5 Unique and Unexpected Plants for Your Garden
Gardening enthusiasts are always on the lookout for plants that can make their garden stand out. While traditional favourites have their charm, adding unique and unexpected plants can bring a fresh and exciting twist to your garden. At Crewcut, we believe in the beauty of diversity and the joys of discovering the extraordinary. Here are five unique and unexpected plants that will add intrigue and elegance to your garden, perfectly suited for New Zealand’s diverse climate.
Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
If you’re looking for a plant that can serve as an eye-catching ground cover or spill gracefully over the edges of containers, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ is an excellent choice. This plant features cascading silver foliage that creates a shimmering effect, particularly striking in the evening light. In New Zealand, its drought-tolerant nature is particularly advantageous given the varying rainfall across regions.
Tips for growing Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’:
Prefers full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for both the sunny North Island and the cooler South Island.
Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot, which is especially important in regions with heavy rainfall.
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering to maintain its health during dry spells, which can be common in parts of New Zealand.
Bat Flower (Tacca integrifolia)
The Bat Flower is a truly unique plant that will be the conversation piece of your garden. Native to Southeast Asia, it boasts striking black flowers that resemble a bat in flight, complete with long, whisker-like bracts. This exotic beauty thrives in humid environments, making it suitable for New Zealand’s subtropical areas like Auckland and the Northland region.
Tips for growing Bat Flower
Requires partial to full shade, perfect for gardens with tree cover or shaded areas.
Prefers rich, well-drained soil; consider using a mix of compost and garden soil for optimal growth.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, mimicking the humid conditions of native habitat, which can be achieved naturally in New Zealand’s wetter regions.
Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
For a splash of colour that’s both usual and vibrant, consider the Purple Shamrock. Its deep purple, triangular leaves and delicate white or pink flowers add a dramatic flair to any garden. This plant is not only stunning but also relatively easy to care for, making it a delightful addition to your plant collection. In New Zealand’s temperate climate, it can thrive both indoors and outdoors.
Tips for growing Purple Shamrock
Thrive in bright, indirect light, making it perfect for partially shaded gardens or indoor potting.
Plant in well-draining soil; avoid heavy, clay soils that can retain too much moisture.
Allow the soil to dry out between watering, a good practice in New Zealand’s variable weather conditions.
Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia)
Carnivorous plants like the Pitcher Plant are fascinating additions to any garden. Sarracenia, native to North America, features tubular leaves that form “pitchers’ to trap and digest insects. This not only adds an element to intrigue but also helps control pests in your garden, a useful trait for New Zealand gardeners dealing with a variety of insect pests.
Tips for growing Pitcher Plant
Prefers full sun, which is abundant in New Zealand’s summer months.
Plant in a mix of sphagnum moss and sand to replicate its natural boggy conditions.
Keep the soil consistently moist, using distilled or rainwater, as New Zealand tap water can be too hard for these sensitive plants.
Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia)
The Himalayan Blue Poppy is a rare and breathtaking plant that can transform your garden into a mystical wonderland. Its large, sky-blue petals are simply enchanting. Though it requires a bit more attention, the reward of seeing these stunning flowers in bloom is well worth the effort. New Zealand’s cool, damp South Island climates, particularly in regions like Otago and Canterbury, provide an excellent environment for this beauty.
Tips for growing Himalayan Blue Poppy
Prefers cool, moist climates, ideal for New Zealand’s South Island or shaded garden spots in the North Island.
Plant in well-draining, acidic soil; amend with organic matter to maintain acidity.
Provide partial shade and consistent moisture, ensuring the soil remains damp but not waterlogged, mimicking the conditions of its native alpine regions.
Incorporating these unique and unexpected plants into your garden can create a landscape that is not only beautiful but also filled with personality and charm. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of the exotic or simply want to experiment with something new, these plants are sure to make your garden a standout. Happy planting!