10 Architectural Plants to Transform Your Garden: Add Structure, Drama, and Interest

by Gregory March 13, 2020

written by Gregory March 13, 2020 3 minutes read

10 Architectural Plants to Transform Your Garden

What are Architectural Plants?

Architectural plants are those that add structure and interest to your garden with their unique shapes, foliage, or bark. They can be used to create focal points, add height, and break up the monotony of a garden with similar-looking plants.

Best Architectural Plants for Your Garden

Here are 10 of the best architectural plants to add interest and drama to your outdoor space:

For Small Gardens:

Stipa tenuissima (Feather Grass): With its fine, thread-like stems and elegant seed-heads, Stipa tenuissima adds movement and texture to small borders.

For Containers:

Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’: This striking plant features long, spiky leaves in a vibrant bronze-red color. It’s perfect for adding a dramatic touch to sunny patios or balconies.
Phormium tenax ‘Joker’: With its bold, variegated foliage, Phormium tenax ‘Joker’ makes a statement in any container or border.

For Shade:

Dicksonia antarctica (Tree Fern): Tree ferns add a touch of the tropics to your garden with their massive fronds and thick trunks. They thrive in shady areas.

For Partial Shade:

Acanthus mollis: This architectural plant boasts large, deeply lobed leaves and tall flower spikes. It’s perfect for creating a bold focal point in shady borders.

For Autumn Color:

Euonymus europaeus (Spindle Tree): This large shrub produces stunning red foliage in autumn and orange-pink winged fruit that adds interest to winter borders.

For Dry Borders and Gravel Gardens:

Eryngium x zabelii ‘Jos Eijking’: This hybrid sea holly features architectural, blue flowers that last for a long time. It’s a great choice for dry, sunny areas.

For Winter Interest:

Cornus alba `Sibirica’: Dogwoods add a splash of color to winter gardens with their bright red stems. They contrast beautifully with evergreen shrubs.

Tips for Using Architectural Plants:

Plant them in groups of three or more for maximum impact.
Use them to create focal points or break up large areas of similar plants.
Consider their size and shape when choosing a location.
Plant them in well-drained soil and provide adequate water.

Gregory

Gregory isn't your typical blogger. When he's not weaving tales, you can find him elbow-deep in soil, nurturing his vibrant garden. A devoted family man, Gregory finds inspiration in the quiet moments spent with loved ones and the constant cycle of growth and renewal in his backyard oasis. These experiences infuse his writing with a warmth and connection to the natural world, offering readers a fresh perspective on life, love, and the simple joys found in both the written word and the blossoming garden.