In this post we will continue talking about plants suitable for container cultivation and potentially useful for the hospitality sector. Below we detail some suitable species for their aesthetic characteristics, their dimensions, low water requirements, and their resistance to some factors such as urban pollution and, in coastal areas, sea breeze.
Pennisetum alopecuroides “Hameln” is a plant from the Poaceae family with a compact habit that reaches 80cm in both width and height. The leaves are narrow and bright green. The inflorescences that appear from July to September form spikelets or panicles in the leaf axils. It has no substrate preferences and adapts very well to nutrient-poor soils. It prefers sunny or semi-shaded areas and tolerates temperatures down to -15ºC.
Another compact species is Phormium “Golden Ray”, a plant native to New Zealand, suitable for marking borders and passage areas of some relevance. It reaches a maximum of 80cm in both width and height. The leaves of Phormium are leathery, smooth, long, and very ornamental. The color depends on the variety; these have a bright green center and two yellow lateral bands. It adapts well to any type of substrate, but it is important to have good drainage. It rarely suffers from pests or diseases. It prefers sunny locations and tolerates temperatures down to -7ºC, as well as sea breeze.
Grevillea lanigera “Mount Tamboritha” from the Proteaceae family is a creeping plant that reaches 100cm wide and 30cm high. The narrow, oblong leaves are arranged spirally on the stems. The pink and reddish flowers appear in clusters from late winter to spring, although they can last practically all year. It prefers sandy loam and slightly acidic substrates with good drainage. It is a species resistant to diseases and pests. It grows well in full sun but can tolerate semi-shade. It is resistant to sea breeze and tolerates temperatures down to -6ºC.
Another interesting species is Russelia equisetiformis, native to Mexico, a plant with narrow leaves arranged like a horsetail up to one meter in length, which tend to hang down if the plant is located at height from the ground. The red flowers are very abundant and appear from April to November. It prefers sandy loam, well-drained substrates and has somewhat higher water requirements than the previous ones. It is advisable to prune it at the end of winter or after flowering. It can reach 80cm high and 100cm in diameter. It is an ideal plant for pots elevated from the ground or in locations where a screening effect is sought, so that the whole plant shows off. It likes to grow in full sun and withstands temperatures down to -3ºC.
Imágenes: M. Galante / eggert-baumschulen.de / alpinegardensociety.net / echinopsgardendesign.co.uk / caribbean-plants.com