The plants of Italian gardens, also known as Renaissance gardens, can be classified by species associated with the geographic location of Italy and Tuscany as well as by plant types and specific uses. From lining and shaping the garden with evergreens to the ornamental use of fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs, there is a huge selection of landscaping plants to choose from that only a few are named here.
Structural, Flowering, and Herbaceous Plantings
No yard or garden is complete without the basics of color, texture, and repetitious plantings to add visual impact and interest to the landscaping. While the Italian landscape design can incorporate almost any plant acclimated to its geographic location, there is often a common pattern that mixes a framework of soft silvers and neutral tones with bright vibrant plantings. These are just a few examples of many.
- Roses
- Lavender
- Artemesia
- Fatsia Japonica
- Acanthus
- Wysteria
- Germander
- Cyclamen
Evergreen Hedges, Topiary, And Other Plants
Because the Italian garden is meant to be enjoyed year round, it is generally framed, outlined or structured with evergreen hedges or other plants. And while many of these plants are left to take on their own natural shape, many are often shaped into what is known as Topiary. Topiary shapes can be limitless ranging from the shapes that form and make up formal gardens and landscapes to figures of animals, cars, or almost any shape imaginable.
- Italian Cypress
- Boxwood Hedge
- Rosemary Herb
- Crepe Myrtle
- Ball Topiary
- Shaped Topiary
- Figure Topiary
- Hedge Topiary
Other Plants To Consider
- Trees - Trees are important in most landscaping to help provide structure, proportionate scale, and desireable shade. Some good candidates will include Olive trees, citrus trees, and European Fan Palms.
- Evergreen Hedges - Evergreens are good for creating all season structure, formal applications, topiary, and Winter interest. Some great candidates include Yews, Junipers, Cedars, and Laurel.
- Colorful Annuals And Perennials - The selection above are just a few of the many plants that will work well in Italian yards, gardens, and landscapes. Still, here are a few more worth considering to help capture the right atmosphere. Aloe, Violets, Lilies, Agave, and other herbs like Thyme and Oregano are just to name a few.
