Best Plants for a Gravel Garden
Gravel gardens are a great option for those who want a low-maintenance garden that doesn’t require a lot of water. These gardens are characterized by their sunny, well-drained conditions, which make them ideal for drought-tolerant plants.
Choosing the Right Plants
When choosing plants for your gravel garden, it’s important to select varieties that can tolerate the dry conditions. Some of the best options include:
- Euphorbia species: These plants are known for their drought tolerance and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Nepeta species: Also known as catmint, these plants are a favorite of pollinators and come in a range of colors.
- Verbena bonariensis: This plant has airy stems and bright purple flowers that are loved by bees and butterflies.
- Phlomis species: These plants produce whorls of bee-friendly blooms and provide winter interest with their pretty seedheads.
- Cistus species: These small evergreen shrubs have saucer-shaped flowers and combine well with other Mediterranean plants.
- Stachys species: These plants have silver, furry leaves that provide ground cover and attract pollinators.
- Lavender: This classic garden plant thrives in dry conditions and comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
- Stipa species: These evergreen grasses add texture and movement to planting schemes and help other plants stand out.
- Gaura species: These plants are known for their drought tolerance and have a long flowering period.
- Agave: These exotic plants add a unique touch to gravel gardens and can tolerate dry conditions.
- Sea holly: This plant has architectural evergreen leaves and eye-catching thistle-like flowers.
- Crambe maritima: This plant has wavy, slightly waxy leaves and sprays of white honey-scented flowers.
- Digitalis parviflora
Milk Chocolate: This unusual foxglove has spikes of small orangey-brown flowers and adds vertical detail to the garden. - Allium sphaerocephalon: This drumstick allium has small heads of purple flowers that look lovely, even when faded.
- Santolina chamaecyparissus: This small evergreen shrub has feathery silver-grey leaves that are scented when crushed and produces cheery yellow flowers in summer.
Creating a Gravel Garden
To create a gravel garden, simply choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Spread a layer of gravel over the soil, and then plant your chosen plants. Water the plants well after planting, and then only water them occasionally during dry periods.
Tips for a Successful Gravel Garden
- Choose plants that are well-suited to the dry conditions of a gravel garden.
- Water the plants deeply but infrequently.
- Add a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
- Don’t forget to leave some space for seating so you can enjoy your beautiful gravel garden!