Contrasting Foliage Texture in Part Sun Garden

A simple and sophisticated foliage combo in shades of green. The evergreen and all-season anchors include a finely-textured, slow-growing yellow-green bun; Lonicera nitida 'Twiggy', which is complemented by the leathery, silver-green mounding foliage of Helleborus x sternii. In late winter into early spring, apple-green blooms with a hint of burgundy provide early-season flowers, when we're most anxious to see them. The grassy, golden-green foliage of Japanese forest grass adds a bright spot and flowing, cascading movement to an otherwise rigid scene.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Filtered Sun, Full Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade, Part Shade, Part Sun
Water Needs: Average

Design Considerations

Style: Northwest Eclectic, Woodland
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Fabulous Foliage, Winter Interest
Focus: Color Theme, Mixed Border, Small Space
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest, Year-round Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo

  • Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

    Gold Variegated Japanese forest grass

    Type: Grass / Grass-Like
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

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  • Helleborus x sternii

    Lenton Rose

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9

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  • Lonicera nitida 'Twiggy'

    Twiggy Box Honeysuckle

    Type: Shrub
    Exposure: Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 7, 8, 9

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