Back plants are a fundamental component in garden design, positioned at the rear of a planting bed or border. They form a backdrop for other garden elements, establishing structure and depth within the landscape.
The Role of Background Plants in Garden Design
Background plants contribute significantly to a garden’s aesthetic and functionality. They create a sense of depth and perspective, making the garden appear more expansive and inviting. By positioning taller plants at the back and progressively shorter ones towards the front, a layered effect is achieved, guiding the eye through the planting area. This layering is a fundamental design principle that enhances visual interest.
These plants serve as a living canvas, providing a solid, often green, backdrop that allows the colors and forms of smaller, foreground plants to stand out. They can also define the boundaries of a garden, creating a sense of enclosure or privacy, particularly when using dense, tall varieties. Furthermore, background plants can effectively screen undesirable views, transforming an ordinary space into a more secluded and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Choosing the Right Background Plants
Selecting appropriate background plants involves considering both their mature characteristics and the environmental conditions of your garden. Mature height and spread are important considerations, as these plants will form the uppermost layer of your planting and require adequate space to thrive without overcrowding. Their mature size will determine the scale and proportion of your garden design.
Form and texture also play a role in selection, with options ranging from columnar shapes that provide strong vertical accents to broad, spreading forms that offer a sense of fullness. Consider seasonal interest, such as vibrant fall foliage, attractive bark in winter, or specific bloom times that complement other plants. Practical considerations like light requirements, including full sun or partial shade, are important for plant health. Soil type and drainage are equally important, as plants perform best when matched to conditions they prefer. Ensuring the plant is suitable for your specific climate zone will ensure its long-term viability.
Top Plant Choices for the Background
Several plant types excel as background elements, offering diverse forms and seasonal interest.
Tall Perennials
Tall perennials provide seasonal displays and can reach impressive heights. Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea), for example, produce tall spires of blooms from summer into early fall, while Delphiniums offer striking vertical flower spikes in shades of blue and purple. Ornamental grasses, such as certain Miscanthus varieties, add fine texture and movement, often providing winter interest with their persistent plumes.
Tall Shrubs
Tall shrubs offer more permanent structure and can provide year-round screening. Varieties of Viburnum, like Sweet Viburnum or Yardline Viburnum, offer dense foliage and can grow quite tall, some reaching up to 30 feet. Hollies, including Nellie Stevens Holly or Oak Leaf Holly, are popular evergreen choices known for their dense growth and often attractive berries. Arborvitae, particularly ‘Green Giant’, is a fast-growing conifer that forms a tall, narrow screen.
Larger Evergreen Shrubs or Small Trees
For additional height and year-round presence, some larger evergreen shrubs or small trees can be used. Cryptomeria and certain columnar junipers provide strong vertical elements and can serve as excellent privacy screens. These options offer a range of textures and forms, allowing for varied and dynamic background plantings.
Integrating and Maintaining Your Background Plants
Proper integration of background plants begins with correct planting techniques and thoughtful spacing. Digging a hole that is as deep as the plant’s root ball but two to three times wider allows roots to spread effectively. Adequate spacing between plants is important to ensure proper air circulation and to accommodate their mature size, preventing overcrowding as they grow.
Once planted, consistent watering is important, especially during the establishment period and dry spells, ensuring moisture penetrates to a depth of six to eight inches. Applying a layer of mulch, typically two to four inches deep, around the base of the plants helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Fertilization can be beneficial, often applied in early spring, to support vigorous growth. Pruning may be necessary for shape, size control, or to remove dead or diseased branches, contributing to the plant’s overall health and appearance.