Are you looking for plants to create a beautiful west-facing border in your garden? With the right combination of plants, you can create a stunning display that will thrive in the sunlight and provide a stunning backdrop for your outdoor space.
Whether you want to create a bright and vibrant border or a more subtle and calming atmosphere, there are plenty of plants for a west-facing border that will suit your needs. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best plants to create a west-facing border and provide tips on how to care for them.
Benefits of planting a west-facing border
When choosing plants for a west-facing border, gardeners can take advantage of some of the sunniest spots in the garden. While there are some plants that will thrive in full sun all day, there are others that will prefer filtered sun or shade as the day goes on.
Knowing which plants are best for a west-facing border will help ensure your garden landscape is lush and beautiful for years to come. The most important factor to consider when selecting plants for a west-facing border is the amount of sunlight they will get. This typically means selecting varieties that will do well in full sun all day.
Among these are hardy perennial flowers like daylilies and coneflowers, as well as shrubs such as rose bushes and boxwoods. For some areas, especially those that get too much sun during the afternoon, gardeners can also opt for plants with a more moderate tolerance for sunlight. Some low-growing succulents make great choices, as do grasses like switchgrass and other ornamental grasses.
Perennial plants like hostas and astilbes are also great for providing some shade in the afternoon. In addition, gardeners can take advantage of planting some smaller ground covers that do well in the heat, such as sedums and thyme.
This can provide both unique texture and colour to your west-facing border. These can also be combined with annual flowers, like black-eyed Susan, cosmos and zinnias, to give added depth and colour.
There are many plants that will do well in a west-facing border, so gardeners should take time to research which ones will work best with their landscape. Knowing the amount of sunlight these spots will get will also help ensure you select plants that will ultimately thrive in the space. With the right planning and selection of plants, you’ll be sure to transform your west-facing border into an eye-catching display of natural beauty.
Types of plants suitable for a west-facing border
Gardening in a west-facing border can be quite a challenge. West-facing borders receive a lot of direct sunlight which can often lead to plants becoming excessively hot and dry.
That said, there are still many wonderful plants you can choose to create a stunning garden in this challenging space. To begin with, full sun shrubs such as Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata) are an excellent choice. This undemanding evergreen shrub with glossy green foliage produces a heavenly scent of oranges during the late spring and early summer months, making it a must-have plant.
You can also opt for flowering evergreen shrubs, such as Brazilian heath (Elythranthera rudaea), which offers plenty of colour and will thrive in a west-facing border. You can also plant some hardy perennials to provide colour and interest for your border.
Daisies (Bellis perennis), for example, are well suited for a west-facing border as they require full sun and are dependably reliable. Another popular choice is the low-growing lavender (Lavandula spp. ) which will thrive in well-drained soil.
In addition to providing its signature scent, this Mediterranean favourite will also attract bees and butterflies to your garden. All these plants will provide interest and beauty in your west-facing border, even when faced with the challenges of direct sunlight.
With their hardiness and beauty, these plants will be sure to brighten up your garden for years to come.
Tips for planting a west-facing border
For those looking for ways to spruce up their west-facing garden borders, there are plenty of unique planting ideas to choose from. West-facing borders get more sunlight than their east-facing counterparts, giving gardeners more room to experiment and be creative. From spring bulbs to sturdy shrubs, there is much to explore when designing a spectacular west-facing border.
When selecting plants, keep in mind that the positioning of a west-facing garden means that plants will be exposed to more sun. Gardening in shade can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with gardening, but the right plants can thrive even in the sunniest spot.
Hardy perennials such as lavender, rosemary, and daisies are just a few examples of easy-care plants capable of withstanding direct sunlight. When selecting flowers, there is no need to limit yourself to conventional garden favourites.
For a truly unique border, consider planting native flowers like ox-eye daisies or cornflowers. Alternatively, brighten up a dull corner with exotic flowers like hibiscus or gladioli. Many of these plants perform best when provided with midday shade and well-draining soil.
When creating a west-facing border, don’t forget to experiment with texture too. Low-growing herbs such as sage or thyme can be used to create a ground-covering effect, while shrubs with glossy leaves and tall stems can add a dramatic vertical element to a garden. Finally, add a splash of colour with bright-hued annuals such as pansies and petunias.
With the right plants, any west-facing border can be transformed into a stunning oasis.
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Final Touch
This article provides guidance on selecting plants for a west-facing border. It recommends selecting plants that are tolerant of hot, dry conditions and choosing those with deep roots to help them withstand strong winds. It also suggests selecting plants with a long flowering season, such as lavender, verbena, and agastache, to provide a vibrant display of colour.
Finally, it advises adding a few evergreen shrubs for year-round interest. With careful selection, a beautiful and varied display can be created for a west-facing border.
FAQ
What type of plants are best suited for a west-facing border?
Plants that thrive in full sun are best suited for a west-facing border, such as lavender, rosemary, daisies, and sunflowers.
What are the benefits of planting a west-facing border?
The benefits of planting a west-facing border include increased exposure to sunlight, which can help promote healthy growth of plants, and protection from strong winds. Additionally, a west-facing border can provide a warm, sheltered environment for plants that prefer warmer temperatures.
What are the best soil conditions for a west-facing border?
The best soil conditions for a west-facing border are well-drained, slightly acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. It should also receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
What are the best watering practices for a west-facing border?
The best watering practices for a west-facing border include watering deeply and infrequently, using a soaker hose or drip irrigation, and avoiding overhead watering. Additionally, it is important to water in the morning to reduce evaporation and water loss.
What are the best sun exposure requirements for plants in a west-facing border?
The best sun exposure requirements for plants in a west-facing border are 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
What are the best companion plants for a west-facing border?
Some of the best companion plants for a west-facing border include lavender, rosemary, sage, yarrow, and daylilies.
