The term ‘car park’ plants refers to the robust, everyday shrubs often found dotted across urban landscapes in the UK including on roundabouts, public spaces and of course car parks. These types of plants are actually some of the best plants for urban gardens too, according to the RHS.
What are ‘car park’ plants?
Including snowberry, brachyglottis and Oregon grape, these shrubs are a common sight in car parks but have fallen out of favour in the urban gardener’s plant book. This is because if uncared for, they can become woody and misshapen.
Yet they provide important ground cover, shelter for wildlife, prevent soil erosion and help limit flooding and offer colour and structure in difficult corners.
Why are they the best plants for urban gardens?
We spoke to Leigh Hunt, principal horticultural advisor at the Royal Horticultural Society. He says: “Robust everyday shrubs are the humdrum wallpaper in the urban environment and it seems that in the case of some of the more well-known varieties, familiarity breeds contempt.
“Yet many of these plants have the RHS Award of Garden Merit and make an excellent choice for gardeners. The finest give year-round colour and structure and can look beautiful in some of the toughest growing spots. We’d certainly call on gardeners to consider the splendour of these ‘car park’ varieties when looking to green far-flung corners of our towns and cities.”
As part of its long running Greening Grey Britain campaign, the RHS is highlighting the crucial role that plants play in urban areas.
‘Car park’ plants that are best for urban gardens
Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’
These are grown for their fiery red stems in winter. If a hedge trimmer is put over them annually, they can turn brown. Instead, cut all the stems off at 6in in early April, and the reward is a gleaming display from November to March.
Brachyglottis ‘Sunshine’
A modest evergreen shrub with grey leaves and yellow daisy flowers. It is notably drought resistant and ideal for sunny, dry spots.
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
This is a low spreading evergreen shrub and is widely planted in the shade. Its edible fruits are consumed by birds and self-sown seedlings are common, so it does a good job in many an inhospitable border.
These are some of the best plants for urban gardens as they can help introduce wildlife and colour to your garden.
Lonicera nitida ‘Baggesen’s Gold’
It’s often given a lumpy haircut with a hedge trimmer, but this plant can be easily and quickly shaped into small hedges and shapes such as balls and cones.
This plant is one of the best plants for urban gardens as you can easily create really eye-catching and intricate structures with this shrub.
One to avoid
One exception to the rule is buddleia, which, despite being great for butterflies, can self-seed and become a weed. The RHS suggests avoiding planting where its seedlings can blow into waste ground, railway lines and the countryside to become a nuisance.
However, if you’re willing to take proper care of this plant, then it will create a beautiful display and bring new wildlife into your garden.
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