Fantastic Foliage, Smooth Bark, and a Sequence of Seasonal Blooms

I've been growing these plants together in my garden for many years now. One of my favorite moments of the multi-season show this vignette delivers is in early spring. At that time, the emerging foliage of Little Heath Pieris is a warm rosy-peach and it looks wonderful with the creamy-smooth bark of the Zuni crape myrtle. Drips of ivory blooms echo the color of the bark as well. Adding to the show are apple green flowers of Helleborus argutifolius in late winter / early spring. As soon as the flowers start to go over, cut them off at the base of the plant to allow fresh foliage to emerge from the base which will persist through the rest of the season and will bloom the following winter. I'd grow the Zuni crape myrtle for its bark alone, but it offers more than that—summer blooms and fall color. This is an exceptionally easy-to-grow vignette that looks good year-round.


Growing Conditions

Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun
Water Needs: Regular / Even, Average, Occasional

Design Considerations


Features: Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fabulous Foliage, Four Season Appeal, Harmonious Colors, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Winter Interest
Focus: Curb Appeal, Efficient Use of Space, Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow, Small Space, Year-round Interest
Seasons of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Deadheading



Plants In this Combo