Garden Plan with Copper and Blue Foliage

Due to its reliance on foliage, this plant combination looks great year-round. Perfect for a front yard entry garden—there's even a planting plan to help you get the quantity and spacing right!

The vignette is enhanced by seasonal blooms; in late winter the hellebore produces apple green flowers and a bit later, ivory clusters are set off against the copper-colored foliage of the ninebark. The ninebark loses its foliage in winter, though remains interesting thanks to papery, exfoliating bark. The remaining three plants provide a steady evergreen frame.

Try this one in any full sun location that you'll be viewing throughout the year. Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and handsome too—what's not to love?


Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun
Water Needs: Average, Low

Design Considerations

Style: City and Courtyard, Northwest Eclectic
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Drought Tolerant, Fabulous Foliage, Four Season Appeal, Warm Colors
Focus: Year-round Interest, Color Theme, Curb Appeal, Mixed Border, Saving Water, Efficient Use of 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

  • Carex testacea

    Orange Sedge

    Type: Grass / Grass-Like, Groundcover, Perennial
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Afternoon Sun, Morning Sun, Reflected Heat
    Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10

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  • Cedrus deodara 'Divinely Blue'

    Divinely Blue Deodar Cedar

    Type: Conifer, Shrub
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

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  • Helleborus x sternii

    Lenton Rose

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

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  • Physocarpus opulifolius 'Mindia'

    Coppertina™ Ninebark

    Type: Shrub
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Afternoon Sun, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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