SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Light: Full sun preferred. All plants in this bundle thrive in full sun (6+ hours daily). Topiary (Yew) tolerates partial shade but border plants need sun for best silver foliage color and blue flower production. This is an ideal bundle for hot sunny exposed positions where many plants struggle—these species are adapted to heat and sun.
Soil: Well-drained essential. All plants require excellent drainage—avoid waterlogged positions or heavy clay without amendment. Festuca, Perovskia, and Echinops particularly intolerant of winter wet (causes rot). Amend heavy soils with grit/sharp sand (at least 30% by volume) before planting. These are Mediterranean/steppe-climate plants adapted to dry well-drained conditions.
Space: Minimum 2m width for Starter, 2.5m for Standard, 3.5m for Impactful. Allow 70-80cm clearance from topiary container edge to door frame (see Placement Guide).
POSITIONING LAYOUT:
Step 1: Position Topiary Spirals
Place containers 140-160cm apart (centre to centre) depending on entrance width. Dark Yew spirals create strong architectural contrast with silver foliage—ensure positioning allows this contrast to be appreciated. Ensure containers sit level.
Step 2: Plant Agapanthus
Position in prominent locations—these are focal architectural plants. Space 60-80cm apart (need room for clump development and tall flower stems). Position where tall flower stems (80-100cm) won't block sightlines but create dramatic vertical accents. Mid-border or slightly back.
Step 3: Plant Perovskia (Russian Sage)
Position in mid-ground between topiary and front edge, or flanking Agapanthus. Space 70-90cm apart (becomes 90-120cm width at maturity—needs space for airy habit). Provides vertical height without density—see-through stems create lightness.
Step 4: Plant Echinops (Globe Thistle)
Scatter throughout mid-ground. Space 60-70cm apart. Architectural spherical flower heads provide punctuation marks amongst softer plants. Don't crowd—dramatic form needs space to be appreciated.
Step 5: Plant Festuca (Blue Fescue)
Use as ground cover throughout front and mid-ground creating silver-blue carpet. Space 30-35cm apart (tight spacing creates cohesive effect faster). Plant in groups of 3-5 creating drifts rather than single scattered specimens—more effective visually.
Step 6: Plant Stachys 'Big Ears'
Position along front edges or around topiary bases. Space 35-40cm apart (spreads to 40-60cm). Large silver leaves create bold ground-level presence—use strategically where you want strong silver impact.
DETAILED LAYOUT PLANS:
For comprehensive positioning diagrams showing exact plant placement for your entrance dimensions and variant-specific layouts, see our Bundle Planting Guide.
[View Bundle Planting Guide →]
ESTABLISHMENT CARE (First 6 Months):
Topiary: Water 2-3× weekly during first summer. Even drought-tolerant Yew benefits from consistent moisture when newly positioned. Feed once in spring. See Complete Care Guide.
Border Plants: Water 2-3× weekly first growing season. Despite eventual drought tolerance, these plants need consistent moisture during establishment (roots must develop before tolerating drought). Avoid overwatering Festuca and Perovskia—let dry between waterings. Mulch with grit/gravel (not organic mulch which retains moisture these plants dislike). No feeding Year 1.
By 6 months: Starter plants rooted and establishing silver foliage developing (30-40% mature). Standard plants established with strong silver presence (50-70% mature, good flowering from Agapanthus/Perovskia/Echinops). Impactful plants quickly established with dramatic silver-blue appearance (70-90% mature, substantial architectural presence from first season).
