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Architectural plants add height, structure and drama to a garden and are particularly effective in smaller gardens to create an atmosphere reminiscent of a holiday abroad. They are just as effective when used in larger gardens to create a focal point, impact and style.
Here we’ve put together a selection of some of our favorite architectural options for both sunny and shadier areas. At this time of year the nursery is full of plants large and small and is definitely worth a visit for inspiration and advice.
1. Agave
Botanical name: agave
Agaves are an excellent choice for adding dimension and character to colorful patio pots and home entryways. Smaller species such as Agave colorata and Agave bracteosa are particularly suitable for growing in pots.
2. Yucca
Botanical name: yucca
A mainstay of modern gardens, yucca is one of the most beautiful architectural plants with evergreen, spiky leaves. Because they are drought-resistant, they can also be easily grown indoors.
3. Giant elephant ear
Botanical name: Colocasia gigantea ‘Thailand Giant’
When it comes to stunning architectural plants, the Giant Elephant Ear is the very best! This large bulb with tropical-looking foliage reaches 8 feet tall and is a worthy addition to any shady garden.
4. Sea holly
Botanical name: Eryngium
Sea holly adds prickly texture and color to your patio pots and perennial garden. Its distinctive thistle-like stems are drought-tolerant, making them perfect for rock gardens.
5. Snake Plant
Botanical name: Dracaena trifasciata
This humble and easy-care plant is prized for its thick, sword-shaped leaves, sometimes dark green or sometimes accented by light green edges.
6. Succulents
Succulents come in different shapes and sizes, making them suitable for everyone! You can plant colorful plants in tall and large planters to add a vibrant dimension to the landscape!
7. Ornamental grass
Ornamental grasses are valued for their unique texture, height and color and make a wonderful addition to any landscape. Because they tend to become quite invasive, they are well suited to container culture.
8. Juniper
Botanical name: juniper
If you live in a dry area and want to add a fast-growing evergreen plant to your home, consider juniper. This tree bears leaves with fascinating textures and colors, including various shades of green, gold, bronze, purple, silver, and gray.
9. Yew
Botanical name: Taxus baccata
Yews are aesthetically pleasing, slow-growing coniferous trees that can be grown as flower pots or privacy screens. If you are looking for a beautiful privacy screen, consider the English yew tree.
10. Honeybush
Botanical name: Cyclopia
Native to South Africa, honeybush is an attractive perennial shrub with ice-green, frond-like leaves and clusters of burgundy flowers that attract swarms of bees and birds in search of nectar.
11. Cordyline
Botanical name: Cordyline
Cordylines are best suited to the tropics and are hardy enough to survive temperatures up to 15 F. Use large planters and combine them with colorful and textured succulents to create a visually dynamic and elegant container garden!
12. Horsetail
Botanical name: Equisetum arvense
Horsetail is a perennial, water-loving plant usually grown to add an edgy look to a landscape. While it grows quickly to a height of about four feet, it will also spread underground if not contained.
13. New Zealand flax
Botanical name: Phormium
New Zealand flax is a hardy small perennial with strong, sword-like leaves and is adapted to mild climates. In decorative pots it becomes a wonderful eye-catcher.
14. Bamboo
Botanical name: Bamboo vulgaris
Known for taking over gardens with its invasive underground rhizomes, bamboo is a tricky plant to grow in containers. They require root space and a lot of care, but with the right variety, large containers and potting soil it should be easy.
15. Firecrackers
Botanical name: Russelia equisetiformis
This firecracker plant looks stunning with its green, needle-like foliage and red flowers. For optimal display, plant it in tall planters on the patio.
16. Bougainvillea
Botanical name: Bougainvillea
Although it is known as a climbing plant, it also looks good in large containers. Keep it pruned or support it so it can climb and show off its fantastic flowers!
17. Cactus
Botanical name: Cactaceae
Don’t think that cacti are only meant for small spaces and pots. They come in too tall varieties that you can grow them in architectural planters for a dramatic look.
18. Plumeria
Botanical name: Plumeria
Also popular as frangipani, this plant looks like a small tree, making it perfect for large containers. Their fragrant flowers also add a breathtaking dimension to the garden.
19. Hydrangea
Botanical name: hydrangea
The colorful and large hydrangea flowers are a must in every garden. The plant thrives in large pots and fills them with magnificent flowers in no time!
20. Cypress
Botanical name: Cupressus
Potted cypress trees come in many colors, shapes and textures and can be a wonderful addition to a garden. For best display, grow it in straight or staggered rows.
21. Palm trees
Botanical name: Arecaceae
Before you plan to grow palm trees in pots, keep in mind that not all palm trees do well in containers. Chinese fan, Mexican blue, Bismarck and lipstick palms are the best you can grow. You can find more palm trees here!
22. Clematis
Botanical name: clematis
A large plant pot and clematis are all you need on a patio for a stunning decoration. “Betty Corning,” “Black Prince,” and “Pink Champagne” work best for containers!
23. Rose
Botanical name: Pink
One of the most versatile plants on this list, roses come in so many colors that there is something for everyone. Depending on your requirements, you can choose between climbing plants and tall varieties.
24. Boxwood
Botanical name: Boxwood
This pretty green shrub is happy to add rich green color to your garden all year round. Grow them together and cut them into a round shape for a beautiful presentation.
25. Red Twig Dogwood
Botanical name: Cornus sericea
With a tall layer of prostrate stems, this plant is a must-have on a patio or front yard. Combine it with industrial planters to make it look more appealing.
26. Coral Bells
Botanical name: Heuchera
Coral bells are THE plant of choice if you live in a colder climate. It will be more than happy to live in containers and always look amazing!
27. Chinese fringe flower
Botanical name: Loropetalum chinense
The dark brown foliage of the Chinese fringe looks great in bright, tall planters. Place several containers on a walkway to give your garden an attractive look.
28. Thuja
Botanical name: Thuja occidentalis
This evergreen plant is the best way to add a green element to any room. You can also cut it into different shapes and sizes!
29. Hostas
Botanical name: Hosta
The hosta’s colorful foliage can add a stunning look to any landscape. For optimal presentation, combine it with flowers and grow it in a large container.
30. Japanese banana tree
Botanical name: Musa Basjoo
If you want a lush tropical look in your garden, you must choose the Japanese banana tree for containers. The huge, paddle-like leaves look great and the fruits are an added bonus! If you live in a tropical climate, you can grow any variety!
