Container Combo with Simple Foliage Focus

Strategically located containers can be instrumental in solving a common garden-making dilemma: shielding unsightly items from view even when you don't have soil to plant in. This trio of low-maintenance plants in large containers have a purpose; they hide the AC unit from view from the seating area as well as diminishing the presence of the house with the softening effect of foliage. The Autumn Moon maple, the small tree with yellow foliage, is slow-growing and will be able to be grown in this container for a long while. Its emerging foliage is blushed with a hint of red and its fall color is very good. With the big blue hosta and the bun-shaped evergreen shrub, these three a pleasing shape study from spring to fall.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 8
Exposure: Open Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Part Shade, Part Sun

Design Considerations

Style: Asian Influenced, Container, Formal, Northwest Eclectic
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Fabulous Foliage, Fall Color
Focus: Privacy and Screening, Pleasing Seasonal Flow, Small Space
Seasons of Interest: Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo

  • Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

    Autumn Moon Maple

    Type: Tree
    Exposure: Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9a

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  • Hosta 'Blue Angel'

    Hosta Blue Angel

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

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  • Pittosporum tobira 'Shima'

    Dwarf Mock Orange, Creme de Mint Dwarf Mock Orange

    Type: Shrub
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Afternoon Sun, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 8, 9, 10, 11

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