Mostly Evergreen Plant Combination with Fab Foliage

Thanks to its emphasis on foliage and form, this combination of plants is going to look great year-round. This group of foliage-first plants has got you covered from sky to ground. Because it doesn't have an "off season" this vignette would be perfect for adding curb appeal to your front yard. For the canopy, a red-leaf maple provides structure, height, and color. The mid-plane is occupied by a conifer in golden tones and a compact rhododendron. In spring, a boost of blooms from the rhodie is a a welcome bonus. In terms of growing conditions, it will do best with even moisture, well-drained soil, and protection from blasts of hot afternoon sun. But don't over-correct for that—you'll want to make sure that the conifer gets a fair amount of sun in order to develop its signature golden color. Astelia 'Red Devil' adds architectural oomph and Mahogany heuchera reinforces the color story on the ground plane. Mingling throughout, a carpet of Blechnum penna marina. 


Growing Conditions

Zone: 7
Exposure: Part Shade, Open Shade, Morning Sun, Filtered Sun
Water Needs: Regular / Even

Design Considerations

Style: City and Courtyard, Northwest Eclectic, Woodland
Features: Fabulous Foliage, Four Season Appeal, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Winter Interest, Zippy Color Contrasts
Focus: Curb Appeal, Mixed Border, Small Space, Year-round Interest, Efficient Use of Space
Seasons of Interest: Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Deadheading, Once-a-Year Care



Plants In this Combo

  • Acer palmatum 'Fireglow'

    Fireglow Japanese Maple

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

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  • Astelia 'Red Devil'

    Red Mountain Astelia

    Type: Perennial, Shrub
    Exposure: Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10

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  • Blechnum penna-marina

    Alpine Water Fern

    Type: Fern, Groundcover, Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10

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  • Heuchera 'Mahogany'

    Mahogany Coral Bells

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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  • Rhododendron 'Honey Butter'

    Honey Butter Rhododendron

    Type: Shrub
    Exposure: Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9

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  • Tsuga canadensis 'MonKinn'

    Golden Duchess® Eastern Hemlock

    Type: Conifer, Shrub
    Exposure: Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7

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