Plant Combo in Warm Tones

The cornerstone of this planting combination is a trio of foliage plants selected for their warm sunset tones. The bronze coppery foliage of the ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Coppertina') picks up the deeper tones in the multi-colored evergreen holly (Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki') and the tawny semi-evergreen pheasant grass. For added color and summer blooms, Echinacea 'Sunrise' and Geranium 'Rozanne' would be excellent companions. Carex testacea is an excellent alternate to Anemanthele lessoniana; it's full zone hardier and its coppery-orange foliage tones would be right at home in this scheme.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 8, 9, 10
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun
Water Needs: Average, Drought-tolerant, Low

Design Considerations

Style: Cottage, Mediterranean, Northwest Eclectic
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Drought Tolerant, Fabulous Foliage, Attracts Pollinator, Warm Colors
Focus: Color Theme, Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Year-round Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo

  • Anemanthele lessoniana

    Pheasant Grass
    New Zealand Wind Grass
    STIPA LESSONIANA

    Type: Grass / Grass-Like
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Afternoon Sun
    Zone: 8, 9, 10

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  • 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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  • Echinacea x 'Sunrise'

    Big Sky™ Sunrise Coneflower

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun
    Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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  • Geranium 'Gerwat' Rozanne

    Rozanne Hardy Geranium

    Type: Groundcover, Perennial
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Afternoon Sun
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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  • Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'

    Variegated False Holly

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

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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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