The colorful foliage in varied shapes and textures make an interesting and engaging display that looks good year-round but is particularly effective spring to fall, when all its members are present and in fine form. The color palette leans toward warm with its golden and bronze accents and is all the brighter when backed by the dark-green foliage of the Degroot's spire conifer. The narrow, columnar form of the conifer lifts the eye and is complemented by the rounded rhododendron, the large hosta leaves with their light yellow margin add a bright note, mounds of grassy foliage add movement and strong textural contrast, and the clumps of coral-colored foliage (Heuchera 'Rio') speak to the new foliage color of the Rhododendron 'Elizabeth Ostbo'. The rhododendron is valued for its color new foliage but also offers up red blooms in spring.
This combo works with or without the suggested tree (Acer japonicum 'Acontifolium') and the plans available for download include versions that include the tree and versions that do not.
Zone:
6, 7, 8
Exposure:
Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade, Part Shade, Part Sun
Water Needs:
Average
Style:
City and Courtyard, Northwest Eclectic, Woodland
Features:
Fabulous Foliage, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form
Focus:
Curb Appeal, Mixed Border
Seasons of Interest:
Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Spring, Summer, Three Seasons of Interest, Winter, Year-round Interest
Maintenance Level:
medium
fernleaf full moon maple
Type:
Tree
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
Zone:
6, 7, 8
Japanese Forest Grass
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like, Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Open Shade
Zone:
6, 7, 8, 9
FANCY LEAF CORAL BELLS
Type:
Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Sagae Hosta
Type:
Perennial
Exposure:
Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Morning Sun, Open Shade
Zone:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Elizabeth Ostbo Rhododendron
Type:
Shrub
Exposure:
Open Shade
Zone:
6, 7, 8, 9
Compact Columnar Arborvitae
Type:
Conifer, Shrub
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
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