We consider plants with original shapes those that are a little out of the ordinary and stand out from others that we are more used to seeing. If you want to give your garden a different look, you should add some of those we are going to see in this article.
Get ready to discover plants you may not have known about yet and the essential care to keep them in perfect condition.
5 plants with original shapes
Take good note of these five varieties, because you are going to love them.
Coral tree
Among the plants with original shapes, the coral tree or Erythrina crista-galli stands out in particular. A shrub or small tree that has twisted branches on which we can see dark green trifoliate leaves. But, without a doubt, What is most striking about this species are its red or orange flowers that resemble necklaces.
This shrub can grow up to six metres in height, and its flowers appear between late spring and early summer.
The essential care that is needed is:
- Light. Although it can tolerate some light shade, it is best exposed to direct sun.
- Irrigation. It has to be moderate, so that the soil remains moist between the spring and summer months, but without becoming waterlogged.
- Substratum. It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil.
- Temperature. The coral tree is heat-tolerant, but can succumb to severe frost if temperatures drop below -5º C.
- Maintenance. Simply prune old or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth.
Bird from paradise
The bird of paradise or Strelitzia reginae is a plant of moderate size, which can reach 1,5 meters in length.
It has oval, upright leaves reminiscent of a banana tree, but its most distinctive feature is the flowers Exotic in appearance and brightly colored, which reminds us of the head of a tropical bird and explains the nickname of this plant.
The essential care of the bird of paradise are:
- Light. This plant needs several hours of direct sunlight each day in order to flower fully.
- Irrigation. During the active growing season (spring and summer) it is important that the soil is always slightly moist. In winter you can reduce watering because the plant is in a dormant phase.
- Substratum. Try to use a substrate with good drainage capacity and that is rich in nutrients.
- Temperature. It grows best in warm temperatures between 12º and 28º C, but it does not tolerate frost well, which can cause its death.
- Maintenance. To keep your Strelitzia reginae beautiful and healthy, remove dead leaves and prune after flowering to promote the growth of new leaves and flowers.
Blue Agave
If you like exotic looking gardens, here is one of those plants with original shapes that cannot be missing in it. The blue agave or Agave tequilana stands out for its particular rosette shape. compact formed by long, pointed leaves that grow in a spiral.
They have thick, succulent leaves with spiny edges, but what is most striking about them is their greyish blue colour. With optimal care, the plant can reach over two metres in diameter and height, so it can be the real star of your garden.
As a peculiarity, the blue agave only flowers once in its life and it does so through a floral stem that can reach a little more than five meters. The plant dies after flowering, but usually leaves behind plenty of offspring that will allow you to continue enjoying its beauty.
To properly care for this plant, apply these essential tips:
- Light. In order to grow healthily, it needs to receive several hours of direct sunlight on its leaves each day.
- Irrigation. It is very resistant to drought and very sensitive to overwatering, so it is advisable to water in moderation.
- Substratum. For good development, use sandy and well-drained soil, remember that this is a desert variety.
- Temperature. It is perfect for areas with a warm climate, because it tolerates heat very well. What it does not tolerate well are prolonged frosts.
- Maintenance. You don't have to prune it, but it is a good idea to remove dead or damaged leaves.
Dwarf pine
Pinus mugo 'Mops' or dwarf pine is an evergreen shrub that barely reaches 1,5 meters in both height and diameter, making it a very good choice for small gardens.
Aesthetically it is very similar to the traditional pine, but with a much more compact appearance. It is dome-shaped, with short, dense needles that are dark green in color. For a For the correct development of this curious variety, apply the following care:
- Light. Plant the dwarf pine in a location where it will receive as many hours of direct sunlight as possible. It can tolerate some partial shade, but you will find that it does better if it is exposed to full sun.
- Irrigation. During the first year, moderate watering is required, but once the tree is established, the frequency of watering can be spaced out. Normally, watering once a week or every ten days will be sufficient, with a little more frequency during the hottest periods.
- Substratum. The most suitable soil for it is well-drained and with a slightly acidic pH.
- Temperature. One of the great advantages of putting the dwarf pine in your garden is that you don't have to worry about it in winter, since it can withstand temperatures of up to -30º C.
- Maintenance. It does not need pruning, but it is advisable to cut off any dead branches to maintain its beautiful natural shape.
Donkey's tail, essential on the list of plants with original shapes
Sedum morganianum is one of the most popular sedums, and it is precisely because of its curious shape. Because it is a plant with stems that They can exceed 60 cm in diameter and around which grow small fleshy leaves that are shaped like tears or beads, in a beautiful blue-green tone.
To care for this plant you need:
- Light. Always indirect and bright. If it is going to receive direct light, let it only be in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Irrigation. Very moderate, because it is a succulent and accumulates water in its leaves.
- Substratum. It should have a high drainage capacity to prevent water from accumulating in the roots.
- Temperature. It withstands heat and some cold well, but is not resistant to frost.
- Maintenance. Occasional pruning is sufficient to maintain its shape and remove damaged leaves.
Did you know these plants with original shapes? Now that you've seen them, you'll want to add them all to your collection.