As rich and dark as a 70% pure chocolate bar, the foliage of this ninebark anchors this vignette and is a delicious backdrop for the lighter colored foliage and flowers. Pictured here is Physocarpus opulifolius 'Mindia' COPPERTINA™ but P. 'Diabolo' would work equally well.

The finely textured maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light) with its white variegation is a nice backdrop for the dark foliage of the ninebark.

China rose (Rosa chinensis 'Mutabilis') is an easy-to-grow species rose. Single blooms that open cream and age to pink before their graceful demise (read: "no deadheading required:) appear from spring to fall.

A wisp of pheasant's tail grass (Anemanthele lessoniana) provides textural contrast. Carex testacea would be an equally good alternate if the pheasant grass isn't hardy in your area.

Finely textured purple foliage of the calico aster (Aster lateriflorus 'Prince') is smothered in a profusion of tiny pinkish-white flowers. This is tough and easy to grow perennial; no staking or deadheading required.

The phormium's strappy foliage delivers the milk chocolate tones and are a sweet addition to this delicious combo. There are number of different varieties that would work well here and the exact ID of the one pictured wasn’t able to be verified with certainty. It’s likely  Phormium 'Maori Maiden' aka 'Maori Queen' though other varieties of similar ilk would work as well. Do keep in mind that phormium should be considered an annual in our PNW gardens. Though in periods on mild winters they may persist for a number of years, they are always living on borrowed time. Enjoy them, but be warned.

(Garden design by Darcy Daniels of Bloomtown Gardens.)

For more garden inspiration, be sure to browse our full database of plant combo ideas.