Top ten upright plants for vertical interest

First is a shrub with aromatic leaves that are joined by violet-blue tubular flowers in summer. Plant this sage next to a pathway to appreciate the fragrance whenever you brush past it. Pollinators will also enjoy the flowers of this ornamental shrub.

The shape of this shrub will add height with the layered branches full of dark green leaves. The foliage contrasts beautifully with the white flowers that bloom in late spring.

This evergreen ornamental grass has arching green foliage and oat-like flowers that ripen to golden-bronze tones. Adding grasses like this introduces movement to the space, and can help soften harsh exteriors and landscape designs.

The neat columnar growth of this evergreen makes it perfect for hedging. However, they lend themselves well to containers, so are a worthy addition to a patio display. The young leaves are pale green, darkening with age. This creates a lovely two-tone effect.

The vibrant orange, dense flower spikes of ‘Cleopatra’ raise upwards above the border. The fluffy flowers also bring texture to the space. So, they’re a win-win for the garden and as cut-flowers where they’ll add some drama to your flower arrangements.

For foliage interest, this upright shrub has rusty-orange leaves that turn green in summer. Then, come autumn they transform to fiery orange-red. Cheery yellow flowers bloom in summer, which are a delight to us with their fragrance, but also to pollinators.

The tall stems of this perennial are topped with spikes of purple flowers that bloom from summer into autumn for late-season interest. Their height makes them a wonderful addition to architectural planting schemes as well as wildlife gardens as bees love them.

Compact in growth, ‘Lena’ has fascinating flowers that are burnt-orange mixed with yellows and reds for a real spectacle. The flowers are the star of the show when they bloom in spring, joining the tiny green leaves.

Another evergreen choice to add height and structure to your garden is the New Zealand satin flower which has beautiful white satin-like flowers in summer. The bowl-shaped flowers contrast with the leaves that are narrow and grass-like.

The erect stems of this bulbous perennial are topped with funnel-shaped pink flowers that have a wonderful fragrance. The flowers bloom in autumn, so plant the bulbs in a sunny spot, sheltered from harsh frosts just below the surface of the soil.