John Gabriele highlights some points to watch out for when selecting feature foliage as statement plants.
Plants can take any landscape design from drab to fab, and as modern landscape designs are defined by clean lines, and a somewhat minimalistic approach to the plant palette with a heavy emphasis on structural pants or architectural plants, selection is critical to success. Architectural plants are the ones that ‘make a statement’ in any landscape. They often stand out as a focal point that secondary plantings compliment to complete the overall aesthetic. Statement plants can provide year-round interest and provide the necessary framework for the entire planting.
When we think of statement plants our minds are likely to wander to visions of plants with unique shapes, colours and bold forms that often create a conversation piece. While this is certainly a common characterisation of statement plants, we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that statement plants form the backbone of the landscape. They support everything else in the design. Their functionality is critical to overall design success, notwithstanding the other elements that should be considered.
The bold and the beautiful
Modern landscapes have become synonymous with the bold use of foliage plants: tropicals, cacti, succulents, palms, and cycads, and their popularity isn’t likely to wane anytime soon. These plants provide drama in any landscape, and the more attention directed to them, the more dramatic the planting will be.
Size, however, isn’t everything.
Statement plants don’t necessarily have to be large and tall to make an impact. Even smaller landscapes can utilise the characteristics of statement plants to generate interest and utility.
Ornamental grasses and grass-like strap-leaf plants make excellent statement plants. Those with an upright habit are predominantly useful, including varieties such as Miscanthus – particularly the variegated varieties – which may also display autumnal tones in some climate zones providing additional seasonal interest.
The Australian native Fountain Grass (Cenchrus alopecaroides, formerly known as
Pennisetum alopecuroides), boasts feathery, whitish flowers that are very showy and contrast with its green foliage. Fountain Grass has a clumping growth habit with beautifully arching leaves and definitely makes a statement, particularly in mass plantings in landscapes.
There are several mauve-purple feathery flowered cultivars and purple-foliage-coloured
forms available also.
Many recently introduced ornamental grasses are referred to as possible ‘sleeper weeds’ as their weed status has not necessarily been thoroughly tested under local conditions. So, when planting any ornamental or native grasses or grass-like plants, check their local weed status with regulatory authorities. These plants may pose a potential environmental threat.
Just the flax
New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax) is another bold strap-leaf statement plant.
With rigid, upright, sword-like foliage stretching to three metres, ranging from green to bronze and chocolate brown, and with variegated forms beautifully striped or with edges in pinks, reds, orange or purple, flax makes an excellent choice. Not be outdone, Australia’s Gymea lily (Doryanthes excelsa) and Spear lily (D. palmeri), are striking statement plants. Both produce massive, sword-shaped leaves up to two metres tall and even bigger flower spikes – some 4m-5m long. D. palmeri has a flower spike weighed down with lots of large red flowers along one side of the spike tip. The Gymea lily presents its flowers at the end of the tall flower stem (scape). Both plants have received a lot of attention in public landscaping projects, and although native to the coastal communities of Sydney, NSW and Queensland respectively, they have proven adaptable to a range of climates.
Palms
Palms and palm-like plants have been a staple in the statement-plant palette for decades, and for good reason. There’s a plethora of plants in this category that can elevate any landscape. Palms and palm-like plants are iconic for their towering presence and tropical allure. Some of the heavy hitters in this area include the Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata), Bismarkia nobillis, Cycas revoluta, and Xanthorhoeha
spp. All these species are slow-growing and their inclusion in a landscape as a mature specimen will come at a significant cost. The payoff is in the impact they provide.
Perfect for creating a focal point in large landscapes, the Bismark Palm creates an impressive silhouette with its massive, silvery-blue leaves which create a sense of drama and grandeur ideal for tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Not as they seem
Beaucarnea actually isn’t a palm at all. It’s a succulent. But it still captures the essence of a palm tree with its long, flowing leaves held in clusters. The clusters form at the end of the stems arising from the swollen base and give the plant a unique shape and striking appearance. One of the biggest advantages of Ponytail Palm is its low maintenance requirements and drought hardiness.
The Japanese Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is another palm imposter. It’s a Cycad.
Sago palm is dioecious – it has separate male and female plants. While it doesn’t produce traditional flowers, it forms cones, much like pines. The male plant bears a golden, pineapple-shaped cone while the female develops a feathery, golden head which becomes a densely packed seedhead if pollinated. It’s extremely slow-growing but highly valued for its robust trunk and feathery dark-green leaves.
Xanthorrhoea spp. commonly known by the politically correct common name, Grass tree, are the epitome of all things Australian. As the common name implies, they consist of a thick, rough stem with a blackened and somewhat corky bark capped by a whorl of long, wiry leaves. When produced on older specimens, the spear-like flower spikes can reach heights of two metres or more above the foliage.
Grass trees are usually survivors of bushfires and over many years can develop into architectural masterpieces. Fire causes their blackened trunk to branch into two or even more heads, making these multi-stemmed specimens highly valued as landscape plants. There’s something iconic about them that demands attention wherever they’re grown, both in their natural environment and in constructed landscapes.
Need care
With some 30 species of Xanthorrhoea, land clearing and land ‘improvement’ has seen their natural habitat decline and many plant communities under threat. They remain very popular as statement plants in both commercial and residential landscapes, however correct planting technique and aftercare of grass trees is critical. Many specimens have been lost in the two years following transplanting and price tags can climb into the thousands of dollars, so there’s no room for error. Site soil should be well aerated for best results and good drainage can be achieved by planting on top of a mound.
Grass trees are sensitive to root disturbance, so precautions should be taken to reduce the amount of disturbance to roots during planting. The first few months after planting are a critical time and daily watering should be maintained for the first month before being slowly reduced. During this time use a seaweed solution at the label rates to encourage root development. Bio stimulants can also be a useful addition to help encourage good bacteria and fungal organisms that can assist with nutrient uptake and root development.
Cacti
Cacti and succulents are enjoying their time in the sun (pardon the pun) as popular landscape plants. With so many variations in colour, texture and form, it’s no wonder they remain a staple in landscape design. Some standouts in this category include the Candelabra Spurge, (Euphorbia ammak ‘Variegata’) and the Dragon Tree (Draceana draco).
These architectural beauties are drought tolerant once established and their strong architectural qualities make them popular statement plants. Love them or hate them Agave spp. and Yucca spp. can be used to great effect in xeriscapes and have become a mainstay in contemporary landscape designs. Check with your state or territory guidelines on which cacti and succulents are able to be planted as there many in this group
which may be prohibited in some states or territories.
Ferns
At the other end of climatic extremes, from full sun to shade, tree ferns offer significant attributes as statement plants. They look good against hard surfaces and particularly striking in shady courtyards with their tall caudex (trunk) capped with an umbrella of dramatic fronds.
The rough tree fern Cyathea australis is one of the most common species grown for Australian landscapes. This plant can grow up to 20m in height. The rough tree fern Cyathea cooperi grows to around six metres and is another popular variety.
Height isn’t everything, though. Birds nest ferns (Asplenium spp) are epiphytic ferns and can grow quite large, making a dramatic statement for a shaded or semi-shaded position. They produce large fronds forming a rosette making an attractive nest shape, and their striking, upright vase shape adds structural interest to the landscape, creating a superb focal point.
More than looking good
Statement plants command attention, they can define areas within the garden, add height and dimension, and complement the overall design. In modern landscapes, statement plants might be sculptural succulents, towering palms, architectural grasses, or vibrantly coloured flowering shrubs and foliage plants.
The most important aspect of statement plants, though, is their role in not just being ornamental, but also functional.