Abelia × grandiflora

Semi-evergreen ornamental shrub with an elegant, arching habit. Small glossy leaves often turn bronze in autumn. Produces long, fragrant spikes of small tubular white-pink flowers from June to October. Hardy, tolerates pruning well, and adapts to many situations. Ideal for borders, mixed hedges, or as a specimen plant.

Aesculus spp. (Horse Chestnut)

Includes large, decorative trees known for palmate leaves and conspicuous spring flowers in upright panicles. Most common species: Aesculus hippocastanum, with white flowers and spiny fruits (“conkers”), not edible. Often used in parks, avenues, and large gardens for shade and majesty.

Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’

Ornamental tree with elegant bronze-purple foliage (almost chocolate-colored) and feathery pink summer flowers. Light, delicate, and highly decorative.

Amelanchier lamarckii

Deciduous shrub or small tree with white spring flowers, edible berries, and warm-colored autumn foliage. Excellent for naturalistic gardens.

Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree)

Evergreen Mediterranean plant with bell-shaped white flowers and red strawberry-like fruits. Decorative in autumn and winter. Loved by bees and birds.

Berberis x ottawensis ‘Superba’

Deciduous shrub with deep reddish-purple foliage and yellow spring flowers. Widely used for decorative hedges and borders.

Bougainvillea glabra ‘Sanderiana’

Evergreen climber with vibrant fuchsia “flowers” (actually bracts). Perfect for warm climates and sunny walls; requires frost protection.

Campsis (Trumpet Vine)

Vigorous climber with orange or red trumpet-shaped flowers in summer. Loves sun and warmth. Ideal for pergolas and walls.

Carissa grandiflora ‘Tuttlei’

Compact evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers. Produces decorative red fruits. Hardy and suitable for pots.

Catalpa bignonioides

Fast-growing tree with large heart-shaped leaves and white flowers spotted with purple. Very ornamental; ideal as a specimen plant.

Eriobotrya japonica (Japanese Loquat)

Evergreen with large glossy leaves, fragrant autumn flowers, and yellow-orange fruits in spring. Mediterranean and very decorative.

Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’

Elegant tree with young golden-yellow leaves. Light and minimally shading; ideal for modern gardens.

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)

Evergreen aromatic Mediterranean shrub with needle-like fragrant leaves and blue-lilac flowers. Excellent for low hedges, borders, and dry gardens.

Salvia x jamensis

Ornamental perennial/semi-shrub hybrid, fragrant and repeat-flowering from late spring to autumn.Key varieties:

• ‘Violette de Loire’ – Deep violet flowers, aromatic foliage. Elegant and persistent.
• ‘Pluenn’ – Soft pink with warm tones. Long flowering period.
• ‘Melen’ – Light pink tending to mauve, delicate.
• ‘Flammen’ – Fiery red, very showy.
• ‘Blue Armor’ – Blue-violet, compact and hardy.
  

Sambucus nigra (Elderberry)

Shrub or small tree with pinnate leaves, fragrant white spring flowers, and edible black berries (to be cooked frist). Excellent for country hedges and naturalistic gardens.

Sophora japonica (Styphnolobium japonicum)

Elegant deciduous Asian tree with a broad crown and white summer flowers. Very tolerant to heat and pollution.

• ‘Regent’ – Compact and orderly cultivar, widely used in urban areas.
• ‘Pendula’ – Weeping form, highly ornamental.
  

Tamarix spp.

Shrubs or small trees with fine, scale-like leaves. Pink feathery flowers in spring or summer.

• Tamarix tetrandra – Blooms April–May; excellent for sandy, windy sites.
• Tamarix gallica – Spring flowering; suitable for coastal areas.
• Tamarix ramosissima – Summer flowering, very decorative.
  

Tilia spp. (Linden / Lime Tree)

Majestic trees with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers beloved by bees. Perfect for avenues or shade.

• Tilia cordata – Small-leaved, heavily flowering.
• ‘Greenspire’ – Columnar, orderly cultivar of T. cordata.
• Tilia hybrida ‘Argentea’ – Green-gray foliage underneath, very ornamental.
• Tilia platyphyllos – Large leaves, early flowering.
• Tilia tomentosa – Drought and pollution resistant, silver-backed leaves.
• ‘Brabant’ – Fast-growing, straight cultivar of T. tomentosa.

Vitex agnus-castus

Deciduous shrub or small tree with aromatic hemp-like leaves and lilac-purple flower spikes in summer. Attracts bees and butterflies.

• ‘Alba’ – White flowers, delicate but highly decorative.

Weigela spp.

Deciduous, very floriferous shrubs, ideal for mixed borders.

• ‘Black and White’ – White flowers on dark almost-purple foliage.
• ‘Bristol Ruby’ – Bright ruby-red flowers, very showy.
• ‘Nana Variegata’ – White-cream and pink variegated foliage, compact habit.

L'articolo The Best Honey-Producing Plants proviene da MGF Giardini.

Abelia

Ornamental shrub with small fragrant flowers. Blooms from late spring to early autumn.

Acacia

Tree or shrub with fragrant yellow pompom-like flowers. Blooms from late winter to early spring (February–April).

Buddleja

Attracts butterflies; produces spikes of flowers in various colors from June to September.

Calycanthus

Shrub with fragrant reddish-brown flowers, blooming from May to July.

Capparis (Caper)

Blooms from May to September with large, showy flowers. Typical of coastal areas.

Carissa

Evergreen with star-shaped white fragrant flowers from spring to summer, and decorative red fruits.

Cestrum

Shrub with tubular fragrant flowers, often night-blooming, flowering from summer to autumn.

Crataegus (Hawthorn)

Spiny shrub that blooms abundantly in April–May, followed by red fruits.

Cytisus (Broom)

Hardy shrub, flowering from April to June, with yellow or white flowers.

Daphne

Small shrub with intensely fragrant flowers, blooming from late winter to early spring (February–March).

Pittosporum

Evergreen shrub with small fragrant flowers (citrus-scented), blooming in April–May.

Trachelospermum (Star Jasmine)

Evergreen climber with very fragrant white flowers in June–July.

Edgeworthia

Winter-blooming shrub with fragrant creamy yellow flowers from January to March.

Elaeagnus

Evergreen with small fragrant flowers in autumn (September–November), often inconspicuous.

Ligustrum (Privet)

Hedge shrub with fragrant white flowers in June–July, followed by black berries.

Lonicera (Honeysuckle)

Climbing plant or shrub with fragrant flowers from spring to late summer (May–August).

Magnolia

Blooms in spring (March–May) with spectacular flowers; some species rebloom in summer.

Mahonia

Evergreen shrub with fragrant yellow flowers from late autumn to early spring (November–March).

Melia (China Tree / Bead Tree)

Ornamental tree that blooms in spring (April–May) with fragrant lilac flowers.

Osmanthus

Elegant evergreen, blooming in autumn (September–October) with small highly fragrant white or cream flowers.

Paulownia

Fast-growing tree that blooms in April–May with large lilac flowers before leaf emergence.

Pistacia

Shrub or small Mediterranean tree, grown primarily for foliage and fruits (e.g., pistachio), not flowers.

Rose

Blooms from May to October, depending on the variety; some are repeat-flowering.

Wisteria

Vigorous climbing plant that blooms in April–May with fragrant hanging clusters; some varieties rebloom in summer.

L'articolo The Best Fragrant Flower Varieties proviene da MGF Giardini.

Acca (Feijoa)

Evergreen shrub or small tree with large, showy white and red flowers. Blooms in spring (March–May).

Agave

Succulent plant that flowers only once in its lifetime, producing a huge inflorescence of yellow or white flowers in summer (June–August).

Aloe

A succulent that blooms in spring–summer (March–July), with tubular red or orange flowers, highly attractive to birds.

Capparis (Caper)

Flowers from May to September, with white and purple flowers that develop capers. The flowers are very fragrant and showy.

Cordyline

Ornamental plant with long, narrow leaves. Blooms in summer (June–July) with white or pink flowers borne on tall spikes.

Cycas

An ancient, palm-like plant that produces cones and cyclic fruits. Blooms in summer (June–July).

Dracaena

A plant with long green leaves that occasionally blooms with white or pink inflorescences in spring or summer.

Gaura

Perennial plant that blooms profusely from summer to autumn (June–October) with delicate white or pink flowers.

Teucrium

Perennial flowering from summer to autumn (June–September) with small, often pink or purple flowers. Very hardy.

Trachycarpus

Hardy palm producing yellow flowers in spring (April–May), followed by red fruits in autumn.

Weigela

Deciduous shrub flowering in spring (May–June) with tubular pink or red flowers, very attractive to bees.

Rosmarinus (Rosemary)

Evergreen tree flowering in spring (May–June), with small whitish flowers preceding fruit set.

Phlomis

Hardy perennial flowering in summer (June–July) with yellow, pink, or purple tubular flowers.

Olea (Olive)

Albero sempreverde che fiorisce in primavera (maggio-giugno), con fiori piccoli e biancastri che precedono la maturazione delle olive.

Lantana

Flowering garden plant producing vibrant inflorescences ranging from yellow to orange to pink. Blooms from spring to autumn (April–October).

L'articolo The Best Plant Varieties for Pots and Planters proviene da MGF Giardini.

Below are the trees we believe perform this function best, divided into large, medium, and small garden trees, based on their adult size.

Trees for Large Gardens

Paulownia tomentosa

Deciduous; H. 10–15 m, W. 8–10 m

Paulownia is an imposing tree, notable for its extremely fast growth. For the same trunk circumference, Paulownia grows taller than almost any other species. Its canopy is broad, with large, smooth leaves. Its flowering is also very attractive, with upright panicles of fragrant purple flowers appearing in April–May.

Catalpa bignonioides

Deciduous; H. 10–15 m, W. 10 m

Catalpa is similar in many ways to Paulownia. It also has very large leaves, a broad canopy, and rapid growth. It adapts to any soil type, with white-yellowish flowers blooming in June–July.

Liquidambar styraciflua

Deciduous; H. 20–25 m, W. 6–12 m

Known for its stunning autumn foliage, Liquidambar displays green, yellow, orange, red, and dark red leaves simultaneously. Its dense and tall canopy makes it excellent for shading large areas.

Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’

Deciduous; H. 12–15 m, W. 6–8 m

Notable for its dark red, almost black leaves, this tree brings striking color to the garden from spring through autumn.

Quercus ilex

Evergreen; H. 20–25 m, W. 15–20 m

The Holm Oak is widely planted, with medium-fast growth. Over time, it becomes very large, and its canopy spreads to create ample shaded areas, as seen in many public parks and gardens.

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Gallisoniensis’

Evergreen; H. 15–20 m, W. 8–12 m

Suitable for large and medium gardens, though in medium gardens it requires more frequent pruning to maintain canopy size. Produces large white flowers in summer.

Morus platanifolia ‘Fruitless’

Deciduous; H. 6–8 m, W. 4–6 m

Not just a shade tree—this is the shade tree. Its expansive canopy quickly creates large shaded areas with horizontal branches. Commonly used in parking areas and coastal zones, its wide growth allows pruning from the ground or a simple ladder, without aerial platforms.

A sterile variety is preferred to avoid messy fruits, but Morus alba can be used if fruit is not an issue.

Albizia julibrissin ‘Ombrella’

Deciduous; H. 8–10 m, W. 4–6 m

L’Albizia è una pianta dalla chioma a cupola e dalla fioritura estiva abbondante e continua. Grazie alle sue ramificazioni larghe e alle sue foglioline crea zone di ombra molto larghe, anche se meno fitte di altre varietà. Abbiamo scelto la varietà ‘Ombrella’ per questa lista poiché ha la crescita leggermente più lenta, e la fioritura più accesa.

Ilex mutchagara ‘Nellie Stevens’

Evergreen; H. 6–8 m, W. 3–5 m

A holly-type tree with spiny-edged leaves and red berries in winter. Fast-growing and responds well to pruning.

Trees for Small Gardens

Acer platanoides ‘Globosum’

Deciduous; H. 5–7 m, W. 3–4 m

Compact, rounded maple with dark yellow autumn leaves. Very tolerant of urban pollution.

Catalpa ‘Bungei’

Deciduous; H. 4–6 m, W. 3–5 m

A dwarf Catalpa with a rounded canopy requiring no pruning, and no flowering.

Robinia ‘Umbraculifera’

Deciduous; H. 5–6 m, W. 4–5 m

A compact, non-invasive, thornless, non-flowering version of Robinia pseudoacacia. Dense, rounded canopy, max width 4–5 m. Can be pruned in late winter, tolerates paved areas and grows well in calcareous soil.

L'articolo The Best Trees for Shading the Garden proviene da MGF Giardini.

Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ (Weeping Birch ‘Youngii’)

Small ornamental tree with slow growth, characterized by thin, pendulous branches forming an elegant, rounded crown. The bark is white and decorative. Ideal for small gardens, prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position.

Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leylandii)

A vigorous, fast-growing evergreen conifer, often used for hedges and windbreaks. Has dense, dark green foliage, tolerates pruning well, and grows in various soil types.

Elaeagnus ebbingei (Ebbinge Olive)

Evergreen shrub with dark glossy leaves on top and silvery undersides. Produces small fragrant flowers in autumn and edible fruits. Excellent for hedges and windbreaks, even in coastal environments.

Eucalyptus rostrata (Red Gum)

Large evergreen tree native to Australia. Has aromatic, elongated leaves and decorative peeling bark. Fast-growing and well-suited to mild climates. Valued for timber production and ornamental uses.

Olea europaea ‘Frangivento’ (Olive ‘Frangivento’)

Olive variety selected for wind resistance. Evergreen, with a compact silvery crown. Produces olives but mainly used as an ornamental tree or green barrier in windy areas.

Populus nigra ‘Pyramidalis’ (Columnar Black Poplar)

Fast-growing tree with a narrow, columnar habit. Dark green triangular leaves and upright branches. Often used as a windbreak or ornamental tree in avenues and parks. Prefers sunny, moist areas.

Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan / Mountain Ash)

Medium-sized ornamental tree with compound leaves and white spring flowers, followed by red berries highly appreciated by birds. Tolerates cold and adapts to various soil types. Also suitable for woodland settings or as a standalone tree.

L'articolo The Best Varieties for Windbreaks proviene da MGF Giardini.

Borders are low green edges usually under 60 cm high.

Bamboo (cultivars of Bambusa nana, Sasa spp., and Pleioblastus spp.)

Some dwarf bamboo varieties are ideal for creating dense, fast-growing borders. The evergreen leaves can be light green, dark green, yellow-variegated, or white-variegated. Pruning at the end of winter is recommended to maintain dense and compact foliage.

Berberis spp.

A shrub with an upright or spreading habit depending on the variety. Leaves may be deciduous or evergreen. Produces yellow flowers in spring or early summer and is very hardy in terms of soil.

• Berberis x ottawensis ‘Superba’: dark red leaves, yellow flowers in spring, followed by red fruits.
• :green leaves, flowers in April–May.
• Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’ and B. thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea Nana’: dark red leaves, yellow flowers in spring, red fruits follow.

Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (B. pumila)

Buxus pumila is a dwarf boxwood variety. Leaves are green, 1–2 cm long, with flowers appearing between March and April. Used for low, compact borders that require minimal pruning. Prefers moist, well-drained soils, especially if exposed to sun.

Caryopteris x clandolensis

A shrub with a dense, upright crown. Deciduous, elongated leaves; blooms from July to October with bluish flowers. Tolerates all soils and is pest-resistant.

Cistus spp.

A Mediterranean evergreen shrub with flattened five-petal flowers in spring and summer. Thrives in dry, rocky soils, tolerant of seaside conditions, often used in rock gardens.

Varieties include pink, fuchsia, and white.

Deutzia gracilis

Deciduous shrub with elongated leaves. Flowers bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer, forming racemes or panicles, either axillary or terminal. Requires pruning after flowering, by cutting back half of the flowering shoots.

Euonymus

Varieties such as E. fortunei, E. japonicus, and E. pulchellus are suitable for borders. All three tolerate seaside conditions, pollution, and wind.

• E. fortunei: prostrate habit, oval green or variegated leaves up to 5 cm. Thrives even in poor soils.
• E. japonicus: upright habit, evergreen oval leaves 5–7 cm, green or variegated. Produces small yellowish flowers in June–July. Excellent for geometrically shaped borders, tolerates pruning, grows well in all well-drained soils.
• E. pulchellus: dwarf variety with small elongated leaves, similar foliage colors to E. japonicus.

Hypericum calycinum

Prostrate evergreen shrub with oval leaves and yellow blooms from June to September. Grows in all well-drained soils, commonly used for rock garden borders, tolerant of shade.

Lantana camara

Branched shrub with dark green oval leaves, evergreen in warm climates. Flowers continuously from late spring to autumn with apical clusters. Excellent for flowering borders. Tolerates seaside conditions, pollution, and grows well in dry, calcareous soils.

Lavandula spp.

Lavender, typical of Mediterranean borders, is an evergreen shrub with a rounded crown and green-silver leaves. Produces long flowering stems from April to July, violet or white, highly fragrant. Tolerant of seaside conditions and pollution, ideal for rock gardens and Mediterranean-style borders.

Lonicera nitida

Evergreen shrub with upright growth and dense foliage. Leaves are oval, 1–2 cm, with purple fruits. Thrives in average soils, resistant to wind, pollution, drought, frequent pruning, and competition from other roots.

Potentilla spp.

Well-branched shrub with gray-green deciduous leaves. Flowers from late spring to mid-autumn, yellow, white, or pink depending on the variety. Prefers moist, cool soils; sensitive to very hot climates. Often used for rock garden borders.

Punica granatum ‘Nana Gracilissima’

Shrub with slightly spiny branches and a very compact crown. Leaves start copper-red, then turn bright green and yellow in autumn. Flowers and fruits appear simultaneously from August to November. Grows well in dry soils but requires good watering during growth. Suitable for rock garden borders.

Rhaphiolepis spp.

Evergreen shrub with oval leaves. Grows well in all typical non-calcareous garden soils.

• R. indica ‘Springtime’: pink flowers in spring.
• R. umbellata ‘Ovata’: white flowers with pink stamens, tolerant of seaside conditions.

Spiraea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’

Upright shrub with dense crown. Deciduous, narrow leaves 7–10 cm long, dark green with grayish undersides. Produces crimson flower clusters from June to August. Adapts to all soils, pollution-tolerant, often used in rock garden borders.

Viburnum davidii

Low, spreading Viburnum with dark green elliptical leaves. Flowers are white-pink from May to June, followed by blue fruits. Prefers moist, well-drained soils

L'articolo The Best Varieties for Creating Borders proviene da MGF Giardini.

Callistemon

Callistemon is a genus of shrubs with elongated green leaves and “bottlebrush” flowers, their colors varying by variety. Highly tolerant of coastal conditions.

Caryopteris x clandonesis ‘Grand Bleu’®

C. x clandonensis ‘Grand Bleu’® è un arbusto dalla chioma tonda, le foglie ovali e i fiori azzurri da agosto a ottobre.

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ – Contorted Hazel

The contorted hazel is a deciduous shrub with beautifully decorative branches. It is highly resistant to drought and pollution.

Physocarpus opulus ‘Diabolo’

P. opulus ‘Diabolo’ is a deciduous shrub with striking foliage and summer blooms.

L'articolo Shrubs for Dry Soils proviene da MGF Giardini.