Plants for foliage interest: light and airy
The fine texture of plants with feathery foliage creates a soft and light feel in a planting, as well as adding a sensory element by introducing movement and tactility.
Quick facts
- Plants with feathery textures are often used to soften hard landscaping
- Light airy textures add movement to borders and provide good contrast against larger leaved plants
- Feathery foliage can be used in both formal and informal garden styles
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The planting plan
This planting design provides a range of plants that, once established, will provide a variety of interest throughout the year.
Plants with feathery foliage
Choosing plants with feathery foliage
Leaf adaptations allow plants to withstand heat and drought well, the hairy foliage of the Verbena and the Salvia help to reduce water loss from the foliage.
The Gypsophila forms ground cover, which suppresses weed growth and helps to cover the soil. Keeping ground covered reduces soil erosion and the loss of water from the soil surface by evaporation.
Using an organic mulch, preferably homemade compost, while the plants establish can help to provide the same benefits.
Several of these plants will also attract vital pollinators to your garden, helping to improve biodiversity.
1 - Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’
2 - Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’
3 - Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla ‘Eva’
4 - Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’
5 - Verbena bonariensis
6 - Salvia ‘Blue Spire’
7 - Gypsophila ‘Rosenschleier’
2 – Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’ is a deciduous shrub with very finely dissected yellow-green leaves. Small, conical heads of creamy white flowers in spring are occasionally followed by glossy red berries in summer.
3 – Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla ‘Eva’ is a deciduous shrub with very deeply dissected purple-black foliage. Flat heads of tiny, dusky pink flowers are borne in summer, followed by purple-black berries.
4 – Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’ is a deciduous shrub with arching branches of dark red-purple, deeply divided leaves that turn red and orange in autumn.
5 – Verbena bonariensis is a herbaceous perennial producing tall, sturdy stems topped with branched clusters of small, bright purple flowers from summer to autumn.
6 – Salvia ‘Blue Spire’ is a deciduous sub-shrub with white stems bearing deeply divided, aromatic greyish leaves. Large plumes of small violet-blue flowers open in late summer and autumn.
7 – Gypsophila ‘Rosenschleier’ is a semi-evergreen perennial with narrow, grey-green leaves. Slender stems bear large, open sprays of pale pink or white double flowers in summer.
About plants with feathery foliage
By using plants that are also suited to the planting situation, the plants tend to be stronger and more naturally resistant to pests and disease. Once established, this will reduce the need for extra inputs that less well-adapted plants would need, such as excessive water and fertiliser.
Growing plants with feathery foliage
AGM plants tend to be more naturally resistant to pests and disease and, once the plants are established, this will reduce the need for extra inputs that weaker-growing plants would need, such as excessive water and fertiliser.
A simple planting plan helps to create depth, interest and good coverage in a border.
Why choose a sustainable planting combination
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