Choosing the Right Plants for Your London Garden

London has its own microclimate

Gardens in central London are often a degree or two warmer than the surrounding countryside, thanks to buildings holding on to heat. That means some slightly tender plants, such as rosemary, salvias and olive trees, do better here than you might expect.

The flip side is shade. Tall walls, neighbouring extensions and street trees mean many London gardens get only a few hours of direct sun.

Know your soil

Much of north London sits on heavy London clay. It holds nutrients well but drains slowly and bakes hard in summer. Plants that cope well include hydrangeas, roses, hardy geraniums, asters and ornamental grasses such as miscanthus.

• Add organic matter every autumn to open up clay
• Raised beds are a quick fix for very wet plots
• Avoid walking on beds in winter to stop compaction

Plants for shady corners

Ferns, hellebores, Japanese anemones, heucheras and evergreen sarcococca all thrive with limited light. Layering them at different heights makes a shady corner feel lush rather than gloomy.

Shade is not a problem to solve. It is a chance to grow the plants that sunny gardens cannot.

Planting for wildlife

Even a small courtyard can support pollinators. Lavender, catmint, alliums and single-flowered dahlias are easy wins, and a small dish of water helps birds and bees on hot days.

If you would like a planting plan built around your garden's light and soil, our garden design service includes a full plant list.