Texture-centric Plant Combination for Part Sun

Though ample flowers are included in this plant combination, it's carried mostly by its variety in foliage texture and size and the overall form of the included plants and the shape of their leaves. Overall tere's a pleasing and constant tension between bold and fine, frothy and chunky, glossy and matte, that catches your eye and keeps your interest. The largest, anchoring plants in this vignette are the Fine Line buckthorn and the oak leaf hydrangea. Large leaves are juxtaposed against fine and the upright form of the Fine Line buckthorn is complemented by the rounded, chunky form of the hydrangea. Hugging the ground another bold and fine duo combine to form an evergreen, weed-suppressing carpet. The Bergenia and Astrantia offer up dots of pink blooms spring into summer,  and are joined later by the giant panicle blooms of the hydrangea that start out ivory and age to a deep, rich pinkish-red by fall. In fall, the finely-textured foliage of the buckthorn takes on yellow tones, contrasting with the red tones in the large leathery leaves of the oak leaf hydrangea. This plant combination, though  simple in its composition will provides months of pleasure with very little effort. It will take full sun, but is best with regular moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun. 


Growing Conditions

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

Design Considerations

Style: City and Courtyard, Northwest Eclectic, Woodland
Features: Fabulous Foliage, Low Maintenance, Uses Easy-to-Find Plants, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form
Focus: Uses Easy-to-Find Plants, Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow, Small Space
Seasons of Interest: Fall, Spring, Summer, Three Seasons of Interest, Pleasing Seasonal Changes

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Deadheading



Plants In this Combo