Garden design, garden planning, garden layout, planting plants and planting schemes

Enjoy low maintenance planting with colour and form

posted in advice category on 2009-01-06

More tips on some of our favourite plants, two groups which we use quite extensively in our planting schemes especially for low maintenance gardens: Hebes and Ornamental Grasses. Although both of these groups are very well established with many traditional and popular varieties to choose from, in recent years some fantastic new very colourful and compact growing varieties have also become available. Hebes boast stunning colourful leaf and together with a long flowering period with a possible second flush in September following a light trim, makes them ideal for all gardens but especially the smaller gardens where space is a premium and all year round colour and interest an essential prerequisite. Our favourite Hebes include:

Hebe ‘Magic Summer’

A spherical growth habit and growing to approximately 80cm (just under 3’ 0”) in height and 100cm (just over 3’0” in width). The leaves are greyish white and in winter and spring time change colour to deep purple. In summer elongated light purple flowers appear. Spent flowers should be removed, and this plant likes a well-drained soil and a sheltered spot. Lightly prune (light clip) in early summer. This plant is reasonably hardy and is suitable for planting in the garden, balcony or patio containers.

Hebe ‘Goldrush’

An unusual Hebe that reaches a height of 30-40cm (12”-15”) and a fabulous plant for the garden, balcony or patio container. The growing points are a beautiful yellow colour and in late spring and in early summer the plant produces pink flowers, which are really pretty and eye catching. In early spring the growing points are reddish, forming a striking contrast with the yellow foliage. Hebe ‘Goldrush’ should be planted in a sheltered spot, in well drained soil. Trim lightly and dead head after flowering.

Fuchsia diva ‘Whitney’

Growing only 20cm high and 25 cm wide (< 12”) this fuchsia is ideal for in bedding displays, summer containers or at the front of a mixed shrubbery. Best planted individually or in irregular groups, Fuchsia diva ‘Whitney’ is an ideal compact early flowering fuchsia and an easy to maintain plant. Preferring sun or partial shade in a well drained soil, you’re guaranteed a profusion of pink and violet flowers in summer. Tip: after planting, the rootball should be marginally below the soil surface. Water well after planting.

Acorus gram. Ogon

One of the best in its class, with a bright yellow leaf and central green or white stripe, is a low growing ornamental grass. It is a very decorative plant with several good qualities. Low growing, so perfect for the smaller garden (we plant them regularly in water features and rockeries). Flowering panicles from May to October. A relatively trouble free and easy plant, position in sun or part shade. Cut of panicles after the flowering. Tip: makes a striking edging along the front of a flower bed.

Sesleria caerulea

One to find but well worth the search. This blue moor grass forms basal mounds of blue foliage, topped by small spike like panicles. Grows to 30cm (12”) tall and best in full sun or light shade. Flowers from March to May and is planted to great effect in groups as groundcover or individually around water features. Evergreen and impressive.