Foliage-driven Plant Combo Elevated by Summer Blooms

Fantastic color harmonies are at play as the mahogany/red tones weave throughout this foliage-first plant combination for part shade. The 'Little Giant' hardy fuchsia was selected for adding seasonal color because of its compact habit, free-flowering performance, and the fact that it's a welcome mat for hummingbirds. The red blooms start in late spring/early summer and continue until winter-y weather sets in. The blooms echo, and consequently accentuate, the red tones in all. Generally this combination is adaptable to quite a bit of sun if adequate moisture is maintained. However, until the tree is large enough to cast light shade over the entire planting area, try to protect the fern and bergenia from blistering blasts of sun. 

Maintenance couldn't be easier—in mid-spring clean up and/or cut back last year's foliage from the fern, bergenia, heuchera, and hardy fuchsia. Removing dead or withered straps of foliage on the astelia will keep it looking handsome. The Japanese maple can be pruned on an as-needed basis. Because these plants looks great for such a long period of time and can be combined together in a relatively small space, this plant combination would be great for adding curb appeal to your front yard garden. 

If you have trouble locating A. 'Red Devil', any of these would do the job, though the rich red tones would be sacrificed. And specific maples can be very elusive—so, so many!—there are number of different varieties that would help you create the same effect. 


Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8
Exposure: Morning Sun, Part Shade, Open Shade, Filtered Sun
Water Needs: Average, Regular / Even

Design Considerations

Style: City and Courtyard, Northwest Eclectic, Woodland
Features: Fabulous Foliage, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Wildlife Friendly
Focus: Curb Appeal, Mixed Border, Small Space, Pleasing Seasonal Flow
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Three Seasons of Interest, Pleasing Seasonal Changes

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Once-a-Year Care

Credits




Plants In this Combo

  • Acer palmatum 'Fireglow'

    Fireglow Japanese Maple

    Type: Tree
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

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  • Astelia 'Red Devil'

    Red Mountain Astelia

    Type: Perennial, Shrub
    Exposure: Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10

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  • Athyrium otophorum

    Eared Lady Fern

    Type: Fern, Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

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  • Bergenia ciliata 'Dumbo'

    Dumbo Bergenia

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

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  • Fuchsia 'Little Giant'

    Little Giant Hardy Fuchsia

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

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  • Heuchera 'Mahogany'

    Mahogany Coral Bells

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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