Perennial Plant Combo for Full Sun

This layered plant combination balances evergreen structure with a lively mix of flowering perennials that provide color, texture, and movement from spring through fall. The framework is anchored by a conifer (suggested here is Cedrus deodara ‘Divinely Blue’, though ‘Silver Mist’ or even Chamaecyparis ‘Somerset’ could serve as alternatives), along with Hebe pinguifolia ‘Sutherlandii’ and the bold, variegated foliage of Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’. These evergreens supply a steady backbone of structure and year-round presence, while the surrounding perennials contribute a dynamic and changing display.

From early summer to frost, perennials in a cohesive palette of pinks, purples, lavender, white, and silver fill the planting with color and variety. The airy blooms of Agastache ‘Rainbow Sorbet’ and the soft movement of variegated moor grass (Molinia caerulea ‘Variegata’) lend texture and motion, while daylilies, liatris, and yarrow add season-spanning flowers in varied forms. If agastache proves tricky in your conditions—cold, wet winters can sometimes set it back—another frothy perennial such as gaura can be used as a substitute to achieve a similar effect. Together, these plants mingle beautifully, offering visual richness and pollinator appeal through the hottest months of the year.

As with all gardens, this design will evolve over time. As the framework plants mature, some perennials may need editing, thinning, or shifting to preserve balance. Embracing that natural progression keeps the planting looking fresh and ensures a long-lasting four-season display.

Designed for full sun in Zones 6–9, this combination is moderately drought tolerant once established and provides ample nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Deer resistance is generally good, though no planting is entirely deer-proof. Most selections are relatively easy to source, and if substitutions are needed, aim to match size, texture, and color to maintain the design’s character.

Plants Featured in This Combo (Alphabetical Order):

• Achillea millefolium Song Siren ‘Little Susie’
• Agastache ‘Rainbow Sorbet’
• Cedrus deodara ‘Divinely Blue’ (or substitute conifer)
• Hebe pinguifolia ‘Sutherlandii’
• Hemerocallis fulva ‘Endlesslily Coral’
• Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’
• Molinia caerulea ssp. caerulea ‘Variegata’
• Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’

Each plant in this design has its own profile page on eGardenGo, where you’ll find more details and additional planting ideas.