Plant Combo with Firm Foundation And Fun Flowers

This planting combination is a steady performer that is easy to care for and looks good year-round. Acer griseum, commonly called paperbark maple, is selected as the anchoring tree. It is pictured on the left-hand side of the collage image; there are images showing its full size, fall foliage, summer foliage, and exfoliating bark. The Limelight panicle hydrangea is the second largest plant and is covered in limey-green flowers that age to cream, then pink, and finally deep-rose as it evolves from summer to fall. The golden foliage of the evergreen conifer looks wonderful in combination with the cinnamon brown bark of the maple. Coupled with the glossy foliage of the ground-covering dwarf laurel, the fluffy conifer holds down the ground plane. Blue flowers weave throughout from spring to fall thanks to Veronica 'Georgia Blue' and Geranium 'Rozanne'. The frothy variegated grass is especially wonderful from summer to fall and is sublime when in flower and backlit by the evening light. All plants used in this combo should be easy to find, with one exception—the Prunus l. 'Mount Vernon', which comes in and out of availability in our area. It is definitely worth seeking out due to its handsome foliage and cast iron constitution. However, if you give up and want to try a sub, look for Viburnum davidii which is very easy to find and can be used to achieve a similar effect.


Growing Conditions

Zone: 6, 7, 8
Exposure: Part Sun, Full Sun
Water Needs: Regular / Even, Average

Design Considerations

Style: Woodland, Northwest Eclectic
Features: Fabulous Foliage, Fall Color, Four Season Appeal, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Warm Colors, Winter Interest, Uses Easy-to-Find Plants
Focus: Curb Appeal, Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow, Year-round Interest
Seasons of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo