The Garden Community for Garden Lovers

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

49 comments


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.

More blog posts by spritzhenry

Previous post: GONE Potty!!

Next post: Where to put it?



Comments

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

15 Dec, 2009

 

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

 

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

15 Dec, 2009

 

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

15 Dec, 2009

 

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

 

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

 

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

15 Dec, 2009

 

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

15 Dec, 2009

 

Thanks, all - it's lovely to get such positive feedback! :-)))

15 Dec, 2009

 

You could have a winter open day for the Yellow Book with all your variety! Who could call H. Foetidus a weed with foliage like that?

15 Dec, 2009

 

Wasn't me, Wagger! I love'em - and you can always pull out the seedlings, after all!

Thanks, but no thanks - it's so soggy out there - I can't imagine the state of the lawns with people walking all over the place! :-(((

15 Dec, 2009

 

Brill blog as always loved all the photos of your plants and treesbut i really loved your weeping ash, think its a stunner aspecially in winter.

15 Dec, 2009

 

Thanks, Carol - yes, the poor old lady looks wonderful for her age, doesn't she!

15 Dec, 2009

 

Make them stand on the path with binoculars!

15 Dec, 2009

 

Maybe even outside in the lane, Wagger? LOL.

15 Dec, 2009

 

Agree with Toto and Clarice.The ancient weeping ash is wonderful,and the contorted willow looks great in the winter.

15 Dec, 2009

 

Spritz..Jane here.Have pm ed you !

15 Dec, 2009

 

OK. :-))

15 Dec, 2009

 

Some of my favourite plants fall into the variegated family and architectural.
Love your Euphorbia characias. My aim next year is to get plants with contrasting leaves together - textures and shapes - glossy leaves with felty ones and tall, broad leaved grasses with hostas etc. etc. :-)

15 Dec, 2009

 

some lovely plants there barbara, i have the fatsia, really like them and i aslo like mahonia and would love one next year ;o))

15 Dec, 2009

 

I'm having a Mahonia Charity for Xmas Sandra :-)))))

15 Dec, 2009

 

Your 'mixture' sounds great, Dawn! I love Mahonia 'Charity'. I'm hoping mine will bloom in time for the next episode! Good pressy....:-)))

Sandra - it sounds as though you have a wish-list! ;-)

15 Dec, 2009

 

that sounds like a good pressy Dawn.

15 Dec, 2009

uma
Uma
 

Spritzhenry, beautiful pictures and great blog as ever! :) Love the weeping ash and the willow...Euphorbia is just amazing!

15 Dec, 2009

 

:0)

15 Dec, 2009

 

ive a perminant wish list barbara lol

15 Dec, 2009

 

Thanks, Uma. :-)

Yes, Sandra - and mine keeps growing! I blame GOY - I keep spotting lovely plants on here....!!

15 Dec, 2009

 

i agree there barbara, i was happy just having a few plants till i came on here, now i want them all :o)

15 Dec, 2009

 

Exactly HOW many acres is your garden, Sandra? LOL.

15 Dec, 2009

 

lol its 60ft by20ft ,, do you think i can fit them all in :o))

15 Dec, 2009

 

Errr...would next door sell you their garden??

15 Dec, 2009

 

lol, if only i could win the lottery then i could have a lovely big garden, but for now im happy with what ive got :o))

15 Dec, 2009

 

Hi Barbara

I love the Fatsia Japonica, It's a great Architectural plant, I find they do better in a good shady area, apparently they like quite rich soil or feeding now and then.

I have noticed some very yellowy ones about but they all seem to be in very open sunny positions so maybe the shade thing is important!

Regards, Micky45

15 Dec, 2009

 

Mine is in a shady area, Micky - and I think you're right. I suppose I should feed it more - this part of the garden just gets some compost spread around in late winter/early spring!

15 Dec, 2009

 

The weeping ash is wonderful and yes I love old trees bereft of their leaves theres almost something spooky about them.

17 Dec, 2009

 

Oh my... I think they are so beautiful undressed and showing their real strength...I love them in the winter, almost better than in the summer. I do adore seeing the subtle fuzzinness in the spring time when all the new leaves begin to first appear..they look soft and young again for a short while.

17 Dec, 2009

 

I can see this tree from the window - and I can sit and gaze at it for ages, Cat. :-)

17 Dec, 2009

 

I would too...Barbara..let me get my cuppa tea...be right there..in my mind at least.. xx :)

17 Dec, 2009

 

But Cat - it's dark here! What time is it with you? It's just after 8 p.m. here! We'll have to wait to share the cuppa and our gazing...:-(((

17 Dec, 2009

 

It is 12:11 p.m. just thinking of finding something to eat and I have the company of GF on webcam..lol

17 Dec, 2009

 

How nice! Give him a wave from me! :-))

17 Dec, 2009

 

Ok..will do.. :)

17 Dec, 2009

 

Although my christmas term has already started i felt like sitting in my college and listening to my tutor telling my group about interest in the garden, about focal points - I really enjoyed it:) Many of plants I've just discovered not a long time ago, I couldn't agree with your choices more:) And what a wonderful garden you have:)

21 Dec, 2009

 

Thanks, Okasia! I'm just writing the next blog - I hope you enjoy that, too, and possibly discover a new plant?

21 Dec, 2009

 

o yes! just quickly went through it - I found few names I didn't know:) but because I am an early bird, I am going to do my lesson tomorrow in the morning - do not want to miss a word from your lovely blog:)

21 Dec, 2009

 

That's nice of you - I wonder which ones you didn't know?

21 Dec, 2009

Add a comment

Recent posts by spritzhenry

Members who like this blog

  • Gardening with friends since
    20 Sep, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    17 Mar, 2007

  • Gardening with friends since
    22 Oct, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    21 Jun, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    18 Jul, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    20 May, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    2 Nov, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    20 Jan, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    4 Feb, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    16 Feb, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    10 Nov, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    29 Mar, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    31 Oct, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    27 Sep, 2008

  • uma
    Uma

    Gardening with friends since
    28 Oct, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    1 Apr, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    4 Apr, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    3 Jul, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    16 Nov, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    24 Nov, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    9 Aug, 2009