Plant Combination for Part Shade Emphasizing Foliage

This easy care plant combination, driven by foliage, offers a pleasing variety in texture and form and is well-suited to a morning sun, bright shade, or filtered sun setting. It could adapt to more sun if adequate moisture is maintained. However, until the tree is large enough to cast light shade over the entire planting area, try to protect the understory from blistering blasts of afternoon sun. In spring, red blooms on Rhododendron 'Cherries and Merlot' echo, and consequently accentuate, the blush of red on all, and speaks directly to the intensely colored foliage of the Japanese maple.


Maintenance couldn't be easier. In late late fall or early winter, clean up and/or cut back last year's foliage on the bergenia. In spring, removing dead or withered foliage on the ground-hugging fern and the astelia will keep them looking handsome. The Japanese maple can be pruned on an as-needed basis. Because these plants looks great for such a long period of time and can be combined together in a relatively small space, this plant combination would be great for adding curb appeal to your front yard garden.


Growing Conditions

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

Design Considerations

Style: City and Courtyard, Northwest Eclectic, Woodland
Features: Fabulous Foliage, Four Season Appeal, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Winter Interest
Focus: Curb Appeal, Efficient Use of Space, Mixed Border, Small Space, Year-round Interest
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo