Planting Suggestions in Courtyard Gardens

Planting is what brings a courtyard garden to life. In a small or enclosed space, the right combination of plants adds structure, texture, colour, and calm. Whether you're working with full sun, deep shade, or a mix of both, every plant in a courtyard garden needs to be chosen with care.

At Oliver Burgess Garden Design, we specialise in creating planting schemes that feel natural, seasonal, and tailored to the space. In this article, we’ll share planting suggestions for courtyard gardens – including ideas for shade, sun, wildlife, and even herbs.

Start with Structure

Courtyard gardens benefit from a clear structure. With less space to work with, strong planting shapes help define the layout and guide the eye.

We often start with:

• Evergreen shrubs like Pittosporum, Sarcococca, or Osmanthus

• Architectural grasses such as Hakonechloa or Anemanthele

• Clipped forms (e.g. balls of Box or Yew) to give weight and rhythm

These foundational plants are often part of the year-round structure that makes a small garden look consistent and intentional throughout the seasons.

Consider the Light

Light levels are one of the most important factors in plant selection. Courtyard gardens are often surrounded by buildings or walls, which means they may be shaded for part of the day.

For shady courtyards, try:

• Ferns, such as Dryopteris or Polystichum

• Heuchera for colourful foliage

• Hydrangeas, especially Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’

• Hellebores for winter and early spring interest

These plants thrive in lower light and add a soft, lush feel to enclosed gardens.

For sunny courtyards, we recommend:

• Lavender, Salvia, and Nepeta for scent and pollinators

• Mediterranean herbs, like thyme, rosemary, and sage

• Sun-loving grasses, such as Stipa or Festuca

• Perennials like Echinacea, Verbena bonariensis, or Gaura

Careful plant selection is essential to avoid common courtyard design mistakes, especially when it comes to lighting and soil conditions.

Add Height with Climbers

Vertical space is precious in courtyard gardens. Climbers are a perfect solution for adding greenery without using up floor space.

Some favourites include:

• Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine) – evergreen with scented flowers

• Clematis – especially varieties that flower in shade

• Rosa ‘Madame Alfred Carrière’ – a repeat-flowering climbing rose

• Climbing Hydrangea – ideal for north-facing walls

Climbers are a key component in many of our courtyard layouts, helping to soften boundaries and create layered views.

Play with Texture and Foliage

In tight spaces, texture is just as important as colour. Contrasting leaf shapes and tones help create depth, even in minimal planting schemes.

We often combine:

• Glossy-leaved shrubs like Viburnum tinus or Camellia

• Fine foliage like ferns, fennel, or airy perennials

• Silvery tones like Artemisia or lavender for contrast

This approach pairs especially well with modern courtyard features, adding softness to structured surfaces.

Edibles and Herbs

Courtyards are perfect for small-scale kitchen gardens. Even if space is limited, a raised bed or collection of pots can provide fresh herbs and salad leaves.

Good edible options include:

• Parsley, chives, basil, thyme, and rosemary

• Lettuce, rocket, and spinach – fast-growing and ideal for containers

• Strawberries – either in pots or hanging planters

• Dwarf varieties of tomatoes, courgettes, or chillies

In our eco-conscious designs, herbs are often integrated into mixed borders for scent, beauty, and biodiversity.

Wildlife-Friendly Choices

A courtyard can still be a haven for pollinators. Even with limited planting, choosing the right flowers makes a big difference.

Some of our top wildlife-friendly plants:

• Echinops and Eryngium for bees

• Verbena, Sedum, and Allium for butterflies

• Foxgloves for shaded corners

• Native species where appropriate, such as Achillea or wild thyme

This layered, pollinator-rich approach was key in our South London courtyard case study, where biodiversity was balanced with sculptural layout.

Low Maintenance Doesn’t Mean Dull

Courtyard planting schemes can be designed to thrive with minimal upkeep. We often suggest:

• Drought-tolerant perennials

• Self-seeding plants for a relaxed feel

• Gravel mulching to reduce weeding and help with water retention

As part of our planting design service, we help clients create gardens that look soft and full, without demanding constant attention.

Keep Planting Seasonal

One of the best ways to add depth to a courtyard is through seasonal variation. Even if the structure stays the same, small swaps or additions can refresh the space throughout the year.

Consider:

• Spring bulbs in pots (tulips, narcissus, alliums)

• Summer perennials for flower colour

• Autumn seed heads and warm tones (Sedum, Japanese anemones)

• Winter texture from grasses and evergreen structure

These seasonal planting ideas help create rhythm and ensure the garden evolves beautifully over time.

Design First, Plant Second

It’s tempting to fill a courtyard with your favourite plants. But without a proper layout, even good planting can feel cluttered or underwhelming.

That’s why we always start with a strong design. Our garden design process considers light, soil, wind, and views — as well as your tastes and lifestyle. From there, we build a scheme that not only looks good but grows well.

Whether you’re interested in a full courtyard redesign or simply want new planting ideas, we can help.

Final Thoughts

Planting in a courtyard garden is about balance. With limited space, every plant should serve a purpose – adding structure, softness, scent, or seasonal interest.

By understanding your conditions and choosing plants that suit them, you can create a beautiful, practical garden that enhances your home and lifts your mood.

If you're ready to rethink your courtyard planting, we're here to help. We’ve designed elegant and sustainable courtyard gardens across London, Kent, and the South East. Get in touch today to start your transformation.