Low Water Foliage Combo for Full Sun

This foliage-driven, low-maintenance plant combination for USDA Zone 7 through 8 is incredibly drought-tolerant and is designed to look good year-round. This planting scheme is perfect for adding curb appeal to a  sunny front yard garden or courtyard. A noteworthy feature of the plant combination is the trio of plants that create a living mulch that carpets the ground; retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and looking fab. Three ground-covers mingle to create an evergreen tapestry on the ground plane: a salmon-colored sun rose (Helianthemum), lamb's ears (Stachys), and New Zealand hair sedge (Carex). Depending upon how the variegated Italian buckthorn (Rhamnus) is situated, it can be used to create an effective evergreen hedge or screen. The remaining plants round out the composition, contributing a variety of shape and textures. Juniperus c. 'Compressa' is a slow-growing, finely-textured dwarf conifer with a strictly upright growth habit that provides a strong a vertical accent. The gray-green finely-textured foliage of Hebe c. 'Boughton's Dome' is an echo to the juniper, though contrasting in shape. When laying out the plants in this composition, take care not to place them directly next to each other. They'll look best with one or more of the other plants between them. The bi-colored evergreen foliage of the Yucca 'Color Guard' is a strong presence with its strappy foliage. In summer, it's decorated by towers of ivory blooms that drive the hummingbirds bananas. 


Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8
Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Occasional

Design Considerations

Style: Mediterranean, Northwest Eclectic, Waterwise, City and Courtyard
Features: Drought Tolerant, Fabulous Foliage, Four Season Appeal, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Winter Interest
Focus: Curb Appeal, Hellstrip / Parking Strip, Mixed Border, Saving Water, Small Space, Year-round Interest, Privacy and Screening, Efficient Use of Space
Seasons of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo