Spring Showstopper Plants: What Designers Are Loving Right Now

As the season transitions into spring, garden designers and horticultural enthusiasts are looking for plants that add an undeniable touch of elegance and vibrancy to outdoor spaces. This year, the spotlight is on a select group of stunning plants that are making waves in gardens, from lush foliage to eye-catching blooms. Whether you're designing a garden or simply looking to refresh an outdoor space, here are four must-have plants that are stealing the show this spring.

Iris 'Perry’s Blue’

The ultimate in subtle elegance.

Iris 'Perry’s Blue’ is a stunning variety that brings a cool, sophisticated hue to the garden with its soft blue-violet blooms. Its gentle colour palette blends effortlessly with a variety of other plants, making it an ideal choice for any modern or classic garden design. Known for its exceptional performance, 'Perry’s Blue' boasts tall, graceful flowers and adds a dramatic effect to borders and perennial beds. Designers adore its long lasting blooms and resilient nature, making it a staple for spring gardens that aim for both beauty and sustainability.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Nicolas’

The perfect groundcover with a pop of gold.

Hakonechloa macra, commonly known as Japanese forest grass, is a plant that designers can't get enough of this spring. Particularly the variety ‘Nicolas’, with its cascading golden-green leaves that create an elegant contrast to darker foliage. This grass thrives in shade, making it a go to for those looking to fill in low-light spaces or create a soothing, relaxed atmosphere in the garden. Its unique texture brings movement and fluidity, making it an ideal choice for creating layers and adding a touch of Japanese-inspired minimalism.

Melica uniflora 'Albida'

Graceful charm for shaded spaces.

For those seeking a graceful yet understated plant, Melica uniflora ‘Albida’ is quickly becoming a favourite. This perennial grass stands out for its soft, arching form and airy green flowers, which give it a dreamy, ethereal quality. Designers love it for creating elegant ground cover in shaded or woodland areas. Melica 'Albida' is ideal for adding depth and texture to garden designs without overpowering other plantings, making it an excellent choice for modern, naturalistic landscapes.

Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’

A touch of peach perfection.

Digitalis, or foxgloves, are always a favourite among garden designers for their bold, striking form and colourful spikes of flowers. This spring, Digitalis ‘Dalmatian Peach’ is taking centre stage. With its soft, peachy tones and delicate, bell-shaped flowers, it creates an elegant focal point in any garden. Known for its adaptability, this plant thrives in a variety of conditions, from partial shade to full sun, and is a perfect choice for adding height and drama to garden beds or containers. Designers are particularly drawn to its unique colour, which pairs beautifully with both warm and cool tones in the garden.

Pimpinella major 'Rosea'

Beautiful pink umbel flowers for a Soft, romantic touch.

Pimpinella major 'Rosea' brings a fresh burst of colour and delicate beauty to any garden with its clusters of soft pink umbel flowers. This charming plant is quickly becoming a favourite due to its elegant, airy blooms that add a romantic touch to garden borders and mixed beds. Its light, feathery foliage creates a lovely contrast against darker plants, and it thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Designers are drawn to Pimpinella ‘Rosea’ for its subtle yet striking appearance, making it a perfect addition to create a soft, feminine aesthetic in the garden.

These five plants, each chosen for their remarkable beauty, resilience, and design potential, are a testament to the ongoing trend of blending aesthetic appeal with sustainability. Designers are embracing a more thoughtful approach to planting, selecting varieties that not only elevate the visual appeal of the garden but also thrive in diverse conditions.

Lots of the plants mentioned will be featured in the upcoming RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025! You can find out more about these gardens here:

• The Boodles Raindance Garden designed by Catherine MacDonald  - The Boodles Raindance Garden designed by Dr Catherine MacDonald at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 / RHS
• The Killik & Co ‘Save for a Rainy Day Garden’ designed by Baz Grainger - Killik & Co ‘Save for a Rainy Day Garden’ designed by Baz Grainger at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 / RHS

About Creepers

Creepers is a specialist wholesale nursery supplying exceptional trees, shrubs, topiary, and specimen plants to leading garden designers, landscape architects, and horticultural professionals across the UK. With over 25 years of expertise, we pride ourselves on the quality of our plants, the strength of our supplier network, and our collaborative, hands-on approach.

With nursery locations in Addlestone - Surrey, Wandsworth - London and Sway - New Forest, we offer a convenient hub for trade clients sourcing plants for high-end residential and commercial projects, with expert support on hand and regular deliveries from trusted UK and European growers.

Whether you're looking for mature trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses for instant-impact planting, or something more unusual, Creepers is your trusted trade partner from consultation to delivery.

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Location: Creepers Nursery, Spinney Hill, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 1AD
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