I love the excitement of adding tender and borderline hardy plants to containers and the garden beds. It brings with it a temporary opportunity to experiment and be playful.
1 Heliotropium arborescens 'Reva' A tender shrub that's easy from cuttings. Great for hot spots and the water-conscious gardener. Its scent is a must for a container or bed near a seat, window or door. Give it plenty of sun to bring out the best fragrance from the flowers. Height and spread: 30cm x 45cm.
2 Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea' An excellent groundcover, with deep-purple foliage and soft-pink flowers. I've been using it outside for 15 years, but in winter I always bring some corms inside to enjoy on a windowsill, just in case. 20cm x 30cm. USDA 7a-10b.
3 Monstera deliciosa Ever thought of giving your houseplants a summer holiday? I use this dramatic plant in a shady container display for the summer months. Just bring it in before it gets too cold. 1.5m x 50cm.
4 Coleus argentatus One of best plants for foliage. Its soft, silky, silvery leaves make it incredibly useful for 'filling' around your colour scheme. A robust plant (for a tender perennial), it will even grow in shade. 60cm x 60cm. RHS H1C, USDA 10a-11.
5 Dahlia 'Wishes n Dreams' Described as a dwarf bedding dahlia. The dark leaves contrast with magenta to sugar-pink flowers. Just as at home in a container as in a flower border. Single flowers are great for pollinating insects, and this flowers from July to the first frosts. 70cm x 30cm. RHS H3.
6 Verbena rigida I'm always looking for fillers to go among my shrubby containers. Occasionally, one of the fillers steals the show and this verbena is one of those plants, weaving itself into the tightest spots and still putting on a display. Surprisingly hardy. 60cm x 40cm. RHS H3, USDA 9a-10b.
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Gardens Illustrated.
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This story is from the May 2023 edition of Gardens Illustrated.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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