Four-season Foliage-centric Planting Bed in Part Sun

This low-maintenance planting combination is anchored by Stewartia monadelpha, a slow-growing tree selected for its gorgeous bark, summer blooms, and excellent fall color. A fragrant, summer-blooming daphne with its rounded shape and lightly variegated foliage makes a lovely pairing with the cool blue foliage of the upright, shade-tolerant conifer. Masses of evergreen Acorus 'Ogon' carpet the ground with a dense mat of weed-suppressing golden foliage, creating a cheerful frame around the entire scene. This vignette looks great year-round and would be a good choice for adding curb appeal to a front yard garden. A planting plan is available for download that will help you get the quantity and spacing right as you incorporate this planting combination in your garden. 

Like the idea, but gardening in the drier, sunnier spot? Check out this related combo—a similar layout using drought-tolerant plants for full sun.


Growing Conditions

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

Design Considerations

Style: City and Courtyard, Naturalistic, Northwest Eclectic, Woodland
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Fabulous Foliage, Fall Color, Four Season Appeal, Low Maintenance, Winter Interest
Focus: Year-round Interest, Curb Appeal, Hellstrip / Parking Strip, Mixed Border, Saving Water, Pleasing Seasonal Flow, Small Space
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Year-round Interest, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo