Now that structure and colour in the garden have been discussed, here is a list compiled simply on the basis of how fantastic and useful these plants are to the Irish garden. We have cheated a little here: we have noted our top ten evergreens and our top ten non-evergreens!
Camelias – Choose from reds, pinks, yellows and white. This plant likes dappled shade in a sheltered spot away from morning sun.
Ceanothus – I love this shrub and so do the bees! Choose from prostrate forms or much taller ones. The carpet of blues is so striking.
Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ – This is a terrific attention grabbing plant that absolutely glows in your garden with bright yellow young foliage turning yellow green in partial shade.
Nandina domestica – Showing soft salmon coloured leaves with white flowers in Summerthe Autumn fiery colours turn reddish purple in Winter.
Pittosporum tenuifolium. ‘Garnetii’ and ‘Irene Patterson’ to add brightness to your garden and the beautiful ‘Tom Thumb’ to provide a rich bronze purple.
Rhododendrons – So many colours to choose from, you must come in and see!
Sarcococca confusa - Shade loving dark green shrub with super fragrant small winter flowers and red, purple or black berries.
The next plants are chosen for the consistent interest they provide nearly all year in the various stages, including leaf and flower colour, seed heads, bark texture or stem character.
Acer griseum – Beautiful small tree with peeling coppery bark. In Summer it features winged fruit and in autumn wine red tints.
Amelanchier lamarckii – Spring - coppery young leaves and huge amounts of white flowers. Summer – berries turn red and darken; Autumn – yellow / orange leaves.
Verbena bonariensis – Autumn and Summer purple flowers show on long, waving stems.
These plants provide such interest to gardens. Choose a few to start, get to know them and appreciate their attributes and move on to more!
If you would like any advice on choosing plants for 2015 visit Powerscourt Garden Centre Wicklow. Until next time!
Mary, horticulturalist at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion
Ceanothus – I love this shrub and so do the bees! Choose from prostrate forms or much taller ones. The carpet of blues is so striking.
Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ – This is a terrific attention grabbing plant that absolutely glows in your garden with bright yellow young foliage turning yellow green in partial shade.
Clematis armandii – Scented white flowers with dark green, glossy leaves like full sun.
Fatsia japonica ‘Variegata’ – The large palmately lobed leaves with cream margins can add a tropical feel.
Mahonias – Always interesting, these plants are easy and dependable!
Nandina domestica – Showing soft salmon coloured leaves with white flowers in Summerthe Autumn fiery colours turn reddish purple in Winter.
Pittosporum tenuifolium. ‘Garnetii’ and ‘Irene Patterson’ to add brightness to your garden and the beautiful ‘Tom Thumb’ to provide a rich bronze purple.
Rhododendrons – So many colours to choose from, you must come in and see!
Sarcococca confusa - Shade loving dark green shrub with super fragrant small winter flowers and red, purple or black berries.
The next plants are chosen for the consistent interest they provide nearly all year in the various stages, including leaf and flower colour, seed heads, bark texture or stem character.
Acer griseum – Beautiful small tree with peeling coppery bark. In Summer it features winged fruit and in autumn wine red tints.
Amelanchier lamarckii – Spring - coppery young leaves and huge amounts of white flowers. Summer – berries turn red and darken; Autumn – yellow / orange leaves.
Betula jacquemontii – Winter is when this white barked birch really shines, especially from a distance, planted en masse.
Epimedium – The delicate flowers come in reds, pinks, whites and yellows. For more colour, the foliage goes red bronze late Winter.
Erysimum 'Bowles’s Mauve’- Can flower from Spring through Winter.
Geranium Rozanne - Summer, early Autumn, fresh green foliage and violet-blue flowers.
Heucheras – Chosen mostly for leaf colour - purple to coral, green to lime-green these plants have flowers on raised stems - the icing on the cake.
Molinia caerulea – Purple moor grass, green leaves with dark purple flowers in early Summer.
Phlomis russeliana – Spring to early Autumn providing pale yellow flowers and in Winter, seed heads add huge interest, especially if it snows.
Rosa glauca – Leaves are grey blue with scarlet stems, short-lived pink flowers but hips follow flowers and last into Winter.
Verbena bonariensis – Autumn and Summer purple flowers show on long, waving stems.
These plants provide such interest to gardens. Choose a few to start, get to know them and appreciate their attributes and move on to more!
If you would like any advice on choosing plants for 2015 visit Powerscourt Garden Centre Wicklow. Until next time!
Mary, horticulturalist at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion
