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Top ten plants
Although architectural foliage plants are important for giving character to hot spots, this doesn't necessarily mean other types of plants are off limits.
To make the most of the environment, add scented plants, Mediterranean or Californian-style flowering shrubs and climbers, and sun-loving annuals and perennials.
But again, choose the more drought-tolerant types so you don't spend all of your time watering.
Rosemary, thyme, lavender and sage are stars for scent. |
 Latin name:Artemisia 'Powis Castle'
Common name: Artemesia
Type of plant: Perennial for foliage
Soil preference: Well drained
Hardiness: Hardy
Flower colour: No flowers
Height and spread: 90cm x 90cm (3ft x 3ft)
Description: Silver filigree foliage, making feathery textured mounds in summer.
Design tips: This variety is a good backdrop for flowers as it lacks any of its own, so there's no risk of clashing colours. |
 Latin name:Phormium 'Firebird'
Common name: New Zealand flax
Type of plant: Evergreen foliage shrub
Soil preference: Reasonably well-drained
Hardiness: Hardy
Flower colour: Dark red, mature plants
Height and spread: 1.5m x 1.5m (5ft x 5ft)
Description: Large, architectural plant with colourful, leathery and sword-shaped leaves that form a clump.
Design tips: This shrub complements silver plants and is suitable for patio pots. |
 Latin name:Trachelospermum jasminoides
Common name: Star jasmine
Type of plant: Evergreen climber
Soil preference: Reasonably well-drained
Hardiness: Slightly delicate
Flower colour: White
Height and spread: 9m x 9m (29 1/2ft x 29 1/2ft)
Description: This climber has twining stems and jasmine-scented, white, propellor-shaped flowers all summer.
Design tips: It is ideal for growing over pergolas, gazebos or similar structures. In cold areas grow it in a large tub on a section of trellis so it's portable. |
 Latin name:Thymus x citriodorus 'Silver Queen'
Common name: Variegated lemon thyme
Type of plant: Small shrub or herb
Soil preference: Well drained
Hardiness: Hardy
Flower colour: Lavender-pink
Height and spread: 30cm x 30cm (1ft x 1ft)
Description: This small, bushy, dome-shaped, lemon-scented and semi-evergreen shrub has cream variegated leaves.
Design tips: It looks good at the front of a border, contrasts well with lavender, and is superb for all-year-round containers. |
 Latin name:Lavandula 'Sawyers'
Common name: Lavender
Type of plant: Small evergreen shrub
Soil preference: Well drained
Hardiness: Hardy
Flower colour: Lavender to purple Height and spread:90cm x 90cm (3ft x 3ft)
Description: A rather upright lavender with slightly woolly-textured, narrow, silver-grey foliage.
Design tips: It is good for beds and borders, containers and as dwarf hedging. |
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