Outdoor garden plants for Irish beds, borders, walls and patios: flowering perennials, climbers, ornamental grasses, clumping bamboo and small trees, many sent in multi-plant packs for planting in generous drifts. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
Which garden plants do best in Ireland?
The most reliable choices for Irish gardens are plants that shrug off mild, wet winters and thrive in our long, cool growing season: hardy geraniums, salvias, catmint, English lavender, clematis, wisteria, ivy, clumping Fargesia bamboo and Japanese maples. Start with the conditions you have (sun or shade, free-draining or heavy clay) and choose from there rather than the other way round.
| Plant | Type | Best spot | Why grow it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardy geranium Geranium 'Rozanne' | Perennial groundcover | Sun or part shade | Hardy in Irish gardens, flowers for months, bee-friendly |
| Balkan clary Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' | Perennial | Full sun | Upright violet spires loved by bees |
| English lavender Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' | Scented evergreen | Sun, sharp drainage | Hardy in Irish gardens, scented, bee-friendly |
| Chinese wisteria Wisteria sinensis | Climber | Sunny wall or pergola | Spectacular spring flowers once mature |
| Anemone clematis Clematis montana 'Grandiflora' | Climber | Sun or part shade | Vigorous cover for fences and sheds |
| Clumping bamboo Fargesia rufa | Evergreen grass | Sun or part shade | Non-invasive screening |
| Japanese maple Acer palmatum 'Going Green' | Small tree | Sheltered, dappled light | Fine foliage and autumn colour |
When to plant, and how to handle wet clay
Pot-grown plants can go in almost any time the ground is not frozen or waterlogged, but autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the easiest windows: the soil is moist and warm enough for roots to establish before summer or winter. Heavy, wet clay is the most common problem in Irish gardens. Dig in plenty of garden compost, avoid working the soil when it is sticky, and plant Mediterranean types such as lavender and thyme on a slight mound or in a raised bed so their crowns never sit in water.
Planting in packs for a fuller look
Many of our perennials and groundcovers come in packs of six or more. Planting in groups of three, five or seven gives a natural drift that knits together within a season or two and leaves less bare soil for weeds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to plant perennials in Ireland?
Autumn and spring are ideal. Pot-grown plants can be planted year-round if you water them through dry spells, but avoid frozen or waterlogged ground.
Which climbing plants grow well on an Irish wall?
Clematis, wisteria, climbing hydrangea and ivy all do well. Self-clinging ivy and climbing hydrangea suit sound masonry; wisteria and clematis need wires or a trellis. Wisteria grown from young plants can take several years to flower.
Are these garden plants safe for pets?
Not all of them. Ivy, wisteria and clematis are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten (ASPCA), so site them away from pets that like to chew.
Explore more: garden perennials, climbing plants and our seasonal planting guide.