Landscaping Plants

It can be a challenge to choose plants for your home’s landscape, especially as there are so many factors to take into consideration. Asides from addressing appearances, it’s important to consider the location, climate, and care that different species require.

You’ll also need to source landscape plants that are able to withstand various exposure conditions, such as sun, shade, dry and rainy weather.

On top of this, you should think about the end result – ask yourself what you want your garden to look like once the plants are fully matured. For example, you may wish to create an outdoor space awash with hot hues and a glorious fragrance.

Alternatively, you may be looking to add shade or privacy to your property or develop a garden that attracts an abundance of wildlife.

You should also choose landscape plants that reflect the style of your garden. Choosing plants suited to a quaint cottage-style garden will look out of place in a larger space, just as whimsical plants will look a little strange in a Mediterranean or tropical themed garden.

The pros and cons

A lush and colorful garden will add instant curb appeal to your home, yet it can also take up a great deal of your time. This is because there is no such thing as a maintenance-free garden, although there are plants and shrubs that are easier to take care of than others.

This is when choosing smarter plantings, such as shrubs that require little pruning and watering, can be a great idea.

Popular landscaping plants

Ribbon Grass: This plant thrives in moist soil and partial sun. It’s also a good option for those looking for a maintenance-free plant, as it can withstand both pests and diseases. It is also able to be grown in an array of climates and gardens, including those that benefit from full sun or shade, as well as wet and dry soil. It seldom grows above one foot in height and spreads quickly across even steep or sloped terrain.
Landscape trees: Trees are a significant part of landscaping. When flourishing they make a great contribution to the garden. Adding trees to your landscape garden, be it one type or a grouping of several varieties, will hugely improve the appearance and value of your property. Trees are also great options for those wishing to create private spaces. Avoid planting trees too close to property though, as the roots can cause issues with the foundations of a home if not properly managed.
Ornamental grass: Ornamental grasses are now massively popular when it comes to residential landscapes. They boast numerous benefits and add a decorative touch, especially those with textured foliage and soft seed heads.
Native plants: Native plants are traditionally used to create a lush, low-water landscape. Incorporate them with non-natives to help add interest throughout every season. These plants will already be used to the environment in which they will be based too, meaning they are more likely to thrive.
Adonis: Instead of tulips, why not try Adonis? This perennial flowers much earlier in spring and adds vibrancy to any garden with its cheerful yellow flowers.
Lenton Rose: Also known as Helleborus orientalis, this particular plant isn’t really a rose at all; it is hellebore. This early spring bloomer foliage will add interest and structure to your garden, just as much as the flowers.
Golden chain trees: These showy trees light up the entire outdoor space when in bloom. A display many gardeners look forward all winter.
Oaklef Hydrangea: Renowned for being one of the best landscaping plants for summer, this perennial vine thrives in shaded areas and boasts a hot hue.
Hazelnut bush: The contorted hazelnut bush is a must-have for a winter garden. Often referred to as ‘Harry Lauder’s walking stick’, this bush is at its best in the colder months, meaning you’ll have something to look forward to all year round. It boasts a madcap branching pattern and bears catkins.
Purple Beauty Berry Bush: The berries on this bush add color and structure to smaller landscaping spaces, as you can cut it down to the ground every spring. This will both minimize its size and generate new growth, without damaging the plant or interrupting berry production.

Top tips when choosing and planting landscape plants

There are a number of top tips you should follow when it comes to fashioning a landscape garden. Some of these include:

Tailor plants to the area you reside in, and more importantly, the climate. The main factors to affect plant performance include the amount of sunlight and rainfall, the length of the growing season, average summer and winter temperatures and elevation.
Think about grouping plants to create a more robust and dramatic display.
Use succulents of all shapes and sizes to add drama to the garden.
If fashioning a Japanese garden, invest in an abundance of trees as well as shrubs.
Prepare the soil and connect a drip irrigation system to ensure your landscape garden thrives.
If your garden suffers from drought, opt for plants such as cacti, including an array of succulents, such as autumn sage, and Texas red yucca.
Decide what type of garden it is you’d like to create before you start. For example, options include a Mediterranean garden, a traditional display, a tropical landscape or a Japanese garden.
Popular traditional landscaping plants are usually characterized by robust structures and bold blooms.
When selecting plants for use around a swimming pool, it’s important to choose shrubs and trees that can withstand chlorine and also, plants that don’t drop leaves as you’ll spend forever fishing them out the pool.
If dressing pergolas, patio covers, and arbors, use vines for accenting.
Use larger shrubs if you wish to create screening and privacy in your garden, such as bamboo.
Think about both color and structure when selecting plants.
Create interest by pairing different plants together, including trees, vines, shrubs, and perennials. Many even produce edible fruit or herbs.
If you’re struggling for ideas or you’re a beginner gardener, invest in the services of a professional landscaper, who will help you create a planting plan to complement your lifestyle, home, and climate conditions.