The best sun-loving plants for a south-facing garden
Make now the time to start getting ready for summer with a garden that bursts into life with colour and smells. A garden that makes you smile every time you step into it.
For those south-facing gardens, you have an array of choice when it comes to plants and living wall plants, and in this post, we take a look at some of the best plants for south-facing walls so you can create a space that boosts mood and well-being, improves biodiversity and air quality, and gives you that feel good factor every time you step outside
What is a south-facing garden?
A south-facing garden, or if you’re thinking about south-facing walls, is ultimately a garden or space that faces south and gets the sun from morning until dusk.
Receiving ample sunlight helps with plant growth and supports the process of photosynthesis.
However, what’s important to note is that not every plant likes to be placed in direct sunlight every day for up to three months. In fact, some plants can’t tolerate the heat at all.
If you do have a south-facing garden or you’re looking to plant up your south-facing borders, some of the best plants include:
Acorus Ogon grows in grass-like clumps and offers a range of yellows and greens. Like a spray of the tail of a firework, Ogon is good when you want to add volume to your living wall.
Sunflowers are bright, yellow, and orange flowers that need full sunlight and well-draining soil to survive. They are a low-maintenance plant that grows tall and creates statement pieces.
Lily of the Nile – with tall stalks and clusters of blue, purple, or white blooms, this plant is also low maintenance and loves full sunlight.
Daylilies – hardy perennials available in a range of colors; these plants love full sunlight and only require moderate watering.
Geraniums – a popular option due to the range of colours and varieties available. Geraniums are always a good choice for containers, hanging baskets, living walls, and borders.
Salvia Caradonna – this type of plant loves the sun. It is tall, with stems of purple flowers which look and smell incredible. This type of plant is also a good pollinator, making it great for bees and wildlife.
Spindle Harlequin – an evergreen shrub that is suitable all year round. This plant has creamy white mottled leaves and requires very little watering. It does have the ability to climb, so as a living wall plant, it will need pruning.
Scabiosa Blue Note – blue or lavender in colour the Scabiosa will blossom from early summer right through to autumn.
Blue Fescue – bringing pom pom tufts of blue foliage, this plant is low maintenance and brings a striking shape and colour to your borders.
Lonicera May green – a dense evergreen shrub with small green leaves that spreads easily and helps to provide a natural look.
Shrubby Bindweed – with the ability to grow up to 60cm in height, this plant boasts silver and green leaves with white funnel-like flowers that really stand out.
Mexican Fleabane – a daisy-like appearance, this flower is purple and pink in colour, offering a wilder look with flowers starting to blossom from spring.
Elephant Ears – one of the best plants for south-facing walls is that of Elephant Ears. Making a big impact with round leathery leaves that really stand out alongside white or pink bell-shaped flowers.
Chamomile is a pretty aromatic plant that is easy to grow and thrives in full sunlit places.
Herbs like rosemary or thyme are not only handy for the kitchen but also pretty to look at and are nectar-rich for bees.
Catmint Nepeta – this type of plant requires light and well-drained soil to thrive.
Cotton Lavender – an aromatic foliage that forms in a neat mound, and throughout the summer months, you will see yellow pom pom-shaped flowers appear.
Pittosporums – evergreen foliage that is powerfully scented when in full bloom; however, this plant requires shelter from cold and drying winds.
Agave is a bold plant often used to create a focal point for a garden. This plant must be kept as dry as possible to achieve full bloom.
Helianthemums are low-growing and provide you with an abundance of colour. This type of plant can be used to soften a border as it hangs free.
Our top gardening tips
- Ensure good soil preparation for healthy plant growth
- Carry out watering in the early morning or late evening
- Ensure proper plant placement
- Prune where necessary
- Shade during extreme heat.
When planting your garden, think about colour schemes and how you can bring your garden alive with a burst of energy.
Plant arrangement does impact aesthetics, so pay particular attention to this. Look to create focal points, pathways that add to designs, seating areas, water features, and more.
Check out our latest post on “Living wall installation in schools” to learn the benefits of plants in the community.
Heat-tolerant plants for south-facing gardens
It’s important when you’re creating living walls UK or you’re planting a south-facing border that you choose the right plants that are suitable to cope in such sun-soaked situations.
We advise that you break up your borders and add some texture, creating bursts of colours and smells in your garden with plants for living walls from our team.
Call 07756 430 474 or email lee@calathology.co.uk to find out more.
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