By the time summer rolls around, many of us have already been enjoying the charm of spring flowers in our gardens. But, when the spring bulbs start to fade, you’ll turn your attention to plants that will take centre stage during the warmer months. While heating systems and plumbing are our true expertise, after over 50 years working in homes across London, we’ve come to recognise a summer plant or two along the way. Here are some of our plumbing and heating-inspired favourites!
Turn Up The Heat with
Salvia ‘Hot Lips’
Just like a good central heating system, this fiery red and white plant keeps things warm and cosy. With its eye-catching, two-toned flowers, Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ looks like tiny, blazing flames flickering in the summer breeze.
The name “Hot Lips” doesn’t just sound fun - it also has a hidden connection to radiators. Imagine a radiator on full blast in the winter; it radiates heat, warming up everything around it - just like this plant’s vibrant red flowers bring warmth and energy to the garden.
Aside from its heating-inspired name, Hot Lips is a tough, drought-resistant plant that thrives in warm, sunny conditions - much like a well-maintained heating system that runs efficiently without wasting energy. It’s also a favourite of bees and butterflies, proving that a little warmth can bring life to any space.
And just like us heating engineers, who make sure there are no cold spots in a home, this plant keeps blooming all summer long.
Pipevine (Aristolochia) –
Nature’s Own Pipework!
If there’s one plant that truly embodies the art of plumbing, it’s Pipevine (Aristolochia). Its flowers do not just resemble pipes - they are cleverly shaped like curved, tubular funnels, making it the ultimate plumbing-themed plant.
- A natural drainage system: Like well-laid pipework, Pipevine’s twisting vines climb trellises and fences, growing up to 30 feet long. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil, ensuring smooth water flow - just like a well-maintained drainage system.
- Beauty meets function: Beyond its plumbing-like shape, Pipevine is strikingly beautiful, with deep purple, funnel-shaped flowers that attract attention - much like high-end copper pipework in a designer bathroom.
- A life sustaining plant: Just as plumbing brings fresh water to homes, Pipevine supports wildlife, serving as a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. A perfect mix of function and beauty - just like great plumbing!
Radiator Plant (Peperomia) -
A Natural Born Heater!
True to its name, the Radiator Plant (Peperomia) thrives in warm, dry environments – it loves bright, indirect light too. It’s perfectly suited for placement on windowsills, shelves, or even near a radiator.
- This compact, low-maintenance houseplant is a great choice for homes where central heating keeps the air on the drier side.
- Built-in water storage – just like a heating system! Much like a central heating system stores and releases heat when needed, the Radiator Plant stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves, allowing it to handle occasional droughts. This makes it a great low-maintenance option for busy homeowners.
- Compact, stylish, and air-purifying: Peperomia comes in a variety of shapes and colours, from deep green to variegated varieties with hints of red or silver. Plus, it’s known for improving indoor air quality, making it not just a pretty plant, but a practical one too.
Monkey Puzzle Tree
(Araucaria araucana) –
Tangled Pipework
Ever seen a DIY plumbing job gone wrong? This tree’s twisting, spiky branches might remind you of it! Just like a complex network of pipes, it’s all about connections - though hopefully, your pipework is less of a puzzle.
The perfect plant to remind homeowners why they should leave pipe installations to the pros!
Water Hawthorn (Aponogeton Distachyos) –
The Ultimate Water Feature
This floating aquatic plant is a perfect symbol of good water flow - something every plumber appreciates! Found in ponds, lakes, and water features, Water Hawthorn thrives in cooler months, proving that water management isn’t just a summer concern, it’s a year-round job.
Water Hawthorn is a great example of sustainable water usage in both gardens and homes:
- Thrives in rain-fed ponds – A low-maintenance, water-wise plant that requires no extra watering.
- Oxygenates water – Just as good plumbing keeps household water clean, this plant supports a healthy aquatic environment.
- Blooms in cooler months – While most pond plants go dormant, Water Hawthorn thrives in autumn and winter, proving that water management matters year-round.
It’s also a great reminder of efficient water use at home:
- Collect rainwater – Just as it relies on natural water sources, homeowners can use rain barrels to reduce waste.
- Fix leaks – A balanced pond system mirrors a well-maintained plumbing system that prevents water loss.
- Use smart irrigation – Pairing drought-resistant plants with water-loving ones ensures a lush garden without waste.
Bleeding Heart
(Lamprocapnos spectabilis) –
Reminds Us Of A Leaky Pipe
This stunning plant is known for its heart-shaped flowers that in our opinion, ‘drip’ like a leaky tap.
With its arching stems and dangling red-and-white blooms, it’s the perfect (and slightly dramatic) representation of what happens when a pipe bursts - beautiful in the garden, but a disaster in your home!
Pipes shouldn't bleed water – fix that leak before it costs you!
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum) –
Water Pressure & Plumbing Flow
In our eyes, this ornamental grass features long, arching plumes that look just like water flowing from a tap - steady and uninterrupted. It’s exactly how you want your water pressure to be – smooth, efficient and steady. Water pressure is important to optimise because whether it’s a power shower or kitchen tap, nobody likes a weak flow.
Just as this plant thrives with the right balance of water and care, so does your home’s plumbing system.
Firecracker Plant (Russelia
equisetiformis) – For Summer-Long Energy
With its bright red, tubular flowers that resemble little sparks, this plant screams ‘heat’. Just like a well-maintained boiler, it produces warmth and energy all summer long! It will have your garden firing on all cylinders – can you say the same about your boiler?
Oliver Osmore has been part of Maintracts Services since 2001, following in his father’s footsteps. As Managing Director, he ensures the company runs smoothly, supports customers and engineers, and thrives on solving complex problems others can’t. Highly organised and approachable, Oliver works closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions, drawing on his extensive experience in plumbing, heating, and electrical services to resolve enquiries efficiently.
Since 1974, Maintracts Services has built a reputation for high-quality installation, maintenance, and repairs. Under Oliver’s leadership, the company remains committed to professionalism, safety, and customer satisfaction.