Top 5... statement plants
With fabulous foliage or flowers, these plants will be the talking point of your garden
1 Trachycarpus wagnerianus
More compact form than the Chusan palm T. fortunei. Stiffer leaves and stubby habit make it more wind resistant. Ideal for smaller gardens and good in containers. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 5m (16ft), S: 1.8m (6ft).
Tip Although hardy to -15C (5F), avoid exposed positions.
From www.hardy-palms.co.uk; tel: 07770 870639.
2 Trochodendron aralioides
Elegant, slow-growing evergreen shrub. Whorls of apple-green stems in tiers. Green flowers in spring. New foliage is bronze-tinted. Any fertile, moist, welldrained soil in dappled light or semi-shade. H: 6m (20ft), S: 4m (13ft). Tip Good for containers positioned in semi-shade. From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.
3 Cordyline ‘Pink Passion’
Eye-catching, evergreen shrub with purple and pink-striped arching leaves. Compact, multi-stemmed habit. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun. Good for coastal locations. H/S: 90cm (3ft). Tip Makes an ideal focal point for a courtyard or balcony. From www.palms-exotics.co.uk; tel: 01794 278356.
4 Ferula communis
Herbaceous plant making huge mounds of fine filigree foliage. Stout flower spikes with heads of yellow flowers. May die after flowering. Any welldrained soil in full sun. H: up to 4m (13ft), S: 90cm (3ft).
Tip Removing spent flower stem can help the plant to live on/keep growing.
From www.bethchatto.co.uk; tel: 01206 822007.
5 Astelia chathamica ‘Silver Spear’
Architectural evergreen perennial forming stout clumps of silvery, sword-like leaves. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun. Good in containers. H: 1.2m (4ft), S: 1.5m (5ft). Tip Remove winter-damaged leaves in spring to improve appearance. From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.