Foliage Combo for Shaded Woodland with Light Green and Bronze Foliage

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. 


Growing Conditions

Zone: 6, 7, 8
Exposure: Open Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Part Shade, Part Sun
Water Needs: Average

Design Considerations

Style: City and Courtyard, Northwest Eclectic, Woodland
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Fabulous Foliage, Low Maintenance
Focus: Curb Appeal, Mixed Border
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest, Year-round Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: medium



Plants In this Combo