Top choices for those who will thrive near the sea

A selection of the most suitable coastal plants will be needed if you live near the ocean. Many of the same plants can thrive in your garden, even if you live far from the ocean. They only need well-draining soil, sunshine, and they’ll happily romp in gravel gardens, rock gardens and cracks and crevices. 

These plants can withstand dry winds, drought, scorching sunlight, salty air, and high temperatures at exposed places. Poor soil can be added to the mix. These plants can withstand almost any soil you put in their garden.

The best coast plants can thrive in harsh conditions. They can adapt to any sea climate, creating tough, leathery, or hairy leaves that protect from salt damage and decrease moisture loss. These same adaptations are useful for indoor gardens, where drought and poor soil conditions can be a problem.

Often low growing or with silvery leaves able to reflect light, coastal plants will be able to flourish in most flowerbed ideas despite harsher seaside conditions. You will find sea kale and the sea beet on shingle beaches, along with drifts and sea campion. 

Many of the most stalwarts in coastal gardens come from New Zealand, California, Chile, and the Mediterranean. A wind-breaking hedge made of evergreen olearias, elaeagnus and escallonia provides shelter for them. The protection allows for a wider variety of plants to thrive. 

Sarah Wilson