This sun-loving, drought-tolerant, perennial plant combo produces copious summertime blooms. The varied flower shape of Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' with its spires of purple paired with the magenta-pink, daisy-shaped blooms atop dark stems of Echinacea 'Merlot' create a simple, but successful and long lasting display. The lightly-colored, semi-evergreen foliage of the lamb's ear looks good almost year-round and as an edge of silver-colored foliage, illuminates the scene like a footlight. In summer the shrub dogwood, Cornus 'Midwinter Fire', hums quietly in the background, playing a supporting role to perennial blooms. Come winter, it sheds its deciduous foliage to reveal vivid orange-red stems; emboldened by cool weather, it steps to center stage, enlivening the dark days of winter.
Zone:
5,
6,
7,
8
Exposure:
Afternoon Sun,
Full Sun
Water Needs:
Drought-tolerant,
Low
Style:
Cottage,
Modern,
Naturalistic,
Northwest Eclectic
Features:
Deer Resistant,
Drought Tolerant,
Flower Fest,
Attracts Pollinator,
Wildlife Friendly,
Winter Interest
Focus:
Mixed Border,
Saving Water,
Pleasing Seasonal Flow
Seasons of Interest:
Late Spring / Early Summer,
Summer,
Fall,
Winter,
Pleasing Seasonal Changes,
Three Seasons of Interest
Maintenance Level:
medium
Midwinter Fire shrub dogwood
Type:
Shrub
Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Afternoon Sun, Filtered Sun
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Merlot Coneflower
Type:
Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Caradonna Sage
Type:
Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Helene Von Stein Lamb's Ears
Type:
Groundcover, Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Afternoon Sun
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8