I started this post by trying to list my 10 favourite garden plants. But, of course, I couldn’t narrow it down to 10 – so I ended up with the list of 18 that you see here.

And no sooner did I complete the list than I came up with another dozen plants that could equally have made the cut and, what’s more, I have included hardly any shrubs and no trees.

Nevertheless, we’ll go with these 18 plants which, for me, have earned their keep year after year through colour, texture, structure, or resilience.

These garden plants are the ones I would always make space for. Some are flamboyant, some subtle, but all bring something irreplaceable to the garden. I hope this list sparks ideas for your own must-have plants.

Melianthus major (Honey bush)

All about the plant

With its jagged, silvery-blue leaves and tropical appearance, Melianthus major is a showstopper. It adds height and architectural form. The unusual reddish-brown flowers appear in early summer, releasing a sweet, honeyed fragrance.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Melianthus major
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Melianthus” means ‘honey flower’ in Greek
• Common names: Honey bush
• Plant family: Francoaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: South Africa
• Type of plant: Evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub
• Size: Up to 2.5m tall and 1.5m wide
• Foliage: Large, toothed, blue-grey leaves
• Flower: Tubular reddish-brown blooms in early summer
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Moderate
• Temperature requirements: Minimum 23°F / -5°C; USDA zone 9–11; RHS H3
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Feeding requirements: Balanced fertiliser in spring
• Propagation: Seed or softwood cuttings
• Pruning: Cut back after flowering or in early spring to promote new growth

Display and companion plants

Grow in a sunny, sheltered border or against a warm wall. Pairs well with Canna indica, Musa basjoo, and silvery foliage like Stachys byzantina for a tropical effect.

Euphorbia mellifera (Honey spurge)

All about the plant

This is is possibly my favourite plant of all. This evergreen shrub forms a dense, rounded shape and carries domed clusters of brown-orange flowers with a strong honey scent in spring.

The foliage is lush and olive green with a Mediterranean character and, most beguiling of all for me, there is a faint red tinge to the edge of the leaves.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Euphorbia mellifera
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Mellifera” means honey-bearing
• Common names: Honey spurge, Canary spurge
• Plant family: Euphorbiaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Madeira and Canary Islands
• Type of plant: Evergreen shrub
• Size: 2–3m tall and wide
• Foliage: Long, narrow, mid-green leaves
• Flower: Brownish-yellow clusters in spring with sweet scent
• Light requirements: Full sun or light shade
• Water and humidity requirements: Moderate, drought-tolerant
• Temperature requirements: Minimum 14°F / -10°C; USDA zone 8–10; RHS H4
• Soil requirements: Well-drained soil
• Feeding requirements: Light feeding with compost in spring
• Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings
• Pruning: Cut flowering stems to base after blooming

Display and companion plants

Use as a bold backdrop or shrub layer in mixed borders. Looks great with ornamental grasses like Stipa gigantea, and drought-tolerant plants such as Lavandula or Salvia.

Echinacea purpurea (Purple coneflower)

All about the plant

A stalwart of any perennial garden, this tough, herbaceous perennial has large daisy-like blooms and a prominent cone. Its vibrant purple-pink flowers bloom for weeks and are excellent for pollinators. A staple in modern prairie planting.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Echinacea purpurea
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Echinacea” from Greek for hedgehog, due to the spiny centre
• Common names: Purple coneflower
• Plant family: Asteraceae
• Place of origin of the plant: North America
• Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
• Size: 1–1.2m tall, 50cm wide
• Foliage: Coarse, mid-green, lance-shaped leaves
• Flower: Purple-pink flowers with raised cone from midsummer
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Moderate
• Temperature requirements: Minimum -30°F / -34°C; USDA zone 3–8; RHS H7
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Feeding requirements: Low; mulch in spring
• Propagation: Division or seed
• Pruning: Deadhead to extend flowering

Display and companion plants

Perfect in sunny, informal or prairie-style borders. Plant with Rudbeckia, Calamagrostis, Sedum, and Perovskia for a long-lasting summer display.

Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ (Black-eyed Susan)

All about the plant

A perfect prairie companion to Echinacea, this plant is prized for its vivid golden-yellow flowers with contrasting dark centres. Long-flowering and undemanding, it bridges the summer-to-autumn gap beautifully.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’
• Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after Swedish botanist Olof Rudbeck
• Common names: Black-eyed Susan
• Plant family: Asteraceae
• Place of origin of the plant: North America
• Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
• Size: 60–80cm tall and wide
• Foliage: Deep green, slightly rough, lanceolate leaves
• Flower: Golden yellow daisy flowers with black centres in late summer
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Moderate
• Temperature requirements: Minimum -30°F / -34°C; USDA 3–9; RHS H7
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, fertile
• Feeding requirements: Mulch annually
• Propagation: Division in spring
• Pruning: Cut back after flowering

Display and companion plants

A natural partner to Echinacea, Miscanthus, and Sedum. Looks best in large drifts for impact. Adds vibrancy to borders from August into October.

Dahlia species and cultivars

All about the plant

Few plants offer the flower power of Dahlias. From small pom-poms to dinner-plate sized blooms, they offer colour from midsummer to the first frost. Easy to lift and store over winter in colder climates. Again, a massive favourite, which is why I have lots and lots of dahlia posts on this website.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Dahlia spp.
• Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl
• Common names: Dahlia
• Plant family: Asteraceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Central America and Mexico
• Type of plant: Tuberous perennial
• Size: 30cm to 1.5m depending on variety
• Foliage: Mid- to dark green pinnate leaves
• Flower: Many forms and colours, summer to frost
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Regular watering in dry periods
• Temperature requirements: Tender – min 32°F / 0°C; USDA 8–11; RHS H3
• Soil requirements: Rich, well-drained soil
• Feeding requirements: Feed fortnightly with high-potash fertiliser
• Propagation: Division of tubers, cuttings, or seed
• Pruning: Deadhead to prolong flowering; lift after frost

Display and companion plants

Grow in cutting beds, sunny borders or pots. They pair beautifully with grasses like Pennisetum, or with bold-leaved plants like Canna and Melianthus. Underplant with Verbena bonariensis or Cosmos for airy contrast.

Lobelia tupa (Devil’s tobacco)

All about the plant

This dramatic, upright perennial has grey-green foliage and striking red flowers shaped like open beaks. It brings a bold, exotic feel to summer borders and attracts pollinators. Though it looks tender, it copes surprisingly well in milder cool climate gardens (like my garden in Scotland) with good drainage.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Lobelia tupa
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Tupa” is its native Chilean name
• Common names: Devil’s tobacco
• Plant family: Campanulaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Chile
• Type of plant: Herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennial
• Size: Up to 2m tall, 1m wide
• Foliage: Grey-green, lance-shaped leaves
• Flower: Tubular scarlet-red flowers in late summer
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Moderate
• Temperature requirements: Minimum 23°F / -5°C; USDA zone 9; RHS H3
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Feeding requirements: Balanced feed in spring
• Propagation: Division or basal cuttings in spring
• Pruning: Cut back in late autumn or spring

Display and companion plants

Place mid- to back of border in full sun. Combine with Echinacea, Rudbeckia, or ornamental grasses like Calamagrostis. Excellent among exotic schemes or late-season planting.

Musa sikkimensis (Darjeeling banana)

All about the plant

I am a sucker for tropical or tropical style plants and this was one of the earliest bananas I got when I created ny London urban garden. This hardy banana adds an immediate tropical look. Its large paddle-shaped leaves may be streaked with red, and while it rarely fruits in the UK, the foliage alone makes it worthwhile.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Musa sikkimensis
• Meaning of scientific plant name: Refers to Sikkim, India, its native range
• Common names: Darjeeling banana
• Plant family: Musaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Eastern Himalayas
• Type of plant: Evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial
• Size: Up to 4m tall
• Foliage: Huge green leaves, often with red-purple markings
• Flower: Rarely flowers in UK; yellowish and tropical
• Light requirements: Full sun or part shade
• Water and humidity requirements: High moisture needs in summer
• Temperature requirements: Minimum 14°F / -10°C; USDA 8–11; RHS H4 (protect crown in winter)
• Soil requirements: Rich, moist but well-drained
• Feeding requirements: Feed regularly in growing season
• Propagation: Suckers or division
• Pruning: Remove dead leaves; cut back frost-damaged stems

Display and companion plants

Perfect in jungle-style planting with Canna indica, Melianthus, and Fatsia. Underplant with Hosta or Heuchera for contrast.

Canna indica (Indian shot)

All about the plant

With lush tropical foliage and bold flowers in red, orange, or yellow, Canna indica delivers colour and drama from mid-summer to frost. Grown from rhizomes, it’s best lifted and stored in cold gardens.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Canna indica
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Indica” refers to India, although it’s native to the Americas
• Common names: Indian shot, canna lily
• Plant family: Cannaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Central and South America
• Type of plant: Rhizomatous perennial
• Size: 1–2m tall, 50–80cm wide
• Foliage: Bold green or bronze foliage
• Flower: Bright red, orange, or yellow flowers in summer to autumn
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Moisture-loving
• Temperature requirements: Minimum 32°F / 0°C; USDA 8–11; RHS H3
• Soil requirements: Rich, moisture-retentive
• Feeding requirements: High-potash feed every 2 weeks
• Propagation: Division of rhizomes
• Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks; lift in autumn

Display and companion plants

Combine with Dahlia, Melianthus, or Phormium for tropical borders. Great in pots or at the back of mixed planting.

Phormium tenax (New Zealand flax)

All about the plant

You see it everywhere, but Phormium tenax is a superb structural plant with sword-like leaves in green, bronze, or variegated forms. It’s evergreen and wind-resistant, making it ideal for exposed or coastal sites.

It can get very big, so I frequently divide my plants – which means I have a regular supply of more plants.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Phormium tenax
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Tenax” means tenacious, referring to the plant’s fibres
• Common names: New Zealand flax
• Plant family: Asphodelaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: New Zealand
• Type of plant: Evergreen perennial
• Size: 1–3m tall and wide
• Foliage: Long, sword-shaped leaves; often coloured or striped
• Flower: Tall spikes of red flowers in summer (older plants)
• Light requirements: Full sun or partial shade
• Water and humidity requirements: Drought-tolerant once established
• Temperature requirements: Minimum 14°F / -10°C; USDA 8–11; RHS H4
• Soil requirements: Well-drained; tolerant of poor soil
• Feeding requirements: Light spring feeding
• Propagation: Division in spring
• Pruning: Remove dead leaves; cut out old flower stalks

Display and companion plants

Use for bold focal points or in gravel planting. Pairs well with Euphorbia, Lavandula, and grasses like Stipa or Miscanthus.

Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia)

All about the plant

Another popular plant but for good reasons. Fatsia is a reliable evergreen shrub with large, glossy leaves and bold presence in shade. Produces unusual white pompom flowers in autumn followed by black berries. It thrives in difficult spots.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Fatsia japonica
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Fatsia” from the Japanese word for ‘eight’ (leaf lobes)
• Common names: Japanese aralia
• Plant family: Araliaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Japan, Korea, Taiwan
• Type of plant: Evergreen shrub
• Size: 2–4m tall, 2–3m wide
• Foliage: Large, deeply lobed, glossy green leaves
• Flower: White, ball-shaped flowers in late autumn
• Light requirements: Shade to part shade
• Water and humidity requirements: Moist but well-drained
• Temperature requirements: Minimum 14°F / -10°C; USDA 8–11; RHS H4
• Soil requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
• Feeding requirements: Spring feed with general fertiliser
• Propagation: Cuttings or seed
• Pruning: Minimal; prune to shape after flowering

Display and companion plants

Excellent for shady corners. Combine with ferns, Heuchera, or Hosta for layered texture. Also pairs well with Astelia and Dicksonia antarctica in woodland schemes.

Allium species (Ornamental onions)

All about the plant

With their spherical, firework-like flowerheads, Alliums are striking and architectural. They bloom in late spring to early summer and are loved by pollinators. Their dried seedheads add long-lasting structure.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Allium spp.
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Allium” is Latin for garlic
• Common names: Ornamental onion
• Plant family: Amaryllidaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Northern hemisphere, particularly central Asia
• Type of plant: Bulbous perennial
• Size: Varies by species – 30cm to 1.5m tall
• Foliage: Narrow, strap-like leaves that often die back as flowering begins
• Flower: Rounded umbels in purple, pink, or white, May to July
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Moderate, dislikes waterlogging
• Temperature requirements: Hardy to -30°F / -34°C; USDA 3–9; RHS H5–H7
• Soil requirements: Free-draining, moderately fertile
• Feeding requirements: Bulb fertiliser in spring
• Propagation: Division of bulbs or seed
• Pruning: Remove flowerheads after bloom or leave for winter structure

Display and companion plants

Thread through borders with Nepeta, Geranium, and Stipa. Ideal in gravel gardens or sunny herbaceous borders.

Dicksonia antarctica (Soft tree fern)

All about the plant

Another of the plants that made me take up gardening. I was blown away when I first saw a tree fern. The Dicksonia is slow-growing with a stout trunk and lush, feathery fronds. Brings a primeval, woodland feel to shady areas and lends drama to even the smallest gardens.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Dicksonia antarctica
• Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after botanist James Dickson
• Common names: Soft tree fern, Tasmanian tree fern
• Plant family: Dicksoniaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Australia (Tasmania and southeastern regions)
• Type of plant: Evergreen or semi-evergreen fern
• Size: 2–4m tall over time
• Foliage: Large, finely divided fronds up to 2m long
• Flower: Ferns do not flower
• Light requirements: Partial to full shade
• Water and humidity requirements: High; water crown in dry weather
• Temperature requirements: Minimum 25°F / -4°C with protection; USDA 9; RHS H3
• Soil requirements: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained
• Feeding requirements: Liquid seaweed feed monthly in growing season
• Propagation: Spores (difficult), or crown offsets
• Pruning: Remove dead fronds as needed

Display and companion plants

Perfect in woodland gardens or shady courtyards. Pair with Fatsia, Hosta, and moisture-loving ferns like Dryopteris.

Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender)

All about the plant

Classic, fragrant, and compact, English lavender is ideal for low hedges, edging, or herb gardens. It’s loved by bees and retains a neat shape with regular pruning.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Lavandula angustifolia
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Angustifolia” means narrow-leaved
• Common names: English lavender
• Plant family: Lamiaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Mediterranean
• Type of plant: Evergreen shrub
• Size: 50–70cm tall and wide
• Foliage: Narrow, grey-green, aromatic leaves
• Flower: Purple-blue spikes in midsummer
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Low; drought-tolerant
• Temperature requirements: Minimum -20°F / -29°C; USDA 5–9; RHS H6
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, light soil
• Feeding requirements: Minimal; avoid rich feeding
• Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings or seed
• Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape

Display and companion plants

Use as a low hedge or in dry, sunny borders. Combines beautifully with Roses, Salvia, Santolina, and Perovskia.

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary — now Salvia rosmarinus)

All about the plant

Rosemary is not the most spectacular looking plant, but I always grow it for two reasons: 1) I can’t resist the aroma of the crushed leaves, 2) it is an essential addition to roast lamb and roast potatoes.

A tough, fragrant shrub once classified as Rosmarinus, now part of the Salvia genus. Its needle-like foliage is aromatic, and pale blue flowers bloom in spring. It’s useful, attractive, and thrives on neglect.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Rosmarinus” means dew of the sea
• Common names: Rosemary
• Plant family: Lamiaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Mediterranean region
• Type of plant: Evergreen shrub
• Size: 1–1.5m tall and wide
• Foliage: Aromatic, needle-like, dark green leaves
• Flower: Pale blue flowers in spring to early summer
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Low; drought-tolerant
• Temperature requirements: Minimum 14°F / -10°C; USDA 8–10; RHS H4
• Soil requirements: Free-draining, poor to moderately fertile soil
• Feeding requirements: Very low
• Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings
• Pruning: Light prune after flowering to prevent legginess

Display and companion plants

Great in herb beds, Mediterranean borders, or as topiary. Partner with Thyme, Lavandula, and Origanum for a classic kitchen garden effect.

Astelia chathamica (Silver spear)

All about the plant

With shimmering, silvery foliage and a rosette-like form, Astelia chathamica offers striking texture and colour year-round. It’s evergreen and brings a cool, sculptural presence to borders or containers.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Astelia chathamica
• Meaning of scientific plant name: Named after the Chatham Islands
• Common names: Silver spear
• Plant family: Asteliaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Chatham Islands, New Zealand
• Type of plant: Evergreen perennial
• Size: Up to 1.5m tall and wide
• Foliage: Long, arching, metallic silver leaves
• Flower: Tiny greenish flowers followed by orange berries (seldom seen)
• Light requirements: Partial shade or full sun with moisture
• Water and humidity requirements: Moist but not wet
• Temperature requirements: Minimum 14°F / -10°C; USDA 8–10; RHS H4
• Soil requirements: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained
• Feeding requirements: Balanced slow-release feed in spring
• Propagation: Division in spring
• Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves

Display and companion plants

Fantastic in contemporary planting or coastal gardens. Pairs well with Fatsia japonica, Phormium, or shade-tolerant grasses. Ideal in large pots or as a focal plant.

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Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather reed grass)

All about the plant

This upright, clump-forming grass is one of the best for vertical interest. It produces feathery flowerheads in early summer that last well into winter, turning golden with age.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
• Meaning of scientific plant name: A hybrid between C. arundinacea and C. epigejos
• Common names: Feather reed grass
• Plant family: Poaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: Garden hybrid of European species
• Type of plant: Deciduous grass
• Size: 1.5m tall, 60cm wide
• Foliage: Narrow, green upright leaves
• Flower: Tall, feathery plumes in early summer
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Moderate
• Temperature requirements: Hardy to -30°F / -34°C; USDA 4–9; RHS H7
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile
• Feeding requirements: Minimal
• Propagation: Division in spring
• Pruning: Cut back in late winter before new growth

Display and companion plants

Ideal in prairie-style planting with Echinacea, Rudbeckia, and Perovskia. Also works well in narrow beds and modern gardens for its tidy habit.

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Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ (Maiden grass)

All about the plant

This elegant grass has finely striped, silvery-green foliage that catches the light beautifully. It forms a tall, fountain-like clump and produces soft plumes in late summer.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Sinensis” means Chinese
• Common names: Maiden grass
• Plant family: Poaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: East Asia
• Type of plant: Deciduous grass
• Size: 1.5–2m tall, 1m wide
• Foliage: Narrow leaves with white edges; shimmering overall effect
• Flower: Reddish plumes aging to silver from August
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Moderate
• Temperature requirements: Hardy to -20°F / -29°C; USDA 5–9; RHS H6
• Soil requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
• Feeding requirements: Low; mulch in spring
• Propagation: Division in spring
• Pruning: Cut back in late winter before new growth

Display and companion plants

Perfect for softening borders or providing height. Mix with Verbena bonariensis, Dahlia, and Sedum for late-season colour. Looks stunning when backlit.

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Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ (Zebra grass)

All about the plant

Known for its unique horizontal yellow bands, Zebrinus stands out even without flowers. It’s bold, tall, and gently arching, offering excellent structure and texture.

Key facts

• Scientific name and any synonyms: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’
• Meaning of scientific plant name: “Zebrinus” refers to zebra-like striping
• Common names: Zebra grass
• Plant family: Poaceae
• Place of origin of the plant: East Asia
• Type of plant: Deciduous grass
• Size: 1.5–2.5m tall, 1.5m wide
• Foliage: Arching green leaves with horizontal yellow stripes
• Flower: Coppery plumes in late summer to autumn
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Water and humidity requirements: Moderate
• Temperature requirements: Hardy to -20°F / -29°C; USDA 5–9; RHS H6
• Soil requirements: Moist, well-drained, moderately fertile
• Feeding requirements: Light mulch in spring
• Propagation: Division in spring
• Pruning: Cut back hard in late winter

Display and companion plants

Use as a statement grass in large borders or naturalistic planting. Partners well with Echinacea, Rudbeckia, or Salvia for vibrant, wildlife-friendly combinations.

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Final thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to bold foliage, subtle textures, or vibrant blooms, these 18 plants offer beauty, structure, and resilience. I return to them again and again because they simply work — in tough conditions, across seasons, and in a range of styles.

I hope this list inspires you to try a few new favourites of your own.