Plants

If you have the Topo survey, request to include PH soil tests (or do it yourself).

Suggest you hire local garden designer to create a planting plan and put in the plants. They will get them at trade prices and although they won’t pass on all the savings to you you’ll end up spending more on plants if buying them at retail prices. If you have a planting plan, and list of plants, here are some wholesale plant nurseries that might supply you at trade prices if you give them a large order.

You’ll spend a lot of money on plants so you need to keep them alive:
- Don’t plant in mid summer.
- In the first month you’ll need to water them every day. Once they establish less so, but never let them dry out for the first year. If your going away then organise someone to water the plants.
- Putting mulch (chipped wood or bark) around the plants helps to keep the moisture in the soil and prevents weeds.

Wholesale plant nurseries

Three wholesale plant nurseries closest to Lugano

Vivai Raimondi - located in Cadorago, Como, Vivai Raimondi is a wholesale plant nursery that offers a wide range of plants, shrubs, and flowers for gardens and green areas.

Vivai Vannucci - located in Appiano Gentile, Como, Vivai Vannucci is a wholesale plant nursery that specializes in the production and sale of ornamental plants, fruit trees, and olive trees.

Vivai Tagliabue - located in Rovello Porro, Como, Vivai Tagliabue is a wholesale plant nursery that produces and sells a wide range of plants, shrubs, and flowers for gardens, parks, and green areas.

Three wholesale plant nurseries closest to Milan

Vivai Belfiore - located in Gaggiano, Milan, Vivai Belfiore is a wholesale plant nursery that offers a wide range of plants, shrubs, and flowers.

Vivai Mondonico - located in Albiate, Monza and Brianza, Vivai Mondonico is a wholesale plant nursery that specializes in the production and sale of plants, flowers, and shrubs for gardens and green areas.

Vivai Zanzi - located in Busto Arsizio, Varese, Vivai Zanzi is a wholesale plant nursery that produces and sells ornamental plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs for gardens, parks, and public green spaces.

Three wholesale plant nurseries in northern Italy

Vivai Piante Belfiore - located in Padova, Veneto, Vivai Piante Belfiore is a wholesale plant nursery that offers a wide range of plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Vannucci Piante - located in Pistoia, Tuscany, Vannucci Piante is a wholesale plant nursery that specializes in producing and selling ornamental plants, fruit trees, and olive trees.

Euroclematis - located in Padova, Veneto, Euroclematis is a wholesale plant nursery that specializes in growing and selling clematis plants, but they also offer a range of other plants and flowers.

Plant lists

Here’s a plant list of plants that grow in northern Italy, and which are generally available from local plant whole sellers.

Ground cover plants

Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle): This evergreen ground cover is known for its glossy leaves and small purple flowers that bloom in the spring. It is drought-tolerant and can handle shade as well.

Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge): An evergreen ground cover that grows well in shady areas and produces small white flowers in the spring. It is low-maintenance and spreads slowly.

Hedera helix (English Ivy): This fast-growing evergreen ground cover is a popular choice for covering large areas. It can tolerate various soil conditions and light levels, making it versatile for different garden settings.

Lamium maculatum (Spotted Dead Nettle): This shade-loving ground cover features variegated leaves and small flowers that bloom in the spring. It is well-suited for woodland gardens or areas with dappled light.

Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme): This aromatic, low-growing perennial is ideal for sunny areas and produces small, purple flowers in the summer. It is drought-tolerant and can be used as a lawn substitute.

Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed): This low-maintenance ground cover grows well in both sun and shade, featuring glossy leaves and small blue flowers in the spring. It is ideal for suppressing weeds and filling in bare spots.

Sedum spurium (Two-row Stonecrop): This drought-tolerant ground cover is perfect for sunny locations, as it produces succulent leaves and small pink flowers during the summer months.

Fragaria vesca (Wild Strawberry): This edible ground cover produces small, white flowers in the spring followed by tasty red fruits. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.

Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium): This hardy perennial offers fragrant foliage and pink to purple flowers in the spring. It grows well in partial shade to full sun and is an excellent choice for slopes or rock gardens.

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass): This evergreen ground cover features grass-like foliage and is suitable for both sunny and shady areas. It is low-maintenance and can be used as a lawn substitute or to fill in gaps between stepping stones.

Herbs

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) - A fragrant and versatile herb with bright green leaves and a delicious taste. Basil is often used for culinary purposes, as well as in teas and essential oils.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - A hardy and low-maintenance herb with small leaves and a fragrant aroma. Thyme is often used for culinary purposes, as well as in teas and essential oils.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) - A beautiful and long-lived herb with gray-green leaves and a fragrant aroma. Sage is often used for culinary purposes, as well as in teas and essential oils.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - A fragrant and hardy herb with needle-like leaves and a unique flavor. Rosemary is often used for culinary purposes, as well as in teas and essential oils.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) - A stunning and long-blooming herb with fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. Lavender is often used for aromatherapy, as well as in teas and essential oils.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) - A versatile and easy-to-grow herb with bright green leaves and a mild taste. Parsley is often used for culinary purposes, as well as in teas and essential oils.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) - A fragrant and easy-to-grow herb with green leaves and purple flowers in the summer. Chives are often used for culinary purposes, as well as in teas and essential oils.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) - A hardy and flavorful herb with small leaves and a fragrant aroma. Oregano is often used for culinary purposes, as well as in teas and essential oils.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) - A fragrant and easy-to-grow herb with bright green leaves and a lemony flavor. Lemon balm is often used for culinary purposes, as well as in teas and essential oils.

Mint (Mentha spp.) - A fragrant and versatile herb with a variety of flavors and scents. Mint is often used for culinary purposes, as well as in teas, cocktails, and essential oils.

Shrubs

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) - A versatile and easy to care for evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves. It can be grown as a hedge, topiary, or as a specimen plant.

Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.) - A stunning spring-blooming shrub with large, showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. Many varieties are available, including both evergreen and deciduous types.

Spirea (Spiraea spp.) - A hardy and reliable shrub with arching branches and clusters of pink or white flowers in the spring and summer. There are many different cultivars available, including some with colorful foliage.

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) - A classic garden shrub with fragrant clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers in the spring. Lilacs are easy to grow and can reach up to 10 feet tall.

Mock orange (Philadelphus spp.) - A sweetly scented shrub with white or cream-colored flowers in late spring or early summer. Some varieties have double flowers or variegated foliage.

Viburnum (Viburnum spp.) - A versatile and easy to grow shrub with clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring and summer, followed by colorful berries in the fall. Some varieties have colorful foliage as well.

Rose (Rosa spp.) - A classic garden shrub with fragrant and colorful flowers in the summer. Roses come in a wide range of colors and forms, from climbing roses to shrub roses.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) - A popular garden shrub with large, showy flowers in shades of pink, blue, white, and purple. Some varieties have colorful foliage as well.

Weigela (Weigela spp.) - A hardy and reliable shrub with trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. There are many different cultivars available, including some with variegated foliage.

Camellia (Camellia spp.) - A stunning evergreen shrub with large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. Camellias are a popular choice for shady gardens, and many varieties bloom in the winter and early spring.

Photinia (Photinia spp.) - A versatile and fast-growing shrub with attractive foliage in shades of red, green, and bronze. Photinia is often used as a hedge, screen, or as an accent plant in sunny areas. They grow up to 3-4 meters in height.

Weigela (Weigela spp.) - A beautiful and long-blooming shrub with showy pink, red, or white flowers in the spring and summer. Weigela is often used as an accent plant in borders or as a specimen plant. They grow up to 2-3 meters in height.

Spirea (Spirea spp.) - A hardy and low-maintenance shrub with attractive foliage and clusters of pink, white, or red flowers in the spring and summer. Spirea is often used in borders, as a hedge, or as an accent plant in sunny areas. They grow up to 1-2 meters in height.

Japanese snowball (Viburnum plicatum) - A stunning and long-blooming shrub with showy white or pink flowers in the spring and summer. Japanese snowball is often used as an accent plant in borders or as a specimen plant. They grow up to 2-3 meters in height.

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) - A beautiful and long-blooming shrub with showy pink, blue, or white flowers in the summer and fall. Rose of Sharon is often used as an accent plant in borders or as a specimen plant. They grow up to 3-4 meters in height.

Lilac (Syringa spp.) - A fragrant and long-blooming shrub with showy clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers in the spring. Lilacs are often used as accent plants in borders or as a specimen plant. They grow up to 3-4 meters in height.

Smokebush (Cotinus spp.) - A stunning and low-maintenance shrub with attractive foliage in shades of purple, red, or orange. Smokebush is often used as an accent plant in borders or as a specimen plant. They grow up to 2-3 meters in height.

Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.) - A stunning and long-blooming shrub with showy pink, red, or purple flowers in the summer and fall. Fuchsia is often used as an accent plant in borders or as a specimen plant. They grow up to 1-2 meters in height.

Barberry (Berberis spp.) - A hardy and low-maintenance shrub with attractive foliage in shades of green, yellow, or red. Barberry is often used as a hedge, screen, or as an accent plant in sunny areas. They grow up to 1-2 meters in height.

Butterfly bush (Buddleja spp.) - A stunning and long-blooming shrub with showy clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers in the summer and fall. Butterfly bush is often used as an accent plant in borders or as a specimen plant. They grow up to 2-3 meters in height.

Perennial plants

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) - A fragrant and drought-tolerant herb with blue, purple or pink flowers in the summer. Lavender is a popular choice for sunny gardens and is often used for aromatherapy and cooking.

Salvia (Salvia spp.) - A hardy and versatile herb with spikes of blue, purple, pink, or red flowers in the summer and fall. Many varieties are available, including some with variegated foliage.

Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) - A beautiful and long-blooming perennial with showy pink, purple, or white flowers. Coneflowers are attractive to butterflies and pollinators and are often used in wildflower gardens.

Peony (Paeonia spp.) - A stunning and long-lived perennial with large, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. Peonies are easy to grow and can be used as cut flowers or as a focal point in the garden.

Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) - A hardy and low-maintenance perennial with showy flowers in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and red. Daylilies are often used in borders, mass plantings, and naturalized areas.

Hosta (Hosta spp.) - A shade-loving perennial with attractive foliage in a range of colors, patterns, and sizes. Hostas are often used in woodland gardens, as groundcovers, or as accents in shady areas.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.) - A cheerful and easy-to-grow perennial with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with a dark brown center. Black-eyed Susans are attractive to butterflies and pollinators and are often used in wildflower gardens.

Hellebore (Helleborus spp.) - A beautiful and early-blooming perennial with showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, green, or white. Hellebores are often used as groundcovers, in woodland gardens, or in shaded borders.

Astilbe (Astilbe spp.) - A shade-loving perennial with feathery plumes of pink, white, or red flowers in the summer. Astilbes are often used in woodland gardens, as border plants, or as accents in shaded areas.

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) - A fragrant and drought-tolerant perennial with spikes of lavender-blue flowers in the summer and fall. Russian sage is often used in sunny borders, as a low hedge, or as a specimen plant.

Geranium (Geranium spp.) - A hardy and long-blooming perennial with showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, or blue. Geraniums are often used as border plants, groundcovers, or in rock gardens.

Sedum (Sedum spp.) - A drought-tolerant and low-maintenance perennial with attractive foliage and clusters of pink, red, or white flowers in the summer and fall. Sedums are often used in rock gardens, as groundcovers, or as accents in sunny borders.

Iris (Iris spp.) - A stunning and long-blooming perennial with showy flowers in a range of colors, including blue, purple, yellow, and white. Irises are often used in borders, as cut flowers, or as accents in rock gardens.

Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) - A cheerful and long-blooming perennial with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers in the summer and fall. Coreopsis are often used in borders, as cut flowers, or in wildflower gardens.

Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis) - A beautiful and long-blooming perennial with showy pink or white flowers in the late summer and fall. Japanese anemones are often used in borders, woodland gardens, or as accents in shaded areas.

Baptisia (Baptisia spp.) - A hardy and drought-tolerant perennial with spikes of blue, purple, or yellow flowers in the late spring and early summer. Baptisia are often used in wildflower gardens, as accents in borders, or as cut flowers.

Catmint (Nepeta spp.) - A fragrant and long-blooming perennial with spikes of lavender-blue flowers in the summer. Catmint is often used in borders, rock gardens, or as a low hedge.

Veronica (Veronica spp.) - A hardy and long-blooming perennial with spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers in the summer. Veronica is often used in borders, rock gardens, or as accents in sunny areas.

Yarrow (Achillea spp.) - A hardy and long-blooming perennial with clusters of pink, red, white, or yellow flowers in the summer. Yarrow is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, or as cut flowers.

Liatris (Liatris spp.) - A showy and long-blooming perennial with spikes of pink or purple flowers in the late summer and fall. Liatris is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, or as cut flowers.

Delphinium (Delphinium spp.) - A stunning and long-blooming perennial with tall spikes of blue, pink, purple, or white flowers in the summer. Delphiniums are often used as accent plants in borders or as cut flowers.

Bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) - A beautiful and delicate-looking perennial with heart-shaped pink or white flowers in the spring. Bleeding hearts are often used in shaded borders or woodland gardens.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) - A fragrant and easy-to-grow herb with pink or purple flowers in the summer. Peppermint is often used for teas, culinary purposes, or as a natural insect repellent.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.) - A shade-loving perennial with attractive foliage and clusters of pink, blue, or white flowers in the spring. Lungwort is often used in woodland gardens or as a groundcover in shady areas.

Ajuga (Ajuga reptans) - A low-growing and easy-to-care-for perennial with spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers in the spring. Ajuga is often used as a groundcover in shady areas or as an accent plant in borders.

Bergenia (Bergenia spp.) - A hardy and low-maintenance perennial with attractive foliage and clusters of pink, red, or white flowers in the spring. Bergenia is often used in borders, as a groundcover, or as an accent plant in rock gardens.

Speedwell (Veronicastrum virginicum) - A tall and showy perennial with spikes of pink, purple, or white flowers in the summer. Speedwell is often used as an accent plant in borders or as a cut flower.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) - A fragrant and easy-to-grow herb with pink or purple flowers in the summer. Chives are often used for culinary purposes or as an accent plant in herb gardens.

Echinops (Echinops spp.) - A stunning and long-blooming perennial with tall spikes of blue or white flowers in the summer. Echinops is often used in borders, wildflower gardens, or as a cut flower.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) - A cheerful and long-blooming perennial with clusters of yellow flowers in the summer and fall. Goldenrod is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, or as a cut flower.

Shade loving plants

Hosta (Hosta spp.) - A popular and versatile perennial with attractive foliage in a range of colors, patterns, and sizes. Hostas are often used in woodland gardens, as groundcovers, or as accents in shady areas.

Ferns (Various genera) - A diverse group of plants with attractive foliage in a range of colors, textures, and sizes. Ferns are often used in woodland gardens, as groundcovers, or as accents in shaded areas.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.) - A hardy and low-maintenance perennial with attractive foliage and clusters of pink, blue, or white flowers in the spring. Lungwort is often used in woodland gardens or as a groundcover in shady areas.

Coral bells (Heuchera spp.) - A versatile and attractive perennial with colorful foliage in shades of green, purple, red, or bronze. Coral bells are often used in shaded borders or as accents in rock gardens.

Solomon's seal (Polygonatum spp.) - A graceful and long-lived perennial with arching stems and clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring. Solomon's seal is often used in woodland gardens or as a groundcover in shaded areas.

Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum) - A stunning and low-maintenance fern with colorful foliage in shades of silver, purple, and green. Japanese painted ferns are often used in woodland gardens, as groundcovers, or as accents in shady areas.

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) - A low-growing and easy-to-care-for perennial with spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers in the spring. Bugleweed is often used as a groundcover in shady areas or as an accent plant in borders.

Vinca (Vinca minor) - A hardy and low-maintenance groundcover with attractive evergreen foliage and clusters of blue or purple flowers in the spring. Vinca is often used in shaded borders, as a groundcover, or as an accent plant in rock gardens.

Ligularia (Ligularia spp.) - A bold and dramatic perennial with large leaves and spikes of yellow or orange flowers in the summer. Ligularia is often used as an accent plant in shaded borders or as a specimen plant.

Foamflower (Tiarella spp.) - A low-growing and attractive perennial with clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring. Foamflower is often used as a groundcover in woodland gardens or as an accent plant in shady borders.

Dead nettle (Lamium spp.) - A hardy and low-maintenance groundcover with attractive foliage and spikes of pink, purple, or white flowers in the spring. Dead nettle is often used in shaded borders, as a groundcover, or as an accent plant in rock gardens.

Epimedium (Epimedium spp.) - A graceful and low-growing perennial with attractive foliage and clusters of pink, white, or yellow flowers in the spring. Epimedium is often used in woodland gardens, as a groundcover, or as an accent plant in shady borders.

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) - A fragrant and low-maintenance groundcover with attractive foliage and clusters of white flowers in the spring. Sweet woodruff is often used in shaded borders, as a groundcover, or as an accent plant in rock gardens.

Goat's beard (Aruncus spp.) - A tall and attractive perennial with plumes of white or cream-colored flowers in the summer. Goat's beard is often used as an accent plant in shaded borders or as a specimen plant.

Baneberry (Actaea spp.) - A beautiful and long-lived perennial with attractive foliage and clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring. Baneberry is often used in woodland gardens or as an accent plant in shady borders.

Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) - A low-growing and attractive perennial with heart-shaped leaves and clusters of blue or pink flowers in the spring. Siberian bugloss is often used in shaded borders, as a groundcover, or as an accent plant in rock gardens.

Garden trees

Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) - A tall and narrow evergreen tree with dark green foliage. Italian cypress is often used as a specimen plant or as a screening tree.

European beech (Fagus sylvatica) - A large and stately deciduous tree with attractive foliage that turns golden-yellow in the fall. European beech is often used as a shade tree or as an accent tree in large landscapes.

Silver birch (Betula pendula) - A graceful and fast-growing deciduous tree with attractive white bark and delicate leaves. Silver birch is often used as a specimen tree or as an accent tree in smaller landscapes.

Norway maple (Acer platanoides) - A hardy and adaptable deciduous tree with attractive foliage that turns yellow or orange in the fall. Norway maple is often used as a shade tree or as an accent tree in large landscapes.

American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - A beautiful and long-lived deciduous tree with attractive foliage that turns red, orange, and yellow in the fall. American sweetgum is often used as a shade tree or as an accent tree in large landscapes.

Magnolia (Magnolia spp.) - A stunning and long-lived tree with large and fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. Magnolias are often used as specimen trees or as accents in large landscapes.

Japanese cherry (Prunus serrulata) - A beautiful and long-lived tree with showy pink or white flowers in the spring. Japanese cherry is often used as a specimen tree or as an accent in smaller landscapes.

White fir (Abies alba) - A tall and graceful evergreen tree with attractive foliage and cones. White fir is often used as a specimen tree or as an accent in larger landscapes.

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) - A fast-growing and hardy deciduous tree with attractive foliage and clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring. Black locust is often used as a shade tree or as an accent tree in larger landscapes.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) - A beautiful and long-lived deciduous tree with unique fan-shaped leaves that turn golden-yellow in the fall. Ginkgo is often used as a specimen tree or as an accent in larger landscapes.

Climbing plants

Climbing rose (Rosa spp.) - A stunning and fragrant climbing plant with showy flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. Climbing roses are often used on trellises, fences, or walls.

Clematis (Clematis spp.) - A diverse group of climbing plants with showy flowers in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Clematis are often used on trellises, fences, or walls.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) - A fragrant and easy-to-grow climbing plant with attractive flowers and foliage. Honeysuckle is often used on trellises, fences, or walls.

Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) - A stunning and fast-growing climbing plant with clusters of orange or red flowers in the summer. Trumpet vine is often used on trellises, fences, or walls.

Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) - A beautiful and hardy climbing plant with attractive foliage and clusters of white flowers in the summer. Climbing hydrangea is often used on trellises, fences, or walls.

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) - A fast-growing and hardy climbing plant with attractive foliage that turns red or purple in the fall. Virginia creeper is often used on walls, fences, or as a groundcover.

Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) - A stunning and long-lived climbing plant with showy clusters of purple or white flowers in the spring. Wisteria is often used on trellises, fences, or walls.

Ivy (Hedera spp.) - A hardy and low-maintenance climbing plant with attractive foliage that can be green, yellow, or variegated. Ivy is often used on walls, fences, or as a groundcover.

Climbing hydrangea vine (Hydrangea petiolaris) - A stunning and low-maintenance climbing plant with attractive foliage and clusters of white flowers in the summer. Climbing hydrangea vine is often used on trellises, fences, or walls.

Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) - A fragrant and long-blooming climbing plant with showy white or yellow flowers in the summer. Jasmine is often used on trellises, fences, or walls.

Prof. Dr. med. Christoph Czarnetzki MBA

Wholesale plant nurseries

Plant lists