The Best Plants for a West Facing Garden
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I have a west facing garden and here are my top picks for plants that have been thriving.
Whether you're looking for plants that can add color and texture to your garden, or plants that can attract beneficial wildlife, I've got you covered.
Verbena bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis, also known as tall verbena, is a great choice for a west facing border.
It is highly tolerant of heat and light exposure, which makes it a great fit for gardens that receive plenty of afternoon sun.
It can thrive in hot and dry conditions, making it a great choice for those living in warmer climates or in areas with low rainfall.
Verbena can also self-seed, which means that over time it can spread naturally and you will end up with a lovely patch of verbena in the future.
Phlox paniculata
Phlox is one of my favorite perennials.
The clusters of flowers that appear in summer have the most beautifully delicate scent. A scent I now associate with summer.
One potential challenge of planting garden phlox in a west-facing garden is the risk of powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and wilt.
To prevent powdery mildew, it's important to plant garden phlox in a well-ventilated area instead of a sheltered spot, water it at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, and avoid overcrowding the plants.
To learn more, check out my guide: How to Grow Phlox.
For more inspiration, check out my guide:
Hardy Geraniums
Hardy geraniums is an excellent choice for a west-facing garden.
One of the great things about hardy geraniums is that they have a very long blooming period, usually from late spring through to early fall. Mine bloom all the way until October.
They are also generally drought tolerant, making them a good choice for areas with low rainfall.
They can be cut back after flowering to encourage a second bloom, or simply left to die back naturally in the fall.
Lavender
While lavender typically prefers full sun, it can still make a great addition to a west-facing garden.
Here are a few reasons why: Firstly, lavender is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant, making it ideal for areas with hot, dry summers.
In a west facing garden, the plant will receive the full afternoon sun instead of morning sun, which can help to promote healthy growth and encourage the development of its fragrant flowers.
Secondly, lavender is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established.
This can be a great option for gardeners looking for plants that don't require frequent watering or fertilizing.
Thirdly, lavender is a great option for attracting pollinators to your garden.
The plant's fragrant flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can help to increase biodiversity in your garden.
Finally, lavender has a wonderful scent and attractive foliage, which can add both visual interest and sensory pleasure to your garden.
It can also be used for a variety of purposes, such as making potpourri or essential oils.
Overall, while lavender may prefer full sun, it can still thrive in a west-facing garden, especially in areas with hot, dry summers.
With its low-maintenance requirements, ability to attract pollinators, and attractive scent and foliage, lavender can make a beautiful and beneficial addition to your outdoor space.
To learn more about growing lavender, check out my guides:
Learn more about lavender with my guides:
Yarrow
Yarrow, also known as Achillea, can be an excellent plant for west-facing gardens for several reasons.
Firstly, yarrow is a very hardy and adaptable plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including those found in many west-facing gardens.
This plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil, but can also tolerate some shade and a range of soil types.
Secondly, yarrow is a drought-tolerant plant, making it an excellent choice for areas with low rainfall or hot and dry conditions.
It is also a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent watering or fertilizing, which makes it a great choice for busy gardeners.
Thirdly, yarrow produces attractive, fern-like foliage and delicate, flat-topped flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white, which can add color and texture to your garden.
The flowers also attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which can help to pollinate your garden.
Finally, yarrow is a long-blooming perennial plant, which means that it will return year after year and provide color and interest to your garden for an extended period.
With proper care, yarrow can bloom from early summer through to late fall, making it a great way to add color and interest to your outdoor space throughout the growing season.
Overall, if you're looking for a hardy, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant plant that can add color and interest to your west-facing garden, yarrow is an excellent choice.
With its attractive foliage, delicate flowers, and ability to attract beneficial insects, yarrow is a great way to create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly outdoor space.
Check out my guide to Companion Planting Yarrow: Attracting Beneficial Insects.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, can be an excellent choice for a west-facing garden for several reasons.
Firstly, coneflowers are very drought tolerant and can withstand hot and dry conditions, which are often present in west-facing gardens.
This plant can also tolerate a range of soil types and does not require frequent watering, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
Secondly, coneflowers are perennials, which means that they will come back year after year, providing color and interest to your garden.
They produce daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and orange, which can add a pop of color to your garden.
The flowers also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making them an excellent choice for gardeners interested in creating a wildlife-friendly space.
Check out my guide: The Perfect Partners: Echinacea Companion Planting Guide.
Thirdly, coneflowers bloom from early summer through to late fall, which means that they can provide interest and color for a significant portion of the growing season.
Additionally, coneflowers are easy to grow and require little maintenance, which makes them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
Overall, if you're looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that can add color and interest to your west-facing garden, coneflowers are an excellent choice.
With their long blooming period and ability to attract pollinators, they are a great way to create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly outdoor space.
Coneflowers look incredible in a wildflower garden.
Check out my guide to The Best Wildflowers for Shade —which includes coneflower!
