Good Structure and Colorful Blooms Deliver Multi-season Display

Bask in the glowing warmth that radiates from this color scheme—the coppery foliage of Cotinus 'Grace', streaks of coral red from the New Zealand flax, fiery-red flowers of the salvia, burnt orange tones of the aging flowers of Sedum 'Autumn Joy', and the medley of coneflower blooms across the spectrum.  

Much of the bulk of this plant combination is provided by the largest plants: Silver Mist deodar cedar, Grace smokebush, Phormium 'Sundowner', and Melianthus major. Most likely you'll use just one of each of these. Cedrus d. 'Silver Mist' and Hebe p. 'Sutherlandii', and the Phormium are the evergreen, all-season anchors. The smokebush is deciduous and the honey bush is semi-evergreen, so they can be counted on to offer a solid three-season display of fine foliage. Flowers are selected for their multi-month performance; the coneflower and salvia bloom throughout the summer. Use multiple plants of the remaining flowers and weave them among these larger plants. 


Growing Conditions

Zone: 8, 9
Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun
Water Needs: Occasional, Drought-tolerant

Design Considerations

Style: Northwest Eclectic, Naturalistic, Wildlife Friendly, Waterwise
Features: Attracts Pollinator, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Flower Fest, Warm Colors, Wildlife Friendly, Fabulous Foliage, Fall Color, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form
Focus: Hellstrip / Parking Strip, Mixed Border, Saving Water, Pleasing Seasonal Flow
Seasons of Interest: Three Seasons of Interest, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Spring, Summer, Fall

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: medium
Maintenance Tasks: Deadheading



Plants In this Combo