Exposed Coastal Sites Planting List.
It can be really tricky to find plants that will contend with very exposed sites. The combination of wind and
salt can be disastrous, and any shelter that can be created will more than pay for itself in protecting the
plants.
However, there are times when its not possible or practical to create a shelter belt, so here are some of the
plants that stand a chance and will give colour and most are generally drought-tolerant also.
Click here to see more Shrubs suitable for Costal Planting
Following are some suggestions of plants suitable for most exposed coastal situations......
Armeria maritima - Sea Pink or Thrift. Commonly found on the cliffs, is an excellent
rock garden plant with dainty pink flowers. In the wild the flowers are a paler pink, but brighter shades are
available on cultivars.
Carpobrotus edulis -The Hottentot Fig -Flowers in May and June, likes
lots of space to ramble about in hot, open spaces. Looks particularly good cascading down walls and slopes.
Survives very well close to the sea, but will not withstand sub-zero temperatures for any length of time.
Crocosmia Lucifer - produces clumps of iris-like foliage - with hot red flowers from
mid to late summer. Good structural plant that looks good against Canna Wyoming and Dahlia Grenadier. Prefers
a well drained soil in full sun or partial shade with a well drained soil, and tolerates a windy
situation.
Erigeron glaucus - low growing perennial with daisy like purple flowers that bloom for a
long period from summer through autumn - great nectar plant for butterlies. Deadhead as needed for a prolonged
showing.
Eryngium planum - Sea Holly is a great plant for coastal areas, as well
as rock gardens. It flowers in mid-late summer in a profusion of small steely blue flowers and
is happy in a well drained soil with full exposure to the sun. Its roots were once pulped, sugared and
sold as sweets.
Osteospermum - Tresco Purple - has a mound forming habit that spreads well, with dark
purple daisy style flowers. Does well in exposed, well-drained position. Deadhead for an extended display.
Flowers in late summer through autumn and makes great ground cover.
Sedum - spectabile - the succulent foliage hosts tightly packed head of green buds that
open into small pink flowers from late summer through autumn. Very attractive to butterflies. Is a hardy plant
that thrives in full sun an a well drained, light and sandy soil.
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