In Brittany, to develop the garden, it is necessary to choose plants that can acclimatize to the temperate oceanic climate. In this region the rains are frequent, the soils have rather an acidic and neutral pH, the winter period is mild with little frost, the summer few episodes of heat wave.
Mildness and humidity characterize this climate. Also most plants can please, except those who fear moisture of course. Heather earth plants flourish fully. The hydrangea is of course king in its domain on Breton lands but some Mediterranean plants (mimosa, palm trees) also like it. For gardens by the sea it will be necessary to take care to protect plants sensitive to the wind. Discover a selection of plants, flowers, trees and shrubs to plant in your Breton garden.
What are the plants to install?
Gentian
Gentian. BENEDETTI
The gentian, known for its medicinal virtues, acclimatizes very well in a Breton garden, because it likes in an acidic and fresh soil. This rock garden plant is an evergreen or semi-evergreen mountain plant that belongs to the Gentianacea family. This hardy can reach 10 -30 centimeters in height. It blooms from May to October.
Clematis
Clematis. Adobe stock
This evergreen or deciduous climbing plant, of the Ranunculaceae family, is cultivated for its flowers. Clematis offer a variety of colors and shapes. They are used to cover a wall, along a trellis, in beds or flowerbeds. They bloom from spring to autumn, depending on the species. The stems are 3 to 9 m long. Be sure to prune the branches, when the flowers are wilted, to allow the foot to bloom again the following year.
Did you know?
There are more than 200 species of herbaceous or semi-woody clematis!
Bellflower
Campanula of low walls. Adobe stock
The Low Bellflower, called Campanula muralis isa hardy perennial plant with evergreen foliage. Its flowering extends from May to July. Ideal for lining the wall and floor, it is also very suitable for the seaside. Very present in Brittany, it makes beautiful blue - violet flowers.
You can also plant:
- Heather
- Hollyhocks
- Delphinium
- Agapanthus
- Rockery flowers
What shrubs can you plant in Brittany?
- Camellia
Camellia. Adobe stock
The camellia is an evergreen shrub or shrub, which appreciates mild and humid climates. It thrives in neutral, acidic, well-drained soil. Camellias bloom, depending on the species, in spring, autumn or winter. Flowering usually lasts 3 months. The flowers can be single, semi-double, anemone type, peony type, rose type, etc.
- Cassiope
Cassiope. Adobe stock
Cassiope is an evergreen dwarf shrub in the family Ericacea. It can reach about twenty centimeters in height. It blooms in spring: pretty white flowers in drooping bells. Plant it in the spring in the ground in the garden, but you can also grow it in pots or planters.
Good to know
Cassiope is a delicate plant to grow.
- Banana
Native to Asia, the ornamental banana Musa basjoo, of the Musaceas family, is a hardy plant resistant. It makes large deciduous leaves. Install it in the spring in cool, sun-exposed soil. In July - August, during flowering, yellow flowers will appear. Beware it can reach 4 m. So think carefully about its location before planting it. You can put it in soil, pot or massif.
Did you know?
The palm tree loses its leaves in winter.
Other essential shrubs of Brittany or who like it:
- Rhododendron
- Magnolia
- Azalea
- Broom
- Gorse
- Ceanothus
- Andromeda
What trees can you plant in Brittany?
- Sycamore maple
Sycamore maple. Adobe stock
The sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) belongs to the Aceraceae family. It is a beautiful, dense tree with a slender habit, and rapid development, which supports moist soils. But also the wind and the spray.
Know that this dried fruit tree can reach 30 meters in height and 20 meters wide. It blooms abundantly in spring and its many deciduous leaves have the particularity of having 5 lobes. You can plant it alone or in alignment.
Good to know
The sycamore maple that blooms in April and Mail, whose flowers have a lot of pollen and nectar, attracts bees.
- Chestnut
Chestnut leaves and bugs. Christine Schmutzler-Schaub
The common chestnut (Castanea sativa) is suitable for a Breton garden because it likes acidic, well-drained soil. It belongs to the Fagaceae family. Install it in the fall, or in the spring, in the sun or partial shade. Fruit picking is done from October to mid-November. It does not require special maintenance. But it can be affected by diseases and parasites, such as chestnut canker, chestnut cynips, ink disease, disparate xylebore.
Did you know?
The chestnut tree is a vigorous tree that can live 1000 years!
- Pear tree
Pear Williams. Angela Cini
The pear tree "Williams" is a hardy, easy-growing variety native to Great Britain. Very productive this fruit tree, which can measure 6 meters in height and 4 meters in wingspan, must be planted in drained soil. Belonging to the Rosacea family, the flowers of this pear tree are white. The fruit harvest takes place in August and September.
You can also plant in a garden in Brittany:
- Oak
- Linden
- Beech
- Poplar
- Rowan
- Weeping willow
- Eucalyptus gunnii
- Cypress
As well as these fruit trees:
- Apple tree
- Fish
- Cherry tree
- Plum
- Hazel