Winter Interest in my garden - part 3 - Architectural Plants.

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What is an ‘architectural plant’ anyway? I would say that it’s a plant that brings a touch of drama to the garden – or a focal point, maybe.

In the winter months, ‘architectural plants’ give my garden extra ‘pzazz’. They come into their own!

Like this one:

Fatsia japonica

Its large leaves are a very distinctive shape – you can see how glossy they are, too!

And just look at the flowers!

This year, I was lucky enough to find a variegated Fatsia – one more plant crossed off my lengthy wish-list!

Not everyone is lucky enough to inherit such a large and imposing architectural feature as the 200 year-old weeping ash in my garden, though! I love it at all times of the year, but I find its shape more interesting when the leaves are missing.

An architectural plant feature can, of course be created. This box ball just needs clipping twice a year now it’s spherical. Taxus (Yew), Lonicera nitida or Ilex (Holly) amongst others also make good subjects for shaping into balls, pillars or even ‘lollipop’ shapes!

At this time of year, the shapes made by my contorted willow are amazing – it’s much more interesting to look at without its leaves!

Salix babylonica ‘Tortuosa’

Last year I found a new plant (to me!) – an Astelia. I love this one – it comes into its own at this time of year, as not only is it evergreen, but the leaf colour deepens as the weather gets colder.

Astelia nervosa ‘Westland’

So you can imagine how pleased I was to come across another Astelia – a very differently coloured one – it’s paler and I think very attractive.

Astelia banksii

Just a word of warning about Astelias – they may need some protection in colder areas.

This plant is definitely architectural – in a different way! It’s a ‘stand up straight’ plant, and it also stands out in the border when there’s not a lot else of interest there. In the summer, your attention is taken by the colour of the flowers around it – but now?

Euonymus japonicus ‘Green Rocket’

Sometimes, a group of architectural plants can make a real impact – and although I know that some people think of Helleborus foetidus as almost a weed – in a group against the golden bamboo, it turns into a lovely contrasting winter picture!

Helleborus foetidus and Phyllostachys aurea

On to a plant which I bought at the Malvern Show – a grass this time! This is most definitely an architectural plant. It stands out amongst the lower-growing planting around it – showing it off to its full glory!

Carex trifida ‘Rekohu Sunshine’

Now a very unusual Ivy – it doesn’t climb or sprawl – it’s an upright form! You can see that it is an Ivy from the leaf shape – and I would certainly count it as an ‘architectural plant’ even though it’s not very big yet – it should grow to about 3’ eventually. This one was planted just over a year ago.

Hedera helix ‘Erecta’

Evergreen ferns come into their own in a shady corner as feature plants, too. There are so many to choose from – and they come in different shapes and sizes, as well.

You might be surprised to see a Heuchera in a blog about architectural plants – but just look at the form of this one! It may be a small plant – but its impact lies not only in the leaf colour – but also in the curls that the leaves form. Its name really suits it!

Heuchera ‘Crimson Curls’

This evergreen Euphorbia makes an impact at any time of year – but during the winter, it really stands out in the border, with or without its flowers.

Euphorbia characias subs. wulfenii

You certainly can’t ignore Phormiums in the garden! They definitely earn their place as focal points with their long, curving sword-shaped leaves.

Phormium tenax ’Platt’s Black’

I also have a huge Phormium! In one way, I wouldn’t mind losing it – it takes up so much room! However, it really is such an architectural feature that I would really miss it – so there it shall stay.

Phormium tenax ‘Tricolour’

This last shrub could lead into the next episode of ‘winter interest’ plants – but I’m including it here as I do think of it as ‘architectural’ as well – it’s a Mahonia. It deserves this because of the interesting shape of its leaves and form – it’s just coming into flower now – but more of that later!

Mahonia japonica

I hope you enjoyed this amble round the ‘impact’ plants in my garden.

14 Dec, 2009
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Comments

Catfinch

The idea of Architectural plants is quite wonderful Barbara..without these plants our gardens could not have half as much definition...I find the mahonia at the end reminds me of a snow flake somehow.. it is a perfect structural plant for winter...thank you ...

14 Dec, 2009

Bluespruce

Barbara, love the Carex trifida 'Rekohu Sunshine' - how about digging that one up next year and splitting it ?....you know where I am now ! :0))))

14 Dec, 2009

Ian_digs_v2

I'm learning, Spritz, that there are very few hard and fast rules when it comes to catogorizing plants.As you say about the Mahonia japonica, it can go into at least two catogories. I am assuming then that by following a few 'basics' you can adapt planting to suit your individual garden?
Yet again I have learnt something else just by reading one of your blogs! Thank the heavens for finding GoY is all I can say.

15 Dec, 2009

Madperth

Lovely! I didnt know you could get upright ivy!!

15 Dec, 2009

Hywel

I love your weeping Ash. I also think trees look nicer without leaves. You can see them better and they look more interesting.
I once had an upright Ivy aswell.

15 Dec, 2009

Grindle

all looks good, I have the Hedera, it's an interesting little plant isn't it :)

15 Dec, 2009

Toto

Love all these plants but my favouriteare the Contorted Willow and the Weeping Ash.

15 Dec, 2009

Jacque

Morning Spritz what a great Blog :) Love your Salix cant wait 4 my mine 2 look as good :) Is that Hellebore the Parent of the 1s you sent me? :)

15 Dec, 2009

Seaburngirl

had an early night as i was absolutely crackered after a day of mindless interviews etc.

spritz this is fantastic. I saw astellias when i was buying the saxifrages. but I didnt know what they were or what they do. I really must look it up.

I love the ivy too. Oh spritz you have such a lovely garden with fantastic plants to boot.

I have H.foetida wester flisk which has a reddy tinge if it has babies are you interested?

15 Dec, 2009

Sandra

greatblog Spritz...i love my garden at this time of year...the evergreens are taking centre stage.....your garden looks lovely....;-))

15 Dec, 2009

Mavisc52

You have loads of lovely plants ,I enjoyed the blog.

15 Dec, 2009

Winter Interest in my garden - part 3 - Architectural Plants.

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