Landscape Plant Focus

A guide to species and cultivars of popular or useful plants for landscaping or use in public green spaces, with tips on how to use them.

Cornus

20 January 2012

These plants provide colourful structure in winter and flowers in summer, says Miranda Kimberley.

Abies

02 December 2011

These firs are becoming customers' favourites for Christmas, says Miranda Kimberley.

Stipa

11 November 2011

These deciduous or evergreen grasses are a favourite of garden designers, says Miranda Kimberley.

Echium

28 October 2011

This hairy quick-grower seeds well and produces striking flower spikes, says Miranda Kimberley.

Fagus sylvatica

21 October 2011

This majestic tree provides stature, colour and screening, says Miranda Kimberley.

Tulipa

07 October 2011

Often treated by councils as annuals, tulips are still worth the trouble to plant, says Miranda Kimberley.

Evergreen Prunus

30 September 2011

Fast growing and tough, these plants can be shaped for hedging or topiary, says Miranda Kimberley.

Sphaeralcea

09 September 2011

These sun-loving flowers provide bursts of colour late into the season, says Miranda Kimberley.

Plant Focus - Alpine Campanula

25 August 2011

These low-growing mountain plants will thrive in the right conditions, says Miranda Kimberley.

Santolina

19 August 2011

This easy-to-clip shrub lends itself equally to low edging or ground cover, says Miranda Kimberley.

Crocosmia

29 July 2011

A range of vibrant colours makes this plant a popular choice in borders, says Miranda Kimberley.

Trachelospermum

08 July 2011

These climbers can create a fragrant display in all but the coldest areas, says Miranda Kimberley.

Alstroemeria

17 June 2011

These versatile lilies bring beautiful and dramatic colours to all styles of garden, says Miranda Kimberley.

Pittosporum

27 May 2011

With a wide range of foliage, these plants can be used to striking effect, says Miranda Kimberley.

Rhododendron

15 April 2011

Hardiness and variety have ensured there is a species for every situation, says Miranda Kimberley.

Arisaema

18 March 2011

These striking lilies are easier to grow than they look, says Miranda Kimberley.

Astelia

04 March 2011

These exotic foliage plants add striking colour and form to all but the coldest spots, says Miranda Kimberley.

Cortaderia

11 February 2011

Pampas grass can make a bold statement even in small spaces, says Miranda Kimberley.

Griselinia

21 January 2011

This evergreen shrub creates attractive, dense hedging with shiny, undulating leaves, says Miranda Kimberley.

Mahonia

03 December 2010

These winter-flowering shrubs make impressive, statuesque features in borders, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Taxodium

12 November 2010

This genus can tolerate a range of soils and is well suited for use as a timber tree, says Miranda Kimberley.

Pennisetum

22 October 2010

Fountain grasses add texture, height and gentle movement to the planting palette, says Miranda Kimberley.

Liquidambar

01 October 2010

Used in woodland belts and as specimens, it provides brilliant autumn colour, says Miranda Kimberley.

Liriodendron

10 September 2010

Given room, the instantly recognisable tulip tree makes a bold statement, says Miranda Kimberley.

Callicarpa

20 August 2010

Its brightly-coloured berries make this plant a truly memorable genus, says Miranda Kimberley.

Callistemon

30 July 2010

The Australian genus features striking flowers with large, showy stamens, says Bethan Norris.

Symphytum

09 July 2010

The comfrey family has many uses and the plants need very little looking after, says Miranda Kimberley.

Physocarpus

18 June 2010

These deciduous shrubs are well-known but infrequently used in gardens, says Miranda Kimberley.

Geranium

28 May 2010

This commonly-used perennial is easy to grow and has a long season of interest, says Miranda Kimberley.

Laburnum

07 May 2010

This genus may be small but it packs a punch with deciduous trees and shrubs, says Miranda Kimberley.

Wisteria

16 April 2010

These vigorous climbers provide a reliable springtime show, says Miranda Kimberley.

Stachys

26 March 2010

These low-maintenance perennials make an engaging ground cover, says Miranda Kimberley.

Ornamental Malus

05 March 2010

Although famous for their blossom, crab apples offer other seasonal interest too.

Chimonanthus, Calycanthus and Sinocalycanthus

22 January 2010

These exotic shrubs provide seasonal fragrance as well as unusual blooms, says Miranda Kimberley.

Sedum

11 December 2009

An ability to withstand harsh weather has helped sedums to grow in popularity, notes Miranda Kimberley.

Fraxinus

20 November 2009

Graceful, unfussy and low-maintenance, ash trees suit a broad range of sites

Nyssa

09 October 2009

These trees are not commonly used, but they provide a splash of colour and form

Aesculus

18 September 2009

Horse chestnuts are hit by pests and diseases but there are alternative species

Buddleja

28 August 2009

The ubiquitous butterfly bush offers colour, form, scent and nectar for wildlife

Alchemilla

07 August 2009

With its striking foliage and frothy flowers, this genus flourishes in borders and displays

Ligustrum

17 July 2009

Almost indestructible, privet creates effective hedging, ideal screens and even topiaries

Penstemon

10 July 2009

Colourful, long-flowering and hard-wearing, this genus is rarely out of style

Pennisetum

26 June 2009

Fountain grasses give a late-summer burst of texture and movement, but siting is critical

Pieris

05 June 2009

This genus offers colourful early-season flowers and evergreen foliage for year-round interest.

Lavandula

15 May 2009

These traditional plants sit well in both contemporary design and cottage displays.

Gaultheria

24 April 2009

These small, evergreen shrubs combine delicate flowers and eye-catching berries

Kerria

03 April 2009

Easy to grow and propagate, this vigorous plant provides height in borders and early colour, says Bethan Norris

Chaenomeles

13 March 2009

These ornamental quinces give colourful displays and can be used in a variety of locations, writes Kris Collins.

Garrya

20 February 2009

This elegant, evergreen genus makes a striking addition to borders in shady situations.

Mahonia

30 January 2009

This unfussy genus is a very decorative year-round plant, offering winter colour and structure, says Kris Collins.

Sarcococca

09 January 2009

This evergreen genus offers winter interest, with striking foliage and highly scented flowers, says Kris Collins.

Euonymus

05 December 2008

This hardy genus is great for filling gaps and adding year-round colour to planting schemes, writes Kris Collins.

Berberis

14 November 2008

This hardy shrub offers colour and structure, and is a good choice where security is an issue.

Bamboo

31 October 2008

Unfussy and quick to establish, bamboos are ideal for screening and specimen planting, says Dave Holland.

Amelanchier

17 October 2008

This low-maintenance genus provides intense spring and autumn interest, writes Jim Handley.

Hydrangea

02 October 2008

With their large, colourful flowerheads, hydrangeas can put on a fine late-season show, writes Sarah Morgan.

Myrtus

18 September 2008

This robust and versatile genus provides year-round interest, aromatic foliage and drought tolerance, writes Jim Handley.

Calluna

04 September 2008

Easy to care for, these largely trouble-free plants are ideal for adding year-round colour, writes Dave Holland.

Sophora

20 August 2008

In a suitable position, this largely trouble-free exotic tree can make a striking point of interest.

Escallonia

20 August 2008

This versatile genus is a great alternative to plain hedging and also works well mixed with other shrubs or as a specimen plant.

Alnus

19 August 2008

This hardy genus is a quick grower and ideal for adding interest to nutrient-poor ground.

Impatiens

07 August 2008

With its bright colours and tropical appearance, this genus is a must-have for any summer display. Jim Handley reports.

Sambucus

10 July 2008

These striking, hardy shrubs are ideal for adding a splash of colour to planting schemes, writes Sarah Morgan.

Hebe

26 June 2008

These hardy, long-flowering evergreen plants are popular for their variety of foliage colours.

Choisya

12 June 2008

A firm favourite for over a century, this disease-resistant shrub often flowers twice a year.

Salvia

22 May 2008

This post-war staple has bright flowers, and newer varieties offer improved consistency, says Graham Clarke.

Crataegus

01 May 2008

Hawthorns are ideal hedging plants, produce masses of flowers and display good autumn colours, says Dave Holland.

Forsythia

17 April 2008

Forsythia heralds spring but can provide interest throughout the year if chosen and situated correctly.

Daphne

10 April 2008

With care, these diverse shrubs can provide life, colour and fragrance to gardens throughout the year.

Corylus

13 March 2008

Hazels have a traditional appeal and fulfil a range of roles in gardens and landscapes

Coleus

06 March 2008

Coleus, or Solenostemon, offers a colourful and unusual foliage display all season long

Carpinus

14 February 2008

Hornbeams are robust, fast-growing trees that provide effective screening through much of the year.

Pinus

31 January 2008

Offering an attractive focal point throughout the year, pines are varied, versatile and tough.

Skimmia

10 January 2008

This fragrant, winter-flowering evergreen offers a compact habit, dark foliage and attractive berries, says Kris Collins.

Acer

08 November 2007

This versatile genus offers fine autumn colour and a stunning range of ornamental leaves.

The good news about Weigela is that new cultivars are being introduced that have been especially bred with European landscapers in mind. These new additions promise to dust off their old-fashioned reputation with an appeal that is nice over knockout.