Three large shrubs, two evergreen and one with an ever-evolving multi-season display are the basis of this low-maintenance border. It is skirted by dwarf barberry in deep burgundy tones and a carpet of Veronica 'Georgia Blue' which add coverage and interest to the ground plane. A deciduous, multi-season tree towards the back and behind the Osmanthus h. 'Goshiki' would round out the show. The photo shows a magnolia which is a fine choice, however a Stewartia pseudocamellia might be an even better choice, given its fantastic 4-season performance. The key to success with this planting combination is to give it room. The trio of individual plants that are the core of the combo each require a fair amount of space to come into their own. For instance, the Osmanthus h. 'Goshiki' can withstand pruning, however a lighter hand is necessary for the doublefile viburnum—excessive pruning can ruin its graceful horizontal growth habit.
Zone:
6, 7, 8
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun
Water Needs:
Average
Style:
Northwest Eclectic, Woodland
Features:
Fabulous Foliage, Fall Color, Four Season Appeal, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Winter Interest
Focus:
Curb Appeal, Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow, Privacy and Screening, Year-round Interest
Seasons of Interest:
Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Spring, Summer, Three Seasons of Interest, Year-round Interest
Maintenance Level:
low
Darcy Daniels, Bloomtown Gardens, Portland OR
dwarf purpleleaf Japanese barberry
Type:
Shrub
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Silver Mist Deodar Cedar
Type:
Conifer, Shrub
Exposure:
Full Sun
Zone:
6, 7, 8, 9
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
Georgia Blue Speedwell
Type:
Groundcover, Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Afternoon Sun, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
DOUBLEFILE VIBURNUM
Type:
Shrub
Exposure:
Full Sun, Filtered Sun, Open Shade
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8