Coastal environments can be challenging for traditional garden plants, which is why ornamental grasses are a staple in our seaside garden designs.
UK seaside gardens must cope with consistent windy conditions, higher levels of light, and often poor soil conditions. So, your choice of planting must be very considered if you want your plants to survive. Not only are ornamental grasses resilient to these conditions but they also add a wonderful sense of movement, texture and softness to the space. They are also incredibly versatile, with so many varieties to choose from. Their flexible foliage allows them to move with the winds, and their roots systems love sandy, well-drained soil.
Grasses are a fantastic choice for breaking up planting borders and work as the perfect backdrop when planted amongst more vibrant planting. The choice of planting really defines a coastal garden, not only in the overall look but with how well they thrive in such a changing environment.
Whether you’re designing a garden right on the coast or simply love the look of breezy grasses rustling in the wind, these are our favourites to add to your garden.
Stipa Tenuissima
An absolute favourite of ours due to the softness it adds to schemes. This versatile grass is a fantastic option for smaller beds and partners well with more vibrant plants. Stipa Tenuissima grows to a height of around 60cm, growing green from the base and into soft, feathery pale brown panicles. It thrives in full sun and needs combing through occasionally to help it move freely with the wind and avoid too much self-seeding.
So, what’s next?
Anemanthele lessoniana is a seaside hero due to the year-round colour it provides. It has beautiful arching foliage that changes from green to warm shades of bronze, copper, and orange. It thrives in coastal conditions, tolerating wind and salty air while adding year-round colour, texture, and movement to the garden. It thrives in full sun and partial shade, with only the occasional tidying of dead foliage in spring needed to keep it looking heathy all year.
Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
If you’re looking to add height to your planting scheme, Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is one to consider. Reaching up to 1.5m tall, it’s ideal for adding structure to large borders or providing light screening. It grows perfectly upright, adding an architectural element, whilst its feathery foliage adds softness and movement. It thrives in full sun and is a brilliant choice for large borders in seaside gardens.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’
Easily one of our most used grasses. We love Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ because it grows neatly, is a versatile height for use in lots of spaces and the colour changes beautifully through the year. This ornamental grass thrives in full sun and grows to a height of approximately 1.5m. One reason we love to use Miscanthus is because of the autumnal interest it provides, when the foliage turns brown, we recommend leaving this up over the winter for interest and shelter for insects. It does require cutting back in early spring to allow for new growth.
Pennisetum
Pennisetum is a great choice if you’re after a formal grass, it’s arching foliage and feather top panicles look elegant and move beautifully with the wind. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it grows to around 60–120cm tall, it is easy to maintain and simply requires cutting back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth. There are a few varieties of Pennisetum you can choose from, colour being the main difference, from fresh greens to warmer reds and purples. So you’re guaranteed to find one that fits within your scheme. .
If you need help designing your perfect seaside sanctuary, contact us via our email hello@ivyandwhyte.com. Check out our Instagram, where we post more about our favourite planting schemes and for more coastal inspiration!
