Plants for beach house
21 Low Maintenance Garden Plants for a Beach House – Marina View Homes
Living close to the beach is fun for you but is tough for plants. Drought, searing sun, salt-laden winds, humid air, erosion, sandy soil – these are only some of the extreme conditions that coastal plants must survive in.
Luckily, there are some spectacular, hardy plants that are native to where you live. So, before planting anything in your garden, learn what species belong to your area!
As a rule of thumb, select ones that are resistant to drought, salt-tolerant, and water-wise. These plants will be the best choice for your low maintenance beach house garden.
In no particular order, these coastal plants are proven performers:
Campanula
Campanulas are also called Bellflowers due to their unique, upturned, bell-shaped flowers.
These low-maintenance, hardy, alpine natives are ideal even for beginner gardeners as caring for Campanulas doesn’t require any expertise.
Plant them in well-draining, moderately moist soil for best flower production and in a sunny area. Soil conditions can be any pH level, including highly acidic.
Once established, these perennials will tolerate periods of drought, and a lot of extreme weather, and arid conditions.
Thus, they make a lovely addition to any garden situation you can think of, for example, coastal and rock gardens.
There are many varieties of Campanulas. The most common are Bluebells, Scotch Bluebells, American Bellflowers, “Pink Octopus”, Dwarf Bellflowers, Canterbury Bells, Dalmation Bellflowers, “Blue Waterfall”, and Fairies’ Thimbles.
Globe Thistle
Globe Thistle (Echinops) can be a wonderful addition to your perennial or cutting garden, adding a sharp texture in its leaves, upright stature, and the spiky, steel blue, golf ball-sized flowers.
Your beach house garden will thrive with life as Echinops attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. Dry and sandy soil is perfect for these plants. Once Echinops is established, it will perform well without any supplemental watering.
This incredibly low maintenance plant needs no fertilizing as it performs great in nutrient-poor soils. Mulch is also not necessary for Echinops as it does well in soils with low organic matter.
Yucca
Yucca is ideal to grow in coastal areas as it is tough, salt-tolerant, and sun-loving. It can also tolerate some colder climates and no salt amendments are necessary. You must, however, plant it in a well-drained spot. It’s very drought tolerant but it will still benefit from occasional waterings, especially until it’s established.
Yucca is so low maintenance as fertilizer is optional and trimming is rarely needed except for removing dying leaves once in a while.
There are several varieties of Yucca to pick for your seaside garden, such as the classic “Spanish Bayonet” or other spineless varieties.
Lampranthus
The summer climbing plant Lampranthus (Spectabilis), also called the Trailing Ice Plant, is a must-have for every coastal yard.
This low-growing groundcover requires no maintenance except for very little watering once established. Lampranthus will tolerate drought and minimal but well-drained soils. It is best grown in sunny or partly shaded spots.
The plant produces green-grey succulent style foliage all year round with large purple and coral flowers that bloom abundantly in late spring and summer.
African Iris
African Iris (Dietes), also known as Fortnight Lily, Morea Iris, or Butterfly Iris, is a very easy to grow plant.
It’s pest resistant and produces a beautiful, pale yellow flower in the spring.
African Iris is very adaptable and might be planted in various mediums like moderately dry soils, wetlands, slightly alkaline, salty or acidic soil, and sand.
It stands up to hot sun and drought, tolerates negligence, and requires minimal maintenance.
Agave
Agave plant presents an excellent choice for truly low maintenance gardening. This amazingly tough plant is able to endure the extremes like sandy soil, hot sun, or dry conditions. As all Agave varieties are salt-tolerant, they do well in a beach yard.
Although Agave has been used as a food source (best known for being used to make Tequila), the thorns and sap contain skin irritant toxins. Thus, always wear gloves and safety glasses or sunglasses when handling or working around this plant.
Agave is extremely easy to grow and very drought tolerant, being a lover of the sunny coasts.
The many varieties of the Agave plant include:
Blue Agave (Agave Americana), a most common, spectacular plant with silvery-blue leaves. It can be planted as a centerpiece in rock or succulent gardens, or as an accent throughout your property’s landscape.
Caribbean Agave (Agave Angustifolia or “Marginata’”) is a beautiful plant with variegated, rounded, rosette-shaped leaves. This hardy accent plant calls for little to no maintenance. The Caribbean Agave is drought-tolerant and can be used in rock or succulent gardens, pots, and more.
You should also consider other types of Agave, such as the False, the Smooth, or the Twin-Flower Agave, as all of them require no maintenance and are drought tolerant.
Red Hot Poker
Add some exotic beauties to your seaside home garden. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia) is extremely easy to grow. This impressive perennial offers strappy leaves, and bright, wand-like flowers that are beloved by hummingbirds.
Gardeners and landscapers are always pleased with their low maintenance that requires only the removal of older flower stalks and cutting back in spring.
It’s an ideal plant for salty soil, and it also tolerates drought very well although regular watering with a drying out period is preferred.
These plants are excellent performers in the heat. Red Hot Poker needs to planted in full sun and in moist, well-drained soil.
Gaillardia
A tough perennial, also known as Great Blanket Flower, can be easily grown in seaside gardens when the proper conditions (full sun and well-drained soil) are provided.
Gaillardia (Gaillardia Aristata) has a variety of bright and cheerful colors, a really long bloom season (from summer until the first frost), and is a good pollinator as its flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Gaillardia’s maintenance is simple and straightforward and just involves cutting back perennial flower seed heads in the late fall.
It’s also resistant to drought, sun-loving, and thriving in sandy and salty soils of coastal areas.
Lantana
Lantanas are commonly grown as sun-loving, flowering annuals, and perennials near the coast.
These are tough, resilient plants that thrive in hot weather and full sun. Established Lantanas are drought-resistant and tolerant of salty soil, thus, it is the ideal plant to grow along the beach in a seaside garden. Their brightly colored flowers bloom abundantly from spring to frost.
Lantana is an easy to care plant that likes moist, well-drained soil. Although it’s a very low maintenance plant, some problems may occur when in improper growing conditions such as too much shade or excessive fertilization.
The plant has several species:
Common Lantana (Lantana Camara) is the most widely grown species with a great number of cultivars.
Weeping Lantana (Lantana Montevidensis) has low, vinelike stems and grows lavender flowers.
Popcorn Lantana (Lantana Trifolia) is an unusual species grown primarily for the highly ornamental, elongated fruit clusters resembling an ear of corn.
Cuphea
Cuphea plants are valued not only for their attractive, summer-long flowers but also for the hummingbirds, butterflies, and nectar-feeding insects that swarm around them.
Cupheas are important in low maintenance, carefree gardens because they are rarely bothered by pests or diseases provided that they’re planted in full to partial sun and in moist, well-drained soil.
This peculiar annual blooms even in the hottest weather and in salty soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and also holds up well to drying winds, making it the ideal coastal plant.
Numerous garden Cuphea species are popular:
Cuphea Llavea (also called Bat Face Cuphea, Cigar Plant, Tiny Mice, Bunny Ears) should be grown in full sun, is drought-resistant but best if watered regularly.
Cuphea IgneaImage (commonly called Cigar Plant, Cigarette Plant, Firecracker Plant, Cigar Flower) prefers bright sun, moisture, and is tolerant of short dry spells.
Allium
Alliums, also called Ornamental Onions, are easy to grow and they come back yearly with almost no maintenance. These bulbs aren’t too picky, and in most cases, they grow in full sun and average soil that needs good drainage. Thus, a sandy place will be perfect for them.
Available in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and magnificent colors, they brighten up beach gardens with beautiful blooms during the warm months.
Some of the unusual Allium species include:
The Jeannine Golden Onion, Giant Onion, and Turkestan Onion peek out in late spring.
Tumbleweed Onions have infertile flowers that shoot out, giving the effect of fireworks.
The summer-flowering Nodding Onions display lots of diversity.
The Blue Globe Onion bulb loves to grow in hot and dry conditions.
Black Onion is a summer star-shaped bulb.
Drumstick Allium is an egg-shaped flower.
Hair Allium, with its many thin, tentacle-like green flowers, looks like it put its roots in an electric socket. If you mix Hair Allium with other plants that are boring and this weird-looking plant will catch everyone’s attention.
The very cool plant, Circle Onion has blue-green leaves that give a corkscrew effect.
The Stars of Persia is yet another allium with the WOW factor, it is tall and needs full sun.
Ozawa Allium, this Japanese onion blooms as soon as the fall begins.
Daylily
The popular flowering perennial, Daylily is available in a wide variety of flower shapes, bright colors, shades, and growth habits. The petals and flower buds are edible.
Daylilies can be planted any time of year. They are categorized into 3 groups, deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen, according to their growth habits.
Raising daylilies is fairly simple and once established, they need only minimum care.
They will thrive anywhere they’re planted. When in sandy soil, just add 2 to 4 inches (5-10cm) of peat moss and then work it into a 6 to 8 inches (15-20cm) depth.
Daylilies will resist the longest of dry spells and have a remarkable heat tolerance.
Coneflower
Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are very tough, trouble-free, and drought-tolerant once established.
These little native flowers with prickly stems will draw a variety of birds, butterflies, and bees to your beach yard, adding the most desired color and motion to the landscape.
Coneflowers can take the heat, drought, and are tolerant to all weather conditions as well as pests.
They are easy to grow and require no attention other than an annual clean up in the fall. For best results, grow them in full sun with well-drained soil.
These adaptable plants can tolerate partial shade and a wide range of conditions including sandy, rocky, and clay soils.
The most common species available for gardens is the purple coneflower, Echinacea Purpurea.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod (Solidago) is an easy to grow and care for, hardy and drought-resistant perennial that’s perfect for seaside gardens.
With magnificent sprays of tiny yellow flowers, goldenrod is an abundant source of nectar for bees and other insects, with sugar concentrations as much as 33 percent.
Goldenrods beautifully brighten up the garden in late summer and early fall.
There are 77 species that are native to the US and Canada, and although each species is unique, some characteristics are common to all Goldenrods.
There’s no need to perform maintenance apart form removing an occasional stray stem. One-time maintenance in late fall or winter after bloom is finished will be enough.
It is best to grow Goldenrods in full sun or partial shade.
Large Ornamental Grasses
There are many species of large Ornamental Grasses and most of them require no care, other than a yearly trim back and a thinning every 5 years.
There is increased popularity of Ornamental Grasses due to a number of reasons: adaptability, low maintenance, and attractive looks, among others.
For easy care around the grasses, place a layer of weed-prevention landscaping fabric, then scatter pebbles, rocks, clam shells, or mulch on top to create an appealing weed control layer.
Ornamental Grasses add texture, movement, and all-season color to the yard while providing habitat, food source, and protection for pollinators and wildlife.
These decorative perennial grasses are versatile enough to tolerate sun and drought, many types of soil conditions, and garden locations. Thus, they are perfect for difficult areas with rocky or sandy soils, poor drainage, slopes, or excess of sun or shade.
Large Ornamental Grasses come in lots of varieties so there’s something for everyone:
The clumping, heat and drought-tolerant ”Gold Band” pampas is the best of the grass family, preferring full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Gold Band can handle coastal conditions, too.
Autumn Moor Grass tolerates a wide variety of soils and heat. It can be put to almost any use, no matter if used individually or in masses.
Atlas Fescue makes a great, sturdy ground cover, one of the most reliable grasses for creating drought-resistant meadows. It grows in a wide variety of soils and is best in all but hot, humid, and low desert climates.
Other Ornamental Grasses include the Vetiver with unique leaf tips; the blue-foliaged Boer Love Grass; one of the most adaptable Berkeley Sedge; Ruby Grass offering amethyst-pink fluffy plumes; a tough-performer Mexican Feather Grass; and the independent Wright’s Dropseed.
Silver Lace Vine
Growing these vigorous, deciduous to semi-evergreen vines is easy for just about anyone as they are adaptable and require very little care once established. Silver Lace Vine (Polygonum Aubertii) is a reliable performer, not overly picky about the soil type or climate, and can grow up to 12 feet (3.6m) in one year.
The beautiful, fragrant white flowers adorn this plant in the summer and fall, while it’s twisting its way around fences, arbors, trellises, or porch columns.
It will continue to rebloom in late spring and fall, and because it is so lush, it can quickly become invasive in some places unless growth is restricted or contained. Silver Lace Vine is a drought-tolerant plant and resistant to pests and disease, once established.
You will enjoy this stunning addition to your yard with many birds and butterflies fluttering around as the vine is attracting beneficial pollinators.
Pride of Madeira
The fast-growing shrub, Pride of Madeira (Echium Candicans), is evergreen, drought and salty winds resistant. It’s perfect as a foundation in a seaside garden.
Its flowers are not fragrant but full of nectar and thus, they are often revisited by bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and birds.
These plants require practically no maintenance, no pruning or deadheading, just let them grow and water once in a while and they will grow gorgeous inflorescences and lush foliage.
Just like succulents, the Pride of Madeira has low water needs and grows best in full sun, and in dry and poor soils. This is because this ornamental shrub is native to Mediterranean climates.
Gold Dust Basket Of Gold
Gold Dust Basket Of Gold (Aurinia Saxatilis) is a beautiful little plant that is low-growing, dense, with fine texture. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies to a seaside garden.
This herbaceous, evergreen perennial is relatively low maintenance, and should only be cleaned up in early spring before it begins actively growing in summer.
Gold Dust Basket Of Gold is best in full sunlight, doesn’t require any specific soil type or pH, and is very adaptable to both dry and moist soil conditions. However, it doesn’t tolerate any standing water, which makes it a perfect choice for a low-water or xeriscape garden applications.
Carpobrotus
Carpobrotus (Carpobrotus Edulis) is a hardy, trailing perennial that grows flat forming a dense mat near the ground.
Carpobrotus leaves are succulent, and fruits are edible, fleshy, and indehiscent.
People have been eating fresh Carpobrotus fruits since ancient times even though they have a strong, sharp, salty, and sour taste.
The Carpobrotus leaf juice is a mild antiseptic, and when mixed with water and swallowed, it’s capable of relieving diarrhea, dysentery, or stomach cramps. The juice can also be chewed or used as a gargle to treat a sore throat, laryngitis, and mouth infections.
This succulent groundcover is easy to grow and is perfect for low maintenance and water-conserving yards.
Nasturtium
These flowers are loved especially by kids because they are very easy to care for, and the giant-sized seeds can be easily handled.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum Majus) are low maintenance annual plants. You can grow them wherever they will get enough sun, just remember about regular routine watering. This plant will tolerate almost any type of soil and will not need any fertilizer.
Nasturtium is a groundcover that can pile up with bloom or climb with vines reaching 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5m) long.
Their rounded dark green leaves and bright orange, yellow, and reddish flowers attract bees and hummingbirds.
Nasturtium flowers are edible and can be enjoyed as a delightful decoration of cakes and pastries.
Blue Daisy
Felicia (Felicia Amelloides), also known as Blue Daisy or Blue Marguerite, is a hardy annual that might be grown in most climates. However, in hot climates, it usually stops blooming when it gets too hot in midsummer.
Blue Daisy flowers produce vivid, sky blue petals with bright yellow centers that attract butterflies.
Despite looking somewhat fragile, it’s a durable and pest-resistant plant that requires very little maintenance. It doesn’t like soil that’s too wet, so water it sparingly to keep the soil slightly moist until the roots are grown. Once established, an occasional watering of the plant is sufficient for healthy growth.
To Conclude,
When choosing plants for your beach house garden, make sure to pick only those seeds, bulbs, and plants that can thrive in your climate and specific location.
As determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, all plants have been divided into zones (proximity to the ocean) in which they are able to survive or tolerate the severity of conditions. Here is the direct link to the USDA Hardiness Zones map.
If you live in a coastal area, you must familiarize yourself with the zone you are in to be able to happily grow the plants in your beach yard. The right plants that are adapted to your area will make your garden more beautiful, healthy, and low maintenance.
25 Salt Tolerant Coastal Plants & Flowers for Your Seaside Garden
1.1K shares
There’s nothing quite like having a sea view, or breathing the sea air, or having the convenience of being able to often enjoy swimming in the sea. As much as they are powerful and to be respected, the seas can also be very relaxing, as the more peaceful the water is, the greater the tranquility they can instill in us.
Just think of how a walk along the seafront of a coastal town can, in bracing conditions, make slipping into bed afterwards the most luxurious and deserved experience imaginable. The sea air brings about a certain weariness that is very welcome indeed, with that feeling being part of the reason we seek out a coastal destination for a holiday. The overwhelming but richly earned sleepiness resulting from a day spent by the seas is a feeling that is incomparable to any other, and which cannot be mimicked in inland conditions.
The breeze which the oceans whip up are a tonic for the mind, body and soul, but it does come with some downsides for properties exposed to it which those that are landlocked don’t have to face. Given the salt content, the sea air is naturally corrosive, which spells trouble for the facade of a building. In addition, the same quality is not favoured by many plants, as these struggle in the atmospheric conditions that the sea air brings. As much as the oceans are essential for sustaining life, they are still capable of the opposite effect.
Which presents something of a dilemma for those of a green-fingered persuasion who find themselves and their gardens exposed to the harsh and salty sea air, as plant choices must reflect those which are hardy enough to flourish in challenging conditions. This is a routine concern for those fortunate to live in a coastal English town such as Brighton, where sea-facing roof terraces are often designed with planting in mind. Living like this is no barrier to enjoying a garden that comes into its own in the sea air, as there are many options which thrive in coastal conditions.
Here are 25 beach flowers and plants that are salt tolerant.
Related: Types of Polka Dot Plants | Types of Gas Plants | Tools for Pruning Plants | Types of Jade Plants
1. Rosemary (
Rosmarinus officinalis)For those who are interested in both gardening and cooking, this one will come as good news. Unlike the soft herbs, such as parsley or chives, the woody and resilient coastal rosemary is known as a hard herb, as it’s not at its best freshly chopped into food at the end of its cooking: instead it comes alive when simmered long and slow in dishes from start to finish, and removed prior to eating, though it’s not essential to do so, as when softened the leaves are easily digested.
Like oregano and basil, rosemary is a Mediterranean herb, so given the landscape and climate of that area, it’s no surprise that rosemary is known to be a robust and hardy herb not just in flavour, but also due to its resilience to the sea air. This is no impediment to its growth, so you can experience the pleasure of being able to go outside and cut your own fresh herbs even when living by the coast, something which is a true pleasure in life.
- Sun requirement – favours sunny conditions
- Water requirement – moderate need, but requires excellent drainage
- Hardiness zone – 9
2. Sea Kale (
Crambemaritima)Another one for those who like to combine sea air, gardening and eating, this plant typically grows wild along the coast of Europe, from the Black Sea to the North Atlantic, meaning it too is something of a tough cookie. Like the regular kale, sea kale is also perfectly edible, and is sometimes known as sea cabbage, as it comes from the Brassicaceae family. You’ll find it dies in winter, before returning once springs arrives again.
Sea kale gets along very well with the sun, and enjoys being planted in deep and fertile soil. Despite being a brassica, sea kale doesn’t taste like cabbage, with its stems instead resembling a cross between asparagus and celery. We should be grateful we can still try it, for this vegetable all but died out due to the Victorians being particularly keen on them. Happily though they’re now back on the menu, and are an ideal for not just coastal growing, but as a source of nutrients too.
- Sun requirement – prefers full sun
- Water requirement – prefers moist soils
- Hardiness zones – 4-8
3. Ornamental Grasses (
depends on particular species)It’s hard to ever imagine tiring of what are a common sight in coastal gardens and public spaces, as they’re so strikingly beautiful, especially when a breeze catches them and they sway gently along with its current. Thelong and sleek blades makes ornamental grasses a very tactile option, as their grace encourages them to be touched, so long as you can take your eyes off their gentle and calming movement.
They’re particularly good if you’re something of a novice gardener, as ornamental grass is very easy to grow, due to them being able to tolerate a wide range of conditions and not needing much feeding. It’ll take a while to decide which plant is for you, as there are a bewildering number of ornamental grasses to choose from. But that’s all part of the fun, as it increases the chance of there being one which fits with your garden perfectly.
- Sun requirement – there are grasses which prefer both sun and shade
- Water requirement – varies depending on which grass is being cultivated
- Hardiness zone – varies depending on particular grass
4. English Ivy (
Hedera helix)Now this choice really divides opinion, as its invasive nature means once it takes hold, it’s likely to grow wild and free. It doesn’t much care where this happens either as, being a climber, it will cover the most pristine of country houses as much as it will conceal a dilapidated garage and, being an evergreen perennial, you’ll have your work cut out discouraging its growth.
All of which is common knowledge, and it shouldn’t be enough to put you off opting to grow it, as there’s a certain sophisticated quality to a covering of ivy that no other plant can get near to replicating. If you want to avoid them taking over entirely, as is their natural inclination, then planting English ivy in hanging baskets is a good compromise, as it’ll look equally as dramatic as it cascades over the basket and towards the ground.
- Sun requirement – prefers shady areas
- Water requirement – keep moist when growing, but they tolerate dry conditions once established, which takes about 3 years
- Hardiness zones – 4-8
5. Geraniums (
depends on particular species)How delicate these pretty little flowers are belies how tough they are, as they will obtain very nicely in coastal conditions, and give a much needed colour contrast to the more typical palette of the more sturdy plants you find by the coast. Also of appeal is their versatility, as these can also be grown indoors or in hanging baskets.
Geraniums are also easy to care for, should you be a novice gardener. Simply water them very well once planted, then do so again at least once a week thereafter, assuming you’ve planted them outdoors. They are very partial to sunlight, which keeps them thirsty, so bear this in mind when deciding where to plant them. An outdoor space that receives guaranteed sunlight for several hours a day will bring out the best in the geranium. You can even dig them up and bring them inside if the conditions change too much.
- Sun requirement – they thrive in sunny conditions, preferring 4-6 hours of daily sun
- Water requirement – leave to totally dry between watering, before doing so thoroughly
- Hardiness zones – 10 and 11
6. Sea Buckthorn (
Hippophaerhamnoides)The reputation of this plant has been growing steadily over recent years, which in large part is due to the rise in popularity of foraging for wild ingredients to cook with. This style of professional cookery originates from the Nordic regions, where access to wild coastal ingredients is not only readily available, but also incredibly diverse and as natural and organic as it gets.
Not being interested in foraging doesn’t mean you have to stick with the same old ingredients all the time, as sea buckthorn, which grows in abundance by the sea, is also suitable for home growing. It is very tolerant of salt in both the air and soil, but it does need plenty of sun in order to thrive, as constant shade will prevent it from obtaining. If the climate suits and you like sourness in both food and drink, then sea buckthorn will prove a big hit, as its sharp flavour makes a lemon taste trivial by comparison. Full of vitamins and minerals, it also has a host of medicinal uses.
- Sun requirement – requires full sunlight
- Water requirement – maintain even moisture
- Hardiness zones – 3-8
7. Thyme (
Thymus vulgaris)Quite likely the most versatile of all herbs, the hardy and robust thyme is more than comfortable in exposed coastal conditions, and will thrive even with the barest of care and attention, as it tolerates drought well. Like other woody herbs, it will give off a fragrance that is difficult to resist, making it ideal to plant quite low down, so that when you brush alongside it as you walk by, its aroma will surround you.
Unlike some other herbs, thyme lends itself very well to being dried, so don’t think it can only be used fresh at its peak condition. It also freezes very well, and can be enjoyed just for its scent if you’re not a fan of its flavour, or just appreciated for its charming ornamental properties. Like many plants, thyme also has medicinal qualities, with the essential oils found in its leaves used as a natural cough remedy. Thyme tea – for which you need just thyme and water – is a useful treatment for common ailments such as a cough or sore throat.
- Sun requirement – likes hot and sunny conditions
- Water requirement – tolerates drought well, and prefers well drained soil
- Hardiness zones – 4-9
8. Bee Balm (
Monarda didyma)The red bee balm plant, an herbaceous perennial, is part of the mint family, and its aromatic leaves can be used just like regular mint. It is also useful in treating skin conditions, or made into a balm to treat bee stings. As the name suggests, bees cannot resist the bee balm plant.
- Sun requirement – partial shade/full sun is their preference
- Water requirement – keep the soil moist, but not wet
- Hardiness zones – 2-10
9. Flowering Jasmine (
Trachelospermumjasminoides)A woody evergreen, this plant has a very strong fragrance that bees also find irresistible. However, it is so strong that some people find it overwhelming, particularly those who are allergic to perfume. It is particularly versatile, as it can be used as a climbing vine or as groundcover.
- Sun requirement – part shade/full sun, with the latter offering the best flowering potential
- Water requirement – tolerates drought well
- Hardiness zones – 9 or 10
10. Blackthorn (
Prunus spinosa)You might know the fruits of this flowering plant by the name sloe, an essential ingredient in sloe gin. It has a very tart flavour indeed, so requires plenty of sugar if used in cooking. The branches also make excellent fire wood, as it burns slowly and gives off little smoke.
- Sun requirement – prefers full sun
- Water requirement – water regularly when first planted
- Hardiness zone – 4
11. California Poppy (
Eschscholziacalifornica)This drought tolerant, flowering plant became the official state flower of California in 1903, with April 6 known as California Poppy Day, while Poppy Week is celebrated May 13-18. Its petals close at night, before opening the next morning, while their brilliantly coloured orange flowers are hard to beat.
- Sun requirement – prefers full sun
- Water requirement – water lightly until they become established, but avoid moisture once they do
- Hardiness zones – 5-10
12. Beach Aster (
Erigonglaucus)With a name like this, it’s hardly surprising that beach aster suits coastal conditions well. It is also known as Sea Breeze, should any doubt as to its natural habitat remain. It is especially hardy, given it can tolerate extremely low temperatures, though it prefers the sun and sea air.
- Sun requirement – prefers full sun
- Water requirement – soak before planting, and water well during first year of planting
- Hardiness zones – 5-8
13. Apple Blossom (
Escallonia)Just like beach aster, apple blossom is just as able to tolerate extreme shifts in conditions, though it may struggle in very exposed locations. Its flowers are an attractive delicate pink colour, with neat foliage. It will give off a very pleasant fragrance, especially right after a period of rain.
- Sun requirement – likes full sun, and shelter from strong winds
- Water requirement – water deeply upon planting, but can go weeks without once it has established
- Hardiness zones – 7-9
14. Lavender (
Lavandula)Lavender has long been cherished for the calming properties of its fragrance, with its oil found in a range of therapeutic preparations. It is increasingly finding its way into sweet foodstuffs, such as ice cream. While its strong flavour is best enjoyed in moderation, an abundance of lavender looks more beautiful the more that are grown together.
- Sun requirement – it does best in a sunny sheltered spot
- Water requirement – soak thoroughly prior to planting, and water well during first year
- Hardiness zones – 5-9
15. Round Leaved Pigface (
Disphyma)Now this might not be the politest sounding plant, so it’s fortunate that we judge them on their scent or appearance, rather than their name. Unlike the very blunt and unattractive name, this is actually a very delicate plant with a striking crimson-purple flower. It can be used for groundcover or in hanging baskets.
- Sun requirement – thrives in hot overhead sun
- Water requirement – tolerates extended dry periods well, but keep moist otherwise
- Hardiness zone – 6
16. Hummingbird Fuchsia (
Fuchsia magellanica)This deciduous shrub will grow an abundance of flowers over a long period of time, which are followed by a reddish coloured fruit. The flowers are, unsurprisingly, very attractive to hummingbirds, who seek out the concentrated nectar found in them, as it contains high levels of sucrose.
- Sun requirement – adapted to shadier conditions
- Water requirement – could be daily, but depends on the amount of heat and light it’s exposed to
- Hardiness zone – 6a-9b
17. Darwin’s Barberry (
Berberis darwinii)This evergreen thorny shrub takes its name from the naturalist who discovered it in South America for the first time in Western science in 1835, although prehistoric natives had eaten its berries for millennia. It is an invasive species though, with New Zealand considering it a threat to indigenous ecosystems.
- Sun requirement – full sun or partial shade
- Water requirement – avoid waterlogging
- Hardiness zones – 7 and 8
18. Sea Thrift (
Armeriamaritima)In 2002, the conservation charity Plantlife chose sea thrift to be the country flower of the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off the coast of Cornwall. Although its natural habitat are coastal cliffs and craggy islands, the salty atmospheres of inland coastal areas are also ideal for this pink wildflower.
- Sun requirement – full sun in northern climates and partly sunny in the south
- Water requirement – requires little once established
- Hardiness zone – 4-8
19. Virginia Creeper (
Parthenocissusquinquifolia)Like English ivy, this is an ornamental plant that is prone to aggressive growth. Given its ability to propagate due to its extensive root system, it can be difficult to eradicate once fully obtained. It is not related to true ivy though, being instead a species of flowering plant that belongs to the grape family.
- Sun requirement – grows in full shade or full sun
- Water requirement – minimal required, but keep in well-drained soil
- Hardiness zones – 3b-10
20. Horned Poppy (
Glaucium flavum)This ornamental and short-lived perennial will flower from June to August, though its root is poisonous. It dislikes shady conditions, but can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°c. The horned poppy is also resentful of root disturbance, so once you have decided where best to plant one, it is best left alone.
- Sun requirement – full sunlight
- Water requirement – minimal care needed
- Hardiness zones – 3-10
21. Yarrow (
Achillea millefolium)A native of Eurasia, yarrow is found widely from the UK to China, as well as in North America. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, it is toxic to dogs, cats and horses, as it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, anorexia and hypersalivation in each.
- Sun requirement – full sun
- Water requirement – yarrow does not tolerate wet soil
- Hardiness zones – 3-9
22. Hawthorn (
Crataegus)The Crataegus species consists of shrubs or small trees, which provide shelter for many birds and mammals. The fruits – or haws – are edible to humans, and can be made into jelly or homemade wine. When still young, the tender leaves are also edible, making them an ideal salad ingredient.
- Sun requirement – full sun
- Water requirement – water during dry spells in first year: drought resistant thereafter
- Hardiness zones – 4-11
23. Confederate Jasmine (
Trachelospermumjasminoides)This evergreen woody liana is native to eastern and south-eastern Asia, but is also commonly grown in California and the south-eastern United States, or the former Confederate States of America from which the name derives. An ornamental plant, it can be used either as a climbing vine, or for groundcover.
- Sun requirement – anything from full shade to full sun
- Water requirement – moderate
- Hardiness zones – 8-10
24. Periwinkle (
Vinca)You’ll have to be careful with periwinkle, as it is invasive to some areas of the world, such as parts of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, particularly the coastal areas of California. They are a low plant which spreads quickly, so are ideal for groundcover purposes.
- Sun requirement – prefers partially shaded, but also thrives in a range of sunlight conditions
- Water requirement – drought resistant
- Hardiness zones – 4-8
25. Butterfly Bush (
Buddleja)There are over 140 species of butterfly bush to choose from, so there really will be something for everyone, as the colours of the flowers are also diverse. They are very rich in nectar, which means the flowers often smell strongly of honey. Unsurprisingly, the butterfly can’t get enough of this plant.
- Sun requirement – full sun
- Water requirement – needs thorough watering
- Hardiness zones – 5-8
Related: Types of Fern Plants | Types of Hostas | Types of Bedroom Plants
1.1K shares
20 best perennial flowers for gardening
Spring perennial flowers
Spring flowers usually bloom quite early, but also bloom before summer. Therefore, when planting spring varieties, you need to take into account the end of their flowering and select a replacement.
Crocuses
Crocuses are planted both in groups, combining different colors, and individually - they perfectly enliven the lawn.
These flowers bloom quite early - in March, peeking out from under the snow, and bloom until the end of May.
Photo: Instagram allakorobcko
Photo: Instagram innamankos
Photo: Instagram landscape_samara
Muscari
Muscari, or mouse hyacinth, has an oblong stem dotted with small bluebell-like flowers. These flowers are quite unpretentious and grow well in the shade of trees.
Muscari blooms from April until the end of May.
Photo: Instagram egaidel
Photo: Instagram inna.rozonutaya
Photo: Instagram skazkileta
Pushkinia
This spring flowering perennial has large white flowers with blue veins. It will be a good neighbor for daffodils and primrose.
Pushkinia blooms from April to May.
Photo: Instagram irinatolubenko
Photo: Instagram svetlana_pakhomenko
Photo: Instagram tatiana.davydova_kositsyna
Tulips
Flowers very popular with summer residents. They are quite unpretentious, although they require regular watering during flowering.
These flowers have a large number of species and different flowering periods, but on average they bloom in suburban areas from April to the end of May.
Photo: Instagram ababashirina
Photo: Instagram chaudharyjulia
Photo: Instagram gamsmari
Daffodils
Narcissus flowers can be with a short and long crown, simple and double. They grow well both in the sun and in the shade, but they do not like excessively damp soil. Poppies, peonies and aquilegia can be planted next to them so that after the end of the flowering of daffodils the site does not seem bare.
The flowering time of daffodils is from the beginning of April to the end of May.
Photo: Instagram arina_radionovna
Photo: Instagram jukiazhgun
Photo: Instagram olesyamagersidelnikova
Dicentra
There is a legend about the flowers of this beautiful plant. It says that in France there lived a girl who once got lost at night in the forest. She was saved and brought home by a mysterious rider, which won her heart. But a few days later she saw him marry another, and her heart broke and turned into a dicentra flower.
Blooming dicentra looks beautiful both in a group and singly.
This plant blooms during May with bright pink, white and bicolor flowers.
Photo: Instagram dom_s_rozami
Photo: Instagram dom_s_rozami
Photo: Instagram dom_s_rozami
Lily-of-the-valley
A wonderful decoration for a May flower bed is small snow-white lily-of-the-valley flowers spreading their fragrance over the entire plot. This plant tolerates wintering well and is quite unpretentious. It can grow in one place up to 10 years and feels good in the shade.
Lily of the valley blooms in May, then white flowers give way to red berries.
Photo: Instagram for_home_and_soul
Photo: Instagram katusha_sablina80
Photo: Instagram red_lilu
Brunner
Brunner has small blue flowers and unusual pointed heart-shaped leaves.
It is better to plant brunner in the shade, it blooms in May, and with its foliage pleases until frost.
Photo: Instagram annaprosiannikova
Photo: Instagram samarinaav
Photo: Instagram sergei.nemo
Kupena
This plant will be a wonderful decoration of the summer cottage both because of its bright blue flowers and because of the lush leaves of unusual colors. It does without a transplant and grows rapidly in an empty shady corner.
Kupena blooms from May to June.
Photo: Instagram tosya_vk
Photo: Instagram skazkileta
Photo: Instagram olgavrozhkova
Periwinkle
Periwinkle, or magic violet, is a shade-loving plant that grows rapidly, creeping along the ground, and blooms with small blue, pink and white flowers.
Periwinkle blooms from May to mid-June.
Photo: Instagram 85solnce
Photo: Instagram dar_krylova
Photo: Instagram shakalovagalina
Summer perennial flowers
Summer varieties are planted to replace spring flowers so that the plot will please the eye with flowers throughout the summer season.
Arabis
Arabis is a good choice for those who do not want to plant a large number of successive flowers on the site. Arabis spreads along the ground and has a large number of leaves, so it completely covers the ground and does not require the neighborhood of other flowers.
Begins to bloom in April and blooms until frost.
Photo: Instagram landshaft.design
Photo: Instagram multya
Photo: Instagram semena_zakaz
Doronicum
Bright and rich flowers of doronicum will be a wonderful decoration for the garden. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that when they fade, the greenery will also fade, so it’s worth planting a decorative fern nearby so that the site is not empty.
Doronicum blooms from mid-May to June.
Photo: Instagram nik_ilsen
Photo: Instagram tosya_vk
Photo: Instagram ludmilas_gomel
loosestrife
loosestrife comes in two types: creeping and with tall stems ending in large inflorescences. These inflorescences have large flowers of various shades. In addition, loosestrife is frost-resistant and practically not subject to the threat of pests.
Flowering time - from May to the end of June.
Photo: Instagram art_flora_krsk
Photo: Instagram best_family_garden
Photo: Instagram sad_yulia
Roses
There are several varieties of summer roses that are especially popular with summer residents.
Golden Elsa
This variety of roses reaches a height of 70 cm and has pale orange flowers. It has a pronounced pleasant aroma and is suitable for hot climates.
Blossoms twice for three weeks: in mid-July and mid-August.
Photo: Instagram mirrasrenii. ru
Anniversary of the Prince of Monaco
Two-tone roses that turn white in the shade, and in the sun the edges of the petals acquire a crimson hue. They tolerate rain well and are frost-resistant.
Blooms from May until frost.
Photo: Instagram hozyaistvo_gazeta
Red Leonardo da Vinci
This variety of roses is very unpretentious and resistant to rain and diseases. The flowers are quite large - 8 cm in diameter - and last 2 weeks.
Blooms from June to late August.
Photo: Instagram dom_s_rozami
Bathing suit
Bright yellow bathing suit flowers have a pleasant aroma and, due to their long stems, can become a kind of hedge.
The bathing suit blooms in May and with regular watering will bloom until the second half of summer.
Photo: Instagram gorodu_net
Photo: Instagram maltcevaolga56
Photo: Instagram samarinaav
Geranium
Geranium blooms with small beautiful flowers, constantly replacing each other. And even after the end of flowering, it still copes well with a decorative role due to its carved and rich green leaves.
Like all descendants of wild plants, geranium is unpretentious and grows in the shade.
Geranium blooms from May to the end of summer.
Photo: Instagram irina_posev
Photo: Instagram kvitka_sadu
Photo: Instagram vale4ka2206
Aquilegia
This perennial plant comes into bloom immediately after tulips and daffodils.
Bizarrely shaped bright flowers remain on it from May to September. But even when they fall, aquilegia decorates the site with purple leaves.
Photo: Instagram bel_ladonna
Photo: Instagram florida_by
Photo: Instagram oscar_and_sher
Turkish carnation
Turkish carnation has bright flowers with jagged petals, but rather small in size. Therefore, it is better to plant it quite tightly.
It begins to bloom in late spring and ends in September. Another advantage of this plant is the ability to reproduce by self-seeding.
Photo: Instagram pilipeikooksana
Photo: Instagram rassadaoren
Photo: Instagram sima_s_ierusalima
Perennial cornflower
Cornflower has fluffy flowers of various shades and is unpretentious to the degree of soil fertility.
It blooms from June to September and has a high germination rate, and also takes root both in the sun and in the shade.
Photo: Instagram natalja_lam
Photo: Instagram volkodavug
Photo: Instagram yaradaikina
Astilba
Astilba is an unpretentious plant that can decorate the whole garden. Its lush inflorescences can be of various shades: from white and pale pink to deep purple.
Astilbe flowers from June to September.
Photo: Instagram irinakostenikova
Photo: Instagram florida.by
Photo: Instagram home_gardens
Lupins
A group of multicolored lupins will be a worthy decoration of any garden.
This flower has a peculiarity - double flowering: one at the beginning of summer, and the other - in the second half.
Photo: Instagram Klubrostok
Photo: Instagram Klubrostok
Photo: Instagram Klubrostok
Material prepared
Maria Revina
90,000 decorative plants-indoor plants-> rooms-> decorative plant0005
-
Succulents
-
Bromeliads
-
Ornamental foliage plants
-
Cacti
-
Indoor fruit plants
-
Beautiful flowering plants
-
Orchids
-
Palms
-
Ferns
Each inhabitant of the kingdom of Flora is somehow marked by nature, some plants got the beauty of a flower, others - the beauty of foliage. Ornamental deciduous plants are distinguished precisely by leaves. This is an extensive group of plants, whose fans are countless all over the world. Fascinated by these plants, breeders breed more and more new varieties, reinforcing the originality of the shape and color of the leaves, often even neglecting the beauty of the flowers. As a rule, representatives of this group of plants have very dim flowering, but due to the attractiveness of their foliage, they have high decorative properties all year round, and that is why these indoor plants form the basis of compositions in the phytodesign of any interior.
Anthurium, coleus, dieffenbachia, aglaonema, monstera, cordilina, fatsia, ivy, shefflera, fittonia are unconditional favorites among indoor decorative and deciduous plants.
Indoor leafy plants, available in original leaf shape and/or color tones, offer an astonishingly rich array of highly attractive and varied accents for a wide variety of interiors, both office and home.
The appearance of the foliage of decorative indoor plants is very diverse and differs in shape, size, leaf outline and texture, not to mention pattern and color. The range is huge - in soleirolia the leaves are just tiny, while in monstera they reach a width of 60 cm; croton leaves are solid with smooth edges, and asparagus is proud of its unusual pinnate foliage. The texture of the sheet itself can also be the most unpredictable: smooth, prickly, matte, shiny, velvety, corrugated, etc. The leaves can be completely green, or they can be variegated, multi-colored, with various veins, and so on.
Among this group of plants you can meet real giants and desperate crumbs, very capricious and completely unpretentious beauties, those who prefer an abundance of light and those who may well be content with a shady habitat. Such a variety of shapes, sizes and shades allows you to realize any design solutions.
Photo: Rita Brilliantova
read full description
0005
Aglaonema Akalifa air Alocasia amorphophallus Anthurium Araucaria Ardisia Asparagus Aspidistra Aucuba Banana Bakhuzia Begonia Euonymus Bertholonia bemeria Biophytum Brainia hemigraphis Geogenanthus Ginura Hypoestes hoffmania Dioscorea Dyschidia dieffenbachia dichorisandra Dracaena Drimiopsis Zamia Isolepis Irezine Ginger Caladium Calathea callisia Saxifrage Cardamom Karludovik Cypress sour Clusia codiaum coccoloba taro corinocarpus Cordilina Cryptomeria Christia Ktenanta Turmeric laurel Ledeburia Leea Lofomirt Luma arrowroot Mirsina Myrtle Molineria Monolen Monstera Mühlenbeckia Nandina Nepenthes Nerter Sedge Ostyanka Ophiopogon Palisota Pandan Nightshade Pachira Pellionia Peperomia Pepper Capsicum Pisonia Pilea Ivy Pogonaterum Polissias Pseuderanthemum Radermacher Rhodea Rosemary Roicissus Ruellia cycad Sansevieria Sarracenia Sauromatum Selaginella siderasis Syzygium Syngonium Resin seed Soleirolia Spathiphyllum Strobilant Stromanta Scindapsus Tetrastigma Tradescantia Fatsia Fatsheder ficus Philodendron Fittonia Formium Chlorophytum Cyanotis cyperus cissus Scheffler spur flower Eucalyptus Encephalartos Episcia Epipremnum
What to read see all . |