Patio wall plants ideas :D

fizzyliz · March 2022

Hi,

We are building a wall around our patio with a flower bed and wondered if anyone had any recommendations if some nice plants, flowers etc to put in it? It’s in a south-ish facing position. Maybe some evergreens in there would be nice so it doesn’t go all dull and full of old plants later in the year? Maybe something with a nice scent as it’s on patio? It will be a feature wall, some variety would be lovely. Cottage style garden but any plants welcome!
Thank you so much :-)

fizzyliz · March 2022

It’s a raised wall flower bed* in case anyone thought I meant just a wall 😀

Fairygirl · March 2022

What are the dimensions?
Big difference between something 6 inches wide and a foot high, and one that's 2 feet in all directions

mikeymustard · March 2022

Yes, how big is the flowerbed? The favourites for these sort of things need to be drought and exposure hardy, so Mediterranean herbs and lavender are both smelly and evergreen(ish). If you don't have a slug problem then anything you'd normally put in a hanging basket would work, but would need lots more water 🙂
Of course, the larger (and taller) the bed, the more things you could try - tall, thin plants for screening, trailers (and climbers left to trail; is the patio side shady?)

Fairygirl · March 2022

I had a narrow, but deep, bed along the edge of a deck in a previous garden. I had Achilleas and the later Sedums [they have a new name now] in it. I also had V. bonariensis, as it had the benefit of the handrail behind it for some support. I had hardy geraniums [Anne Folkard] further round in the wider section. Probably bulbs but I can't remember.
All sorts of thing would be fine though, depending on what you like in the way of planting, and whether you want evergreens etc as well. Annuals will work alongside them all too.

fizzyliz · March 2022

Fairygirl said:

What are the dimensions?
Big difference between something 6 inches wide and a foot high, and one that's 2 feet in all directions

@mikeymustard

fizzyliz · March 2022

@Fairygirl @mikeymustard so it is 40cm in width, height of wall is 50cm, however it is being built on existing ground so roots will have plenty of room to go down into the ground. The size of patio is 3.5m2 - 2 sides will have the flower bed :-) thank you!

It’s a south facing garden in full sun. Thanks! X

fizzyliz · March 2022

It would be nice to have some evergreens, perhaps mixed with some bright annuals? As it will be a focal point would definitely like some evergreens do it doesn’t look drab half the year! Thanks 😊

Plantminded · March 2022

For evergreens, have a look at Euonymus japonicus. There's a range of easily controlled options with green and variegated leaves. I like "Green Spire", with its lime green tips, "Paloma Blanca" is similar with white tips, both very cheerful! You can let them grow freely or prune them into domes or columns, like you would grow Buxus (box).

You could take advantage of that sunny aspect and plant lavender or rosemary for flowers and scent, or any annuals or perennials that you like. A Salvia or Helenium would be a good option.

I'd also add something to spill over the wall to soften it. Erigeron karvinskianus with is small daisy like flowers would be ideal, mine flowers until December. There's also a creeping rosemary, Rosmarinus repens, which would suit that situation. It's evergreen and can flower in spring, summer and autumn. Enjoy your planting!

Fairygirl · March 2022

If it's 2 sides, one will have more shade than the other, so choose plants which will be happy, especially if there's anything else nearby to affect that.
Hebes will be fine, for an easy shrub, but there are loads of varieties, so take your time choosing. Phormiums will be fine - avoid the plain, common species ones as they get huge. I have Cream Beauty which I love, and is a constant source of pleasure over the long winter months. Very easy. The dark ones are also good. Some grasses will be fine too. Libertia is one. All evergreen.
Hardy geraniums are always good - again hundreds of varieties, and plenty of colours to choose from.
Any of the plants I mentioned earlier will be fine too - Sedums etc., and you can add bulbs in autumn after your annuals are finished.
Annuals will depend on what you like and want to grow. Worth taking a look at some of the seed suppliers for ideas - Chilterns etc. Hundreds of annuals will be fine there. Or you could take a look in GCs - they'll have bedding plants [mainly annual] which will suit - petunias etc.

Plantminded · March 2022

As @Fairygirl says, phormiums are another excellent evergreen option to consider. They really brighten up your winter view, especially if you choose one of the variegated varieties. Be careful with your overall mix of plants. I'd choose maybe five different plants of different forms (eg rounded, columnar, spiky, cascading), buying two or three of each species and planting them in a repeat pattern. This will give your planting rhythm and make it feel complete and easy on the eye. It's important that you choose what you like though! Also make sure that the soil in your wall is well prepared, using a mix of topsoil, compost and grit to obtain the optimum growing medium.

Patio wall plants ideas :D

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