Plants for Coastal Gardens

It can be really tricky to find plants that will contend with very exposed sites. The combination of wind and salt can be disastrous, and any shelter that can be created will more than pay for itself in protecting the plants.

However, there are times when its not possible or practical to create a shelter belt, so here are some of the plants that stand a chance and will give colour and most are generally drought-tolerant also.

Armeria maritima - Sea Pink or Thrift. Commonly found on the cliffs, is an excellent rock garden plant with dainty pink flowers. In the wild the flowers are a paler pink, but brighter shades are available on cultivars.

Carpobrotus edulis -The Hottentot Fig - Flowers in May and June, likes lots of space to ramble about in hot, open spaces. Looks particularly good cascading down walls and slopes. Survives very well close to the sea, but will not withstand sub-zero temperatures for any length of time. Can be invasive if left unchecked in certain areas.

Crocosmia Lucifer - produces clumps of iris-like foliage - with hot red flowers from mid to late summer. Good structural plant that looks good against Canna Wyoming and Dahlia Grenadier. Prefers a well drained soil in full sun or partial shade with a well drained soil, and tolerates a windy situation.

Erigeron glaucus - low growing perennial with daisy like purple flowers that bloom for a long period from summer through autumn - great nectar plant for butterlies. Deadhead as needed for a prolonged showing.

 Eryngium planum - Sea Holly is a great plant for coastal areas, as well as rock gardens. It flowers in mid-late summer in a profusion of small steely blue flowers and is happy in a well drained soil with full exposure to the sun. Its roots were once pulped, sugared and sold as sweets.

Osteospermum - Tresco Purple - has a mound forming habit that spreads well, with dark purple daisy style flowers. Does well in exposed, well-drained position. Deadhead for an extended display. Flowers in late summer through autumn and makes great ground cover.

Sedum - spectabile - the succulent foliage hosts tightly packed head of green buds that open into small pink flowers from late summer through autumn. Very attractive to butterflies. Is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun an a well drained, light and sandy soil.

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