This plant combination emphasizing foliage and unique flowers is anchored by the extremely elegant and unusual Itea ilicifolia—this evergreen shrub is a site to behold in summer when it's clothed in pendulous, greenish-white racemes. Amenable to espaliering against a wall or a fence, it's a great choice for a protected courtyard. Though sun-tolerant, it dislikes the hot afternoon sun, so situate it accordingly. The vignette is rounded out by the big, golden foliage of the Hollard's Gold Acanthus, strappy yellow swords of the yucca, wisps of pewter-colored grass, and blooming accents from spring to summer.
Zone:
7,
8,
9
Exposure:
Open Shade,
Filtered Sun,
Morning Sun,
Part Shade,
Part Sun
Water Needs:
Average,
Regular / Even
Style:
City and Courtyard,
Northwest Eclectic
Features:
Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form,
Fabulous Foliage,
Four Season Appeal,
Winter Interest
Focus:
Year-round Interest,
Mixed Border,
Pleasing Seasonal Flow
Seasons of Interest:
Spring,
Summer,
Winter,
Year-round Interest,
Pleasing Seasonal Changes,
Three Seasons of Interest
Maintenance Level:
medium
Hollard's Gold Bear's Breeches
Type:
Perennial
Exposure:
Full Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
Zone:
7, 8, 9, 10
New Zealand Hair Sedge
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like, Tender Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade, Reflected Heat
Zone:
6, 7, 8, 9
Green Envy Coneflower
Type:
Perennial
Exposure:
Afternoon Sun
Zone:
6, 7, 8, 9
Hollyleaf Sweetspire
Type:
Shrub
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
Zone:
7, 8, 9, 10
Georgia Blue Speedwell
Type:
Groundcover, Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Afternoon Sun, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Color Guard Adam's Needle
Type:
Perennial, Shrub
Exposure:
Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10