bGaonanas!
Want to grow your own architectural wonder?
FOUR years ago I planted a singles t e mmed, 3 f t - t a l l banana plant in my garden in the hope it would add a touch of drama. It has surpassed all expectations. Thanks to its suckering habit, there’s now a multi-trunked grove of five, 9ft-tall specimens topped by parasols of 6ft-long, paddle-shaped leaves.
As far as I’m concerned, the hardy Japanese banana (Musa basjoo) is one of the most visually striking plants that will thrive in our climate, and my clump never fails to grab attention. Yet despite its impossibly exotic appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to grow and will survive winter with a little bit of protection.
It’s not the only big, bold plant that packs a punch in my garden. There’s a Chusan palm, Fatsia polycarpa ‘ Green Fingers’, a pair of tree ferns and a 6ft-tall-by-6ft-wide, dome-shaped Euphorbia mellifera. In the far corner is a sizeable loquat tree with leathery, corrugated leaves up to a foot in length.
Architectural wonders like these, along with a host of other extraordinary species such as the red
Surprisingly easy to grow, they look impossibly exotic
Ethiopian banana (ensete ventricosum ‘ Maurelii’), are capable of turning a standard garden into something really special. Shapely, exciting and desirable, they will provide a strong, structural look to a space and often provide a welcome, year-round presence.
In the past, architectural plants were sold only by specialist nurseries, but these days they’re widely available. Some plants are plodders that are best bought in a mature state to provide instant impact, while others are fine started as smaller specimens, as they will grow rapidly once planted.
Palms are the ultimate statuesque plants. Chusan palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is an undemanding species, admired for its hairy trunk and mass of 3ft-wide, fan-shaped l eaves, while dwarf fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) is a slowgrowing gem that will hit 6ft in about two decades.
Cordylines resemble pal ms, thanks to their craggy trunks topped with dense heads of long, narrow leaves. Among the best are variegated Cordyline australis ‘Torbay Dazzler’ and C. indivisa with its 5ft-long leaves. C. australis ‘Red Star’ grows to about 10ft and has glossy, bronze-red leaves.
Catalpa, fatsia, astelia, phormium, tetrapanax and Melianthus major are among the leafy architectural trees, shrubs and perennials that will provide a lush, jungly feel to gardens. Chop the stems of foxglove tree (Paulownia tomentosa) back hard in early spring and it will generate st ems carrying 3ft-wide leaves.
Some dahlias can get quite tall, but none rivals the tree dahlia (Dahlia imperialis). This perennial can soar to 25ft in its native Mexico and bears pink flowers. Here it will reach only half that height and is grown largely for its foliage.
Most architectural plants like a sunny spot, although there are plenty that will do well in shade – all but a few oddities prefer welldrained, moisture- retentive soil and will sulk if soil is too wet over winter. Make sure they have plenty of room to develop, and don’t place too close to paths if they have a spreading habit.
Like all plants, these head-turners will prosper if they are fed. I tend to nurture palms and tree ferns with products formulated specifically for their needs, and use high-nitrogen feed on my bananas – everything else is given generalpurpose fertiliser.
Remember to water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods.
Of course, despite your best intentions, some plants will expand beyond their allotted space, so don’t be afraid to snip off the odd branch to reduce their height or girth, or to maintain an attractive shape.
During t he growing season, prevent t hem f r om becoming unsightly by removing dead, dying or tatty foliage.
One drawback with some architectural plants is that they are susceptible to a cold snap. Prior to the first frosts, stuff straw into the crowns of tree ferns and wrap half-hardy shrubs with fleece.
Surround bananas with chicken wire, stuff the void with straw and put a waterproof sheet on top after cutting off leaves.