Top Garden Plants for Texture, Shape & Color on Your Landscape Design

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  • Understanding the texture of a garden can make your space feel larger or more intimate.

  • Combining different plant shapes can create a visually appealing and harmonious landscape.

  • Color in the garden affects mood and can give the illusion of space.

  • Using examples of plants for texture, shape, and color can guide your plant selection.

  • Design principles like repetition and focal points are key to a cohesive garden design.

Join us as we guide you on how to turn your garden into a stunning display of natural beauty. The key to a mesmerizing garden is to understand the use of texture, shape, and color. Each of these aspects is essential in creating a vibrant and welcoming space.

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I. Adding Texture to Your Garden

1.1 Importance of Texture

Texture in the garden refers to the visual and tactile quality of the plant surfaces. It impacts how the garden is perceived, both visually and physically. Additionally, texture interacts with light and shadow, producing motion and depth. It can cause a small garden to appear larger or a large area to seem more cozy.

1.2 Texture Varieties

There are three main varieties of texture you can find in the garden: fine, medium, and coarse. Each one plays a unique role in the overall design of the garden.

Delicate textures can open up a space and make a garden seem larger. Medium textures act as the glue that holds the garden together. Bold textures catch the eye and create points of interest.

1.3 Plant Examples for Texture

When it comes to adding texture to your garden, you have a world of plants at your disposal. Here’s a guide to get you started:

Using Fine Textured Plants in Your Garden

“Mexican Feather Grass” from www.waterwiseplants.org and used with no modifications.

Using fine textured plants, such as ornamental grasses or delicate ferns, can help to soften the landscape and add a sense of movement. These plants catch the light and create a shimmering effect that is truly mesmerizing.

For example, think about the sophistication of Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) or the gentle leaves of a Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum). Position these plants where they can capture the morning or evening light for a beautiful spectacle.

How to Achieve Harmony with Medium Textured Foliage

“SuperBlue’ – English Lavender …” from www.provenwinners.com and used with no modifications.

Medium-textured plants are the backbone of a well-designed garden. They serve as a visual breather between the more striking fine and coarse textures. Consider plants like Lavender (Lavandula) or Boxwood (Buxus) that provide a steady texture to harmonize the garden.

These plants are adaptable and can be used throughout the garden to create a feeling of harmony and structure. They’re the constant pulse in the garden’s rhythm, around which the other textures move.

The Bold Impact of Coarse Textured Plants

“Colocasia, a.k.a. Elephant ear, Taro …” from www.flickr.com and used with no modifications.

Coarse-textured plants are the main characters in the garden’s story. Their large leaves and striking shapes command attention and can be the foundation of a design. Think about the structured leaves of a Hosta or the distinct outline of an Elephant Ear (Colocasia).

These plants should be used sparingly to create a dramatic effect and focal point. They are effective as stand-alone plants or to signal a transition from one area of the garden to another.

II. The Role of Shape

Shape gives your garden its form, much as texture provides its depth. It’s about how the plants silhouettes contrast with the sky, how they fill space, and how they lead the eye around the landscape. Primarily, a plant’s shape can affect how you perceive the size and scale of your garden. Tall, vertical shapes can make an area seem bigger and more grandiose, while low, spreading shapes can make it seem more snug and personal.

2.1 Plant Shapes

In landscape design, there are three main types of plant shapes: vertical, rounded, and spreading. Each shape has its own unique impact and is used to create different effects in the garden.

2.2 Plant Examples for Shape

Here are some plant examples for each shape category:

  • Vertical: Skyrocket Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’), Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)


“Italian Cypress – Leafland Limited …” from leafland.co.nz and used with no modifications.

Design Principles for Vertical Shapes

Vertical shapes serve as the exclamation points in your garden. They draw the eye upward and create a sense of height and elegance. Use them to punctuate your garden design, at the end of a vista or to flank an entryway. Think about, for instance, two Italian Cypress trees flanking a garden gate. They offer a striking entryway and a vertical element that establishes the mood for the rest of the area.

  • Rounded: Globe Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’), Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’)


“Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ (Lilac)” from www.gardenia.net and used with no modifications.

Creating Harmony in Your Garden with Rounded Shapes

Rounded shapes are the cozy, welcoming shapes in the garden. They’re gentle, inviting, and meld effortlessly with the environment around them. These shapes are perfect for establishing a feeling of peace and calm.

Moreover, rounded shapes are adaptable and can be utilized all over the garden to ease edges and add a sense of abundance. They are especially effective in formal garden designs where balance and order are key.

  • Spreading: Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)


Japanese Spurge 48 Plants – Pachysandra …” from hirts.com and used with no modifications.

Creating Unity with Spreading Plant Shapes

Think of spreading shapes as the groundcover of the garden world. They’re the ones that hug the earth and fill in the gaps, creating a cohesive look that ties everything together. They’re the ultimate unifiers, blending the garden’s elements into a seamless whole.

III. Implementing Color in Your Garden

Color plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic of your garden. It has the ability to stir up feelings, highlight specific areas, and even affect how warm or cool a space appears. Color can also mirror the changing of the seasons, keeping your garden interesting all year round.

3.1 Making the Most of Color

When it comes to using color in your garden, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Select a color palette that matches your house and yard.

  • Choose warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) to add energy and bring the garden closer.

  • Go for cool colors (blues, greens, purples) to create a relaxing atmosphere and make the garden seem larger.

3.2 Plant Suggestions for Color

Now let’s get specific. Here are some plant suggestions to add a pop of color to your garden:

  • Red: Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ (Japanese Maple), Rosa ‘Radrazz’ (Knock Out Rose)


  • Purple: Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender), Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)


“Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower, Eastern …” from plants.ces.ncsu.edu and used with no modifications.

Using Red and Purple in Your Garden

Using red and purple plants in your garden can give it a rich, intense feel. These colors are often associated with passion and luxury. They can create a dramatic, eye-catching effect.

  • Yellow: Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan), Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ (Daylily)


“How to Grow and Care for Black-Eyed Susan” from www.thespruce.com and used with no modifications.

Injecting Sunlight with Yellow and Gold Leaves

Yellow and gold leaves are like a splash of sunlight in the garden. They provide warmth and illumination, and they can make even the darkest corners feel bright and happy. Use plants like Black-Eyed Susan and Daylily to inject your garden with a sunny attitude.

  • Blue: Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue), Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)


“Grow and Care for Russian Sage Plant …” from www.thespruce.com and used with no modifications.

Need Expert Advice?
Connect with a plant expert for personalized guidance. Schedule your free consultation here!

Turning Your Garden into a Relaxing Haven with Silver and Blue Shades

By incorporating silver and blue plants into your garden, you can create a soothing sanctuary that is particularly refreshing in the sweltering summer months. These colors have a tranquilizing effect and can provide a peaceful backdrop for more lively plants. Consider adding Russian Sage or Blue Fescue to bring a dash of cool sophistication to your garden.

Each plant adds a distinct color to the mix, and when thoughtfully combined, they can create a cohesive and visually appealing landscape.

Wrapping Up

So, to wrap things up, your garden is a blank slate, ready for you to put your unique spin on it. Texture, shape, and color are the tools you can use to make a garden that is not only stunning, but also a reflection of who you are and what you love. With the right plant choices and design principles, you can create a garden that is distinctly yours – a haven of peace and beauty that brings you joy every single day.

Common Questions

What Plants Are Best for a Low-Maintenance Garden with Lots of Texture?

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance garden that still offers plenty of texture, consider plants like Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum), and Ornamental Grasses. These plants are all very hardy, require very little care, and provide a range of different textures to make your garden more interesting.

How Can I Organize Plants for Maximum Shape Effect?

To maximize the effect of plant shapes in your garden, adhere to these guidelines and consider integrating elements for borrowed scenery to enhance the overall aesthetic.


  • Vertical plants can be used as focal points or to frame a view.



  • Rounded shapes can be planted in groups for a soothing effect.



  • Spreading groundcovers can be used to fill in gaps and create unity.


Is it Possible to Use Color to Make My Small Garden Appear Larger?

Definitely! Cool colors such as blues, purples, and greens can be used to create a sense of space. These colors tend to recede, which can make your garden seem larger. Warm colors, conversely, can make a space feel more intimate and cozy.

What Are Some Unusual Plants with Distinct Textures?

For distinct textures, consider plants like the prickly Blue Globe Thistle (Echinops), the fluffy Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina), or the structural leaves of the Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus).

What Impact Do Seasonal Changes Have on My Garden’s Texture and Color?

Seasonal changes can significantly change the texture and color in your garden. Deciduous plants will shed their leaves in the fall, exposing intriguing branch structures. Spring ushers in fresh new foliage and lively blooms, while summer amplifies colors and textures. During winter, evergreens and plants with intriguing bark or seed heads can offer visual appeal.

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