Designed for full sun and afternoon sun in Zones 8–9, this mixed border pairs a durable, evergreen framework with a warm–cool palette for year-round appeal and pollinator interest. The foliage-first structure comes from Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’, Brachyglottis greyi, and Cistus ‘Mickie’. Their varied forms and mostly evergreen leaves keep the scene composed through winter in mild climates. Brachyglottis offers bold, felted-white leaf undersides and summer yellow, daisy-like blooms, though it’s grown primarily for its handsome foliage. Cistus ‘Mickie’ extends interest with yellow-variegated leaves and a spring-to-early-summer flush of white flowers with a sunny eye.

Artemisia versicolor ‘Seafoam’ carpets the ground with frothy silver-gray foliage from spring into fall, echoing the bolder brachyglottis leaves as one example of the design’s color echoes. The overall color story blends repetition and contrast: repeated echoes of silver/gray and warm tones are complemented by deliberate opposites—blue flowers and cool foliage set against yellow and orange blooms. This balance of unity and variety—in color, form, and texture—ties the planting together while keeping it lively.

Ceanothus x ‘Topaz’ brings blue bloom that pairs beautifully with the orangey-yellow flowers of OSO Easy Paprika rose; their summer bloom often overlaps. ‘Topaz’ flowers on new wood, so you can clean up winter damage in spring while avoiding cuts into old wood. Unlike many ceanothus, ‘Topaz’ appreciates some summer water. If you swap cultivars, choose one that fits your space and conditions; see the Xera Plants Ceanothus list for PNW-suitable options.

Zauschneria (California fuchsia) is late to emerge and slow to get rolling, but it’s invaluable for late-season color, adding ember-red to orange accents just as the border needs a lift. Overall water needs are low once established, though periodic irrigation helps performance and appearance. The rose will look best with a bit more moisture—monitor and supplement as needed. Leave breathing room around your “forever” framework to tuck in additional summer flowers if you want extra pop.

Plants included:

• Artemisia versicolor ‘Seafoam’
• Brachyglottis greyi
• Ceanothus x ‘Topaz’
• Cistus ‘Mickie’
• Rosa x ‘ChewMayTime’ OSO Easy Paprika
• Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’
• Zauschneria californica
• Zauschneria septentrionalis ‘Select Mattole’