Flowery Plant Combination for Part Sun Garden

This combination of flowering plants looks wonderful for a long time in summer, with some participants continuing to deliver well into early fall. The graceful spires of the Culver's Root (Veronicastrum) add height without being too bulky and blocking views to the back of the border. The Eucryphia glutinosa has a tall and narrow growth habit so it will eventually provide the most prominent contribution of stature and height in the vignette. However, it is somewhat slow growing. So while the clematis can be allowed to ramble through the it, it would probably also benefit from some additional support (a trellis, draped over a fence, or a similar assist) so that it doesn't overwhelm the Eucryphia before it has the grown large enough to support it fully. The hardy geranium included in this combination is 'Patricia' but others could perform equally well. For example, Geranium 'Ann Folkard' with its chartreuse foliage and vivid magenta-pink flowers would be nice alternate choice for rambling around, over and through this scene.

Inspired by a scene in my own garden, the video below gives a short overview of the plants and what I was thinking about as I combined them. Since all the plants listed in this combination are deciduous, framing this vignette with some evergreen foliage plants would round it out considerably. In my garden, I've got it situated between a dwarf conifer (a variety of Chamaecyparis) and a rhododendron, and under the canopy of mature loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica).


Growing Conditions

Zone: 8
Exposure: Part Sun, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Full Sun
Water Needs: Regular / Even

Design Considerations

Style: Cottage, Naturalistic, Northwest Eclectic, Wildlife Friendly, Woodland
Features: Attracts Pollinator, Flower Fest, Harmonious Colors, Romantic Cool Colors, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Wildlife Friendly
Focus: Mixed Border, Color Theme
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: medium



Plants In this Combo