BULBS HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Orange Is The Happiest Colour It was Frank Sinatra himself who said: “Orange is the happiest colour” and we think he has a point. Orange flowers bring such a cheerful, sunny vibe to any garden and will complement so many other shades and hues. Hopefully you are now bursting with orange inspiration and ready to fill your garden with positive, energising tones that will keep you smiling day after day. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and create the bold and beautiful garden you’ve been dreaming about!
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25 Plant Ideas For Cottage Gardens With Clare Foster, Author Of 'The Flower Garden'
IN THIS GUIDE What Is A Cottage Garden? 1) Roses 2) Lupins 3) Lavender 4) Wisteria 5) Hollyhocks 6) Foxgloves 7) Columbine 8) Larkspur 9) Catmint 10) Bellflower 11) Peonies 12) Cranesbill 13) Sweet Peas 14) Clematis 15) Coral Bells 16) Iris 17) Asters 18) Snapdragons 19) Yarrow 20) Bleeding Heart 21) Honeysuckle 22) Penstemon 23) African Daisies 24) Cinquefoils 25) Prairie Mallow An Enchanted Cottage Garden References There are few things more idyllic than a British cottage garden. The idea instantly conjures up images of colourful, sprawling plants and flowers and the sweet scent of roses and blossoms being carried gently by a light afternoon breeze. Interestingly, cottage gardens emerged in the Elizabethan period.1 The cottages were owned by labourers who had no particular interest in flowers. They held minimal land, and their gardens were filled with fruit and veg to provide food for their families, and with herbs for medicinal purposes.2 Flowers were generally an afterthought, planted to protect their harvest from insects. It’s thought that in the 19th century, the more wealthy members of society began to design their gardens purely for aesthetic reasons.3 This is when the cottage garden style that we know today began. Despite the name, cottage gardens aren’t limited to those of us who own a cottage. Even if you own the most modern of houses in the busiest of towns or cities, you can still create the cottage garden of your dreams. What Is A Cottage Garden? Before we get into plants, the first thing you need to understand is what defines a cottage garden. English in origin, a cottage garden is recognisable by its informal design, dense planting, a mix and match of ornamental and edible plants and the use of natural materials. “I have a flower-filled cottage garden where I like growing all sorts of different plants that I put together in a naturalistic way,” shares Clare Foster, a garden writer. “I like plants that self-seed, so the garden starts developing in ways that you wouldn’t necessarily have anticipated.” Cottage gardens rely on charm and romance rather than extravagance and grandeur. That said, although these gardens have no formal structure, it does not mean, if you are starting your garden from scratch, that you should do so without any pre-planning or design. Choosing the right plants is vital, but knowing where to start can be tricky. There are hundreds of plants that will help accentuate the cottage garden style, but we’ve drawn together twenty-five top players to help you capture the look quickly and easily. So let’s jump right in. 1) Roses BOTANICAL NAME: ROSA PLANT TYPE: VARIES BY TYPE HARDINESS RATING: VARIES PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN Roses are the quintessential cottage garden plants. Romantic, timeless, effortlessly beautiful and don’t get us started on their gorgeous scent! When it comes to roses, you do need to do your research. Some types are less hardy than others, and some are very challenging to care for. In a cottage garden, you are going to have a lot going on plant wise so when it comes to roses we do recommend choosing a variety that is easier to maintain. Most roses require full sun, so plant them somewhere where they will receive plenty of sunlight, and they will soon begin to thrive. “Some varieties of roses cope happily with part shade, allowing selections to be made for different spots in the garden,” shares Master Horticulturist Roy Nicol. “However, all roses like fertile soil that holds moisture, so improving the soil with lots of organic matter will encourage roses to grow well and flower accordingly.” 2) Lupins BOTANICAL NAME: LUPINUS PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: TYPICALLY H4/H5 PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE Lupins have been a firm favourite in British gardens for generations. These traditional summer bedding plants produce triumphant, flowering spears, blooming from May to July. This striking stately plant has over six hundred varieties in varying tones of pink, purple, blue, yellow, brown, red and white and are therefore a great way to add a splash of colour to your garden. Lupins enjoy full sun or dappled shade and moist well-drained soil and are extremely easy and rewarding to grow. “Younger Lupin plants are particularly attractive to slugs and snails so some protection with effective organic methods such as nematodes or sheep’s wool is advisable,” shares Roy. 3) Lavender BOTANICAL NAME: LAVANDULA PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN Lavender is loved for its rich and aromatic fragrance as well as its natural beauty. A cottage garden should not only be memorable because of its visual aesthetic but also for the scents it produces, and lavender will not let you down in that department. Easy to grow, this reliable shrub thrives in full sun in free-draining soil or a container making it perfect for even the most modest-sized gardens. Lavender is well known for its calming properties which help to promote wellness and reduce stress. Placing a few sprigs under your pillow can encourage peaceful slumber, and you can even add lavender to relaxing tea infusions! What’s more, bees love lavender and welcoming these vital pollinators into your cottage garden will help your plants produce more seeds and help your garden to flourish. 4) Wisteria BOTANICAL NAME: WISTERIA PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE A vibrant and vigorous climbing shrub, wisteria exudes grace and charm. Driving through a village, you will undoubtedly see a cute country cottage almost entirely draped in this enchanting plant. Wisteria can take a while to establish and may not bloom for five years or more so patience is key with this boastful beauty, but she is certainly worth the wait. If you’re not so keen to have wisteria climbing the walls of your home, then you could instead train one up a robust wooden structure such as a pergola or archway. Wisterias benefit from good soil and full or partial sun, the vines themselves ideally need at least six hours of direct light. “If Wisteria is pruned twice a year by following the simple rule 7&2, meaning cutting back to 7 buds in July and to 2 buds in February, flowering can be maximised as well as keeping this vigorous climber tamed!” shares Roy. 5) Hollyhocks BOTANICAL NAME: Alcea rosea PLANT TYPE: BIENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN No cottage garden would be complete without Hollyhocks. With their tall spires and bell-shaped flowers, hollyhocks are certainly not humble but rather announce themselves joyously, blooming from summer to early autumn. Although hollyhocks are short-lived perennials and tend only to thrive for a few years, they self-sow at a terrific rate so don’t be surprised if you find them wandering throughout your entire garden! Coming in a wide variety of colours and growing to up to seven feet in height, hollyhocks are perfect for the backs of borders; otherwise, they tend to upstage their fellow plants. This old garden favourite is easy to grow and prefers a warm sunny spot that is sheltered from the wind. 6) Foxgloves BOTANICAL NAME: Digitalis purpurea PLANT TYPE: BIENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 7) Columbine BOTANICAL NAME: AQUILEGIA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 8) Larkspur BOTANICAL NAME: DELPHINIUM PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN 9) Catmint BOTANICAL NAME: Nepeta cataria PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 10) Bellflower BOTANICAL NAME: CAMPANULA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 11) Peonies BOTANICAL NAME: Paeonia PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE 12) Cranesbill BOTANICAL NAME: Geranium × magnificum PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 13) Sweet Peas BOTANICAL NAME: Lathyrus odoratus PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE 14) Clematis BOTANICAL NAME: CLEMATIS PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: TYPICALLY H5 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 15) Coral Bells BOTANICAL NAME: HEUCHERA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 16) Iris BOTANICAL NAME: IRIS SIBIRICA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 17) Asters BOTANICAL NAME: ASTER PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 18) Snapdragons BOTANICAL NAME: Antirrhinum majus PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN 19) Yarrow BOTANICAL NAME: ACHILLEA PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 20) Bleeding Heart BOTANICAL NAME: Lamprocapnos spectabilis PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; PART SHADE 21) Honeysuckle BOTANICAL NAME: LONICERA PLANT TYPE: CLIMBING SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 22) Penstemon BOTANICAL NAME: PENSTEMON PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED POSITION: ANY 23) African Daisies BOTANICAL NAME: OSTEOSPERMUM PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN 24) Cinquefoils BOTANICAL NAME: POTENTILLA PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE 25) Prairie Mallow BOTANICAL NAME: Sidalcea PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED POSITION: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE An Enchanted Cottage Garden We hope this article has given you a solid starting point to help you jump right in and start designing the cottage garden of your dreams. As you can imagine, there really are hundreds of plants that will fit effortlessly within this style, and there isn’t one rule of thumb. The main thing to keep in mind is keeping the style informal, don’t be afraid to mix and match with both flowers and colours as this will help capture the carefree aesthetic. Do take time to plan though – you want the flowers and plants to be bountiful, but you don’t want them to overshadow each other or thwart one another’s growth. That said, a cottage garden is achievable for any garden, regardless of your ability or the limitations imposed by the size of your garden. So get planning, get planting and before you know it you will have your very own cottage garden that will enchant both you and passersby alike for years to come. References 1. Gardens through time. (n.d.). English Heritage. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/gardens-through-time/ 2. Inside the Elizabethan Garden. (2018, June 8). Folger Shakespeare Library. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.folger.edu/blogs/folger-story/inside-the-elizabethan-garden/ 3. Garden and landscape design – 19th century. (2000, January 12). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/art/garden-and-landscape-design/19th-century
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Top Of The Pots: Garden Curators Share 27 Plants They Love To Grow In Containers
IN THIS GUIDE Situating Your Plants Hardy Plants For Pots 1) Bay Tree 2) Hebe ‘Pink Elephant’ 3) Geraniums 4) Heather Perennial Plants For Containers 5) Peruvian Lily 6) Lavender 7) Canna Lily Evergreen Plants For Pots 8) Temu 9) Round-Leaved Mint Bush 10) Tawhiwhi Tall Plants For Pots 11) Bamboo 12) Thuja 13) Bougainvillea Best Plants For Pots In Full Sun 14) Pieris ‘Prelude’ 15) Little Linda 16) Eternal Fragrance Shade-Friendly Plants For Pots 17) Plantain Lily 18) Creeping Jenny 19) Trailing Lobelia Best Flowering Plants For Pots 20) Lily Of The Nile 21) Rose ‘Munstead Wood’ 22) Yakushima Rhododendron 23) Begonia 24) African Daisy 25) Fuchsia 26) African Marigold 27) Dahlias Top Of The Pots You’ve bought a bunch of pots for plants, ready to put your green fingers to work and bring a vibrant green flourish to your home. But maybe you’re wondering which plants are best for those pots? This is a question with surprisingly varied answers: “the best” depends on what you’re trying to do, for starters. Are you looking for plants for pots in full sun, or for shade-loving plants for containers? Are you looking for flowering plants for pots, or something evergreen to guarantee colour year-round? Whatever pot-based needs you’re aiming to meet, we’ve written this guide to point you in the direction of the best plants to help you get there. “Because of my own background, I started with growing in pots, I’ve made sure that pots are my focus,” shares Our Plant Stories’ Sally Flatman. “Most plants can be grown in pots even if this isn’t forever.” Don’t be put off by pot growing. Situating Your Plants The great outdoors is the best place for plants. It’s where they belong, and the conditions are most often right for them to thrive. “I think the secret is to figure out the conditions of where the pot will be (sun or shade, exposed or sheltered) and then find plants to suit,” shares Sunil Patel who owns the garden at 13 Broom Acres. “Plants that remain exclusive to pots in the garden are those that we need to move into a greenhouse or even indoors for winter protection. “Among these are a Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise), lemongrass and lots of various sedums and succulents.” If you’re looking for plants to fill your outdoor space – whether it’s a garden, a balcony, a patch of pavement, or anything in between – we’ve got you covered. In the sections below we’ll explore the most commonly requested types of plants for outdoor pots, then give our favourite recommendations for each. This list is not exhaustive! You have tons of options for outdoor plants, so if you don’t find something you like here, keep looking. Hardy Plants For Pots These hardy plants are those that can hold their own in low temperatures. And let’s face it: In the UK, where our weather flits between one extreme and another, hardy plants are a good bet. 1) Bay Tree BOTANICAL NAME: Laurus nobilis PLANT TYPE: TREE HARDINESS RATING: H4-5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE; SHELTERED If you’ve ever found an entire leaf in your curry, that was most likely bay leaf. The fragrant flavour is commonplace in kitchens, and the plant makes a welcome addition to any British garden. Bay grows in pots or shaped containers like troughs and similar. It responds to pruning, and can be shaped if you’re interested in topiary. This plant has a hardiness rating of H4-5 depending on where it’s grown – it will be less hardy in a container than it would be in the ground, and will fare slightly better in sheltered positions. When cultivating a bay tree in a container, it likes a soil-based compost with grit for drainage. You only need to water moderately, and you can apply liquid fertiliser fortnightly between May and September. Repotting every two years helps this plant to thrive – aim to do that in spring. 2) Hebe ‘Pink Elephant’ BOTANICAL NAME: Hebe ‘Pink Elephant’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED Creamy pinks and greens give this hardy evergreen an intriguing and alluring visual appeal. We love plants with unusual palettes, and we recommend this compact Hebe to any budding gardener. The ‘Pink Elephant’ has a hardiness rating of H4. 3) Geraniums BOTANICAL NAME: GERANIUM PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY “Of the hardy Geraniums, one with attractive dark foliage, called G. pratense ‘Storm Cloud’, is relatively upright to suit a container,” shares Master Horticulturist Peter Lickorish. “Some are more sprawling and better suited for use as ground cover.” 4) Heather BOTANICAL NAME: Calluna vulgaris PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN Perennial Plants For Containers Perennials come back year after year, meaning that once you’ve added them to your garden, you can enjoy them for a good amount of time. They’re perfect for gardeners who want to kick back and enjoy their outdoor space, without the pressure of planting out a new batch of plants every season. Thankfully, there are plenty of perennials that grow well in pots and containers. Here are a couple of our favourites: 5) Peruvian Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Alstroemeria aurea PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE; SHELTERED A mainstay in British gardens, and a plant with modern varieties to put exciting new twists on the traditional. Offering a rainbow of red, orange, yellow, pink, or white, the Peruvian Lily is a great choice for any gardener. Some varieties – including ‘Sonata’, ‘Friendship’, ‘Spitfire’, ‘Tessa’, and more – have received the RHS Award of Garden Merit, marking them as particularly well suited to gardens in our fair country. Alstroemeria also makes for great cuttings if you want to grow new plants indoors, or give them as gifts. A truly versatile plant. 6) Lavender BOTANICAL NAME: Lavandula PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED Who doesn’t love lavender? We’ll be honest, this is one of our favourite plants ever. The mind-blowing spectrum of pinks and purples it brings, the unmistakable and enchanting scent, and the fact that bees can’t resist it. All these factors combine to make lavender a rewarding and beautiful addition to any garden. “For many plants, including lavender, planting into a pot more than three times the root-ball size could cause the compost to sit too damp and eventually the plant may rot,” says Peter. “Therefore, I generally stick to pots no more than twice the size of the original rootball. A wider pot can provide good anchorage for taller plants.” 7) Canna Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Canna PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED Evergreen Plants For Pots Evergreens are the best plants for pots all year round. Their foliage remains visually interesting throughout the year, and they don’t require replanting or replacing next season. 8) Temu BOTANICAL NAME: Luma apiculata PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY This evergreen shrub sports attractive white flowers in summer and autumn, with purple berries at the end of its flowering season. It’s received the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), signifying its compatibility with UK growing conditions. So if you’re looking for an evergreen that will thrive in pots in your garden, luma is a good bet. In fact, luma is noted for its suitability for city courtyards, which may trap its sweet fragrance, and gardens, where your plant choices may be limited to those that can grow in containers. This plant will keep growing for years to come, sometimes taking up to fifty years to reach its full height. 9) Round-Leaved Mint Bush BOTANICAL NAME: Prostanthera rotundifolia PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H2 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED This evergreen shrub has lovely purple flowers punctuating its aromatic green leaves. It’s evergreen, but not as hardy as some other evergreens. For this reason it’s recommended to take it indoors over winter. 10) Tawhiwhi BOTANICAL NAME: Pittosporum tenuifolium PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE; SHELTERED This attractive evergreen with creamy-green leaves and a faint honey-scent will grow well in containers. Tall Plants For Pots Sometimes plants in pots serve more than just aesthetic roles. They’re great for portable privacy screens in overlooked gardens or anywhere else you might feel a bit exposed. Here are some tall plants for pots in your garden that will provide privacy and look lovely. 11) Bamboo BOTANICAL NAME: INCLUDES PHYLLOSTACHYS NIGRA PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: SHELTERED This plant is renowned as one of the fastest-growing in the world, and with good reason. Planting out bamboo in containers can give you a tall screen for privacy in just a couple of years. Buy an already-established bamboo plant for your container, and you can be behind its natural screen even quicker. As well as helping with privacy, bamboo is a generally striking plant. It brings a nuanced visual to outdoor spaces and harkens to oriental settings. Paired with the right plants – or perhaps some nice fairy lights – bamboo can make an enchanting and exotic haven out of any outdoor area. 12) Thuja BOTANICAL NAME: Thuja PLANT TYPE: TREE (CONIFER) HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN These evergreen trees can grow up to 60m high, in the right conditions. Obviously, a container in your garden probably won’t provide those conditions, but they are known for their stature and density nonetheless, both of which are properties conducive to privacy in your garden. “If I had to pick only one, I would go for Thuja occidentalis ‘Pyramidalis Aurea’ for its golden colour and conical shape, but you could make a collection of different Thuja hues and forms,” says Peter. 13) Bougainvillea BOTANICAL NAME: Bougainvillea PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H2 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED Best Plants For Pots In Full Sun If you’ve got a garden where space is at a premium, you may not have the luxury of putting your pots in the shade. This section showcases a couple of plants that are quite happy sitting in full sunlight; no gardener should be left behind just because their garden has no shady spots. 14) Pieris ‘Prelude’ BOTANICAL NAME: Pieris japonica ‘Prelude’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED Bundles of white lantern-shaped leaves grace this plant’s branches in spring, and we absolutely adore it. This plant will do well in full sun or partial shade, as long as it is sheltered from the worst of the elements. ‘Prelude’ has been awarded the RHS Plants for Pollinators label, meaning it’ll attract bees and other important pollen collectors to your garden. If you’re looking for colourful buds and buzzing company in your garden, you can’t go far wrong with this plant. 15) Little Linda BOTANICAL NAME: Kalmia latifolia PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY A compact Kalmia with a truly stunning red bloom giving way to a calmer but no-less-striking pink. It’s rare to find a plant with such a characterful colour profile. We think you’ll love Little Linda. 16) Eternal Fragrance BOTANICAL NAME: Daphne × transatlantica ‘Eternal Fragrance’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED This Daphne variety produces nice white, fragrant flowers throughout spring and summer months, even into autumn. It’s semi-evergreen, and will grow well in full sun or partial shade. Shade-Friendly Plants For Pots On the other side of the coin, some of us with small gardens aren’t lucky enough to have a spot that gets reliable sunlight. If this is the case, you need plants that can thrive in partial or constant shade. Thankfully, there are plenty of shade-loving plants for containers to choose from. A small garden that doesn’t get sun isn’t the curse it initially seems to be. 17) Plantain Lily BOTANICAL NAME: HOSTA PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED ASPECT: PART SHADE; SHELTERED There are many varieties of hosta, the vast majority of which thrive in shady conditions. These plants are better than average at attracting slugs and snails, those prevalent pests that threaten gardeners across the country. If you choose a hosta for your garden, be sure to take extra precautions against these slimy intruders. 18) Creeping Jenny BOTANICAL NAME: Lysimachia NUMMULARIA PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: PART SHADE Lysimachia is a low-growing plant with leaves that spill downward to create a pleasing visual effect. They’re popular amongst gardeners with shady spots that need filling, and for good reason. 19) Trailing Lobelia BOTANICAL NAME: Lobelia erinus PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H2 PREFERRED ASPECT: PART SHADE A lot of plants fall under the Lobelia umbrella, but this trailing variety lends itself perfectly to hanging baskets. If you’re looking for trailing plants for pots in your garden, this is an excellent choice. The bold and dramatic purple-blues are just lovely to look at, too. Whilst on the subject of shade, the Rhododendron further on in this guide will suit a shaded position. Best Flowering Plants For Pots Not all gardeners require plants that put forth flowers, but to us, a colourful bloom is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. This section introduces some plants whose bouquets will impress even the most reluctant flower fancier. 20) Lily Of The Nile BOTANICAL NAME: Agapanthus PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H3-H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED According to some gardeners, this plant has the interesting property of flowering more when its roots are restricted, making it perfect for pots. This doesn’t mean you should let the plant get pot-bound – you still need to take the relevant precautions and repot occasionally – but you can get away with leaving it a little longer than you would otherwise. Depending on the variety you choose, Agapanthus can bring blue, white, purple, or various other colours to your outdoor space. They’re a versatile plant that will reward any gardener who incorporates it into their potted plant repertoire. “Look for your individual variety’s hardiness rating to decide whether it can be left outside over winter,” Peter advises. “If it is H3, be sure to move the pot under cover during the colder months.” 21) Rose ‘Munstead Wood’ BOTANICAL NAME: Rosa ‘Munstead Wood’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED A hardy rose with a deep-pink bloom. This deciduous flower will bring striking colour to your garden in summer and autumn, and thrives in containers. 22) Yakushima Rhododendron BOTANICAL NAME: Rhododendron yakushimanum PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: SHELTERED This vibrant rhododendron has varieties in a range of warm tones. It remains visually interesting after flowering with attractive foliage, unlike some other plants in this family, which are noted for being a bit dull between flowering seasons. Also try the Rhododendron ‘Dopey’ for containers for this reason, as it doesn’t waste space when out of bloom. 23) Begonia BOTANICAL NAME: BEGONIA PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H1B PREFERRED ASPECT: PART SHADE 24) African Daisy BOTANICAL NAME: Osteospermum jucundum PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H3 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN 25) Fuchsia BOTANICAL NAME: Fuchsia PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: SHELTERED 26) African Marigold BOTANICAL NAME: Tagetes erecta PLANT TYPE: ANNUAL HARDINESS RATING: H2 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN 27) Dahlias BOTANICAL NAME: Dahlia PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: Typically H3 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED Top Of The Pots After reading our guide to the best plants for pots and containers, you should have a pretty good idea of some of the options available to you. Pots and containers are a great way to expand your outdoor space, but the container size also matters, as Peter shares: “Not all pots are created equal. I like to choose taller pots, which may hold moisture better, for plants like Clematis, which appreciate these conditions. “I like to experiment with mixtures of pots and find that a grouping fits best if it shares one thing in common, be it a colour, material, plant, or shape. Otherwise, unless it’s your intention, it can look a bit…er…potty!” A small garden, or even an enclosed concrete balcony, needn’t be a hindrance to your green fingers. Planting out in pots is rewarding whether you have one solitary plant outside your front door, or a bustling garden with many pots spilling forth with varied and visually exciting plants. We believe that anyone should be able to bring plants to their outdoor space, whatever it looks like. With that in mind, we hope you enjoyed our guide, and that you feel inspired to go forth and pot plants to your heart’s content.
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Research Says These 21 Versatile Shrubs Are The Fastest Growing
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Green Giant 2) Photinia 3) Hydrangea 4) Butterfly Bush 5) Portuguese Laurel 6) Apple Blossom 7) Rambler Rose 8) Forsythia 9) Tree Mallow ‘Rosea’ 10) Fuchsia 11) Rhododendron 12) Gooseberry 13) Rose Of Sharon 14) Lilac 15) Firethorn 16) Cotoneaster 17) Viburnum 18) Goat Willow 19) Dogwood 20) Mock Orange 21) Raspberry Shrubs may be one of the most versatile plants you can include in your garden. With thousands of varieties, they can emphasise structure and create texture and bursts of colour. If you are on the hunt for fast-growing shrubs, then chances are you are looking to quickly plug a gap, wishing to create more privacy, or perhaps you are just feeling impatient. Aside from the charming aesthetic they can bring to your garden, the humble shrub can indeed provide many valuable functions. From creating a windbreak or a screen, to providing you with a formal or informal hedge – they really are the unsung heroes of our gardens. Some shrubs can take quite a while to establish, so if you have a need for speed, this guide is for you. We’ve put together a list of fast-growing shrubs as well as ways in which you can use them to your advantage. 1) Green Giant BOTANICAL NAME: THUJA HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 60CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 15-20 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 10M+ MAX WIDTH: 6-8M While it might be typically considered a tree rather than a shrub (especially if allowed to grow unchecked, as above) it can be easily shaped and will seemingly grow at the speed of light! There are many types of Thuja, but when it comes to a fast-growing type, look no further than the Green Giant. Growing best in rich, well-drained soil and with full sun exposure, this tall, strong evergreen will quickly create the perfect screen for privacy as well as being an excellent candidate for hedges. 2) Photinia BOTANICAL NAME: Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 40CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 10 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 4M MAX WIDTH: 2.5M AGM RECIPIENT Growing up to 5m in height, this popular plant grows quickly, producing an excellent privacy screen for your garden. “Photinia is a really versatile garden shrub, proving year-round interest and screening,” shares Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Early in the year, the new foliage is a particularly attractive red, followed by glossy green leaves and autumn berries that are popular with birds. It is beautiful as well as functional.” Be aware that this shrub likes to spread but with regular pruning it is easily contained. If you do find yourself with an overgrown plant then it will respond to hard pruning. Also known as ‘Red Robin’, this evergreen would also work very well for hedging and its new growth is a beautiful, bright red in springtime. The Photinia is easy to grow and has no strong preferences when it comes to soil. 3) Hydrangea BOTANICAL NAME: Hydrangea paniculata VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘LIMELIGHT’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 40CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 5-8 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2.5M+ MAX WIDTH: 2M AGM RECIPIENT Found in gardens all across the country, this lavish, flowering shrub is renowned for its stunning globes which bloom in an array of colours from mid to late summer. There are many different types of Hydrangeas and they are super easy to grow and establish themselves quickly. This shrub usually flowers in shades of pink, purple and blue and with some plants you can actually manipulate the colour by changing the pH levels in the soil. These gorgeous showstoppers also vary greatly in size with some growing no more than three feet, whilst others can grow up to fifteen and span a width of twelve. Ideally, you want to plant them in autumn in a sheltered spot that gets bright morning sunlight but plenty of shade in the afternoon. 4) Butterfly Bush BOTANICAL NAME: Buddleja davidii VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘Nanho Purple’ (Pictured) HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 65CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 3-4 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2.5M MAX WIDTH: 1.5M AGM RECIPIENT Commonly known as the ‘Butterfly Bush’, this gorgeous shrub produces masses of blossoms that bloom from summer to autumn. Its flowers come in many different shades but if you’ve chosen it to attract butterflies then they seem to prefer the species that blooms in mauve. Buddleias require full sunlight and well-drained soil and can grow to around ten feet tall. They tend to respond well to being cut back hard in spring as this encourages growth which will produce more flowers. 5) Portuguese Laurel BOTANICAL NAME: Prunus lusitanica HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 50CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 20+ YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 10M+ MAX WIDTH: 6-8M AGM RECIPIENT This speedy evergreen is the perfect shrub to create an elegant hedge for your garden. Bearing glossy dark-green leaves which grow from striking, red stems, it also produces sweet-smelling, white blossom in the summertime, as well as small red berries making it very attractive to both butterflies and birds. This resilient shrub can grow up to five meters in height but is easily maintained and shaped, only requiring one trim a year in summer. It is best grown in a sheltered spot in sunlight or partly in shade. 6) Apple Blossom BOTANICAL NAME: ESCALLONIA HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 30-40CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 5-8 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2.5M MAX WIDTH: 1.5M AGM RECIPIENT This splendid shrub is also an evergreen with thick, leathery green leaves, with five-petalled flowers that bloom in summer and early autumn in shades of white, pink or red. Not only are they ideal for hedging but they are also adept at growing in tricky garden spots, tolerate a wide range of soil types and can also provide an excellent windbreak. Preferring to grow in full sunlight the Apple Blossom can also be grown in pots and, likewise, will adapt well to growing on a rockery. 7) Rambler Rose BOTANICAL NAME: ROSA VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘ALBERTINE’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 60-100CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 6-8 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 6-8M MAX WIDTH: 2-3M AGM RECIPIENT This rampantly growing shrub is perfect for clothing an unsightly wall or draping over an archway. Hopelessly romantic, rambling roses can spread to up to six meters so do make sure you have ample space for them. They usually produce an abundance of flowers in late spring or early summer, blooming for several weeks. Ramblers are healthy shrubs, resistant to disease, require minimal care and will tolerate most soils and partial shade. 8) Forsythia HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 50CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 4-5 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2.5M MAX WIDTH: 2.5M AGM RECIPIENT Perfect for hedging and sloped or informal gardens, Forsythia shrubs can add a dramatic flair to any garden. Easily recognisable by their bright, yellow flowers that bloom in early spring, this plant is easy to take care of and maintain. Enjoying full sunlight, this shrub should be planted where it is likely to receive around six hours of sun in well-drained soil. 9) Tree Mallow ‘Rosea’ BOTANICAL NAME: Malva × clementii VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘ROSEA’ (PICTURED) HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 50CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 3-5 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2M MAX WIDTH: 1M AGM RECIPIENT Lavatera, or ‘Tree Mallow’, are perfect for adding beautiful colour to your garden. From mid-summer, they boast numerous large flowers in shades of pink, white and purple, which can be prolonged by frequent dead-heading. This shrub is straightforward to grow and care for and can grow to up to two meters, so while it can be a border plant, you will need to provide it with plenty of space. 10) Fuchsia VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘WHARFEDALE’; ‘MARGARET’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY; SHELTERED TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 30-40CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 2-3 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 1-2M MAX WIDTH: 0.5M AGM RECIPIENT 11) Rhododendron VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘LAVENDER GIRL’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: PART SHADE; SHELTERED TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 55-60CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 3-4 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2.5M MAX WIDTH: 1.5M AGM RECIPIENT 12) Gooseberry BOTANICAL NAME: Ribes uva-crispa VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘INVICTA’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY; SHELTERED TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 40-50CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 3-5 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 1.5M MAX WIDTH: 1.5M AGM RECIPIENT 13) Rose Of Sharon BOTANICAL NAME: Hibiscus syriacus VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘Southern Bell’; ‘Woodbridge’ (Pictured) HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 50CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 3-5 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2.5M MAX WIDTH: 1M AGM RECIPIENT 14) Lilac BOTANICAL NAME: Syringa vulgaris HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 55CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 10-15 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 8M MAX WIDTH: 4M 15) Firethorn BOTANICAL NAME: PYRACANTHA HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 30CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 10 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2-3M MAX WIDTH: 2-3M AGM RECIPIENT 16) Cotoneaster HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 30-40CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 10-12 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 4M MAX WIDTH: 4M AGM RECIPIENT 17) Viburnum BOTANICAL NAME: Viburnum tinus HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY; SHELTERED TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 30-40CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 10-15 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 3-4M MAX WIDTH: 3-4M 18) Goat Willow BOTANICAL NAME: Salix caprea HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 30CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 20-30 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 8-12M MAX WIDTH: 4-6M 19) Dogwood BOTANICAL NAME: Cornus alba VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘SIBIRICA’ (PICTURED) HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 30-50CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 5-8 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2.5M MAX WIDTH: 2.5M AGM RECIPIENT 20) Mock Orange BOTANICAL NAME: Philadelphus VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘Beauclerk’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 30-50CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 5 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2.5M MAX WIDTH: 2.5M AGM RECIPIENT 21) Raspberry BOTANICAL NAME: Rubus idaeus VIGOROUS VARIETIES: ‘Malling Admiral’; ‘Polka’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED TYPICAL GROWTH PER YEAR: 50CM YEARS TO EVENTUAL SIZE: 3-5 YEARS MAX HEIGHT: 2.5M MAX WIDTH: 0.5M AGM RECIPIENT
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Chris Lee On His 10 Favourite Climber Plants For Shaded Garden Areas
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Climbing Hydrangea 2) Climbing Roses 3) Honeysuckle 4) Star Jasmine 5) Clematis 6) Ivy 7) Virginia Creeper 8) Passion Flower 9) Chilean Bellflower 10) Mitre Flower All plants need light to grow, but that doesn’t mean the shady parts of your garden are doomed to be barren. Some familiar and attractive flowers can thrive in the shade, and in this article, we round up a few of the best ones. If you’re looking for climbing plants that do well in the shade – look no further. While there are fewer plants that thrive in full shade than other conditions, you still have a lot to choose from. The shade-loving climbers in this list will bring life and vibrant colour to the formerly-subdued areas of your garden. If you’re looking for the best plants to grow on your north and east-facing walls or fences, let us give you a hand. 1) Climbing Hydrangea BOTANICAL NAME: Hydrangea petiolaris HARDINESS RATING: H5 SUNLIGHT TOLERANCE: Full Shade TYPICAL GROWING HEIGHT: 10M+ While some climbing plants require support, climbing hydrangea – full name Hydrangea petiolaris – clings all by itself. This self-clinging ability is a boon to gardeners with shaded walls or trellises, as it requires no manual intervention beyond watering and occasional pruning. This variety of hydrangea is a big plant, expect a height of over 12m once it’s fully grown, with a spread of up to 8m. It’s hardy, too, making a fine addition to British gardens. With climbing hydrangea, you’ll enjoy white flowers in summer, fading to yellow in autumn. 2) Climbing Roses BOTANICAL NAME: Rosa HARDINESS RATING: Typically H5-H7 SUNLIGHT TOLERANCE: Part Shade TYPICAL GROWING HEIGHT: 2-8M If you’re not so keen on the hydrangea aesthetic, why not consider roses instead? Although not all varieties are built to grow in the shade, certain types are up to the task. Here are a few to get you started: R. ‘Alberic Barbier’ Creamy yellow flowers that grow from strong stems to a height of up to 8m over 5-10 years. R. ‘New Dawn’ A smaller plant, reaching a maximum spread of about 2.5m. New Dawn has pale pink-white flowers that will burst out in early summer and stay until autumn. R. ‘Wedding Day’ Less thorny than some other varieties, with glossier leaves. White flowers with a yellow centre and a distinctive shape. Will reach a maximum of about 8m high. R. ‘Danse du Feu’ The name means ‘fire dance,’ and evokes the vibrant red of this rose variety. This really is a special plant to behold and will take well to shade. See more varieties of climbing roses for shade in this guide. You’ll need to tie the stems of climbing roses help them climb a wall or trellis. This can be done with bands of soft fabric, and they don’t need to be tied too tight. It’s not recommended to prune your climbing rose until it covers the whole trellis, doing so may stunt its growth. 3) Honeysuckle BOTANICAL NAME: Lonicera HARDINESS RATING: Typically H5-H6 SUNLIGHT TOLERANCE: Part Shade TYPICAL GROWING HEIGHT: 2-4M This plant is renowned for its inviting scent, and for its ability to flower multiple times in a growing season if deadheaded. It combines very well with other climbing plants. Take a look at the image above for an example – rose and honeysuckle provide beautiful coverage for this cottage wall. Climbing honeysuckle is prone to attract aphids and other pests, so stay vigilant if you choose this plant for your garden. Keep an eye out for small bugs, or for any visible damage to leaves. If you see either, quickly take the relevant steps to remove pest infestations and prevent damage to other plants in your garden. Like hydrangea, honeysuckle plants don’t need to be tied onto fences and trellises. Unlike hydrangea, however, they will need support when growing up a wall. 4) Star Jasmine BOTANICAL NAME: Trachelospermum jasminoides HARDINESS RATING: H4 SUNLIGHT TOLERANCE: Part Shade TYPICAL GROWING HEIGHT: 8-10M Another famously fragrant plant, star jasmine will do well in east-facing parts of your garden. Unlike some of the other plants in this list, it requires a little bit of sunlight rather than full shade. We’ve included nonetheless to give you some options. The dainty white flowers have a really interesting shape. It’s a five-pointed star (hence the name), but with a slightly different nuance to other star-shaped flowers you’ll come across. 5) Clematis BOTANICAL NAME: Clematis HARDINESS RATING: Typically H6 SUNLIGHT TOLERANCE: Part Shade TYPICAL GROWING HEIGHT: 2-4M We’ve seen clematis described as ‘born to climb’ – and with good reason. Certain varieties of this plant are known as the fastest-growing climbing plants, so if you’ve got a wall or trellis that you want to cover quickly, you may be in luck. Here are some climbing varieties that will do well in shade: C. viticella ‘Black Prince’ These striking dark-red, almost-black flowers sit especially well alongside climbing roses, and will thrive in part shade. C. alpina Bold and exciting purple flowers grace this variety of clematis. They droop pleasingly when closed, then stand proud when open. 6) Ivy BOTANICAL NAME: Hedera HARDINESS RATING: H5 SUNLIGHT TOLERANCE: Full Shade TYPICAL GROWING HEIGHT: 8-10M Ivy is probably the first plant that pops into your mind when somebody mentions climbers. “Ivy is a great choice for a shady climber and there is either the common species, Hedera helix, which will find its way to a vertical space in your garden whether you want it to or not, or many cultivars of varying hues,” says Colin Skelly, a Master Horticulturist. “It is tough and tolerant to wet or dry and different soil conditions, but I particularly like it because, when mature, its flowers in autumn are a brilliant nectar source and hum with life.” You’ll see this plant out in the wild, winding its way up buildings, fences, even trees. It’s a keen grower, even in dark shade, and brings colour and striking shapes to any outdoor space. If you’re wondering what vine grows well in the shade, you need to look no further than Parthenocissus tricuspidata, also known as Boston ivy or Japanese creeper. Its green leaves fade to red in autumn, bringing a medley of colour. This plant will cover an enormous amount of site if given time, up to 12m high by 8m wide. 7) Virginia Creeper BOTANICAL NAME: Ampelopsis quinquefolia HARDINESS RATING: H6 SUNLIGHT TOLERANCE: Full Shade TYPICAL GROWING HEIGHT: 10M+ If you want a plant that will dominate a shaded wall, you’re in luck. Virginia creeper has big leaves and can grow quickly to cover an impressive area. It’s easy to take care of, too, thanks to its suckers. No need to tie it onto a trellis, or otherwise support the growth. The Chinese Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus henryana) is another popular climbing plant for shade. This variety will show more vibrant leaves if it gets a bit of sunlight during the day, so if this is important to you, make sure to grow it somewhere east-facing. You can be creative when choosing a climbing plant for shade. Rather than choosing one plant, why not select a couple whose colours, shapes, and growing habits complement each other particularly well? Shade-loving plants will bring real vibrancy to the formerly drab parts of your garden and combining multiple will keep things vibrant for more of the year. 8) Passion Flower BOTANICAL NAME: Passiflora HARDINESS RATING: H4 SUNLIGHT TOLERANCE: Part Shade TYPICAL GROWING HEIGHT: 6-10M 9) Chilean Bellflower BOTANICAL NAME: Lapageria rosea HARDINESS RATING: H3 SUNLIGHT TOLERANCE: Full Shade TYPICAL GROWING HEIGHT: 3-4M 10) Mitre Flower BOTANICAL NAME: Mitraria coccinea HARDINESS RATING: H3 SUNLIGHT TOLERANCE: Full Shade TYPICAL GROWING HEIGHT: 1-2M Grow In Pots Or From The Ground? When choosing the best climbing plants for shade in your garden, you have the option of growing them in pots or in the ground. Sometimes, this decision will be made for you. In a paved alleyway or a patio, for example, you’ll have to rely on pots. A clematis climbing its way up a shaded trellis If you’re growing a climbing plant up a fence, wall, or trellis with soil beneath it, you can plant the climbers right into the ground. This will let them grow larger than from a pot, so make sure you take this into account. Nobody wants to be surprised by a much larger plant than they bargained for!
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Horticulturists Love Using These 27 Plants In Hanging Baskets: Mix And Match Them
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Petunia 2) Begonia 3) Fuchsia 4) Sweet Pea 5) Million Bells 6) Geranium 7) Lantana 8) Black Eyed Susan 9) Lobelia 10) Nasturtium 11) Portulaca 12) Lotus Vine 13) Sweet Alyssum 14) Viola 15) Pansy 16) Primrose 17) Tomatoes 18) Tulips 19) Fairy Rose 20) Verbena 21) Lavender 22) Clematis 23) Spider Plant 24) Diascia 25) Impatiens 26) Million Hearts 27) Ivy References Whether they’re mounted on a fence, suspended from a trellis, or bordering your doorway, hanging baskets are one of the most stylish ways to display plants in your garden and provide interest at eye level. So what should you plant in them? There are hundreds of species that are suitable to be grown in hanging baskets, ranging from colourful flowers and bedding plants – to shrubs, evergreens and trailing climbers. You can stick to one genus of plants, or you can plant a mixture, to achieve a more varied and multi-coloured look. If you’re doing this, you should also take into account the different flowering periods and care requirements for each of your plants. According to a study by researchers at the University of Kentucky, the most commonly used plants for hanging baskets include Geraniums, Fuchsia, Begonia, Calibrachoa (Million Bells), Impatiens, Petunia and Verbena.1 We cover each of these below in more detail, as well as twenty other choices. 1) Petunia Petunias are one of the most popular flowers to plant in hanging baskets – and for good reason. These pretty flowers bloom well, and come in a wide range of colours, from pink and purple, to yellow and black. Cascading varieties such as Surfinia will fill and flow over the edge of baskets, creating a full look. Trailing petunias are easy to care for – just hang baskets in locations with full sunlight, water frequently, and make sure the basket has at least one hole for drainage. 2) Begonia If your hanging baskets are in a partially shaded location, begonias can make for an excellent choice. Begonia ‘Million Kisses’ series is a trailing variety, ideally suited to hanging basket growth. These autumnal-coloured flowers will bloom throughout summer and into autumn. Be careful not to overwater your begonias, as they are susceptible to root rot. 3) Fuchsia Bright pink and purple fuchsias are another popular choice. They flower continuously from mid-summer until the first frosts, and their pendant-shaped blooms will give your hanging baskets a tropical look. Choose a small, hardy variety, and plant in your basket in early summer. Keep them in a sunny or partially shaded location, and water the basket twice a week to keep it moist, but not waterlogged. 4) Sweet Pea Most sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are annual climbing vines, with small, showy flowers that are known for their sweet scent. Dwarf climbing varieties are the best choice for hanging baskets – their trailing vines will cascade over the sides. The ‘Sweetie Mix’ have been bred to trail. Sweet peas prefer full sun or dappled shade. Make sure to deadhead them regularly throughout the growing season, to encourage new flowers. 5) Million Bells The ‘Million Bells’ series are trailing annuals from the Calibrachoa genus. Their small, petunia-like flowers range from pink to yellow to blue and grow densely and abundantly throughout summer and autumn. They can thrive in hanging baskets, as long as they have good drainage, and prefer a sunny, sheltered location. 6) Geranium Fill your hanging pots or baskets with bold geraniums (Pelargonium) to add a splash of bright colour to the exterior of your home. These evergreen perennials can have red, pink, purple, orange or white flowers. Geraniums love the warmth and will thrive best in a sunny spot. They do not fare well in frost, so you will either need to bring them inside over winter or replace them each year. 7) Lantana Lantana can be an evergreen or perennial shrub and is characterised by its wrinkly leaves and clusters of small flowers approximately 1cm wide. It grows well in hanging baskets and containers, providing they have good access to sunlight, and the soil is kept moist, but well-drained. Bring it inside or into a greenhouse during winter, to protect it from frost. 8) Black Eyed Susan Black Eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata) gets its name from the dark brown conical disk at the centre of its orange or yellow flowers. This climbing vine flowers in late summer and early autumn, so plant it alongside an earlier-flowering plant if you want your basket to bloom for a longer. It does get very large, so the alternative is to get it the freedom to fill out for a larger-than-life display. 9) Lobelia Lobelia is an annual flowering plant with neat, compact foliage, and flowers that are usually blue, purple or white. It grows best in hanging baskets that are in full sunlight and prefers moist but well-drained soil. Add a liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks during the flowering period to encourage growth. Cutting them back by around a half after their first flush of blooms can also keep them tidy and floriferous. 10) Nasturtium Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is an annual climber with simple lobed leaves and funnel-shaped flowers of red, orange or yellow. It makes a great trailing plant in a hanging basket. Grow in full sunlight and poor soil for the best results, as too many nutrients will encourage the growth of foliage, instead of flowers. 11) Portulaca Portulaca is known for its needle-like foliage, as well as its colourful, cup-shaped flowers. Other names for it include rose moss and sun plant – it’s not surprising then that it prefers the sun. Place it in a south-facing location, and the tropical blooms in red, pink, purple and yellow will add a summery feel to your garden. 12) Lotus Vine Lotus vine is also called fire vine, or parrot’s beak, thanks to its unusually-shaped red and orange flowers. A member of the pea family Fabaceae, this trailing vine makes a great addition to a hanging basket, where it will cascade over the edge. The blooms are short-lived, but the fine, bluish-green foliage is attractive in itself. 13) Sweet Alyssum Another trailing plant that looks fabulous cascading from a hanging basket is sweet alyssum. Thread the shoots of this bushy plant carefully through the slits in your hanging basket to create a more full-bodied effect. The plant produces racemes of small and fragrant flowers, that will enrich your outside space. 14) Viola Viola can be annuals, biennials or perennials, and feature clumps of distinctive, 5-petalled flowers. Colours range from blue and purple, to yellow and pink, often with a contrasting eye. These are another sweet-smelling flower, so perfect for placing in hanging baskets at nose level. Grow in nutrient-rich, moist soil, with good drainage. They’re useful for autumn, winter and early spring displays. 15) Pansy Part of the viola genus, pansies are another highly popular choice for hanging baskets in the UK. These annual flowering plants flower profusely and produce blooms in a wide range of colours – deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. They’re also a good option for winter hanging baskets. 16) Primrose Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is a symbol of springtime and makes a bright and uplifting addition to your garden. The flowers are usually yellow and form in clusters on leaf rosettes. They are vulnerable to pests, including aphids, slugs and glasshouse red spider mite, so make sure to keep a close eye on them. Once it’s time to refresh your hanging basket for summer, transplant them into the ground for a display the following year. 17) Tomatoes Of course, it’s not only flowering plants that are suitable for hanging baskets – you can also grow herbs and edible plants, such as cherry tomatoes. Select a suitable variety, such as ‘Tumbling Tom Red.’ Place the tomato plant in the centre of the basket, and make sure to keep it well-watered. Hang it in a sunny location in your garden (wait until May or June to plant, to avoid the risk of frost). 18) Tulips If you want to grow a larger flower in your hanging baskets, tulips are a great option. These popular blooms produce vivid colours early in the year, so they’re suitable for winter hanging baskets – plant your bulbs in October or November, and your baskets will be filled with beautiful red, yellow and pink tulips come spring. Grow in fertile soil, in a sunny location. “I would select a miniature variety, with cup-shaped blooms, as the more open flowers will not be seen unless you can levitate above your basket!” says Master Horticulturist Peter Lickorish. “Tulipa linifolia ‘Bronze Charm’ works well, especially paired with blue violas.” 19) Fairy Rose This pretty, pale pink dwarf rose variety is perfect if you want to include roses in your hanging basket, as the flowers grow in small sprays, and don’t reach more than 2.5cm wide. For the best blooms, position your basket in full sun, plant in fertile soil, and apply liquid fertiliser in spring and summer. 20) Verbena Verbena can be annuals or perennials, and usually have small flowers with 5 petals, on toothed leaves. The flowers come in a wide range of colours, from cool blues and purples to hot pinks and reds, as shown here. They pair well with other plants in hanging baskets and will attract desirable pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, into your garden. 21) Lavender Upright lavender makes an excellent choice for the centre of a hanging basket. This perennial plant is characterised by its purple flowers and distinctive fragrance – you can expect blooms from late spring until mid-summer. Lavender is ideal for country cottages and modern gardens alike. I find French Lavender is easier to keep compact, and therefore fits well in hanging baskets. 22) Clematis Clematis is a hugely popular plant for UK gardens and is suitable for hanging baskets. There are many different varieties, each with different sizes, flower colours and flowering periods – it’s best to choose a small, compact variety for container growth. “The compact Clematis ‘Bijou’ would be my pick,” adds Peter. 23) Spider Plant Spider plants make for another popular and attractive hanging basket plant. They are tender plants and are therefore usually grown inside as house plants, but they can be placed outside if the conditions are right. Move your spider plant outside during periods of warm, dry weather, and then bring it inside when it gets cold. 24) Diascia Diascia’s cup-shaped flowers are usually various shades of pink, and make an excellent way to add colour to your garden during summer. They prefer full sun, so try to find them a south-facing spot, and keep soil moist, but well-drained. 25) Impatiens Impatiens produce sprays of spurred flowers in all colours. They are easy to grow and can flourish in partially shaded locations, as long as they are sheltered from the wind. Some protection from the rain is also appreciated, as the flowers are susceptible to grey mould in damp growing conditions. 26) Million Hearts With its cascading foliage, Million Hearts (Dischidia ruscifolia) will add lush greenery to your hanging basket display. This is another one that fairs well in partial shade, and it’s also tolerant to drought, so you don’t need to panic if you forget to water it. It’s tender, but could be added to a summer display. 27) Ivy Last but not least, ivy makes a good-looking and easy addition to a hanging basket. This climber grows well in a variety of conditions, including full sun and shade, and can tolerate most soil types. The ‘Pittsburgh’ cultivar is compact and particularly suited to container growth. References 1. Kaiser, C., & Ernst, M. (2020, July). Hanging Baskets. University of Kentucky: College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/hangingbaskets.pdf
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Research Reveals These Are Fastest Growing Hedges For Your Garden
IN THIS GUIDE Choosing The Best Fast-Growing Hedges 1) Leylandii 2) Western Red Cedar 3) Garden Privet 4) Cherry Laurel 5) Umbrella Bamboo 6) Blackthorn 7) Common Hawthorn 8) Dog Rose 9) Common Alder 10) Common Hornbeam 11) Christmas Berry ‘Red Robin’ 12) White Cedar ‘Smaragd’ Why Grow A Hedge? Important Considerations Looking After Hedges That’s All Folks! References Thanks to their shape and potential size, hedges lend themselves well to providing privacy and shelter, marking boundaries, reducing wind, and much more. With so many types of hedging, choosing the right one for your garden comes down to your needs and preferences. Many people want a fast-growing hedge that will quickly provide privacy or shelter. So, if you’re wondering which hedge to choose and how long it will take to grow, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing The Best Fast-Growing Hedges There’s no strict definition of fast-growing, but to give a general idea, you can expect hedges to grow anywhere between 10-100cm a year. When we speak about fast-growing hedges, we’re usually referring to hedges that grow above 40cm a year. From examining research from different horticultural bodies, we have identified 12 trees and shrubs that can be used for hedging with a high annual growth rate in the UK. Here is each type, ordered by their average growth in height each year: Tree Average Height Increment Per Year (cm) Maximum Height (M) Leylandii 91.5 30 Western Red Cedar 76.2 35 Garden Privet 60.0 8 Cherry Laurel 60.0 8 Umbrella Bamboo 50.0 4 Blackthorn 50.0 4 Common Hawthorn 45.7 8 Dog Rose 45.0 4 Common Alder 45.0 25 Common Hornbeam 40.0 6 Christmas Berry ‘Red Robin’ 30.0 4 White Cedar ‘Smaragd’ 22.8 3 Choosing to grow a hedge in a garden for privacy is, surprisingly, one of the main reasons people look to include a hedge in their garden landscaping. Hedges are a great alternative to fencing and are perfect for when you aren’t able to erect a fence. Below we introduce these fast-growing hedges that are good for garden privacy in more detail. 1) Leylandii BOTANICAL NAME: Cuprocyparis leylandii HARDINESS RATING: H6 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 91.5cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 30m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 10-20 A frequently used hedge type is the Leyland cypress, also called Leylandii or conifer hedging. This plant can grow a whopping 90cm per year, making it the fastest-growing hedge on our list. This makes it a popular and cost-effective choice for gardeners. “Cuprocyparis leylandii is certainly fast growing but so much so that it frequently causes disputes between neighbours due to the shade it casts,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “It needs lots of space and regular cutting to maintain a hedge and not a sequence of tightly planted large trees.” 2) Western Red Cedar BOTANICAL NAME: Thuja plicata HARDINESS RATING: H6 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 76.2cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 35m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 10-20 The Western Red Cedar is another rapidly fast-growing shrub that grows up to a huge 35m in height, making it great for garden privacy. This evergreen shrub is not fussy and can grow in most soils and positions in your garden. 3) Garden Privet BOTANICAL NAME: Ligustrum ovalifolium HARDINESS RATING: H4 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 60cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 8m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 10-20 If you’re into gardening, the privet hedge may very well be what pops into your head when you hear the word hedge. This popular variety grows up to 60cm a year, with thick and dense coverage making it great for privacy. 4) Cherry Laurel BOTANICAL NAME: Prunus laurocerasus HARDINESS RATING: H5 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 60cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 8m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 20-50 The Cherry Laurel, also called Common or English Laurel, is another popular choice that can grow around 60cm per year in average conditions. This is the fastest-growing non-conifer hedge, so bear that in mind if you have an aversion to conifers. 5) Umbrella Bamboo BOTANICAL NAME: Fargesia murielae HARDINESS RATING: H5 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 50cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 4m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 5-10 Bamboo is another option and represents something a bit more exotic. It is renowned for being fast-growing, with one species recording a growth of 91cm per day.1 Don’t worry though: the type of bamboo used for hedging will grow closer to 40cm per year. 6) Blackthorn BOTANICAL NAME: Prunus spinosa HARDINESS RATING: H7 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 50cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 4m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 20-50 Blackthorn, a deciduous tree, grows up to 4m with a similar spread and makes a great shrub for garden privacy. It also bears white flowers in the spring and can produce fruits in the autumn. ”As well as being quick growing, Prunus spinosa is a brilliant early flowerer for pollinators,” adds Colin. “It is also very spiny, so a good security screen if that’s what you’re looking for.” This thorny tree can become slightly invasive and might require some pruning if you want to keep your hedges in check. 7) Common Hawthorn BOTANICAL NAME: Crataegus monogyna HARDINESS RATING: H7 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 45.72cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 8m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 20-50 The common hawthorn produces cream flowers and red fruits and can grow in most conditions, making it a delight to have in your garden. This thorny, deciduous tree can grow up to 8m in height and spread and can provide great coverage for the borders of your property. 8) Dog Rose BOTANICAL NAME: Rosa canina HARDINESS RATING: H7 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 45cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 4m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 5-10 A deciduous shrub, Dog Rose is fast-growing and can reach up to 4m in height with an annual growth rate of around 45cm. It’s beautiful pink and white flowers that bloom in the summer make this shrub a lovely attraction as well as a good hedge for privacy. 9) Common Alder BOTANICAL NAME: Alnus glutinosa HARDINESS RATING: H7 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 45cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 25m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 20-50 Common alder can grow up to a massive height of 25m with a spread of up to 8m, making it a great choice for garden privacy. Unusual brown flowers and fruits bloom in spring and autumn respectively. Bear in mind that this shrub needs to be grown in full sun, so will need a suitable location in your garden in order to grow at a fast rate. 10) Common Hornbeam BOTANICAL NAME: Carpinus betulus HARDINESS RATING: H7 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 40cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 6m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: More than 50 Next up is Hornbeam, a type of plant native to the UK that can be used for hedging, whether alone or in combination with other plants. The latter option is a great way to create a more informal hedge, as opposed to the neatly trimmed aesthetic that many on the list will bring. Plants like blackthorn, hazel, and hawthorn make good partners for hornbeam. Native plants are likely to attract wildlife into your garden, making Hornbeam a great choice to consider. 11) Christmas Berry ‘Red Robin’ BOTANICAL NAME: Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 30cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 4m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 10-20 This evergreen shrub grows up to 4m, and although it is one of the slowest-growing hedging plants on this list, it is interesting green and red foliage make it worth the wait. This shrub can grow in most soils and locations in the garden and produces little white flowers in the spring. 12) White Cedar ‘Smaragd’ BOTANICAL NAME: Thuja occidentalis Emerald HARDINESS RATING: H7 ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 22.8cm MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 3m YEARS TO EVENTUAL HEIGHT: 10-20 The Thuja Emerald is another popular choice for gardeners who want hedges with lower maintenance, thanks to its cone shape. This plant will grow around 30cm a year in good conditions, up to a maximum height of around eighteen feet. References 1. Fastest growing plant. (n.d.-b). Guinness World Records. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/fastest-growing-plant/
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