Statement plants

John Gabriele highlights some points to watch out for when selecting feature foliage.

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Plants can take any landscape design from drab to fab, and as modern landscape designs are defined by clean lines, and a somewhat minimalistic approach to the plant palette with a heavy emphasis on structural pants or architectural plants, selection is critical to success. Architectural plants are the ones that ‘make a statement’ in any landscape. They often stand out as a focal point that secondary plantings compliment to complete the overall aesthetic. Statement plants can provide year-round interest and provide the necessary framework for the entire planting.

When we think of statement plants our minds are likely to wander to visions of plants with unique shapes, colours and bold forms that often create a conversation piece. While this is certainly a common characterisation of statement plants, we mustn't lose sight of the fact that statement plants form the backbone of the landscape. They support everything else in the design. Their functionality is critical to overall design success, notwithstanding the other elements that should be considered.

The bold and the beautiful

Modern landscapes have become synonymous with the bold use of foliage plants: topicals, cacti, succulents, palms, and cycads, and their popularity isn't likely to wane anytime soon. These plants provide drama in any landscape, and the more attention directed to them, the more dramatic the planting will be.

Size, however, isn't everything.

Statement plants don't necessarily have to be large and tall to make an impact. Even smaller landscapes can utilise the characteristics of statement plants to generate interest and utility.