Border Rescue
Add height and cohesion using plants that echo each other’s form, says Ian Hodgson. Here’s how
Add cohesion and height with plants that echo each other’s form, in white, blue and silver
Q
How can I add height and interest to this formal border? THIS SPARTAN PLANTING scheme has all the makings of an impressive mixed herbaceous border complete with its own evergreen backdrop, but it’s falling a bit short on height and colour. I’d start by placing a tall shrub or small tree on the left to balance the white Anemone hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’. I’m going for a simple blue and white scheme here and Buddleja davidii ‘Empire Blue’ with dense spikes of blue flowers (JulySept) will attract butterflies by the dozen. Or, try ‘Morning Mist’, which has silvery foliage and yellow-white flowers. Lilac (syringa) would have a similar visual effect, growing taller (H4m/13ft) and with arguably prettier foliage. The flowers, from May to June, won’t last as long, but it won’t self sow. Another option is white-flowered Exochorda macrantha ‘The Bride’ (H2m/6½ft). Next to the buddleia, plant a white rose such as ‘Blanche Double de Coubert’, a repeat flowerer that balances the white anemone. For contrast, add a trio of blue and purple spires to tone in with the buddleia. Choose from tall delphiniums (June-Aug); longlasting Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ (JuneOct) or shorter Veronica spicata (June-Aug); and blue and white lupins (Jun-Jul). Three is the magic number, placed to create a triangle of echoing flower forms that draws the eye. I like the idea of contrasting flower shapes, so why not mix in some cups and bells with the spires. One of the best for longevity is geranium ‘Rozanne’, whose flowers will make a pretty colour match for Campanula persicifolia and the delphinium’s flowers too. Against this, we’ll plant white daisies such as Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’ or leucanthemum to add substance in midborder, while a row of dainty white Erigeron karvinskianus will create interest right at the front, among the existing gold carex grass. Right in the middle I’d go for a triangle of sun-loving silver-leaved plants such as stachys and eryngiums to help tie in the existing perovskia. A few more Nassella tenuissima grasses can be drifted through and around the other plants for a sense of cohesion and interest that will last well into winter. Need help with a border that’s lost its lustre? Write to us at the address on p103