7 trees for coastal gardens

Tamaris: a cascade of pink flowers on the sand

When discussing the seaside, Tamarisks immediately come to mind. They are the first mentioned for good reason: they thrive by the sea, as this genus, which includes around a hundred species, originates from the shores and saline soils of Europe and the Mediterranean. These small deciduous trees have tiny scale-like leaves borne on slender, flexible branches. The flowering appears as graceful little pink or white plumes. Tamarisks have the unique ability to regulate their evapotranspiration by utilising the salt present in the soil. These plants are ideally suited to coastal areas, sandy soils, and drought conditions. Use tamarisks as windbreak hedges, trained on stems, or in clumps: they require no special maintenance or watering. Generally, spring and summer varieties are distinguished, all hardy beyond -15°C:

• Spring tamarisks: Tamarix parviflora and Tamarix tetrandra
• Summer tamarisks: Tamarix ramosissima ‘Pink Cascade’, Tamarix ramosissima ‘Hulsdonk White’, and Tamarix ramosissima ‘Rubra’

In the direction of the needles: Tamarisks by the seaside, Tamarix ramosissima ‘Pink Cascade’, Tamarix tetrandra, Tamarix ramosissima ‘Hulsdonk White’, and Tamarix parviflora

Pines: for the vast coastal spaces

For many, the atmosphere of the Atlantic or Mediterranean coast is primarily defined by pines. Among these sun-loving conifer species with significant growth, two are perfectly integrated into the coastal natural landscape, benefiting from a mild maritime or oceanic climate:

• The maritime pine Pinus pinaster: its vertical silhouette is very common along the Atlantic coastline, particularly in the Landes region. An important forest species, it grows well in stony, rather acidic soil and tolerates salt spray perfectly. Its rapid growth and large size—30 m tall with a spread of 15 m—make it suitable for large gardens.
• The umbrella pine Pinus pinea: it is the emblem of the pine forests in the south. In its juvenile stage, it boasts a beautiful rounded and dense crown that spreads as it matures, taking on its characteristic wide umbrella shape. Hardy down to -10°C, it can find its place around the Mediterranean.

Pinus pinea and Pinus pinaster

The holm oak: a resilience like no other

The Mediterranean region is the birthplace of this iconic species of oak. This evergreen tree, reaching heights of 15 to 20 m, once covered most of the Mediterranean lands, from the coastline up to 1400 m in altitude. Very accommodating, the Quercus ilex or Holm Oak, thrives in both dry atmospheres and near the sea. Slow-growing, the Holm Oak – Quercus ilex – requires very little maintenance. It is hardy down to -15°C and, provided it is planted in sunlight, it can easily withstand cold or drought. Gardeners fortunate enough to have a seaside garden can also plant it along the Atlantic coast, and why not along the coastline up north, as long as they avoid soils that retain too much moisture: good drainage should be ensured at planting.

Quercus ilex in a garden overlooking the sea

Eucalyptus gunnii: a vibrant foliage

Of the few species of Eucalyptus planted outside the Mediterranean region, Eucalyptus gunnii, also known as cider gum, is undoubtedly the most well-known. Its round, evergreen leaves with a beautiful grey hue and its spreading silhouette reaching over 15 m are easily recognisable. It is frequently found along the Atlantic coast or in Brittany. Native to Tasmania, it grows quickly and withstands winter temperatures down to -10°C. Its grey trunk peels to reveal beautiful brown and green patches. Eucalyptus trees are often among the few species of trees and bushes planted by gardeners on the front line of the coast to create tall protective hedges. They thrive in light, stony soils and tolerate drought well.

Eucalyptus gunnii

Strawberry tree: perfect for small spaces

The genus comprises around twenty species, and although strawberry trees belong to the Ericaceae family, they are not afraid of lime. Nicknamed “Strawberry Trees” due to their edible red fruits, strawberry trees are small evergreen trees with glossy leaves. The Arbutus unedo reaches an adult height of about 5 m and features very decorative wood. It produces a large quantity of white flowers in autumn, which appear at the same time as the fruits from previous years ripen. The Cyprus Strawberry Tree, Arbutus andrachne, has smooth, orange-brown bark that peels off in large strips, exposing its lovely smooth wood. It also produces fleshy reddish berries and can grow to just over 8 m in height. These species are hardy down to -10/-12°C, so they can be considered for planting along the Mediterranean coasts as well as the West coast. Strawberry trees are well-suited to well-drained, dry soils. They thrive in seaside gardens and tolerate salt as long as they are not exposed to direct sea spray. They will need a protective screen made up of first-line vegetation.

Arbutus andrachne and Arbutus unedo

Lambert's cypress: rapid growth

Cypresses are deeply associated with the image of coastal areas. These conifers easily adapt to poor, sandy soils and can be successfully planted by the sea. The Monterey cypress Cupressus macrocarpa and Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest‘ are very useful trees for greening coastal gardens. Sea spray is not harmful to them, and Cupressus macrocarpa is hardy down to -15°C, making it perfect for colder regions. It is a majestic conifer with a pyramidal silhouette that spreads with age, featuring dense, deep green foliage. Its growth is rapid, and it will form an elegant specimen about 8 m tall and 2.5 m wide. The cultivar ‘Goldcrest’ is more tender, so it should be planted in milder climates or well-sheltered locations. Its golden foliage and conical shape also make it a great choice for coastal gardens.

Cupressus macrocarpa and Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’

Palms: an alternative to trees

If palms are not trees but giant herbs biologically speaking, they can certainly play the same role in garden design due to their size and development. The Trachycarpus fortunei is particularly known for its cold resistance: it can therefore find its place in the northernmost seaside gardens, as well as in Brittany, where its large fan-shaped leaves will add height (up to 8 m) and a touch of exoticism. Similarly, the date palm Phoenix canariensis, with its long, elongated fronds, can find the same destination further south or along the Atlantic coast.

Trachycarpus fortunei and Phoenix canariensis