This planting combination for full sun—anchored by two handsome, easy-care, evergreen shrubs: variegated buckthorn and Bupleurum—is surrounded by a jumble of yellow and blue, summer-to-fall flowers of the tickseed and hardy geranium. Also in summer, dill-like umbels in acid yellow cover the bupleurum. Together, these blooms offer steady hospitality to pollinators, butterflies, and hummers. This vignette thrives in full sun and is quite drought tolerant, once established. Deadhead the tickseed to prevent excessive reseeding, if that's a concern. Geranium 'Rozanne' can be cut back after bloom to stimulate another round of color.
Zone:
7,
8,
9
Exposure:
Afternoon Sun,
Full Sun
Water Needs:
Average,
Drought-tolerant,
Low
Style:
Cottage,
Mediterranean,
Northwest Eclectic,
Wildlife Friendly
Features:
Drought Tolerant,
Fabulous Foliage,
Flower Fest,
Low Maintenance,
Attracts Pollinator,
Wildlife Friendly,
Winter Interest
Focus:
Saving Water
Seasons of Interest:
Late Spring / Early Summer,
Summer,
Late Summer / Early Fall,
Fall,
Three Seasons of Interest,
Year-round Interest
Maintenance Level:
low,
medium
Shrubby Hare's Ear
Type:
Shrub
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Zone:
6, 7, 8, 9
threadleaf coreopsis
Type:
Perennial
Exposure:
Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Rozanne Hardy Geranium
Type:
Groundcover, Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Afternoon Sun
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Variegated Italian Buckthorn
Type:
Shrub
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Afternoon Sun, Morning Sun
Zone:
7, 8, 9, 10