Outdoor plants with long thin leaves are unique not only for their appearance but also for their wind-resistant nature. The thin, long leaves protect plants from possible overheating and drying during the day, as well as freezing at night.

The Beauty of Outdoor Plants with Long

This attribute is not found in plants that have thick and wide leaves, like the Brunnera macrophylla, coral bells and elephant ear. This article will give you a detailed outline of plants that have long thin leaves.

Various Outdoor Plants With Long Leaves for Best Vintage Outlooks

Outdoor plants with long thin leaves give a great finishing touch to your spaces, so they can be grown as ornamental grasses. Some of them are flowering plants whose blooms can brighten any outdoor area where they are grown. Ornamental grass-like plants look great when they are grown in hanging baskets where they can showcase the beauty of their leaves. 

A quick outline of various outdoor plants with long thin leaves will assist you in making informed choices with regard to the ones that you should include in your outdoor garden.

1. Citronella

Aroma of Mosquito Defense

Benefits
  • Can repel mosquitoes, ticks and flies
  • Produces citronella oil, which is an essential oil
  • It’s a great source of magnesium, zinc and iron
Uses
  • Used as an ornamental grass
  • Used to make soups and sauces
  • Used as an ingredient in soaps and perfumes 
Distinguish characteristics
  • Leaves have an intense green color
  • Has a lemon-like smell
  • Produces pink flowers during summer
Care
  • Prefers consistent and frequent watering schedules, especially in summer
  • Thrives well in temperatures ranging between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Soils should be rich and well-draining, with a slight ability to retain moisture

The scientific name of the citronella plant is Cymbopogon citratus. It is also known as lemongrass because of the citrus scent that it produces. The citronella plant gives your outdoor spaces amazing appearances if you grow it in a rocky area or close to your lawn. Please note that this plant originates from Southeast Asia. It is also very easy to propagate a Citronella plant!

2. Agave

The Spiky Beauty of Agave

Benefits
  • Agave syrup is great for diabetics because it doesn’t cause immediate spikes in blood sugar levels
  • It has antioxidant properties
  • Contain vitamin B, which takes part in improving the digestion of nutrients like carbohydrates and proteins
Uses
  • Agave syrup from the sap is used as a sweetener
  • Used as a binding agent in breakfast cereals
Distinguish characteristics
  • Has leathery or succulent leaves that are arranged in a rosette
  • Leaves can grow up to eight feet in length
  • Usually has spines arranged along the leaf edges
Care
  • Prefers exposure to full sunlight
  • Soils should be sandy or rocky, with pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral
  • Water established plants about three times a month during the summer

Agave is a slow-growing member of the Asparagaceae family. It is also referred to as the “century plant” even though its survival does not exceed three decades. Agave is mainly grown for its beautiful and uniquely arranged foliage, then for the flowers.

Just a take-home bonus – the spikes on the edge of the agave’s leaves are a defense mechanism for protecting the plant from predators. There are a few plants that look like Agave that can be used in your garden.

3. Bromeliads

Colorful World of Bromeliads

Benefits
  • Is nontoxic to horses and human beings
  • Contains enzymes and proteins that have medicinal attributes
  • Is drought resistant
Uses
  • Some bromeliads are edible, like the pineapple
  • Removes toxic substances in the air at night
Distinguish characteristics
  • Are epiphytes, meaning that they can grow on other plants and get their nutrients from the rain, air, or any debris found around them
  • Produces flowers that are purple, bright red, blue, or orange in color
  • It can also grow on the ground or on rocks
Care
  • Grows well in partial shade or under the full sun
  • Prefers soils that are well-draining but with a moderate water-retaining capacity
  • One watering session per week is good enough

Bromeliads have their origins in Uruguay. These plants grow throughout the year, and they have long-lasting flowers. Even though the bromeliads can grow on trees, they are not parasites.

For some reason, mosquitoes love bromeliads a lot, so you should put together measures such as buying methoprene, which disrupts the life cycle of these insects.

4. False Red Yucca

A Drought Tolerant Delight

Benefits
  • If drought and heat tolerant so its maintenance needs are low
Uses
  • It can be used for ornamental purposes
  • Yucca flowers can be boiled and added to stews and soups
Distinguish characteristics
  • Produces red, tubular flowers
  • Has stiff leaves that are arranged in a basal rosette
  • Stalks are red and can grow up to a height of six feet
Care
  • Prefers the full sun but can tolerate light shade
  • The soil should be completely dry between waterings
  • Soils should be well-draining, preferably sandy or loamy ones

The false red yucca, also known as Hesperaloe parviflora, is also part of the century plant family. This plant is believed to be a symbol of purity, opportunities, protection and loyalty.

The false red yucca plant is loved by hummingbirds due to the red flowers that it produces, which is why it is also called the “hummingbird yucca”. Please note that the sap of the plant is slightly toxic, so never consume it when it’s not cooked.

Conclusion

Plants with long thin leaves give your outdoors a unique touch like no other. Before you make your final choice on which plants you will start to grow in your outdoor garden, read through the following summary:

  • Plants with long leaves sometimes appear like grasses, but they have amazing ornamental attributes.
  • Most of these plants prefer well-draining soils that reduce the risk of waterlogged conditions.
  • The plants have a variety of uses in cooking, decorating spaces and making commercial products such as perfumes and soaps.
  • While some of the plants may be safe for consumption, some are slightly toxic, especially when they are eaten without being cooked.
  • Most plants are happier when they are grown under full sun.

Having plants that have broad and short leaves is good, but their combination with those that have long thin foliage emphasizes a bold statement of beauty and uniqueness to your outdoors. Just grow one or more of the plants that we mentioned in this article and enjoy the experience!

References

  • https://www.britannica.com/plant/Agave
  • https://www.webmd.com/diet/agave-health-benefits
  • https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/2016/06/08/5-fascinating-facts-about-bromeliads/27955572007/
  • https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hesperaloe-parviflora/
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