Trio of Sun-loving Plants for Summer-long Color

The lax and flowing foliage of Phormium 'Jester' has deep rosy tones and looks wonderful year-round. In summer it combines beautifully with the coneflower and lavender. During its prolonged summer bloom, this colorful and fragrant vignette is abuzz with bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.  In winter, the underlying structure of this planting combination is retained by the New Zealand flax and the finely textured silvery-gray foliage of the lavender. If you're unable to find Jester in your area, subbing a New Zealand flax of similar size and coloring would work equally well. Phormium are not reliably hardy  much beyond USDA Zone 8b. Even though they can persist in my Northwest garden for many years, there's always a chance that I'll lose one to an uncharacteristically cold winter. To minimize that risk or to adapt this idea to a colder climate, consider subbing in Yucca 'Color Guard'.


Growing Conditions

Zone: 8, 9
Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Water Needs: Regular / Even, Average, Low, Occasional, Drought-tolerant

Design Considerations

Style: Container, Cottage, Mediterranean, Northwest Eclectic, Wildlife Friendly
Features: Attracts Pollinator, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fabulous Foliage, Flower Fest, Fragrance, Harmonious Colors, Romantic Cool Colors, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Wildlife Friendly
Focus: Mixed Border, Color Theme, Native and Habitat, Saving Water
Seasons of Interest: Summer, Fall, Jun, Jul, Aug

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: medium
Maintenance Tasks: Deadheading



Plants In this Combo