Low Water Foliage Garden for Full Sun

This foliage-driven, low-maintenance plant combination for USDA Zone 7 through 8 is incredibly drought-tolerant and is designed to look good year-round. This planting scheme is perfect for adding curb appeal to a  sunny front yard garden or courtyard. A noteworthy feature of the plant combination is the trio of plants that create a living mulch that carpets the ground; retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and looking fab. Three ground-covers mingle to create an evergreen tapestry on the ground plane: a white blooming sun rose (Helianthemum), lamb's ears (Stachys), and New Zealand hair sedge (Carex). Depending upon how the variegated Italian buckthorn (Rhamnus) is situated it can be used to create an effective evergreen hedge or screen. The remaining plants round out the composition, contributing a variety of form and texture. Juniperus c. 'Compressa' is a slow-growing, finely-textured dwarf conifer with a strictly upright growth habit that provides a strong a vertical accent. The Burgundy Wine nandina adds a froth of finely-cut foliage that evolves from green to red with the seasons. And finally, the bi-colored evergreen foliage of the Yucca 'Color Guard' is a strong presence with its strappy foliage. In summer, it's decorated by spires of ivory blooms that are a magnet for hummingbirds. 


Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8
Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Occasional

Design Considerations

Style: Mediterranean, Northwest Eclectic, Waterwise, City and Courtyard
Features: Drought Tolerant, Fabulous Foliage, Four Season Appeal, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Winter Interest
Focus: Curb Appeal, Hellstrip / Parking Strip, Mixed Border, Saving Water, Small Space, Year-round Interest, Privacy and Screening, Efficient Use of Space
Seasons of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo