Drought-tolerant Mixed Bed for Challenging Conditions

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. 


Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun
Water Needs: Average, Drought-tolerant, Low

Design Considerations

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

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low, medium



Plants In this Combo