How to Add Height to Your Garden
How to Add Height to Your Garden
A flat garden can feel calm and tidy, but it often lacks depth, privacy, and year-round interest. One of the most effective ways to improve it is by building vertical structure—using a combination of shrubs, perennials, and climbers to create layered height.
This approach works in gardens of all sizes, from compact urban plots to larger suburban spaces. The key is to think in “layers”: ground level, mid-height planting, and vertical accents.
1. Use Shrubs as Your Structural Backbone
Shrubs provide the permanent framework of your garden. They create mid-level height, define boundaries, and give year-round presence.
Good choices include:
- Hydrangea paniculata – upright flower heads that add softness and height in summer and autumn
- Cornus alba – striking winter stems that bring colour when the garden is bare
- Viburnum tinus – evergreen structure with winter flowers
- Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' - Year round structure, seasonal foliage interest
How to use them:
Place shrubs at the back of borders or as “anchors” within beds. Stagger heights so the tallest sit behind lower planting, creating a natural slope of vegetation.
2. Add Perennials for Layered Movement and Fill
Perennials soften the structure of shrubs and add seasonal rhythm. They fill gaps and introduce texture, colour, and movement.
Useful height-building perennials include:
- Echinacea purpurea – upright daisy-like flowers with strong vertical stems
- Verbena bonariensis – airy height that appears to float above other plants
- Delphinium – tall spires for dramatic vertical impact
- Salvia nemorosa – neat upright flower spikes with long flowering periods
- Pennisetum alopecuroides – ornamental grass adding movement and softness
How to use them:
Plant perennials in groups of 3–5 for impact. Repeat them through borders to guide the eye upward and create rhythm.
3. Bring in Climbers for Vertical Drama
Climbers are the most efficient way to add height because they use existing structures like walls, fences, arches, and pergolas.
Popular options include:
- Clematis 'Jackmanii' – bold purple flowers, ideal for fences and trellises
- Rosa 'New Dawn' – elegant repeat-flowering climbing rose
- Hedera helix – evergreen ivy for year-round coverage
- Wisteria sinensis – dramatic cascading flowers for pergolas and strong supports
How to use them:
Train climbers vertically on wires or supports to draw the eye upward. Combine flowering climbers with evergreen ones for year-round structure.
4. The Art of Layering Height
A successful planting scheme usually follows this structure:
- Back layer: tall shrubs and climbers on supports
- Middle layer: medium shrubs and tall perennials
- Front layer: low perennials and ground cover
This creates depth and prevents the garden from looking flat or “striped.”
Planting Scheme Ideas
Scheme 1: Compact Urban Garden (modern and low-maintenance)
- Back: Viburnum tinus + ivy on fence
- Middle: Salvia nemorosa + Echinacea purpurea
- Front: low grasses and ground cover
Effect: structured, evergreen backbone with seasonal colour and neat lines—ideal for small London gardens.
Scheme 2: Cottage Garden Style (lush and romantic)
- Back: Hydrangea paniculata
- Middle: Delphinium + Verbena bonariensis
- Climbers: Clematis 'Jackmanii' + Rosa 'New Dawn'
Effect: abundant layers, soft movement, and seasonal drama with height throughout.
Scheme 3: Contemporary Architectural Garden (bold and structured)
- Back: clipped evergreen shrubs (e.g. viburnum)
- Middle: Pennisetum alopecuroides + repeated structural perennials
- Feature climber: Wisteria sinensis trained over a pergola
Effect: clean lines with strong vertical focal points and controlled planting blocks.
Time to Get Planting
Adding height to your garden isn’t about planting tall species everywhere—it’s about layering structure intelligently. By combining shrubs for backbone, perennials for rhythm, and climbers for vertical impact, you can transform even a small space into a garden that feels deeper, richer, and more immersive throughout the year. At Thompson's we have all the plants you need to add height to your garden, and our staff are always on hand to offer help advice on achieving your goal.