The Cottage: Heptacodium Miconioides
This small tree, known for its red stems and fragrant white flowers in autumn, is perfect for extending seasonal interest. The peeling bark adds further texture and charm.
- Complementary Plant: Hydrangea ‘Little Lime’
- Its yellowing leaves and fading pink blooms blend seamlessly with the Heptacodium, ensuring a long-lasting, romantic cottage vibe.
Why it works: Both plants maintain their beauty as autumn fades, bringing fragrance and charm well into winter.
The Adventure: Prunus Autumnalis
This winter-flowering cherry tree, with its delicate blooms from November to March, is ideal for adventurous garden designs.
- Complementary Plant: Pennisetum Hameln
- The grass’s bottlebrush blooms dry out in autumn and provide visual interest through winter.
Why it works: The dynamic combination of the cherry blossoms and Pennisetum’s textured blooms creates a sensory-rich, playful atmosphere.
The Nordic: Betula Utilis (Himalayan Birch)
Known for its stunning white peeling bark, Betula Utilis provides an elegant and serene framework during winter.
- Complementary Plant: Sarcococca Confusa
- Dark evergreen foliage, black berries, and fragrant white flowers in December create a strong contrast to the birch’s white bark.
Why it works: This pairing embodies the minimalist, calming ‘hygge’ atmosphere with its crisp white and green palette.
The Mediterranean: Cupressus Sempervirens
These iconic tall, green pencil-like trees maintain year-round structure in your garden.
- Complementary Plant: Stachys Byzantina
- The woolly silver leaves add texture to the sleek evergreen structure, echoing the heat-reflecting plants common in Mediterranean landscapes.
Why it works: Both plants thrive in sunny, dry conditions, with their silvery textures helping to conserve water, perfect for a Mediterranean aesthetic.
The Classic: Acer Palmatum (Japanese Maple)
Autumn is when this tree shines, displaying vibrant colors that can stop anyone in their tracks.
- Complementary Plant: Pittosporum ‘Golfball’
- This compact evergreen offers mint-green foliage that provides a clean, clipped contrast to the colorful Acer.
Why it works: The combination of dramatic autumn color with the structured shape of the Pittosporum is a staple of timeless garden design.
The Jungle: Eriobotrya Japonica (Loquat)
The large, glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers of this tree bring exotic appeal to jungle-themed gardens.
- Complementary Plant: Nandina Domestica
- Fiery red and copper leaves in autumn provide a striking contrast against the lush green foliage of the Eriobotrya.
Why it works: Both plants originate from Asia and their contrasting colors create a vibrant, tropical look ideal for a jungle garden.
Incorporating these tree and plant pairings into your garden design will not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also ensure seasonal interest, texture, and contrast that suits each theme perfectly. If you have an existing Dig garden they will pair perfectly – and if you like the look and sound of any of them but don’t know where to start, just drop us a line at hello@digclub.co.uk.
