Foliage First But Plenty of Flowers Too

This planting combination owes much of its staying power to the steady contributions that a variety in color, texture, and plant shapes bring to the scene. Though it's not a slouch in the bloom department either—spring to early summer, purple orbs and yellow whorls make a fun floral show that continues even as the flowers age; attractive seed heads in tawny tones take their place. The ever-evolving Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is garden-worthy throughout with a progression that begins with succulent gray foliage in spring, followed by dome-shaped flowers that age from apple green to deep pink, and then their dried forms remain attractive into late fall. The strappy upright form and colorful foliage of the New Zealand flax adds visual heft year-round. A word of caution on the phormium— consider it an annual and you won't be disappointed by an untimely loss due to cold freezing temps.


Growing Conditions

Zone: 8, 9, 10
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun
Water Needs: Average, Low

Design Considerations

Style: Mediterranean, Northwest Eclectic, Wildlife Friendly
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Drought Tolerant, Fabulous Foliage, Wildlife Friendly
Focus: Saving Water, Pleasing Seasonal Flow
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low, medium



Plants In this Combo

  • Allium giganteum

    ornamental onion
    giant allium

    Type: Bulb / Corm / Tuber
    Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
    Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

    view plant

  • Phlomis fruticosa

    Jerusalem Sage

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
    Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

    view plant

  • Phormium 'Sundowner'

    Sundowner New Zealand Flax

    Type: Perennial, Shrub, Tender Perennial
    Exposure:
    Zone: 8, 9, 10, 11

    view plant

  • Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

    Autumn Joy Stonecrop

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
    Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

    view plant