Pretty Flowers Framed by Handsome Foliage

A thread of warm, bronzy to orangish-red tones tie this plant combination together. The blue tones of the slow-growing conifer, Picea pungens 'Montgomery', has a cooling effect.

The reliance on evergreen foliage ensures that it’s good looking nearly year-round. However, its peak season is from late spring to early summer. This is when the abundant blooms of the Geum and Rhododendron, coupled with the new foliage of the fern, barberry, and dwarf conifer, are at their finest and most colorful.

Maintenance is straight-forward. Deadhead the Geum as the blooms fade to encourage repeat bloom and maintain a tidy appearance. The rhododendron will look best if it’s also dead-headed. In spring, cut away the previous years foliage from the fern and heuchera—before the new growth starts emerging from the base.


Growing Conditions

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

Design Considerations

Style: City and Courtyard, Northwest Eclectic, Woodland
Features: Fabulous Foliage, Four Season Appeal, Harmonious Colors, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Warm Colors, Winter Interest
Focus: Curb Appeal, Mixed Border, Small Space, Year-round Interest
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Deadheading



Plants In this Combo