UP THE GARDEN PATH

Anyone who has read this column from time to time may have noticed my affinity for the more unusual plants in the garden. I often find myself captivated by a strange “creature” that catches my eye, leading me down a rabbit hole of research. So, it won’t surprise you to hear that I have a thing for spiky plants.

It all started innocently enough years ago, when, as a rookie gardener, I purchased a small and beautiful bronze Phormium. From there, my love for spiky plants grew, and today I’m a self-confessed spiky-plant-aholic. Any sword, strap, or spear-shaped foliage instantly gets my attention, and here’s why—they never fail to add excitement and, dare I say, a touch of drama.

It’s not just the variety of shapes—sharp, pointy, upright leaves or broader, gracefully arching ones—but also the many colors, sizes, and textures that, when combined with softer foliage, grasses, or common garden shrubs, create an attractive and satisfying design.

I’ve selected two of the most popular spiky plants to focus on, hoping to pique your interest if you’re not already hooked.

Phormium (New Zealand Flax)

The plant that initially captured my heart was a Phormium. These low-maintenance, evergreen perennials are a great presence in the garden all year round. They work well in borders or gravel, with their sharp, sword-shaped leaves standing mostly upright, though they may arch as they grow larger. Phormiums now come in a variety of colors—yellows, greens, pinks, reds, purples, and bronzes, with many striped and variegated options.

You can find choices like the low-growing Phormium cookianum or the larger Phormium tenax. However, be mindful of the size you’re purchasing. My little bronze one grew into quite the monster when left to its own devices for a few years, taking over a large part of the garden! I eventually had to cut it back to free up space. We also had a ‘Triffid’ moment when it sent up several very tall flower shoots—quite a surprise! I’ve since realized that many spiky plants, like the ones I’m discussing here, have a habit of sending out unusual flower shoots almost overnight.

If, like me, you’re tight on space, consider planting in a large container to prevent the plant from taking over.

Yucca

Next on my list is the Yucca, a plant that brings an instant tropical flavor to any garden. These architectural plants resemble palm trees and work well with other shrubs or spiky plants. Native to hot, dry deserts like Mexico and the Americas, Yuccas are evergreen perennials or shrubs, with sharp, strong leaves growing in a rosette from a center or tough trunk. Their needle-sharp points have earned them the common names Adam’s Needle or Spanish Dagger.

Be careful when working with Yuccas—protective clothing and goggles are a must. I also recommend trimming the sharp tips, as I’ve had a few close calls with mine! With over 50 species, you’ll find plenty of size and color options. Yucca Gloriosa Variegata, for instance, has bright green leaves edged with cream, while larger species like Yucca Rostrata come in silvery shades or blue-green. These larger specimens, especially the multi-trunk varieties, can be pricey, so be prepared to shop around.

Yuccas also produce a tall shoot of creamy bell-shaped flowers, which provide an interesting contrast to their tough appearance.

So, there you have it—two of my favorite spiky plants to add some oomph to your garden. There are plenty more to explore, and I look forward to sharing them with you next time.