Plants for windy gardens in the UK

Wind can be a challenging factor for gardening in the UK. However, there are several plants that are well-suited to windy conditions. Here are a few examples:

Heather: These low-growing, evergreen shrubs are tough and hardy and can withstand strong winds. They come in a variety of colours and are great for ground cover.

Box: A versatile evergreen, Box is a slow-growing and can be used as low hedging, topiary or in knot gardens. They can withstand trimming and also handle wind very well.

Grasses: Many grasses can tolerate windy conditions and can add movement and texture to the garden. Examples include:

Stipa tenuissima

Calamagrostis acutiflora

Carex testacea

Hebes: These evergreen shrubs are not only tough enough to handle windy conditions, but they also add color to the garden with their flowers.

Lavender: A hardy perennial, lavender can withstand strong winds and drought. The strong fragrant flowers are also beneficial for wildlife and honey production.

Rosemary: This hardy evergreen shrub has fragrant leaves and blue flowers that are great for cooking. It can handle windy conditions and is a great choice for a herb garden.

Leucophyta brownii: more commonly known as Cushion bush. This small shrub is native to the coastal area of Western Australia and is hardy for windy conditions.

Bulbs: Bulbs like crocus, daffodils, tulips and alliums are great for windy gardens because they are planted deep underground, therefore the wind doesn’t affect them.

It is important to note that while these plants can handle wind well, they still need to be well cared for to establish healthy plants. This may include appropriate watering, mulching, and fertilising.