Coastal and exposed-site plants for UK gardens: tough species that stand up to salt spray, wind and sun. Hardy palms, silver-leaved grasses and architectural exotics chosen for seaside gardens, cliff-top plots and windy urban balconies.
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Coastal and exposed gardens are demanding, with salt-laden wind that scorches soft growth and dries plants out. The answer is to choose plants built for it. This collection brings together tough, hardy plants that shrug off wind and salt spray, many with the bold, architectural look that suits a coastal setting so well.
A high balcony or roof terrace is its own kind of exposed, windy site, much like the coast. The same tough plants that cope with sea wind also handle the buffeting of an upper-floor balcony or an open patio. Grown in sturdy, heavy pots they stay put and keep their looks where softer plants would shred.
Shelter and good drainage are the keys. Improve free-draining soil, plant a little deeper and firm plants in well so the wind cannot rock them, and use sturdy stakes for taller plants until they root. A windbreak of tougher plants on the windward side shelters everything behind it.
Water well while plants establish, as wind dries them quickly, and avoid soft, sappy growth that wind damages by not over-feeding. Once settled in, coastal-tough plants are some of the most self-reliant you can grow.
