Story Transcript
The Nonstop Color Garden
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First published in 2014 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc., 400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA
Digital edition: 978-1-62788-553-9 Softcover edition: 978-1-59186-605-3 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Neal, Nellie.
© 2014 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.
The nonstop color garden : design flowering landscapes and gardens for year-round enjoyment / Nellie Neal.
All rights reserved. With the exception of quoting brief
pages cm
passages for the purposes of review, no part of this
Includes index.
publication may be reproduced without prior written
ISBN 978-1-59186-605-3 (sc)
permission from the Publisher.
1. Flower gardening. 2. Gardens--Design. I. Title.
The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are
SB404.9.N43 2015 635.9--dc23 2014020695
made without any guarantee on the part of the author or Publisher, who also disclaims any liability incurred in connection with the use of this data or specific details.
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We recognize, further, that some words, model names,
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Cool Springs Press titles are also available at discounts in bulk quantity for industrial or sales-promotional use. For details write to Special Sales Manager at Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc., 400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA.
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The NoNsTop Color GardeN design flowering landscapes and gardens for year-round enjoyment Nellie Neal
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
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Dedication To my oldest friend, the dear Kathy Greer, and my brilliant daughter, LauraClaire, for making me want to be a better person. As always, to Dave.
Acknowledgments EVERY AUThOR WORTh hER SALT knows that each
design. These gurus and the hundreds of people who
book can only be as good as those who taught her. The
have invited me into their gardens have given me an
lessons of color and its emotional power came to me first
invaluable education and inspiration. It has been my
from my grandmother, the seamstress and tailor, and
privilege to meet and work with amazing landscape
my mother, the runway model. Mrs. Oliver taught me to
architects, professionals who were kind enough to
see in line and form and to paint with understanding.
share notes with me and invite me to consult on plants.
She showed me the world of classic design through her
They are expected to be magicians, to effortlessly birth
voluminous postcard collection. I was transformed by
the client’s wildest dreams, and more often than not,
studying under Dr. Robert Reich, for whom the landscape
they succeed. My sincerest thanks to my editors, Billie
architecture school at Louisiana State University is
Brownell and Madeleine Vasaly, and to their team at
named. he introduced me to the work of Garrett Eckbo
Quarto Publishing Group USA.
and to the reality of personal expression through garden
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Contents n Welcome to your nonstop color garden n 1. Design inspiration gallery n 2. Designing with color
22
37
38
Design principles
Understanding color concepts
60
63
Color relationships
Color for maximum garden impact
n 3. Problem-solving with color 82
Xeriscape solutions
86
Winter interest
Annual flower power
88 92
Small-space challenges
n 4. Plants for nonstop color 124
Flowering perennials
177
USDA zone map
178
Planting chart
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More colorful plants Reading list Photo credits
148
166
Groundcovers
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97
98
Shrubs
Index
77
78
Shady strategies
n n n n n
70
73
Top-down color
Trees
7
184
185 186
187
Meet Nellie Neal
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Welcome to your nonstop color garden WhEN YOU WALK INTO a beautiful garden, what do
into a year-round garden destination. Your feet are down
you notice first? The temperature drop in a shady grove
the path to it in a heartbeat, drawn to its color. When
on a summer day, a fountain’s gurgle, berried hedges on
you smile to see the first flowering quince (Chaenomeles)
a snowy day, the abundance of spring flowers? Yes, but
of spring or thrill as maples (Acer) turn in autumn, each
time and again the colors in the garden are what you
time you feel like celebrating lilacs (Syringa) or beau-
remember long after because they set the mood for every-
tyberry (Callicarpa), it’s their colors that touch your heart.
thing else. The power of plants to focus attention and set
This book will put them close at hand.
moods with their colors cannot be understated, but not to
All the colors in the organic crayon box are featured
be left out, structures and hardscape gain attention here,
here with suggestions for plants in every category to
too. Whether they are meant to fade into the scene or
enrich the colors throughout your garden every month
create a focal point, color defines their roles: a wooden
of the year. here’s a look at what else you’ll find in The
shed is a utilitarian joy but a can of paint transforms it
Nonstop Color Garden.
A neat green carpet lawn and a classic brick hardscape set the stage for this charming border. It displays brilliant use of color to create form within closely related shades using plants that include upright delphiniums in mauve, lilac, and deep blue-purple; rosy flowering onion orbs; pale pink climbing roses; and purple salvia.
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About chapter 1
Design inspiration gallery
MUCh OF GARDEN DESIGN is first a broad vision, a
but the moods and styles of botanic gardens and
concept for coloring space across the seasons. To be suc-
residential landscapes offer wildly diverse possibilities
cessful, the plan exploits that big idea until every detail
for your interpretation.
carries the desired theme. In the best of them, a reward-
This chapter offers excellent examples of public and
ing design starts as a sparkle in one’s eye and becomes
private gardens in the lower forty-eight US states, from
tangible for all to enjoy. Landscape architects and
coast to coast and north to south in all seasons. The
garden designers see a year full of color, texture, line,
design inspiration gallery will charm, amuse, and show
and much more. They translate their visions into plants
you how design elements work together with color to
and hardscape in myriad different ways as you will see
make strong statements in large and small spaces. These
in the design inspiration gallery. Gardeners like to be
gardens have the wow factor, the joyful, timeless sense
inspired and sometimes can be downright copycats, with
of place that each person seeks and too few find whether
good reason. It’s perfectly acceptable to take good ideas
the project is a blank slate or the redesign of an exist-
home, even take photos, and then make them your own.
ing garden. here are plenty of classic and modern ideas
When you explore a pleasing design, the math
to draw on for inspiration in your personal process to
and geometry may be complex or minimalist, yet it’s
create colorful gardens from the top down, year round.
always coherent in its own way. The plants and colors fit
An old adage says that imitation is the sincerest form
together; their placement and hue has an inherent sense
of flattery, so begin with a tour through some amazing
of rightness. You can find fabulous color everywhere,
gardens to find your kindred spirits.
Beautiful, exuberant beds use color and geometry to express the gardener’s upbeat attitude in a rainbow of perennial and annual plants. By grouping shades together and allowing them to flow from the ground up, the design welcomes you to stroll, stoop, and sniff the flowers.
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About chapter 2
Designing with color
A TRULY WORKABLE DESIGN rests on the strength of
are flat, thick, and wavy, respectively, and your choice
basic elements and color to bring your vision to life in the
sets the table for the more soaring forms and colors.
garden. When you put these elements together to score
The texture of a plant or a rock or a wall refers to how
your own personal garden symphony, it doesn’t matter
hard or soft it looks and is usually explained in relative
whether yours is a courtyard or an estate. Their har-
terms between fine and coarse. The true design strength
mony plays in every space and you can scale the plants
of texture and its ability to hold your attention often
down or up to echo good examples from either end of
depends on color to be effective—a concrete patio is just
the spectrum. In illustrating each of these hallmarks
a surface, but a blue slate patio has cool appeal and fine
and the effect different colors can have on it, this book
texture that garners attention every day, all year long.
puts the building blocks of the nonstop color garden in
Because it is a relative term often seen in the eye of the
your hands. The strong establishing lines of a tall ever-
beholder, you will find a variety of examples in this chap-
green hedge in a public garden can translate into the
ter and throughout the book. They are chosen to assist
dwarf version of that species to anchor your home land-
you in implementing colorful textures to establish focal
scape. A mixed hedge that includes flowering trees uses
points and to create views that work in every season.
softer lines to set a cottage garden tone and a vignette
The power of contrast grabs your attention like
of the same plants can create that same style in a bed
a gentle tap on the shoulder or a loud cymbal crash,
next to your patio. Plant choices add seasonal color to
depending on its colors. Coral bells (Heuchera) can offer
the hedge line when you opt for shrubs with colorful new
shades from rose pink to orange and yellow to deep
growth, fall color, or flowers. That combination of line
purple in sweetly scalloped leaves. A patch of any one
and color takes the scene to a more prominent place in
contrasts well with upright green leaves, but a combi-
the nonstop color garden and gives you more pleasure
nation of coral bells’ colors will strengthen an area’s
in the doing.
appeal in sometimes startling ways. Variegation grows its own contrast; while bishop’s
Design Principles
weed (Aegopodium) is a neat groundcover plant, the
A plant’s overall shape, the geometric impression it
white leaf edges of the variegated form deliver real
makes, and the texture it displays constitutes its form in
pizazz. Emphasis in a design is sometimes measured
the garden. For example, no one can mistake the pyra-
by the viewer’s reaction to one spectacular plant, like
mid that is a spruce tree with the vase-shapes that char-
a spring-flowering tree when nothing else is in bloom.
acterize Kerria and mock orange (Philadelphus). Using
That can be achieved by using the power of color in con-
form and color together, from the top of a tree’s canopy
trast to everything else in that season or throughout the
to the groundcovers you choose, enables you to control
entire year.
the garden’s flow and vistas. A lawn sets one kind of
Why does your eye sometimes zero in on a distant
stage, a bed of vining Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum)
tree across the garden regardless of what is nearer to
or clumping lily turf (Liriope) quite another. Their forms
you? You simply see it, but the relationship between color
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Color defines this long, narrow space and widens it visually; and size gives that tree its attractive quality. If the tree
neatly kept evergreens repeat the clean lines of raised beds and a
is in scale with the rest of the garden, it pleases the eye.
whimsical throw rug of lawn. Gray pavers create paths, a seating
Wise manipulation of scale lets you see each part of a
area, and water garden with contrast provided by bunches of
design in harmony with the rest. It is the proper use of
color, among them blue salvia, white and yellow daisies, and
perspective in design that transforms a pasture into an
pink hydrangea.
intimate landscape or makes a zero lot line property feel spacious. Color aids perspective by allowing an element to recede or racing it into the forefront in support of the
of trees to frame a view and perennials to fill it, ways to
design. Gardens shown in Chapter 2 illustrate the ways
create one vista by masking another, and see how color
to use scale and perspective, and Chapter 4 offers plants
puts form front and center.
to achieve it with color in any growing zone. Sometimes
A focal point can be obvious, like a three-tiered gray
a tree can appear farther away or closer than it really is,
fountain at the center of a deep blue water feature or
illustrating another function of design perspective, which
a circular bed in the middle of a lawn made for sea-
is to manipulate space. In this book you’ll find examples
sonal annual color. You might fill it with brilliant gold
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violas topped with red tulips in spring followed by a dazzling display of tall, mixed-color zinnias in summer. Placement in the design determines where focal points will work best, and color puts the drama there to bolster their impact. Chapter 2 offers ways to find and create the focal points every garden needs and shows their impact in four seasons. harmony is a quality of balance, both in design and color, and works with focal point so the object of greatest interest can take center stage. These qualities create comfort, and while the balance and harmony of a design can shift through the year, they are essential. Without them, few views will offer satisfying emotional reactions for very long. Balanced garden scenes make sense visually but also geometrically regardless of their style or complexity. Even simplicity and variety in a design are not mutually exclusive if they are balanced. Think of “simple” as plain clean lines, clearly drawn forms with apparent texture, contrast, and clear proportions. But a cottage garden design can have all these qualities and still be wildly varied—raucous differences in flower shape and color within one vignette. Variety goes to the song among plants, ornaments, and hardscape within a planting that allows each to harmonize with the others and present a balanced view. We’ll take a timeless approach to garden design elements and offer modern strategies to use them, such as the idea of sequence as color across the seasons from top to bottom in the garden. Choreographing a year’s worth of color, its sequence, is hard to do if you consider just one plant at a time. You will find the tools to take the macro view of powerful, unfolding color.
Using Color for Design Impact Color matters in your garden because its presence or absence defines that space and distinguishes yours from all others. A garden design on paper comes to life when you choose its hues and put them to work expressing your desire for a color theme that spans the seasons
When a design is built around one tree, its beauty lies in symmetry and surprise. The contorted, deep-brown trunks of this maple combine rugged bark with elegant organic lines like arms on a candlestick. They are only outdone by the shocking orange fall foliage.
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The power of line in design resonates in winter like in no other season. Upright and sturdy, vertical lines guide the eye and the soul to new heights even more when a garden is snow covered and bare of adornment.
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or changes with them. The Nonstop Garden Color offers
fashion a plan to fill in the gaps or recolor your world to
many ways to do just that using universal color prin-
better suit your style.
ciples and concepts. For example, as you will see, there
The power in determining a personal color palette
are enough shades of any color to fill the year. Pink is no
and knowing which plants fit into it means you can
exception once you embrace its many variations. The
translate the examples that inspire you. Finding the
pastel pink of flowering cherry trees and rose pink tulips
right color can be rather like the adage about kissing a
in spring can lead to lush peachy shades in summer
lot of frogs to find a prince—you can go through many
annuals like verbena and impatiens, with hot pink ole-
shades before you find the ones you really want around
ander and bougainvillea nearby. Fall’s canna lilies can
for the long haul. The keepers constitute your personal
be a riot from peach to fuchsia, and a dusky pink paint
color palette that you will use to establish and reinforce
on that potting shed ensures that your theme endures,
your message. These colors are not limits by any means,
even in a snowstorm. No matter what other colors you
but rather are the launch pad for your exploration of
select as companions, your favorite color can reign; pink
possibilities. To have four to six colors in mind when
used this way invites a closer glance and sets a mood
you plan and shop for the garden keeps your vision on
that is hopeful and contemplative.
track and ensures that each new addition will fit in. Even
how we see color is revealed by a study of simple physics, but the pleasure we take in seeing it in the garden is
better is to know where each color pops and where more is needed, in a particular area or specific season.
decidedly complex. Our experience of color is rooted in
Chapter 2 offers insights into color relationships and
the associations we make to particular shades, and the
how they impact garden design elements. Its purpose
memories and dreams they stir in us. Your earliest dearly
is to inform the way you translate emotions into color,
treasured color memory may be the red and green of
select shades to enhance your mood, and so communi-
Christmas decorations. If those memories are pleasant,
cate both to family and friends in three dimensions. You
you likely gravitate toward red poinsettias, zinnias, and
will find insights into the go-to color relationships you
rhododendrons with abundant dark green leaves. On
can count on to express the shades of emotion you feel.
the other hand, if you much prefer the marching bands
The use of color families further changes the impact of
and flags of Independence Day, you’ll temper that bold
that design to set your personal tone. The absence of pri-
contrast by using shades of blue to cool the scene, with
mary colors in a garden sets a more casual mood while
white and gold to diffuse red’s impact. Neither approach
their dominance demands attention as surely as a tod-
is right or wrong, of course, but making the wrong
dler. Line a perennial border with a mix of white and
approach for you can be costly. The information in this
purple pansies, and you will draw eyes over them and
book is organized to guide you to the garden color palette
into the planting, but choose pure yellow if you want to
that sings your song. Your palette will feel well-rounded
move attention down their length to the lilac tree beyond.
when the colors are both diverse and compatible. On the
This difference is universal far beyond the garden; one
color wheel that means using opposite and complemen-
cannot imagine a set of pastel hazard cones on the high-
tary colors in pleasing portions to achieve color balance.
way, and few would embrace red as the only color in a
The Nonstop Garden Color moves from elegant examples
room. You’ll find innovative ways to put related colors
of this balance to offer ways to measure your site’s color
front and center. Your choices and the resources in this
quotient (or lack of one) with a color survey plan. By
book will shape a garden that grows where you live and
looking at your garden’s color as it is presently, you can
pleases you from the top down year round.
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About chapter 3
Problem-solving with color
GARDENERS ShARE MANY ChALLENGES in bringing
areas like these, the garden benefits and so does local
year-round color to the scene. The right color in the right
wildlife. No matter where you live in USDA Zones 3 to
place can address many issues, from improving a bland
9, it can be a challenge to get satisfying color into the
winter scene to keeping up with a garden bed in promi-
winter garden. But the plants that shine in winter deserve
nent view. By taking a look at common garden issues
your attention for the drama they bring. The practice of
and ways to use color solution strategies to address
“planting out” huge drifts of annual plants has gone
them, you will step into the garden with a sharper, more
the way of telephone booths, still around but few and
optimistic attitude.
far between. When a space needs color quickly and for
For example, as trees grow and shade increases in an
months at a time, though, annuals still get the call, now
area, it can become a green soup of leaves that is easily
in new applications. One of the most intriguing chal-
ignored. Flowers for shade may be few in some areas, but
lenges is one that involves color palette, plant choice,
there are other options. Garden areas that are inherently
and a keen appreciation of one’s personal style: small
dry or wet can offer colorful opportunities that enhance
gardens and small spaces within gardens. You’ll hone
their natural beauty. When you bring color to difficult
your color skills and create sharp solutions in Chapter 3.
Stunning and practical, this pocket garden of color-rich succulents featuring Sedum and Echeveria provides clever living mulch to a difficult garden space. Wine and lime shades in thick, fleshy leaves are complemented by bright yellow variegation that lightens the mood.
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About chapter 4
Plants for nonstop color
GOOD ExAMPLES ARE ONLY pretty pipedreams without
It can be difficult to say when plants that thrive
the specifics necessary to realize them where you live.
across zone lines will deliver their color messages, so
The more than 100 plants profiled here represent the best
learning about them for your zone is important. The
color choices in trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, annuals,
heart and soul of the nonstop color garden is the plants
groundcovers, and bulbs. They are organized first by the
you choose and the pleasure you derive from them. The
color they bring and then by plant category with grow-
gallery in Chapter 4 offers options for different kinds of
ing zone information that you can cross-reference with
color in every season and inspiration to continue your
the USDA hardiness zone map in the Resources section.
exploration of colorful plants. From subtle shades to
Brief growing notes are included but the emphasis here
vibrant color statements, the plants included here come
is on plants, both native and not, with excellent repu-
from and/or transpose into seasonal color options using
tations for reliable growth and color in their zones. Of
illustrations shown in this book. With the gallery orga-
course, there are more plants you’ll want to consider but
nized into color groups and appropriate zones, you’ll find
this gallery meets these important tests:
inspiration for every garden style and size. The plants
• Plants compatible with a busy gardener’s life
are organized in groups associated by color impact: Reds,
• Widely available in garden centers
Pinks; Blues, Purples; Yellows, Oranges, Golds; Greens;
• Seldom known to require much beyond
Whites, Creams; and Grays, Browns, and Barks.
routine maintenance
Flowering trees such as white dogwood offer design focal points for the spring garden. They shine more brightly when accompanied by a dazzling floor show of fuchsia azaleas and bicolored tulips. Opposites attract to bring color from the top down in simultaneous bloom.
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How to use this book
IN THe NoNSToP CoLor GArdeN, you will expand your color horizons to embrace the real possibilities of year-round color and discover inspiring examples of what’s possible to do in your own garden. Whether you are a beginning gardener or a veteran with years in the dirt, an avid do-it-yourselfer or someone working with a landscape architect on the garden of your dreams, this book will offer practical strategies for your success. When you want color for a new garden, need color solutions, or seek to enrich and personalize the colors in an existing landscape, the information included here can be your guide. If you think of garden color mostly in terms of bloom color, the ideas presented here will expand your color perspective. Tree barks, seedpods, and berries can also be featured players to display your colors across the garden and so carry your personal style themes through the year. The twenty-first-century American landscape brings together the best of classic design with the outdoor living concepts of the modern era. This book draws on both to offer great examples of color use in diverse gardens and to present design ideas brimming with
Color harmony comes with repetition of shapes, even without
color, practical tips and solutions you can use, as well
similar shades to bring them together as when both weathered
as plants for every zone. You’ll use The Nonstop Garden
gray fence pickets and perfectly stacked lilac blossoms are
Color to inspire and inform your choices to enjoy color
sharply upright. The message is clearly optimistic and romantic,
all year from the top down in your own garden.
communicated by color.
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W e l C o m e To yo U r N o N S To p C o lo r G A r D e N
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w in te r
sp rin g su m m fa er ll
1
Design inspiration gallery ART IS, AT ITS hEART, a way of seeing something where
here. When you explore a pleasing design, the math
nothing—or something else—exists. A sculptor sees a
and geometry may be complex or minimalist, yet it’s
subtle figure in a solid block of rock, a photographer sees
always coherent in its own way. The plants and colors fit
a clear view where others see chaos, and a writer sees
together; their placement and hue has an inherent sense
ideas that become words.
of rightness. You can find fabulous color everywhere, but
Landscape architects and garden designers see a year
the moods and styles of botanic gardens and residential
full of color, texture, line, and all the design elements
landscapes offer a range of wildly diverse possibilities for
in one unfolding plan. They translate their visions into
your interpretation. This chapter offers excellent exam-
plants and hardscape in myriad different ways to inter-
ples of public and private gardens, from east to west and
pret seasons, moods, and garden styles, as you will see in
north to south in all seasons. It will charm, amuse, and
this gallery. Gardeners like to be inspired and sometimes
show you how design elements work together with color
can be downright copycats, with good reason: there are
to make strong statements in large and small spaces.
some views too lovely to be seen only once. It’s perfectly
These gardens have the “wow” factor, that joyful, time-
acceptable to take good ideas home, even take photos or
less sense of place that each person seeks and too few
make sketches of them, and then transform them into
find whether the project is a blank slate or the redesign
your own. The next step comes with analysis—deciding
of an existing garden. here are plenty of classic and
what you like and why—then adapting those features
modern ideas to draw on for inspiration in your personal
into the reality of your garden. For example, a pure xeri-
process to create colorful gardens from the top down,
scape or tropical design may not, per se, be appropriate
year-round.
in your climate, but its elements certainly can be and its mood will follow.
An old adage says that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so begin the path to your nonstop color
Whether it’s small touches that refine your garden or the complete redo approach, you will find a catalyst
garden with a tour through some amazing gardens. Rest assured—you’ll find kindred spirits among them.
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Spring garden design features the first colors and new growth
Spring
of the season and makes space for annual flowers to bring their shades up close and personal. This inviting seating area sings of comfort and hospitality on a cool spring night.
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When a spectacular flowering shrub, such as the Rhododendron genus, leads the spring show in a garden design, it is best accompanied by equally beautiful plants chosen for their compatible colors and bloom times.
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To reflect the emotional hopes of the season, a spring garden design paints a scene of bright colors in new growth, brilliant blooms, and freshly painted benches. Details of every flower catch the eye of visitors, both humans and pollinators.
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The design for a summer retreat puts the gardener above its
Summer
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colorful plantings for a great view. Its casual style makes a space for working in the garden and relaxing in private all summer.
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Delightfully welcoming you from the street to the entrance, this front garden reveals its maker’s style and sets its mood. The public space puts a face on the family who lives here with friendly, cool colors on a summer day.
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The summer garden offers a chance to bask in the sun with a riot of flower hues as warm as the season. To create a cooler, more calming mood, give green shades more prominence; up their profile with variegation and a mix of hues.
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Fall Below: In many areas, the arrival of fall shifts our focus back outdoors as temperatures moderate, and successful landscape designs reflect that. Such designs feature weatherproof walkways, raised beds, and a fall color palette in plants.
right: In every garden style, consider how the scene shifts as colors come and go. Often the design includes ornaments in colors compatible with fall garden shades that create seasonal focal points.
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Favorite fall colors and plants are as varied as geography, yet everyone appreciates their changing hues. From native plants to fall color annuals, this garden embraces golds, reds, purples, and every shade in between.
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Winter colors don’t have to be dull. A quiet, snowy day brings
Winter
design strengths to the forefront with diverse, strong lines, bold forms, and gorgeous plant combinations that know no season in the Winter Garden at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in england.
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Winter landscapes in areas of little or no frost are designed to feature the architecture of structures and plants, more than colors. When flowers are fewer, repetition of line and harmonious colors delivers a unified message.
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look closely at the garden in winter to see its colorful jewels: a berry here or a flower there. Perhaps because they are fewer, the garden’s joys are all the more precious—to you as well as to birds and other wildlife seeking sustenance.
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de sig n un pri de nc i p rs co tan les lo d r r ing e co l co a lo lo tio rf ns r c on o h r i to ce p- ma ps pt do xim s w um n co lo gar r de n im pa ct
2
Designing with color GARDEN DESIGNS ARE LIKE ORChESTRA SCORES—
appearances, while scale and proportion reinforce per-
both are usually complicated and first seen on paper,
spective and enable color to work. The concept of unity
but are realized right before your eyes in living color.
can be understood as the marriage of balance and focal
Each design element can be considered alone, yet
point, much like the orchestra must coalesce for each
all must work together as surely as violins and oboes
solo to be appreciated.
must, or the composition fails. Line defines the vision,
Nowhere is color as powerful as when it drives
and form adds a third dimension to shape the scene.
emphasis, sequence, simplicity, variety, and contrast in
Texture illustrates the difference between reality and
the design. Because of their relative weight and importance, these elements as well as pure color, are addressed in this chapter. Color interprets the elements as you
A lark of a small garden space where the use of color is sure to
direct, from the simplest projects and plant choices to
incite smiles and invitations for a casual afternoon chat. The
the most sophisticated materials and installations.
blue-lilac color palette on the washed boardwalk repeats in the
To grasp how color can transform any one of them,
plantings of blue and purple annuals and vines and keeps the
it is essential to be aware of these basic principles of
scene cool on the hottest summer day.
garden design.
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Design principles Line
in the garden. You might want a bed that is edged neatly
Landscape design is universally acknowledged to be
but that also looks as if it were part of the lawn below.
both art and science, and nowhere is that more readily
You can achieve that by using the same color of greenery
apparent than in the use of line. You feel its effects as
to reduce the impact of the line between them. But if it’s
you instinctively follow a sidewalk, guided by its lines,
a tree you want as an early spring focal point, make sure
yet its calculations are arithmetic. The landscape archi-
its colors fill its silhouette with shades that are in stark
tect or garden designer must see a feature, such as a
contrast to those nearby. In turn, a particular color may
gently curving path, as a creative vision but must also
seem to almost embrace a line so as not to be overlooked
be able to measure its arc and calculate area. Otherwise,
on the garden palette. It’s hard to ignore a trellised
there would be no way to accurately draw the walkway,
rose or a mailbox that seems to grow out of a clematis
or know how wide it will be, or know what can grow
because the plant and its color have become the line and
alongside it without overcrowding or looking sparse.
so a seasonal focal point.
Lines lead the eye in the garden and often determine where and how fast the feet walk through it.
The combined power of line and color in garden design draws stunning gray trunks against a winter’s
Lines may be as narrow as a branch or as wide as a
blue sky and lights up the spring with salmon and gold
reflecting pool, and their arrangement may vary from
vase-shaped shrubs. The lines of a garden bench or patio
style to style, with differing impacts. Looking across a wide
may be quite utilitarian and geometric, even downright
lawn, for example, a line of trees across the way become a
boring; the colors you select for plants, hardscape, and
view you can walk past at any pace. But make that lawn
accessories are what make the scene bright and welcom-
longer than it is wide and it becomes a beeline, causing
ing. In a garden bed, the straight lines of many annual
you to hurry along as if the trees might disappear before
and perennial plants deliver a neat message, but it is the
you can reach them. Classic water garden design begins
colors and curvy petals of flowers like zinnia and daisy
with a strong upward line that flows from the surface sky-
that touch your heart.
ward. The line may be a tree at a pond’s edge, a clump of
Straight or zigzagged, steeply S-curved or formed
stately perennials along the west end to catch the sunset,
into long, winding paths, lines organize the garden, and
or a fountain right in the middle. Soaring lines offer
those that are unchanging create design unity. Fencing,
important and distinct contrast to the flat surface of the
trellises, and gates are often made of dissimilar materi-
water to draw your gaze toward the sky and the heavens
als, but they can be used to unify and ground the design
above, to appeal to your better angels. They are placed
Continued on page 42
intentionally, as every line in the garden should be. Without a diversity of lines, a garden would be a col-
Different kinds of lines can combine to feature the best of
lection of plants with no point. But without color, lines
diversity without confusion when color guides them. Burgundy
are lost. Line uses color to attract or distract, to establish
red and lime green use their narrow, curvy lines to soften the
a constant or bring on a moment of instant gratification
straight, brown lines of this entrance.
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EXAMPLE A
Nonstop color illustrated STRUCTURES LIKE ThE PERGOLA, steps, rocks, and gravel in this design establish visual interest and provide a destination in the garden. Such hardscape is permanent; differences in textures and colors offer contrasts in shape, surface features, and a variety of earth tones. Without colorful plants throughout the year, however, their inherent beauty might feel cold and distant. With them, the structural elements draw in the eye and the feet follow to explore the space.
Summer creates a cozy retreat with color. From the hammock to the roses on the pergola to coneflowers and phlox in the beds, red, purple, and SUmmer pink warm the scene. The groundcover mondo grass, can be a year-round green carpet in some climates. Dwarf variegated shrubs, such as the abelia at the first step, set the stage with multicolored leaves in shades of green, white, and pink. Clumps of yellow cosmos and ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum bloom between the rocks to heighten the impact of both. Plants around pergola are mix of low evergreen shrubs, such dwarf yaupon, and mixed orange and yellow perennials, including daisies and daylilies. Tall conifers offer striking, dark green contrast to the shrubs, including dramatic oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia) with creamy white flowers above dwarf weigela shrubs with their variegated leaves.
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FAll colors continue the theme, with seedpods adding additional earthy brown elements. Autumn crocus in patches along the steps and around the pergola add bright purple notes. Though the roses on the pergola are leafless, their striking dark gray vines remain. Oak-leaf hydrangea ages to reddish purple and a few dried flowers remain on the shrubs, adding a silvery sheen.
SPring introduces the new, lighter-colored leaves of the abelia. Sedum and coreopsis have new leaves, too, in a light green. The blue iris and pink SPrInG peony border the pergola, while the new green leaves and a few pink flowers on the roses lift the overall green effect. The oak-leaf hydrangea has light gray stems and new leaves. Weigela is covered in deep pink, trumpet-shaped flowers.
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Continued from page 38
with the introduction of color. By emphasizing these diverse lines with a signature color, you mask their differences and plant your style flag year-round. When particular garden lines appear only at times, seasonal color adds another dimension as an accent or focal point. The angular stems and twigs of osier dogwood emerging from a snowbank is exhilarating because its lines are red. In another season, a cloud of muhlygrass plumes is breathtaking because every line that draws them is cotton candy pink. A clumping groundcover like lily turf edges paths and fills low-profile beds until its purple bloom spikes draw you in with lines that feel like spring’s birthday candles. That’s when you really notice these plants and can choose to continue the strong lines and bold color choice elsewhere in the garden with tall, purple perennial salvias that maintain the same optimistic lines from summer to fall. The result is a seasonal accent followed by a seasonal focal point in one line/ color combination. From top to bottom, a garden’s lines define its limits and color helps you push them.
Form Three-dimensional and dynamic, the garden design element called form refers to the shapes created in the landscape by nature and/or you. Each form—a slender column, fat orb, cascading fountain, or one of many others—carries its own message. The way they are used sets a mood and often evokes strong emotions. If you immediately like a designed space, it is most likely its forms and their colors that are pleasing to you, whether you realize it consciously or not. For example, an allée of trees with spring-flowering deciduous canopies feels light-hearted and carefree compared to the same design planted with muscular, evergreen pyramidal forms. Repetition of pyramid shapes is inspiring and perhaps humbling, whether executed in cedar trees or ancient stones, but its vibe is seldom described as friendly. Accompany that same pyramid form with complementary upright oval and vase shapes of similar height, and the same allée takes on a different mood entirely. To establish form is to set the essential cachet of the garden,
Form draws three-dimensional shapes that define the landscape.
to ground the design with visual elements that retain
Color makes them permanent and imposing, like this chunky
their essential silhouette over the seasons.
boulder and peaked gazebo, but form can also be seasonal. From
Form can be the most versatile of design elements, subject as it is to natural variety in organic forms as
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the rounded purple-leaf plum tree and leafy green trellis to spiky purple butterfly bush and russian sage, summer forms speak.
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well as human intervention in them. A rugged stone
explosive, joyful colors can be found in trees and shrubs
wall seems permanent, a hardscape element that will
with similar natural forms for the home landscape.
be in the garden forever. True and true, but which effect
Thickets and large, upright profiles will set a bittersweet
it will have depends on the wall’s materials, form, and
autumn mood and enlarge the garden’s footprint by
color. Carefully carved, ash gray granite blocks bear
echoing the world around it.
little resemblance to stacked yellow sandstone. They
Form establishes silhouettes and profiles, and color
are equally beautiful, but the first has an air of formal
maximizes their effect. That’s why it is important to
elegance because its form has been evened and shaped
recognize which forms in a planting will show off their
by a person and its color is cool. The second wall will
colors simultaneously to avoid a visual train wreck where
feel more casual since it remains in a more natural state
neither form nor color can be appreciated. Even a “crazy
with warmer colors.
quilt” pattern positions each square carefully to show its
By the same token, a big evergreen shrub may grow
best advantage, and so it should be in garden designs
into a naturally rounded form and serve as an anchor
meant to be viewed at close range. For example, a collec-
plant to break up the rigid lines of a wooden fence. It
tion of small shrubs might line your well-traveled front
is prized for its imposing presence and shiny leaves in
walk. If they are exuberant vase shapes, their grace may
wine bottle green. But in the hands of a skilled and
be obscured in a monochrome color palette. Give the
loving topiary gardener, that same plant can become
form its due with color, and let chartreuse sit next to pea
a surprisingly whimsical focal point form. Some would
green followed by variegated leaves of cream and dark
dismiss that notion as perverse, and the overall debate
green. Equally effective is an arrangement that allows
about the beauty of natural plant form versus the pos-
pink, yellow, and red flowers to bloom at the same time
sible manipulations rages on as garden styles shift over
on quite different forms. You might include ovals with
time. There is a world of plants, materials, and color
some that cascade out of the bed in places, and because
choices in between carefully manicured landscapes and
their colors harmonize, each silhouette becomes a fea-
completely naturalistic designs—find your style and use
tured player in the arrangement.
form to make it so. The forms of plants, structures, hardscapes, and
Texture
ornaments are essential to expressing mood in garden
While lines are easy to see and forms demand attention,
design, and color amplifies that effect. For example,
texture is a more ethereal landscape design element. A
form uses color to create or obscure views. An evergreen
line may be straightforward or complex, and forms can
hedgerow can define an intimate mood with tall round,
be monumental or delicately small, but both are clearly
rectangular, or even boxy forms. It can be a sturdy,
just what they seem to be. Texture, though, is perceived as
comforting backdrop to the summer border or serve
much as it is seen, and your comprehension of it depends
as a baffle between the patio and the neighbors that
on the relativity of one kind to the others. To understand
increases your comfort zone. If the hedge also produces
texture can be a real mind-bender as it requires you to
scads of carmine red berries, its friendly form becomes
see what you feel. If you find the touch of silk to be soft,
the winter view, too. In the same way, a small deciduous
lustrous, and oddly delicate, you can imagine that a
tree may have a spreading, weeping, or wildly loose sil-
fine-textured plant would feel the same way if it actu-
houette and make you feel decidedly optimistic. But that
ally felt like it looks. Its tactile reality may be quite dif-
form will bring more drama if shocking pink flowers
ferent: perhaps fine, threadlike leaves are actually sharp
appear early and its gray trunks form a neatly pruned
to the touch. You can think of texture in any medium.
centerpiece in a parterre or other quadrant design.
Consider curly hair—some people have long locks with
Form uses color to reinforce themes and plant the
shiny ringlets the size of your thumb, others have tightly
garden firmly in its environment. When the woods
wound, little wiry springs close to the scalp. It matters not
behind your house erupt with rich shades of golds,
whether the hair is actually soft or crisp with styling gel;
reds, oranges, and purples in fall, even errant limbs
different kinds of curls are defined by their visual rela-
and lumpy shapes can be heartwarming. The same
tionships to one another. The ringlets look distinct, with
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Combining elements of differing materials creates textural diversity. Its colors draw interest and set the tone where desired,
scales—these are the classic vehicles of fine texture. They
as with this formal entrance. The stark contrast of the black gate
occur in every color imaginable but are most associated
to the gray wall would be utilitarian at best, but for the softer
with lighter shades, including pastels, because they stir
texture of the evergreen vine that bids you welcome.
similar feelings of quiet confidence. Fine texture can be obvious, like a frilly fern, or less so when it occurs seasonally in a cloud of tiny flowers. Once you recognize
clarity and visual weight, when compared to tight curls
and feel its appeal, you will see it everywhere in sharp
that meld together into one shape and so appear finer
contrast to the textures nearby.
in texture. Look at fabrics, furniture, or architecture for
Coarse texture is the visual opposite of fine texture.
your own metaphor, but know that if the coarser texture
Sometimes this quality comes from gargantuan leaves,
is also darker in color, the difference becomes clearer.
massive trunks, and flowers with big petals that often
Fine texture in plants derives primarily from leaf
overlap. In other designs, the coarsest quality will be
size, shape, and arrangement, sometimes assisted by
found in the bulky silhouettes of boulders and plant
the form that delivers them into view. Deeply cut and
groups that look heavy even if the individuals are not.
papery leaves that flutter easily, small leaves so thin
But here the devil is in the color details since the same
you can see through them, cascades of diminutive com-
leaf will deliver coarser texture in richer shades and
pound leaflets, willowy leaves and those covered in tiny
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EXAMPLE B
Nonstop color illustrated WhAT A WONDERFUL WAY to dress up a seating area or patio! The colors lead from season to season in a seamless parade. The proportions are so good that even the smallest purple flower gets noticed as much as the purple wall above it. The area between these buildings could easily be visually dead, an overcrowded mess, or a lot of little plants with no relationship to their surroundings—but this fluid, colorful, eye-catching view is in perfect proportion to its space.
SPring colors are pinks, from pale and ethereal to brightly raucous, and several shades of purple. These colors are achieved primarily with earlySPrInG blooming annuals such as foxgloves, snapdragons, pansies, and petunias. Indian indian hawthorn offers bouquets of pink flowers tinged in white and durable evergreen holly shrubs put on tiny white flowers. The crisp white flowers of doublefile viburnum (V. plicatum) really stand out; their blooms are but one element of this signature shrub’s three seasons of color.
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Summer builds on the pinks and purples of spring with the addition of red. roses maintain a strong pink theme, while holly and camellia leaves SUmmer are shiny dark green. The viburnums put on striking red berries as bright as the roses. The spring annuals at the lowest height have been replaced by similar color mounds of purple fan flower, red geranium, and sweet alyssum in lavender and white. Taller plants include blue salvias alongside scarlet red and shocking-pink zinnias and cleomes. Tree roses add a snap of white flowers.
WinTer moves into greens and red-purples. evergreen Indian indian hawthorns add dark green foliage with slight red tinges in winter. The dark green WInTer hollies past the trees, before the rose trellis and bench, sport winter red berries. The camellias between the benches show off their red flowers it’s fine to add color using “outside” elements, such as bows, wreaths, ornaments, and lights. The (though camellias are available in many colors). It’s homeowner brings in brilliant color and seasonal excitement by surrounding the seating area with white Christmas lights. Although the rose is now leafless, its red hips add color. The doublefile viburnum, also leafless in most climates, will have purple-black berries and, in the Deep South, burnished red leaves.
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wide variegated patterns. For example, the broad swordshaped leaves and dense clumps of a perennial such as a hosta display coarse texture in solid green hues. however, hosta varieties with fat stripes or what look like globs of white paint decorating the leaves will be in-your-face-coarse next to the others. In the same way, surfaces that are sharply drawn, netted, and waffled with distinct veins can further heighten a leaf’s coarseness when they also employ strong colors. Perhaps the least understood and poorly defined texture is the medium range. It is easy to say that medium texture is anything not fine or coarse, and many plant descriptions certainly do so. The mid-range is distinct and, while not necessarily inherently showy, can sometimes be transformed by color. You may enjoy the vibrant red and purple of new growth on a shrub with smallish leaves, such as loropetalum. The leaves do not change their texture whether they stay purple or turn green, but when combined with different colors of leaves or flowers, they can be bullies or friends. Medium-textured green leaves set the stage and keep it fresh, no matter what else goes on in the planting—that’s why they are so frequently employed. The same plant colored purple will stand out, perhaps too much, and compete or overwhelm the others. Medium texture also has a different impact depending on its gloss, much like wall paint and lipstick do. Texture as a design element plays right into color’s wheelhouse and goes hand in hand with it to accomplish desired effects. Perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than in designs that feature particular plant groups, such as drought-tolerant or tropical plants. No matter how much you love these plants, without differences in texture provided by color, these gardens can look painfully monotonous. Cover the walkway with pavers or mulch in deep redbrown shades to add color texture that winds its way through desert plants. And use the evergreen of tall cacti
even though this design features green, green, and more green, the rich variety of textures sets each plant apart from the next and the result is far from boring. The bright wood and pavers provide additional breaks in the color and texture.
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with maroon manzanita trunks to keep color there in
The idea of scale most often applies to the property as
the off-season. In the tropical garden, beds full of cannas
a whole, the macro view, while proportion refers to what
bring bold texture with dense sword-shaped leaves, but
lies within one view in the garden, the micro scene. This
they take on a life of their own when variegated leaves
may seem like a distinction without a difference, but it’s
mix with the solid greens to highlight their texture and
a practical way of looking at and planning for a pleas-
emphasize each plant’s silhouette, creating a deeper,
ing landscape. The things you can see from a bird’s-eye
more interesting view.
view affect scale: structures, hardscapes, relationships between cultivated beds and lawn to utility areas, path
Scale and Proportion
and porch dimensions, mature tree heights across the
A classic adage reminds us that beauty is in the eye of
property, and similar concerns. Proportion focuses on
the beholder. Or, to paraphrase what a Supreme Court
the plants and features within the design, especially as
justice once said about pornography, “You know it when
they relate to one another within the same view.
you see it.” So it is with the landscape design concept
Unless you start with a blank slate, you usually
of scale and proportion. The reality is that a landscape
cannot entirely control scale, but you can control the
design professional spends weeks ensuring that every
proportions within the garden. To do so means select-
part of a landscape is designed to suit the scale of the
ing what you plant and how you maintain it with the
site and that each part of a garden is in healthy propor-
other plants in mind, whether you planted them or not.
tion to the rest. When it works, you may not be aware of
Should you remove a big tree to let in more sunlight, or
scale and proportion at all—the garden just makes you
will that throw the entire back half of the garden out of
feel welcome.
proportion? Installations big and small count here, too,
What you notice most often is what doesn’t work—
from retaining walls to bird feeders—a swimming pool
when something in the design seems out of whack.
would be nice, but is there room for it both physically
Sometimes the error is obvious, such as a brightly painted
and visually? Proportions also change with time and,
wall that looms over everything else or a fountain that
much like you can let the hem out of most skirts, you
is clearly too small for the huge water feature around it.
can usually adapt.
A neutral shade of paint can make that wall disappear,
Some changes can be foreseen, like how much plants
but a new fountain installation may need a new budget
will grow or when it might be time to dispense with the
to correct the design problem. But other mistakes in scale
sandbox and swing set in favor of a perennial border. A
and proportion seem intangible as when parts of the
well-proportioned garden bed design considers the rela-
garden blur together without distinction or a tree stands
tive heights and shapes of plants as well as their color
out oddly, like Gulliver among the Lilliputians. For ele-
impact. Its overall size should not dwarf whatever is
ments in the landscape to work together, each must be
nearby nor be too small, like an afterthought. Geometry
in proportion to the others; to get that agreement is a
and arithmetic can set exact proportions, and color
mathematical exercise furthered by the wise use of color.
makes it work by adding emphasis here and reducing it
By definition, scale and proportion are the same
there to maintain them. For example, if three-quarters
concept: they describe the relationship of elements to
of the spring flowers in a bed are the same shade, the
one another. But in gardeners’ terms, they are often
view will be a monochrome blur. No amount of atten-
separated for ease of understanding and application.
tion to their heights and flower shapes will matter if different shades and colors are left out; proportion can be established with color diversity. When you put in a new
Unity gives a sense of coherence to every garden design, and the
bed designed to be primarily trees and shrubs, and take
color palette of even the smallest space can deliver the concept
into consideration their mature sizes, the immediate
wholeheartedly. the variegated hosta stands out here, yet it
results can be jarring to your sense of proportion. The
unifies the scene by repeating both the white of the pickets and
bare areas between new plants loom large and blank,
the yellow-green of the groundcover. The ornament reflects their
even with ample mulch. To start with larger plants is
colors, further uniting them.
not always a wise option, but planning ahead can be.
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Consider the scenario for a possible perennial border: you can overplant the new bed, knowing you will transplant half in a few years. The proportions in the new bed can be established with faster-growing perennials and woody plants that can possibly form the basis of another new bed in the future. Perhaps the most glaring example of proportion failure seen every day is a big tree with shrubs and perennials planted too close to its base. No doubt it looked right at the time, but today the tree has a fat ring of green and flowers around its base that makes it look oddly unstable, as if it might choke on them. The plants that were supposed to embellish the tree’s beauty instead create a loss of proportion. Fortunately, by moving or enlarging the bed, this problem is readily solved. And if you take the opportunity to echo the tree’s flower or fruit colors in the bed below, so much the better for a focused view.
Unity Like being comfortable in your own skin, unity offers an intrinsic peace to the landscape without ego. That is, a unified garden carries one message without ever being heavy-handed or overdesigned. You create unity when you make the fundamental decisions about your garden’s overarching style and carry that imprimatur throughout the property all year. Perhaps your unifying scheme will be formal paths and plantings or a loose collection of beds and seating areas. A formal style with brick paths and planters by the front door deserves tree mirrors—the dramatic trunks, bark, and fall colors of the centerpiece front yard tree are reflected in those chosen for the back and side yards. An informal style may snake its paths around the property from the front door to the back fence, encompassing sun and shade, flat and sloping spaces. Yet you can establish unity in the shapes of the paths as well as mulching materials and flower colors in every plant group. Unity is the thread that sews an entire garden together into one tapestry. You set its pattern with plans for cottage garden plants or a formal parterre, a naturalized A large and imposing garden structure makes a brilliant focal
landscape or privacy hedges with plenty of fall berries.
point but can appear to float in space if it’s not grounded by
For example, your cottage garden might focus on pink,
plants. Together with thematic color choices, they can achieve a
yellow, and white flowers, whimsical yard art, and picket
harmonious balance, as when the tranquility of this shady seating
fencing. It is easy to see how using the flower colors in
area is ensured in shades of green.
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EXAMPLE C
Nonstop color illustrated The Three-SeASON PALeTTe for this lovely view uses purples, reds, bronzes, golds, and greens. here, color unites a home landscape with an intrinsic feeling of peace and calm. A unified garden carries one message, and it’s the thread that knits an entire garden together. Formal paths and plantings maintain and repeat key design elements, such as straight lines, curves, and forms to establish unity; the colors establish mood. essential, too, is the addition of color in container plantings; even shrubs and trees can be grown in large, colorful pots.
Summer colors set the tone for the other three seasons. The groundcover bugle flower (Ajuga) lines the walk with deep purples with some sUmmer green and brown variegation in small, leafy rosettes. To the right, another groundcover like coral bells (Heuchera × ‘Golden Zebra’) displays multicolored round leaves in yellows, golds, apricots, and bronzy reds. A dogwood tree (Cornus) on the left provides a major focal point, sporting light green leaves in contrast to darker shades at the rear and red maples (Acer rubrum) to the right of the house. Fine-textured ornamental grasses (Miscanthus) and sturdy purple-leaf loropetalum echo the tree colors. Dwarf spirea shrubs bring accent colors to eye level in containers.
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FAll deepens the red tones in the groundcover bed, colorful red berries appear at the branch tips on the dogwood, and the loropetalum maintains Fall some red fringe flowers. In bold contrast, white plumes on fountain grass Miscanthus are eye-catching, and, in the pots, spireas display golden yellow fall foliage.
SprInG shows off the lighter colors of new growth, brightening the mood. Bugle flower blooms with pale blue spiky flowers, and the new growth spring of coral bells is a subtle combination of green, yellow, and apricot. The dogwood tree blooms bright white, matched by the rhododendron’s red maple leaves are crimson red, the ornamental grasses are spring green, loropetalum shrubs bloom with fresh red flowers, and trumpet flowers. Red pots of spirea burst with new celery-green leaves.
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are a big part of this aspect of unity because they carry
the hardscape and ornament will unify the setting. Or
design statements and color across the seasons with their
the deep evergreens of a huge hedgerow down the side
constant presence. The scale of the structure to its sur-
of your house might be repeated by small hedges beside
roundings aids unity, as does its most dominant lines.
the front door and around the patio out back.
The front garden is the establishing view for the entire
A garden’s mood is tied directly to unity and is
property and most often the place where unity is found
expressed by your personal take on the garden’s best uses.
or lost. A ranch style house is essentially a rectangle with
A design that starts with your desire to entertain outdoors
matching windows; it would look out of sync with ornate
year round will be unified by different elements and
columns framing the front door. equally jarring might
colors than a design meant to create a family’s retreat
be a rank of pyramidal shrubs taller than the windows.
from the world. Both settings will need outdoor living/
A more conventional foundation planting could better
cooking areas but call for very different materials to suit
unify the scene. A house that is multistoried will have
the mood. An outdoor kitchen and seating for 12 can set
more upright lines than the ranch style and can visu-
a formal mood in wrought iron or carry a more casual
ally support a larger front garden. Without that larger
message with wooden benches and tables. The serenity of
apron, the house looms and sticks out like the prover-
your personal oasis may speak out from slick, clean sur-
bial sore thumb. With it, the upright lines and colors
faces, cool colors in the blue-gray range, and repetition of
of the house can be repeated and interpreted in plants
upright plant forms. Using similar colors and basic forms
and hardscape. It is a conscious unifying decision to see
contributes to unity while a random collection will feel painfully chaotic regardless of the gardener’s intentions. The repetition of key design elements—straight lines,
This brilliantly colorful container planting shows essential
exaggerated forms, and bright color contrasts, to name
design elements in an elegant capsule. Each color on the pot is
a few examples—can establish unity and sing your
echoed by the plants in it but drawn with lines and forms in ideal
mood year-round. The house and garden structures
contrast. The result is a unified focal point that fits perfectly in its setting.
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The serenity of this patio comes from the use of balance to create a peaceful mood with a mixture of textures. From fluffy, rounded
unity because you use them together to tell your story.
hostas and lush vines to sharply drawn iris leaves and pavers, the
These strategies and thought processes also apply to
view engages and calms its visitors.
other structures in the garden such as a gazebo or potting shed, just on a more intimate scale.
windowpane shapes reflected in walkways and steps, to
Balance and Focal Point
echo the colors of shutters and chimneys in stone plant-
BAlAncE
ers and retaining walls.
Just as a good story has a beginning, a middle, and often
In this last example, it is equally vital to unity for
many plot twists before the end, but only one plot, so
colors to be established that set your mood. If a deep
your unified garden will tell your tale from front to back.
green lawn carpet is your pleasure for the front garden,
While unity considers the entire picture created by your
finding places for lighter and contrasting shades in
design, balance and focal point draw a finer point on
accent plants will create an elegant, thoughtful mood.
landscape relationships. Both depend on comparing—
If you like a lawn but also want a tropical tone, your
balance measures the differences between elements while
plant choices and colors will be bolder yet still bring
focal point calculates the impact of one over the others.
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The question of balance in a landscape design goes
create a hidden view or choreograph a rainbow of
to the sense of place, the ethereal yet essential quality
blooms that progress through the garden, and balance
that makes a garden truly distinctive. You see it in the
allows those scenes to be seen. Balance works because
visual weight of objects and plants, and often in the rela-
it allows visitors to compare and contrast plants and
tionships between their colors. The sense of place sepa-
garden features. Without it, the affect is flat and noth-
rates your garden and your color choices from all others.
ing stands out, regardless of your attention to color. The
Balance can be found within a pot, a garden bed, or
lack of balance is off-putting and may explain why visi-
entire landscapes; it imparts reassurance and certainty.
tors do not return—the experience makes them feel out
It brings a sense of internal harmony, a confidence that
of kilter because the math is wrong.
there is a steady hand guiding the garden in a specific,
But complete numeric balance seldom satisfies the
colorful direction. That is the essence of why generations
eye or the soul. When you walk into a garden that is
of humans have found peace in the garden, and why we
too perfect and symmetrical, you may feel your spine
still aspire to it.
stiffen, and you probably will not linger. If the point is
Like all elements in design, this one derives from a
to hurry you along, as through a commercial complex,
combination of geometry and emotion. Mathematically,
overbalance wields power. Neither extreme contributes
there are formulas to determine how much plant material will fit in a given space. Following those calculations, roughly equal materials on each side of an axis
This focal-point seating area uses color from the top down to
will achieve physical balance. The delightful wild card
be certain no one misses this destination. Using a blue-purple
in this equation is how design uses balance to create
palette, the design creates a rustic trellis with purple color
surprises, to leave room for the unexpected. You might
pops that lead the eye and the body to the comfortable chairs and chaise.
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to a warm sense of place. embracing both the concept and reality of balance enables your imagination for plants, ornaments, and color to soar without chaotic results. Balance maintains perspective and allows for its manipulation, as when you want to make a space seem larger than it is or feel more intimate. With it, a garden feels confident and inhabited; it resonates with your taste and color palette. Without it, a garden lacks focus at best and, at worst, is downright disconcerting.
Focal point Focal point success depends on the overall balance and unity in a design achieved through the wise use of the other elements. Two of the most important lines in the landscape are those that define its axis, the point around which all else in the design revolves. This intersection is the first focal point in the design, the place your eye will naturally go in a cohesive design. The axis lines are drawn in the air, so to speak, in that they are clear, but not usually interpreted literally. One may run from the big tree in the front yard through the house and terminate at the back gate. The other might skew from the garage to the farthest back corner. Where they meet may be in the center of the space, or it might not, but that spot is sweet and can focus all your other efforts. When you see a design on paper, the axis should be clearly delineated. If your garden is already planted and the axis lines are not obvious, it will behoove you to find or
A well-balanced seasonal design offers attractive color
establish these lifelines to design harmony. Focal point
combinations at every level in the scene. A spring-green lawn
and color go hand-in-hand, since the focal point can go
gives way to blue-green daffodil clumps topped by their white
dull without color to make it sing.
and yellow flower hues. They cozy up to the exhilarating sight of
There are at least two sorts of focal points you can
pink-and-white-blooming saucer magnolia.
employ in a color-focused garden. In practical terms, one can be called sustainable and the other seasonal. The first is a focal point you will see every day and build a
or a tree. This is also the place to establish your signature
view around. To find it, make your own mini-axis: stand
color. Seasonal focal points are dramatic—a spectacular
at your back door (or window), look into the space, and
flowering tree, a shrub with unmatched fall color, and
take a photo. Then go into the space, find a place you
winter features that call you out to see them. They are
can or would like to sit—this can be anywhere so long as
singularly unmatched for impact in their season and
you can see that same point. Take another photo from
always depend on color for their power.
there, compare the two to see where they come together,
You are the color conductor of a very personal orches-
and that’s the focal point you will be able to sustain over
tra that can respond with gorgeous, nonstop impact in
your life in the garden. This is the place to plant your
your garden year-round. each design element is a tool
flag—to make your garden style statement with some-
in your kit; all will be profoundly affected by the colors
thing you want to see daily. A sustainable focal point
you choose for them because hues transform impacts of
might be a seating area, a statue, a bird-feeding station,
plants, ornament, and hardscape.
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Understanding color concepts
The WAY COLOr CAN TrANSFOrM a design depends
the human senses transform in individual and some-
as much on math as on building trust in your own per-
times quirky ways. Black and white are also a matter of
ceptions. As it is with the basic elements of design, so it
physics in that black is the absence of light and there-
is with color in the landscape—part art and part science.
fore color; white is the presence of all colors at once.
We can measure its hue and depth relative to other colors,
As early as 1666, Sir Isaac Newton organized the
but we have not yet created a gauge to calculate emo-
colors into a circle known as the color wheel, which
tional responses. That is why although bright red is the
has been used ever since in every field of art because
attention-grabbing color of traffic signals, it is also the
of its simple clarity. Many iterations have been drawn,
country’s favorite color in flowers—red roses, geraniums,
from simple pie shapes to shaded panels displaying
and poinsettias far outsell all the other colors available
hues in order of their intensity to intricate overlap-
combined. We react to that color in different ways, but
ping shade colorations. All color wheels are based on
with red the reaction is always strong and quick whether
the primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—represented
it’s your foot on the brake pedal or a heart-felt smooch.
in three equal segments to underline their equivalent
It is also why much plant breeding is done for color, such
status. These are the three pigments that cannot be cre-
as deeper shades in fall leaves, more and brighter colors
ated by mixing others and, conversely, all other colors
for summer annuals, and barks with richer tones that
can be made from some combination of the primaries.
are revealed in natural peeling. The principles of color
The power of red, blue, and yellow is their clarity and
and the concepts they bring with them to the garden are
bold simplicity. In their purest form, primary colors are
simultaneously universal and very personal. The same
impossible to ignore.
is true of the ways we can translate them into color from the top down and year-round.
The color wheel can show secondary colors by cutting the classic pie into six slices. These are the colors that arise from combining the primary colors directly
Color Principles
with the one that lies next door on the wheel. red mixes
Color is both a physical matter and an ethereal concept
with blue to form purple, so it is depicted between them.
because what you see and how it makes you feel are
Blue and yellow turn into green; therefore, green follows
both brain-based. Light is composed of electromagnetic
blue and precedes yellow on the color wheel. Yellow com-
radiation organized into wavelengths. When your eye
bined with red creates orange, which sits between them
perceives color, it physically captures light and trans-
to fill the sixth piece of the pie. By bisecting the color
lates it into the colors you see, the visible spectrum
wheel yet again, the hues known as tertiary colors can
of rOYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo,
fit nicely between the colors that give rise to them. Their
violet). These seven colors correspond to the seven notes
names explain their parentage and are usually hyphen-
in a musical scale in that they relate to one another in
ated: red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green, yellow-green,
incremental steps. Within each color, as within musical
yellow-orange, and red-orange. These names are purely
scale notes, there are well-defined tones and hues that
descriptive and have other, more subjective monikers,
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cool brick and shutter colors warm up quickly when accompanied by plants in deeper hues of lime and purple. Turn up the visual
emotions in people of widely diverse experience. Anyone,
temperature and warm the welcome even more by adding eye-
anywhere has only to read of Wordsworth’s daffodils to
catching red and orange tones.
ache for their yellow glory. Thousands have travelled from other continents to where Wordsworth lived in the Lake District for the experience that puts color and emo-
such as violet for red-purple and indigo for blue-purple.
tion together so dramatically.
The wheel lays out in graphic fashion both the colors
These universally felt reactions to particular colors
and their relationships to provide a reference point and
are well understood, and while there are cultural vari-
a launch pad for using them.
ances, the nonverbal messages are the same. • Red and its partner pink stir the passions of love
Color and Emotion
and war. While red is extreme and can be violent,
emotions are triggered by color because the brain stores
pink is unconditional and devoted; they are two
previous reactions to it, mostly individual but also in
sides of the same coin.
pathways that are universal. For example, you may
• Orange brings out both optimistic and engaging
have seen a red rose and reacted positively to its bold,
emotions and sends messages related to its shade.
bright color long before anyone ever sent you a dozen
Darker oranges, such as terra cotta and pumpkin,
to woo you with their charms. even without a personal
have earthy associations, unlike pure orange and
connection, color has the power to evoke oddly similar
lighter hues that give you more serene feelings.
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When the primary color in a design is green, its diverse shades • Yellow can be mellow gold or bright as a canary’s feathers and makes you feel certain and confident.
and hues bring that scene to life and raise its emotional impact. The result is a comfortable, harmonious unity.
Yellow is associated with creative ideas and cool intellect, but can also make you feel impatient, as when others’ ideas are not in sync with yours. • Green feels balanced, which may be why we
at times. They inspire feelings of intuitive intimacy and personal self-confidence. • White, the presence of all colors of light at once,
garden—to gain that balance. • Blue is the only color with a mood named for it,
brings feelings of formality, expansiveness, and
an existential sadness oddly coupled with resilience
peace; cream evokes a more naturalistic feeling
and even hope. Perhaps that is why it evokes
and may be cool or warm, depending on its hue.
loyalty in people, too, and has names like navy and royal blue.
• Black is the symbolic and practical opposite of white. It works as a startling contrast as brown does
• Indigo and violet are the two faces of purple; the
for cream.
former is closer to blue and the latter borders on red
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Color relationships Color and Garden Harmony
there is no shade that will satisfy you like the turquoise
The color wheel is like a map in that, while you are
sky in a Georgia O’Keefe painting. Or you might prefer
not obligated to take all the roads at once, it is wise to
the neon aquamarine of an antique beer sign, a similar
know the options available. But it is also like a musical
but very different color in fact and in emotion. Set aside
score—the colors, like notes, must harmonize to be pleas-
the rules and seize the shade that lights you up and let it
ing, much less memorable. Whether duet or symphony,
ignite the color fire in your garden.
in music and color harmony comes from the symbiotic arrangement of the parts, when the combination is more
Color Vignettes
than the sum of its parts. At first glance and upon deeper
The successful harmonious melding of design strength
examination, harmony communicates a feeling of inher-
with color elevates both. To take harmony from a great
ent calm and order. Lack of harmony feels too bland
concept to beautiful reality means coloring the basic
because nothing is eye-catching and you find it unneces-
design elements cohesively. Nonstop garden color cre-
sary to get involved. On the flip side, disharmony evokes
ates an inspiring view when basic design elements com-
chaos, and you do not want to engage the scene. either
pose a scene with a physical balance of repetition and
way, the result is that you hurry past, vowing to achieve
contrast. The repetition brings the comfort of familiarity,
more balance and harmony in your own garden.
but can also lull one into a stupor. Contrast can be jolt-
There are several ways to achieve garden harmony
ing, for good or ill, but a good balance of repetition and
based on color wheel relationship. Any three colors are
contrast inspires unity and holds your interest. Their
said to be analogous when they occupy adjoining space
harmony is an overarching concern, beyond one choice
on the 12-part wheel, such as red-orange, red, and red-
or another, and explains why you want color in your
purple. Most of the time, one color dominates and its
garden at every level in every season, from groundcov-
hues and shades are used more extensively than those
ers to the tallest trees.
of the other establishing colors. Complementary colors
Design elements are the arrows in your quiver, ready
stand exactly opposite each other on the color wheel.
to be deployed. To organize your thoughts, think of the
They can be counted on for stable, bold contrast, an
potential views as color vignettes and select plants that
important element in color harmony. Both hold equal
work together to fulfill the elements. Color across the
presence in the garden; shades and hues of each one are
seasons comes from vignettes planted for sequential
employed to extend the complementary palette.
color. Any size space can contain a four-season bed or
Because a garden changes every day, it’s wise to
border, and smaller properties gain focus from their use.
take the long view of color harmony. This concept is
Vignettes are essentially garden views of intimate or
dynamic, ever changing over weeks, seasons, and years,
grand scale, and while you do not want to see the same
yet your interpretation of it is timeless. equally timeless
sight everywhere, shared components promote har-
and incredibly personal are the tweaks of obsession, the
mony. The vignette should be built around a template
color details with deep meanings, if only to you. Perhaps
that can be repeated for unity yet allows room for plenty
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of variation. Some are three-part designs, essentially tri-
of the color derives from plants. Green, gray, and cream
angles of complementary colors or taken from the three
are often anchor colors that appear in every vignette and
elements of classic floral arrangements—straight, soar-
pair well with most other colors; when repeated, these
ing lines of inspiration, others bent to brush the earth,
colors become unifying elements. here are possible com-
and filler shapes that tie them together. Formal style
binations for sequencing plants and emphasizing color
vignettes rely on color and geometry to establish scale
groups. each plant in these top-down color vignettes is
and proportion, while more abstract templates are less
included in this book and you will expand on them.
constrained and may use subtler shades to maintain perspective. hardscapes and ornaments within such a
• A heartwarming, passionate color ensemble begins
four-season bed or border can and should play featured
with red and includes pink, coral, and salmon as
roles, but the gardener’s heart will beat faster when most
primary color players. Imagine a tall tree canopy on fire in spring with native red maple (Acer) and in fall when blackgum (Nyssa) goes red. Joining them
left: Blue, green, and gray conspire to calm even the wildest mood
in later spring can be buckeye (Aesculus) and from
in this sheltered spot. slate-colored shades in the wash of the
spring to fall, Japanese maple (Acer) hoists the red
planter boxes give way to lighter tones in the ornament and hosta,
flag for months. Step down with long-blooming,
and then even to the well-ordered aggregate and stones below.
pink-flowering spireas (Spiraea) that also provide yellow fall color. Use more yellow for contrast in
Below: A riot of color brightens any space—as well as your
witch hazel (Hamamelis) followed by kerria (Kerria)
disposition. Buttery yellow and citrus orange establish a
shrubs; mix them with red-leaf barberries (Berberis)
sunny mood, accentuated by the use of their color opposite,
and evergreen shrubs such as hollies with red winter
royal purple.
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Diverse but equally rich, the combination of color shapes in berries (Ilex). Fill in at ground level with bearberry
flowers make this crowded scene harmonious and inspiring.
(Arctostaphylos) and punch up spring with cottage
This offbeat, highly personal cottage style design imparts casual
pinks (Dianthus) and summer astilbes (Astilbe). You
confidence and the balance of pink, purple, and green carries that
might use this vignette over and again with varia-
message well.
tions along the back fence or in pairs to establish a front yard garden. with metallic purple berry clusters in fall. Bolster • Purple joins blue, violet, and lilac to set a cool,
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summer color with chaste tree (Vitex) and rose of
serene mood. Their sophistication increases with
Sharon (Hibiscus) in blue and purple hues, but
deepening hues. Put the focus on shrubs with the
find space for white varieties of both for pleasing
pure purple of Oregon grape holly berries (Mahonia)
contrast. Accent the vignette with clumps of
and winter color. It will provide tall yellow flower
perennial Salvia to add every color in this group
spikes in spring and bold texture all year. Add
and punctuate this level with variegated leaves
classic color with Meyer’s lilac (Syringa) and light
or other perennials of equal color weight such
blue, effusive Ceanothus for spring and summer
as daisies (Leucanthemum) or great globe thistle
blooms. Make room for strong lines in here with
(Echinops). Lay in carpet bugle (Ajuga) for light blue
beautyberry’s (Callicarpa) arching branches dotted
spring flowers and purple leaves all year.
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• The earth tones—yellow, orange, terra cotta, and
pinky-white trumpets for months, and then those leaves
ginger—feel whimsical as a group, appealing as
deepen their red hues in fall. Such plants retain interest
they do to your sunny side. They can dominate
in winter with graceful clumps of gray stems. Add a small
a perennial bed or border with a complementary
flowering tree such as star magnolia (Magnolia stellata)
set as contrast. Start at ground level with the
or harlequin glorybower (Clerodendrum) to raise white or
patterned orange leaves of coral bells (Heuchera)
pink to the next level, and/or surround the shrubs with
and the yellow-green of moneywort (Lysimachia) to
low-growers like lamb’s ears (Stachys) or perennial
run the table with these colors for months. Accents
Sedum. This vignette is built around one plant with four-
of variegated lily turf (Liriope) and Pachysandra can
season interest with other plants that echo your color at
contribute very different greens to add interest at
different visual levels.
the groundcover level. Pick a variety of heights and
But other plants above it or beyond it in the design
shapes of perennials, such as black-eyed Susans,
can also be incorporated and reinforce scale, too. A
daylilies, and tickseeds (Rudbeckia, Hemerocallis,
huge spreading tree at the center of the view, such as
Coreopsis, respectively), but repeat two or three
Catalpa or golden raintree (Koelreuteria) makes a power-
across the planting for continuity. Interplant them
ful focal point. Use those colors again, but not in a bed
with compatible species that expand the months of
beneath the tree—put that creamy white or yellow and
color provided by the primary plants. For accents
salmon in a circular bed along the axis between your
in the blue-purple complement, select speedwell
house and the tree or in a bed off the deck in view of
(Veronica) and irises for spring, and gayfeather
the tree. You might use knotweed (Persicaria) and orna-
(Liatris) and Joe-pye weed (Eupatorium) for late
mental grasses with a Catalpa to take its creamy white
summer and fall. Vary the height with shrubs like
colors into summer, fall, and winter. Or plant blanket
fragrant sumac (Rhus) for burnt orange in summer,
flower (Gallardia) and cinquefoil (Potentilla) to comple-
repeated in the fall color of ‘Mt. Airy’ Fothergilla
ment the raintree. Color becomes form and line as you
and carried into spring by pink mountain laurel
use it this way to establish a color profile and sightlines
(Kalmia) plus red- or salmon-flowering quince
in the garden. The idea of creating a garden scene using fewer
(Chaenomeles).
plant groups can be especially useful in shady spaces. Color in place means using every plant part and growth
For multiseason good looks, you might cast actors such
stage to best advantage in one view. To create this kind
as texture, contrasting greens, and variegation. hardy
of vignette, you can expand the idea of bedding out. The
ferns, wake robin (Trillium), and hosta set the perennial
updated view adds other plant groups that take on the
stage beneath whatever is shading the area. You can add
same color focus through the year. For example, a shrub
shades from a huge viburnum hedge (white flowers or
bed of edward Goucher Abelias brings enchanting vase-
purple fruits) or sassafras thicket (orange fall color) to
shaped thickets. The spring growth is coppery red and in
the vignette in summer annuals and bulbs. remember
summer turns bright green with coppery overtones, some
the mantra of repeating vignettes for top-down color all
very pronounced. The shrubs are topped with clusters of
year: repetition for unity and contrast for interest.
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EXAMPLE D
Nonstop color illustrated BALANCe GOeS TO A SeNSe OF PLACe, of internal harmony, and inspires confidence that there is a steady hand guiding the garden in a specific, colorful direction. In this three-season garden, there is balance on each axis in the tall lime-green pot that serves as a focal point. This wild and crazy collection of plants does not look calculated, yet it feels serene because of balance. The lawn serves as an accent in all seasons.
Summer sets the stage with a deep orange pot holding a mixed planting of diverse colors, as well as textures and heights such as bamboo, red sUmmer canna lily, peach begonia, and a yellow-green sweet potato vine. More contrast balances the scene—among furniture, pots, and their plants as well as between the bright colors of the patio and more subtle hues at the rear of the garden. A deep lime-green pot holds ornamental grass with brick-red-tinged leaves and bottlebrush-shaped plumes (Pennisetum ‘Burgundy Bunny’). A rich blue pot shouts with orange while a lighter lime pot contains ‘Black Magic’ elephant ear, deep purple leaves with lime-green veins. The columnar holly draws attention across the garden with boldly variegated leaves.
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FAll highlights seasonal colors in a big way and anticipates the holiday season well. Pumpkins Fall pumpkins set the theme; both pots and hardscape hold shades of orange in flowers, gourds, and decorative lights. Ready ready to be noticed, witch hazel (Hamamelis) puts on brilliant fall color in apricot-gold-redbronze. Ornamental grass plumes are plentiful, the holly has bright red berries, and the fire pit gets plenty of use.
SprInG colors keep the warm tones in this design feature, adding purple and white in bright, crisp pops to equal the brilliant colors of the spring containers. Bulbs are everywhere and balance the impact of the patio and the emerging new growth of trees and shrubs. Daffodils, crocus, and tulips echo the colors in witch hazel’s golden-yellow blooms and the red osier dogwood’s prominent red stems.
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Color for maximum garden impact Emotion, Value, and Intensity of Color
color chips to the garden center—each shade has a story.
The way you use hues and shades together lets color set
Value tells you how light or dark a color is and sometimes
a harmonious tone in your garden. It is this interplay
reflects its emotional impact in the garden. Darker shades
that shows the shades of your emotion as surely as it
of the same color are considered to be of lower value than
features the shades of color. highly personal emotions
lighter shades. For example, burgundy red has lower
are imprinted along with words and deeds into the color
value than cardinal red and evokes more thoughtful,
psyche of every gardener, and that is why certain colors
resolute emotions. Sky blue is higher in value than cobalt
satisfy us more when we translate them into the gar-
blue. It is also regarded as more optimistic and lightens
den’s plants and accessories. For example, Girl Scout
your mood, while low-value cobalt feels mysterious.
green is very different from avocado green, and if one
In the garden, value becomes a practical matter.
pleases you, the other probably does not. The first shade
Low-value colors fade from view sooner at twilight and
may make you recall your childhood or your favorite
appear after those of high value at dawn. At other times
Irish bar, and if those are pleasant memories, you are
of day, visibility may depend on the distance between
not likely to be satisfied by a lawn that is less than pure
you and the planting, but is still related to value. Size
grass green. But if you are a fan of the yellow-greens,
matters here, too, since tiny pale pink flowers (high
it might stem from a love for Army jeeps, retro appli-
value) will be less visible at the same distance than tiny
ances, or the guacamole you hope to make when your
red ones (low value). This knowledge can inform your
tree produces. In the garden, you would likely embrace
choice of which flowering plants to combine in order to
walkable groundcovers and pea gravel mulches without
express emotion effectively. It also explains why you will
ever missing the traditional lawn.
be wise to match one high-value plant with three of low
This attitude of conscious engagement in choosing
value in a bed that is viewed early or late in the day.
colors can impel you to look differently at plants and
Conversely, in a full-sun-at-high-noon planting, the
take no space for granted if placing color there can
ratio is reversed, especially if the individual flowers in
touch your emotions. It’s important to remember that
question are small.
when a color causes you to react, your body responds as
Intensity measures the brightness of a color (as it
surely as your heart. Whether it’s a stop sign or buckeye
does of light) and is highest when any one hue stands
tree (Aesculus) in bloom, red warms just as the cool blues
alone. This factor enables a long row of bald cypress
of a swimming pool flanked by butterfly bushes drops your temperature before you ever dive in. These emotional responses to color translate to the
Any group of plants can fill a space, but colorful choices make the
garden in terms of value and intensity. These factors give
most of its potential to create a view. This color palette of blue,
you control over the nuances in the way color is perceived
red, and purple stands up under scrutiny against the earth-toned
and so over the emotions you stir in the garden. They
background. let deep blue dominate, balanced by white and
are also why gardeners and designers carry a fistful of
silver stems and flowers in fewer numbers.
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trees (Taxodium) to be a dark green, eerie presence yet allows you to see the same design planted in a different, single color in an equal but opposite way. For instance, a long row of avocado-green and then golden Ginkgo trees feels warmly welcoming but no less intense. You can very successfully use single colors for standalone, high-intensity focal points, such as a gazebo painted purple or, for a strong seasonal contrast, a hedge that has red berries in fall. Intensity and its emotional message are tempered rather dramatically by using the color’s shades, complements, and/or gray, white, or black. For example, if pink and white dwarf sasanquas (Camellia) join the red berries on a holly (Ilex) hedge, the scene seems friendlier and softer, even though all the leaves are stiff shiny evergreens. But imagine the hedge with its complement colors instead—perhaps found in redleaf loropetalum and bunchberry, a groundcover dogwood (Cornus). Now the message is steadfast, and you feel sure-footed just seeing red and reinforcing purple-reds. After all, most emotions are gradations of three essential human feelings—love, hate, and indifference. In much the same way, most colors are gradations of hues that fall between the three primary colors of red, yellow, and blue. Gardeners employ shades of varying intensities and values to successfully interpret design elements into a diversity of emotions. You can begin with
none but the hardest heart will be untouched by the hot jewels
any color, but to ignore these important factors sends a
of summer color in the peach, pink, and red flowers in this
flat message and inspires only ennui.
grouping. The dark fence makes a perfect backdrop for flowers as diverse as round yarrows and zinnia, flighty white guara, and peachy hot pokers.
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Top-down color
TO COLOr YOUr GArDeN from the top down to the
dazzling fall color, the garden’s sense of place naturally
ground all year can seem daunting without a plan. With
puts colors into your palette. Note the red or gold shades
pad in hand, paper or virtual, survey the colors you have
that you want to repeat in the fall below the tree canopy
and the ones you want.
and/or in other seasons to reinforce them. Conversely,
every property has immutable colors to consider
if the trees are evergreen or promptly deciduous, your
first, the plants, structures, and natural features whose colors you do not control. You must decide how to deal with them, to incorporate them into your palette or to
A call-and-response color pairing resounds from rooftop to
consciously mask them. For example, if you chose the
driveway and beyond. A roof with red tiles, white walls, and a
site because the garden backs up to a native woods with
red-and-white awning holds forth, softened just enough by fence and flowers in more muted shades of the same palette.
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full palette comes into play. Begin with spring-flowering
door, perhaps planted with red geraniums. That might
and colorful fall trees slightly smaller than the back-
lead to adding a redleaf loropetalum (Loropetalum)
ground and then plan each lower level to emphasize
shrub hedge, a holly tree (Ilex) for red berries, and the
one or more of your colors in each season. For example,
red twigs of red osier dogwood (Cornus). In this simple
the yellow flowers and autumn leaves of tulip poplar
scenario you have used your signature color and its
tree (Liriodendron) can be reinforced by Forsythia in
related hues through the garden all year. At this point,
spring and carried into summer with St. John’s wort
you can expand your palette to add in more colors, to
(Hypericum) shrubs.
enhance but not blunt your impact.
When you inherit an existing garden, its colors also
You may have a favorite color, as well as one you
affect your palette. If it is rife with sunny yellow and
detest. That knowledge should be a guidepost in your
shocking pink flowering plants, keep in mind that sub-
color palette and inform plant choices for nonstop color.
tler shades of the same color will tone it down. If nuance
A word of caution, however, against the cavalier rejection
is not in your emotional wheelhouse, choose equally
of an entire color suite: White dogwood (Cornus) blos-
strong but different colors such as purple and orange
soms stand out against their own leaves but can shine
to diversify the color scene. When the garden is fully
even more when yellows and pinks or corals set them
planted at one level—say there are plenty of shrubs—
off. The supporting players from your color ensemble
your colors can contrast from the perennial bed, where
in this spring scene might include daffodils (Narcissus)
colors are usually longer lasting, and from small trees
below, and saucer magnolia (M. soulangeana) and pink
with dramatic form. In this way, the plants and their
Japanese snowbell (Styrax) alongside. But if you hate
placement will bolster what’s already there and stand
pink, you’ll find coral-flowering quince (Chaenomeles),
out on their own. Thematic white gardens, for example,
‘einstein’ daffodils with their coral cups, and the hardi-
may not be your cup of tea, but if you’ve inherited one,
est, coppery coral bells (Heuchera) will also work.
you can shift the emphasis using your chosen colors. If a
Your palette only works when you choose plants that
border features plants like white candytuft, add a com-
will grow, of course. There are subtleties within zones,
panion such as blue Stokes’ asters to liven up spring.
and local microclimates vary, but you will be well served
Then take your blue palette into summer, perhaps with
to start with USDA hardiness zones and consult other
a collection of blue pots filled with annual flowers to
resources. Those might include your state’s Cooperative
keep your color front and center. Or if a bank of white
extension Service for weather and soil profiles and maps
hydrangeas dominates in June, add reblooming blue
such as those drawn for heat zones and for specific geog-
hydrangeas for summer color in a similar form.
raphies in Florida and the West Coast. They will help you
Many homes have only a lawn, a few trees, and some
further define conditions and thus find suitable plants,
shrubs when you begin to inject your palette into them
but perhaps the best local resource is you. Keep your
year-round. These may be the easiest to assess for color
camera handy to record what you like in local gardens;
and offer the most opportunities to introduce your per-
shoot vertically to focus your attention on top-down
sonal palette. In such an ideal situation, if your home
color. Find a friendly horticulturist at the local garden
is gray with cherry red shutters, you might begin with
center, attend garden expos, locate plant societies and
planters painted a darker burgundy flanking the front
Master Gardener groups in your region. They know what grows where you live. With design elements and their impacts in mind,
Planning for top-down color makes beautiful, practical sense in
you can use your color palette to create new vignettes
a design that shades the porch from summer to fall in burgundy
or refashion existing plantings. At times, however, your
red maple leaves and that features terraces to frame the stairs.
knowledge of color can do much more to meet the chal-
Seasonal echoes in the same color palette are found in the
lenges of creating a top down, year round garden. Color
hydrangea and a variety of colors from caladium bulbs.
can solve problems, as you will see in the next chapter.
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sh ad y xe stra ris t ca egi w pe es in te solu r an int tion nu ere s a st sm l flo w al l-s er pa po ce we r ch al le ng es
3
Problem-solving with color ON A GOOD DAY, a garden inspires feelings of peace
work together or you discover that the setting itself is the
and excitement simultaneously. There is harmony in the
issue. When plants do not physically grow as expected,
display, sometimes humor, but never boredom. When it’s
review their needs and your care regimes. Timely prun-
not right, you can feel it, but its shortcomings can also
ing, fertilizer, and watering practices may get them back
be measured and solved. Sometimes you see the problem
on track and return the colors you planned. The colors
in a garden design right away. Maybe there’s too much
in your palette can offer strategies for shady and xeri-
of one color at one time or there’s nothing to look at for
scape settings, add winter interest from the top down,
weeks or months. A simple analysis, such as a weekly
provide seasonal color, and keep small spaces inter-
photo diary, will reveal colors and/or their lack and
esting. Whether it’s a tweak or a complete redo of the
often offer clues to workable solutions. Other times, the
colors in a garden space, these options will assist in your
plan and its plants surprise you when they simply do not
decision-making.
color solves the dilemma of transitioning from pond bank to garden by featuring woody plants with multiseason interest. Deep wine foliage near the pond and a frame of starkly contrasting green and yellow set off the focal point of scarlet red and draw your interest across the path.
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Shady strategies
ShADe OFFerS WeLCOMING reSPITe with a delicious air of mystery when done right. That shade may be inherited but when the trees you plant do grow and shade encroaches, your colors need not fade away. Interesting shade is all about contrast between colors, values, and intensities, but also between shapes and materials. As beautiful as a grassy green carpet can be, and despite the fact that it is often a unifying reflection of the colors around it, shade is not the place for turf grass. Where less than half a day of full sun shines, give in to the colors and contrasting forms of groundcovers to carry your color palette through the year. Few other spaces can feature the green color suite as magnificently as shade does when it relieves a monochrome scene. even a group of plants with essentially the same leaf shape can create a memorable view when their colors vary within this classic hue. Think of the sword shapes of perennial hosta, cast iron plant (Aspidistra), and canna lily (Canna) painted in bluegreen, forest green, and bright spring green. When the tree canopy is low and dark green, consider the yellowish green leaves in shrubs around the edge. A row of ‘Chardonnay Pearls’ (Deutzia) or a small spirea shrub (Spiraea) will clearly define the area with color best seen in a mass of the same leaf shapes. evergreen understory trees and shrubs can also maintain strong green all year. If they are missing from shade, add them but choose carefully for diversity of color and form. Where more than indirect light is available, colorful variegation and flowers can jazz up the shade year round or seasonally. Shrubs and perennials that have
Dappled sun provides enough light to sustain lawn grass but
painted leaves bring their own clarity; many favorite
leaves cooling shade that can be enhanced by pastel plant colors,
plants in genera like Hydrangea and Iris have variegated
light stone hues, and fine-textured, medium-green leaves.
forms. Where there is not enough sunlight for them to
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Above: Designing to incorporate various elements in a shady setting can be a challenge. The judicious use of ornaments for focus and detail works well with a diversity of green colors and plant textures to lead the eye deep into this very personal retreat. left: A shaded entryway can be overlooked by visitors or have little pleasing visual impact beyond its architecture. Using color such as that found in these hydrangea shrubs can solve this problem in one plant with multiseason interest.
bloom, their forms and colors carry the day. Or you might choose hues from the tree canopy’s fall colors to carry color into the shade in other seasons. Where red leaves dominate autumn above, echo it in shrubs like burning bush (Euonymus) that have or will develop similar leaf colors, plus red violas, red kale, and ornamental cabbages. Keep the accents red with tulips for spring and red spider lilies in late summer. Add a garden gnome with a tall red hat for more emphasis. even one stunning plant chosen for texture and color can change the dull shade below tall walls or endless evergreen hedges. Imagine a dwarf Japanese maple tree
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The definitive line of a long garden border can be maintained in shade if a major edging plant makes the transition and displays a brighter green than the plants around it. Thick, hardy clumps of bright green fern fronds lead the way even as leafy trees above deepen the shade.
and a large gray rock surrounded by painted ferns and coral bells (Heuchera) punctuating the shade with color for much of the year. In winter the branches and twigs of the maple will glow gray, its fine-textured silhouette in harmony with that big stone accent. Adding texture and palette colors to shade through hardscape or ornament can be your best friend. Consider
This cheerful, welcoming design uses the same variegated hosta
a path to break up the shade and add color; use slate in
plants in shade and part sun, where they bloom joyously and
a blue palette or concrete pavers painted white to catch
attract bees. Under the leafy tree canopy, leaf variegation is their
more light. Focus on a place to sit—a table and chairs
best feature.
or a bench—with texture that stands out. Sleek metal surfaces set a contemporary mood yet sit well with gray tree trunks and contrast naturally with greens and other
Where water runs through shady places, you have
colors. That same shady retreat done with wooden fur-
the grand opportunity to color the swale with rocks of
nishings will feel more timeless, especially if the path is
different sizes and shapes. Use the smallest sizes that will
covered in cocoa-brown mulch.
not float away in the lowest level and step up to sizeable
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Staggered gray pavers form the perfect floor for this shady short path and the design makes clever use of an otherwise lost space. The primarily green scene is enhanced by pastel flower colors and variegation.
flat rocks (perfect for butterflies to sun on) and boulders where there is room. Their profiles create height and form plus flat surfaces and crevices where light plays in wet and dry times. The rocks act as colorful mulch, too, and prevent erosion. Where no slope or natural flow exists, think about installing a water garden to transform the shade environment. Bubbling water appeals to the eyes and ears equally and creates a sense of tranquility that can be
Even an edible landscape design needs shade—to sit in, if not
therapeutic in a noisy world. The shade garden may
to grow in. A beamed pergola provides sturdy support for grape
be set apart from the rest of the property and is often
vines and a restful space beneath, where darker greens dominate
in the backyard. That makes it the perfect space to
and soothe. The ingenious path of continuous pavers through
express your most whimsical ideas, to surprise visitors
lawn and gravel expresses a colorful style and points the traveler’s
and sometimes yourself. Where plant heights are too
way through.
consistent, all tall trees and low-growing perennials, and where shade is dark and dense, add architectural elements: columns, posts, or poles painted in your signature shade. Use them as plant stands or trellises with strings of clothesline wire between them for vines to grow on. When the vines are leafless, hang twinkling lights or chains of prayer flags from one to another. If you want to hang a giant wind chime or build a tree house, shade can be the place—just keep your color palette handy.
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Xeriscape solutions
The DeFINITION OF xerISCAPe GArDeNING is decep-
situation may seem dire, but it presents an opportunity
tively simple: to select and grow plants that thrive with
for smart new installations or redesigns that incorporate
no additional water beyond what is available from
color in different ways.
rainfall and runoff. It is often depicted in desert climate designs but it is actually a method and style of garden-
Natives to the Rescue
ing that can be used everywhere. Although the approach
A staple of xeriscape is the increased incorporation of
is minimalist at times, water-wise design is no reason to
native plants into designs; its grand benefit is color with
forsake color.
a sense of place. A stately oak or elegant birch (Quercus,
xeriscape is a radical idea, yet one that makes
Betula) sends a message of homegrown beauty. Similarly,
superb sense. To rely primarily on rainfall can be strat-
a stand of bright yellow tickseed or the pink daisy shapes
egy that adjusts to changing environmental conditions.
of purple coneflower (Coreopsis, Echinacea) looks and
Some areas of the nation have experienced a decrease in
feels natural even though it was planted intentionally.
annual rainfall as average annual temperatures have
When a nonnative tree or big shrub dies, grind out the
steadily warmed in recent years. There and elsewhere,
roots and reuse the remaining hole by filling it with soil
gardeners are irrigating less to conserve water and lower
from elsewhere in the garden, mixed with other organic
utility bills. Plants that cannot adapt can stop blooming
matters commonly used in your area. Then add a native
or succumb altogether to the changing conditions. The
that fits your palette plan. As with any new planting, it takes time for natives to put down roots and develop their superior innate tolerances for local conditions. Sometimes that means providing water in reservoir bags or with low-pressure drip irrigation systems. Some soil amendment in previously occupied soils and regular use
left: The play of sun and shade shifts the subtle colors of boulders in this xeriscape. Accents of fine texture and upright lines in shades of green and darker brown give over the focal point to the tan-and-gray palette. Right: The use of color to define space and highlight its use can be especially important in low-water landscapes to keep the message clear. here, gray stonework and a timber pergola combine with the rich greens of living mulch in a minimalist plant design that makes this corner shine.
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of a light organic mulch improves transplant conditions
Fortunately, native species plus their selections
here as everywhere. Such investments pay off in the long
and cultivars are more available every year thanks to
run with faster growth, and more and stronger colors.
increasing appreciation of their rugged qualities. You
To choose a native replacement in an existing planting,
may have seen native yellow witch hazel (Hamamelis) or
consider the color palette you have created and which to
creamy oak leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea) on a hike and
emphasize going forward. If blue and purple colors have
marveled at their flowers. But if the species is too large
been prominent, there are native berried shrubs aplenty
for your garden, there are now smaller cultivars with
from the pinky-purple to dark blue-black—and that’s
neater habits and the same, if not better, colors.
only the viburnums. While native species have always had a place in the
Designing with Natives and Nonnatives
modern American landscape, in many cases they have
Designing with native and well-adapted nonnative
been superseded by exotic (or nonnative) plants. Well-
plants together is a grand way to harness their color and
adapted exotics are chosen for outstanding features
energy in keeping with xeriscape sensibility. You have no
including brilliant colors or just because their “foreign-
doubt heard the phrase “right plant, right place,” and
ness” appeals; their numbers increase each year. You can count on them to perform as well as any native in their zones. For example, it is hard to imagine gardens
color diversity in plant leaves transforms what might be lost
without the Asian natives Korean stewartia (Stewartia)
space in a dry-side garden into a ground-floor organic mosaic.
and crape myrtle trees (Lagerstroemia).
Steely blue-gray and claret red stand out as focal points amid ground-hugging greens.
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Round and spiky shapes distinguish the cacti in this xeriscape design, which uses blue and gray pebble mulch to maintain, add color to, and visually cool this sunny, dry site.
this strategy demands it. Find out how much rainfall your area has and note differences in your own microclimate that might be due to runoff. Then select plants to suit the conditions. This may be as simple as noting the best performers already in your garden—or perhaps the neighbor’s garden. Investigate the origins of nonnative plants that are new to you, and if they hail from an area similar to yours, put them on your list. Your garden can boast nonstop color without draining the lake or your pocketbook for excessive irrigation. A good place to start is to reconsider thirsty turf grass lawns. replacing all or part of yours with hardy groundcovers creates a sustainable and often more colorful alternative. Where it is impractical to add plants to a changing situation, hardscape can reduce water needs and reinforce your colors. If you want a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen, this is the place for it. hard surfaces are a blank canvas, so use them to reinforce passionate rose-red or stunning
colorful plant materials can flow like a living stream through
Caribbean blue from your palette. Color pavers and walls
landscape designs for dry gardens. mixing colors, textures, and
in your primary shade, and then add ornaments and
plant forms from round to crawling and trailing defines this
furnishings for contrasting values and companion colors
succulent planting.
too. Where plants are established but color and space are lacking, let hardscape carry the day—and your colors— into a harmonious combined design.
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Winter interest
GArDeN COLOr NeeD NOT take a holiday when the
early on that only improve with age. If you want to add
days go from brisk to bracing to frozen. In fact, a unified
bold winter color and strong silhouettes to be seen at
and balanced design must embrace winter interest fea-
a distance, choose one large evergreen and one large
tures or be unsatisfying. This dilemma is readily avoided
deciduous tree.
with smart plant choices and combinations that carry your message through the dark months.
evergreen trees offer strong form, brilliant color, and captivating barks easily recognized from an acre away.
There are three prime winter views in a property of
The dark red-brown shaggy barks of red cedar (Juniperus),
average size. First should be a colorful sight that wel-
dawn redwood (Metasequoia), and bald cypress (Taxodium)
comes you home. Second is one visible at close range
establish a muscular profile. Their presence implies stabil-
from your favorite window. Third is a view you have to
ity, defines the space, and softens the harsh winter mood.
look out into the garden to see, usually near the far point
Lots of winter color in every part of the garden comes
of the landscape. While the first and second views might
from the barks of deciduous trees because they peel,
be trees or shrubs accented with bulbs and ornament,
strip, and ravel to reveal glowing inner shades. Included
the third view is the province of evergreen and deciduous
in this group are Japanese zelkova and crape myrtle
trees as big as scale allows. The big trees you plant are
(Lagerstroemia); between them lies every shade of toasty
a legacy, ultimately an investment in a garden’s future.
tan and cinnamon brown. Some trees create patchwork
Luckily, many trunks develop colors, patterns, and habits
patterns as pieces fall away, as on lacebark elm (Ulnus) and sycamore (Platanus). Other trees, including river birch (Betula), hold their peeled layers in curly ribbons while a few, such as smoketree (Cotinus), discard bark in thin flakes. In planting this important third view, consider how well the color and geometry of ridges and furrows work at a distance. For example, the lightly ridged gray bark of oak trees (Quercus) displays subtle texture up close but looks solid gray-brown at a distance. Austrian white pine (Pinus) combines that same gray with white into bark that looks distinctly like puzzle pieces even across the yard. Sweetgum (Liquidambar) has dark brown ridges with surprising symmetry, but for a gnarly and
Red berries are a classic source of bright, cheerful color during the winter months.
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unforgettable look from farther away, look at the deep cocoa of golden raintree (Koelreuteria).
Color Pops: Berries and More Winter color and often wildlife amusement come in colorful berries and drupes that persist well past the solstice. If you have not had the pleasure of watching birds devour them on an icy morning, it’s not just the berry colors you are missing in that view from your favorite window. Viburnums offer the widest range of berry colors in diverse shades of dark, bright, and pinky reds, as well as blue-purples and almost ebony. They are often seen against burnished red and purple leaves that are among the last to fall. Blackhaw viburnum holds its fruits well for an especially long time, deep purple in tiny grapelike clusters. evergreen Japanese ligustrum has fat clusters of purple berries, too, that can look brushed with white powder. The holly (Ilex) family is perhaps the most reliable for glossy red berries in sizes from knee-high to 30 feet and more tall. holly forms range from squared off hedges to single trees that serve as focal points; evergreen and deciduous, alone or with company, there’s a holly to fit every view. Dogwoods (Cornus) bear beautiful scarlet red drupes in clusters. These seed packages may be small and oval-shaped or large, round, and dramatic as with the Kousa dogwood. equally beautiful red orbs can be found on strawberry tree (Arbutus), decorating stunning mahogany limbs. The most celebrated shrub for winter garden color must be red osier dogwood. Its bare stems are as shiny red and alluring as a vamp’s nail polish. Where summers are not too hot, grow it. Plan for bulbs to surround a focal point statue, line a path, or surround the patio to plant color where you want it for winter. As autumn leaves turn, coral-red spider lilies (Lycoris) and golden autumn crocus (Colchicum)
Designing a garden that grabs the eye in winter puts the colors
echo the transition color palette at ground level. Plant
of the season at wonderful odds with one another. Blue sky and
them alongside the late winter bulbs, which can begin to
white snow blanket a prairie garden on a blustery day, made even
bloom in January or just weeks later. The canary yellow
more beautiful by clusters of mahogany-colored seedheads on
of winter aconite (Eranthis) and crisp white snowdrops
leafless stalks and huge sheaves of tall grasses gone tan.
(Galanthus or Leucojum) lead the parade, followed by purple and white snow crocus (Crocus) and early yellow daffodils (Narcissus). Grape hyacinth (Muscari) delivers navy blue flowers while wood squill (Scilla siberica) glistens in Wedgewood blue. Their optimism is just the cure for late winter blahs, and they start the year’s color show from the ground up.
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Annual flower power
The FIrST FLOWerS that many people tend are often
the wise gardener approaches both with a plan already
annuals because they are easy to grow and can reward
in mind.
with unparalleled colors quickly. Two seed packets and a
Annuals seldom need an audition to play diverse
patch of sunny soil soon becomes a row of bright yellow
roles in the nonstop color garden. They can carry your
marigolds in front of a tall patch of rainbow zinnias.
colors through the garden from wherever they are estab-
Seasoned gardeners may think annual flowers are too
lished into closer view. Where forsythias and tulip poplar
easy, a distraction from other, more majestic plants.
(Liriodendron) set a yellow and gold theme, annuals like
They might seem like unnecessary fluff because each is
pot marigold (Calendula) and snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
so short lived when compared to other plant groups. But
can fill beds while black-eyed Susan vine climbs a lamp
annual flowers are there every year to deliver cheery,
post. Their yellow shades will unify the garden scene,
reliable, relentless color. Their unequalled range of hues
and you can add to their appeal with similar shaped
enables you to put color where you want it, at almost
flowers in different colors: round pink gerbera daisies
any level of the garden—even in baskets hanging from
(Gerbera) and blue china asters (Callistephus), pink stock
ropes thrown over tree limbs. There’s little or no waiting
(Matthiola) and purple annual salvias.
for annual color, and with just minimal maintenance,
This plant group can be the bridge that takes spring
such instant gratification can be yours for months. Seed
colors through summer or they can anticipate the fall
catalogs and garden center racks can be intoxicating, so
shades to come. If your fall focal point is the stunning reds and burgundy of black gum tree (Nyssa) and viburnum shrubs, be sure annuals like deep red-purple amaranths (Amaranthus) are included for summer. Some have upright flower spikes, but the long chains of
left: A difficult site, such as this one defined by chubby, light gray boulders in a mix of sun and shade, can be tackled by using annual flowers for pops of color. here, their presence personalizes the space, their roots do not compete with the tree, and their colors are a pleasant surprise. Right: hardscapes and evergreen plants define this mixed border of annual and perennial flowers. While gray pavers, dense green tree canopies, and perennial clumps such as iris and gayfeather do not change year to year, annuals can and will change, as you desire, leaving you with a possibly changing color palette.
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love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus) are plush and dramatic.
equally precious petals of saucer magnolias, annuals
Combine them with the bold green and burgundy pat-
pick up the thread with intensity: the bubble-gum pink
terns of coleus (Solenostemon) and pink cosmos.
of verbena, hot pink phlox, fuchsia petunia, and rose
Annuals can be more than an echo of your color
mallow (Lavatera). These darker shades of deeper value
palette; these flowers can shout it. In films, the “estab-
can stand up to the summer sun and glow against the
lishing shot” sets the mood for the entire production.
solid greens. Combine the deep pinks with light green
So it can be in your annual plantings when you use
Canterbury bells (Campanula) and gold California pop-
them to cue visitors for what will come in other seasons
pies (Eschscholzia), and punctuate the scene with strik-
with similar forms as well as colors. Perhaps you wait
ing white daisies (Osterospermum or Bellis).
all year for the distinct petals of white dogwood (Cornus) and cascades of white spirea (Spiraea) flowers that cover
Texture Changes Mood
the round shrubs each spring. You can highlight their
You can use bold-textured annuals to embellish the color
importance with the pinwheels of flowering tobacco
palette and change the garden mood entirely to suit the
(Nicotiana) and Madagascar periwinkle (Vinca) along
season. For example, the rich orange of paddle-shaped
with thick white stands of sweet alyssum (Lobularia) and
petals of hibiscus pair well with the huge upright red
tall annual delphiniums. In a garden otherwise devoted to pastels and evergreens, annuals can be a wild contrast yet stay within
The addition of annual flowers to a formal walled planting design
the color range you have established. They can continue
lightens its mood immediately and allows for almost-instant color
the heart and soul of those colors in brighter, bolder
in any season. Their colors will seamlessly enrich and reinforce
hues. When light pink spring roses greet spring with the
any theme established in perennials and shrubbery. Bright orange gives this scene an extra pop.
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A memorable, pollinator-rich design puts annual flowers along the edges of beds containing roses and other flowering shrubs.
(Salpiglossis). Their colors can paint a rainbow that is no
This “yellow brick road” of nectar-rich flowers leads visitors to the
more than knee high and amazingly diverse.
gazebo, but not in a way that makes them hurry.
Annual flowers planted en masse move people. Bright red salvias can lead the way down the path to a shady grotto or surround your front door and reinforce
Abyssinian banana (Ensete) and the refreshing green
its colors. A bed of tall pink and white or rose Cleome
hearts of elephant ears (Alocasia, Colocasia). Together
waves hello and lures visitors from across the garden.
they instantly transform the corner of your deck into an
They can fill a bed in heights from 6 inches to 6 feet with
oasis of tropical color and texture. Or you might choose
easy-to-grow textures that repeat and extend your color
fine-textured annuals to draw the eye into beds around
palette. There is no cause for plant snobbery here—no
trees with brilliant contrast. Such a group might include
other group offers a greater variety of flower shapes and
pouty diascias, softly lobed monkey flower (Mimulus),
colors in plants that can grow close to provide endless
prim columbine (Aquilegia), and velvety painted tongue
enjoyment for months.
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Small-space challenges
reGArDLeSS OF The OVerALL SIze of the garden, there
and style. More and more, however, every inch counts
are small spaces to challenge your sense of proportion
for color in today’s often smaller properties.
and use of color. Garden rooms are staples of landscape
entryways are universal, offer colorful opportuni-
design and are especially effective for creating intimacy
ties to express yourself, and establish connections to the
in large properties. They can be quite practical, too, like
larger garden in mood and color. While every doorway
outdoor kitchens with herbs and vegetables in planters
is different, there are two major types of entries: public
to mark their “walls.” Some garden rooms cannot be considered small spaces, but others can be and there are twenty-first century trends that use the same ideas. Both
Designing in a long, narrow space can mean vertical gardening
rely on focal point, color harmony, and the succinct use
and adding upright elements to extend the space’s limits visually.
of hardscape and plant materials to suit your site’s scale
This is an ideal location for this wondrous birdhouse collection and colorful container plants that pick up on their colors.
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and private. Typically, but not always, the public entry is found at the front door while a private entry will open into a back or side door. The area around your front door can be a friendly, fast glance at your color palette. If you have a porch or stoop, this is the place to start, but even if the doorway is not sheltered, its colors should connect to yours. In a patio home design, the entire postage stamp of a front yard can be considered the entryway. In each case, this small area will speak loudest with your dominant color and its color wheel opposite, such as purple with yellow or red with green. If you do not want the doorway to call out, use several shades of your signature color paired with cream or white. The front entry can be the lynchpin of symmetry between the garden and the house when you establish perspective using plants and color. If low shrubs line the path to the front door, consider a small flowering tree whose canopy reaches the eaves—cherry or apricot (Prunus) for spring, or summer’s blue-purple chaste tree (Vitex). eyes will follow the shrub line up the trees to the shelter of your front door. When the way is not clearly delineated, use the planting on each side of the door to its best perspective advantage. Symmetry is called for, but intentional mirror images can be disappointing. equality in forms can come from diverse plants across your personal color spectrum; their scale can marry the entry to the garden beyond. Vary their heights with more intense colors framing the door
Design success in a small space depends on good use of scale to
or let their heights and colors step down. In this sce-
foster harmony and a mood of pleasant good cheer. In this case,
nario, you repeat the door color at the opposite end of
the stones, ornament, and consistent color palette of green-,
the space and let its shades lead your eye from that color
white-, and yellow-leaved plants provide a careful blend of sizes,
to its mate, the front door.
shapes, and textures in sync with this peaceful water feature.
rear entrances are often the kitchen door with sidewalks and garage walls that need plants to soften their harsh lines. Consider the available space and sunlight
More popular than ever now is the idea to make the
here; paint and ornament may be the only options.
most of pocket rooms, small spaces created by the inter-
establishing shades of your dominant color here can
section of structures and plants. At least one side is a wall
mean careful choices but not much labor to install or
or tall hardscape such as you find in between houses on
maintain. There may be another exit, such as French
zero lot line properties. Of course, these walls and others,
doors onto a patio or deck, that demands a seamless
like the common wall of your patio and house, consti-
transition to the back garden. This can be a seductive
tute a small space with tremendous vertical gardening
place: an arbor over the door covered in an evergreen
potential. Be certain of its load-bearing ability, and your
vine, a huge rose (Rosa) trellis beside it, columns of
style to set up staging. Glass or painted shelves, rustic
Clematis, or a sequence of fragrant plants. This limited
wood planters, stainless steel racks, or a row of pocket
space need not be crowded physically when color makes
pots with a flat side—any of these can put garden colors
the transition easily in either direction.
into a small space with texture that suits your style.
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left: By placing pavers with planting space in mind, a quirky
Above: The addition of a water feature to small-space gardens
combination of plants with individual appeal becomes possible
expands their impact and your comfort zone right away. The
in a stylish setting. The intentionality of the design sets a round
gentle sound of flowing water, the play of light on the stones
barrel cactus near colorful leafy edibles to charming effect in a
below, and ample and colorful plants ensure the chairs will be
small space.
well used in this welcoming space.
Many gardeners harbor the desire for a surprise
Another colorful solution in small spaces that need
destination, a hidden view to be discovered with joy
help quickly: you can pop color in for a week with
in every season. Such spaces have to be sought out on
annual flowers or put colorful containers to work in four
a footpath, maybe behind the hedge or under a drap-
seasons if they are planted with dwarf shrubs and/or
ing tree canopy. You might adapt a color vignette from
small trees. In season, pots of bulbs or tropical plants
elsewhere in the garden in dwarf versions; a miniature
can bring exciting contrast, offer textures seen (or not
Japanese maple (Acer) can echo the standard-size tree,
seen, but needed) in nearby plantings, and deliver your
for instance. If the hidden garden sits beneath a sweet
colors throughout the garden.
gum tree (Liriodendron), its colors can mimic the red,
every idea that solves a problem depends on your
purple, and gold shades of autumn, extending their sea-
execution to become reality. In the same way, each
sons in the garden. For a bigger surprise, consider a small
design relies on the plants you install to carry it out.
water feature surrounded by rich green ferns (Athyrium,
You’ll find plenty of options in the next chapter.
Polystichum) and the white-wall effect of striped hostas.
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tre es sh ru bs flo we r gr ing ou pe n r US dco enn ia DA ve ls ha rs rd pl in an tin ess gc z ha o ne rt m ap
4
Plants for nonstop color PEOPLE TAKE DIFFERENT ROUTES to acquire plants,
Four categories of plants are included here to rep-
especially when it comes to the colors they choose. Some
resent the wide range of species, cultivars, and hybrids
fall in love with plants on sight and put them wherever
available. Trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers
seems best to suit their latest idea. Others decide exactly
are divided into groups by color: reds and pinks; blues
what they want and search far and wide until they get
and purples; yellows, oranges, and golds; greens; whites
it. Most of us, though, fall somewhere in between these
and creams; and neutrals, including grays and browns.
extremes and have at least something of a plan in mind.
The plant listings include botanical names for clarity,
We muse over possibilities that might accomplish our
and the index lists them both ways. Common names are
personal color goals and leave room for a few surprises.
in regular type, genera and species are in italics, and
The plants in this chapter are organized to facilitate
cultivars are indicated with single quotation marks.
this process.
The USDA hardiness zones are noted at the end of each entry. Numbers in parentheses indicate that the plant is considered marginally hardy in that zone.
A visually effective front landscape design reflects its gardener’s attitude toward the neighborhood. This great use of color sets
So—have fun choosing your plants for nonstop color from top to bottom!
a mood of attention to detail and warm welcome. The use of bold yellow black-eyed Susans call attention to the entrance with panache.
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Trees
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Ohio buckeye
Red buckeye
Buckeye (Aesculus spp.) There is a place for the woodsy charm of a buckeye
of a “worry stone,” a talisman carried to absorb stress
tree in every garden and a species for every zone and
and bring good luck.
locality. No other small tree has such huge, colorful impact and fabled history from coast to coast. The
Six native species should be celebrated from north and east to south and west:
wood has long been beloved and put to important use
• Ohio buckeye (A. glabra) can be 40 feet tall in
for its carveable strength; buckeye has been fashioned
the wild but about half that in the garden. Its
into everything from baby cradles to artificial limbs.
flowers are creamy yellow with red splashes, and
The trees vary in shape but are essentially pyramidal with distinctly hand-shaped, palmate leaves. Spring
the buckeyes sport spiny husks. zones 4–7. • Painted buckeye (A. sylvatica) has robust fists of
brings new growth that is light green with yellow and
flowers in clusters that live up to its name. The 20-foot
even pink hues. As they unfold, deeper green shades
tree has especially big leaves, and its blooms range
take over and are soon topped by red or yellow flowers
from rose and pink to golden yellow. zones 5–8.
that look like fat candles made to light up the shade.
• Yellow buckeye (A. octandra) dwarfs the others
Buckeye trees are the stuff of children’s imaginations,
at 60 to 80 feet tall in the wild with blooms that
from red, yellow, or cream flower spikes to the nuts that
demand a second look for their creamy yellow color
split their shucks. They fall to the ground as the trees
with rosy red inside. zones 4–8.
are revving their engines for fall, changing green leaves
• Red buckeye (A. pavia) grows farthest south, a small
to fiery reds. The nuts are brown, from russet to mahog-
tree (8 to 12 feet) that lights up the understory garden
any, each with a lighter spot just made for your thumb.
with coral-red pyramids of flowers. zones 6–9.
For centuries, they have been the American equivalent
• Texas buckeye (A. arguta) brings light yellow flowers in loose candle shape clusters to 20-foot trees, sometimes with a dozen leaflets on each hand.
Birch trunks can stand alone and still draw a crowd. But crowded by brightly colored tulips, they assume grander status, like
zones 5–8. • California buckeye (A. californica) dazzles with
candles on a fancy birthday cake for weeks in spring. The contrast
neat, creamy white flowers in a cylinder-shape
is stunning.
rather like an old-fashioned baby bottle. zones 6–8.
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Magnolia grandiflora
Magnolia soulangeana
Magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana and cultivars) When someone mentions a magnolia, most people
wine’s color with especially shiny buds that glow in sun-
picture the evergreen tree with big, waxy white flowers
light. Deep lavender with red hues in its outer layers,
synonymous with the Deep South. But the most color-
‘Picture’ opens to expose a blush lilac interior framed
ful species, cultivars, and hybrids in this family are the
by the darker tepals. hybrids, cultivars, and selections
deciduous trees that bloom before, with, or shortly after
from the flowering magnolias make for a complicated
the leaves appear in spring. Most have slick gray bark
family tree. Pure white ‘Pristine’ honors its name with
and a spreading canopy or are grown with multiple
a simple white flower on a larger tree well suited to all
stems that increase the number of flowering branches in
zones, as are members of the Little Girl series, ‘Jane’ and
these trees’ jaw-dropping displays. Many are fragrant.
‘Ann’. Bold red buds contrast with bright white centers
The trees are usually 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread half
on ‘Jane’, which is also noted for great fragrance and
as wide, but some are smaller. Leaf cover will be denser
long-lasting blooms on a 15-foot tree. ‘Ann’ blooms
and flowers more plentiful in full sun. The blooms and
early with pinky purple flowers and a spicy aroma.
buds can be pink, yellow, lilac, purple, or red, some-
With great cold tolerance, ‘rose Marie’ reliably blooms
times on the same flower as when darker buds open to
deep rosy pink. In warm winter areas, ‘heaven Scent’
reveal lighter shades inside. When fully open, some are
brings dark pink outer and purple inner petals. Yellow
perfect bowls while others have tall centers; most fall
shades are well represented in ‘Gold Crown’ with warm
somewhere in between in their distinctive shape. each
tones in late flowers, while ‘elizabeth’ offers brighter,
flower is built of whorls, groups of petals stacked around
daffodil yellow flowers. Oddly enchanting, ‘Sunsation’
their center.
buds are striped and open into yellow petals with dra-
The most venerable flowering magnolias are the
matic purple centers.
saucers (M. × soulangeana), which are also known as
tulip trees and Japanese magnolias. They can grow nationwide but some in this group are better suited to areas prone to late freezes than others. ‘Alexandrina’ sets the standard for classic rose-purple color outside and white inner petals. ‘Burgundy’ can match that
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Japanese maple
Red maple
Maple (Acer spp.) North America is known for its Acer species, both native
Broadleaf maple (A. macrophyllum) is native to
and not. We grow a wide range, from towering sugar
the West Coast with leaves a foot wide or larger as it
maples essential for syrup lovers to diminutive thread-
matures to 30 feet or taller. When the huge leaves turn
leaf Japanese maples at the edge of a water garden.
yellow in fall, its gray bark with reddish ridges keeps the
Various family members offer red flowers and new
color going.
growth, dramatic barks, fine focal points, interesting
Red maple (A. rubrum) is a towering tree native to the
textures, and fascinating fruits called samaras. Maple
eastern US with deep red flowers that appear before the
trees have evolved a most elegant means to ensure their
red new growth, which soon turns green. Fall color is red
future. The flying samaras are often a child’s introduc-
or orange, as seen in ‘October Glory’ and ‘Red Sunset’.
tion to the species, and when Mother Nature’s little heli-
Paperbark maple (A. griseum) matures at 15 to 30
copters spin off the tree, even adults can be forgiven
feet with fall color in different shades of green and red. Its
for squeals of delight. The papery winged fruits carry
cinnamon red bark soon peels away for increased inter-
precious cargo, often only one seed, and float as easily
est all year. Some cultivars appear to be more cold hardy
downstream as on the breeze.
than the species, but their bark displays less contrast.
Silver maple (A. saccharinum) is an eastern US native
Japanese maple (A. palmatum) has deeply cut leaves
that matures at 50 feet or taller and provides multiseason
and ranges from 4 to 25 feet tall. ‘Sango-kaku’, the coral
color. Its green leaves backed with silver stir easily to ani-
bark maple, has bark that rivals its leaves for color.
mate spring and summer; fall colors may be red, orange,
‘Bloodgood’ (A. palmatum atropurpureum) delivers reliable
or yellow depending on the tree and cultivar.
deep red leaf color all season. Other notables include:
• ‘Silver Cloud’, red-orange fall color, upright form, extreme cold tolerance
• ‘Beni shichihenge’ stuns with light green leaves and sweet pink edges.
• A. × freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’, an improved silver maple with bright red fall color in Zones 4 through 8
• ‘Shaina’ has salmon-red leaves. • ‘Waterfall’ is a small tree with fine textured, deeply cut green leaves, and a weeping form.
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Quercus spp.
White oak
Oak (Quercus spp.) Every garden needs an oak tree for a colorful canopy from spring through fall and sometimes beyond. Oak leaves
• White oak (Q. alba) is a broad tree with shades of red fall color.
vary greatly in shape and size, but all can deliver slick
In more northern areas, Zones 4 through 7 (marginal at
spring greens, bold bottle greens in summer, and fall
Zone 8a), three more oaks deliver big color and presence:
colors ranging from russet and orange to gold, yellow, and red. They offer soothing shade in a focal point tree that is equally stunning in winter. Where the trees are evergreen or semi-evergreen, their color holds the scene while most everything else takes a rest. Where they are deciduous, the bark and branches provide the garden design with beauti-
• Chinkapin oak (Q. muehlenbergii) brings orange and russet tones to autumn. • Northern red oak (Q. rubra) delivers rich, dark red fall color. • Pin oak (Q. palustris) has deeply lobed leaves that turn russet-bronzy-red.
ful stability and inspiring eye lines in grays and browns.
Much of the country can enjoy these four oaks (in Zones
The trees grow moderately fast while young and mature
5 through 9):
in sizes ranging from 40 to 80 plus feet tall and sometimes as wide. Oak trees reproduce by acorns that are prized by wildlife as much as growers. Their simple utilitarian
• Shumard oak (Q. shumardii) has broad leaves and red-orange fall color. • Willow oak (Q. phellos) has narrow leaves that turn
purposes hide inside some of nature’s cleverest handi-
brilliant yellow-orange hues and tolerates clay soils.
work. Acorns can be small as a shirt button or big as your
• Sawtooth oak (Q. acutissima) looks like it sounds
thumb, round, oval, wide, or narrow, and some peek out
with serrated leaves that glow golden yellow in fall.
of jaunty caps that seem made for elves. Each is a natu-
• Overcup oak (Q. lyrata) offers wine-red bark and
ral—and national—treasure delivered by native oak trees.
rusty yellow fall color in a lovely rounded tree that
Three oaks represent the trees’ best qualities and can
is drought tolerant.
Magnificent in warmer climes, California white oak
grow in Zones 4 through 9: • Scarlet oak (Q. coccinea) is true scarlet red
(Q. lobata) shows fine drought tolerance and live oak (Q. virginiana) has classic spreading form. Both are essen-
in autumn. • Bur oak (Q. macrocarpa) can grow 20 feet in 20
tially evergreen, pushing off old leaves with new ones.
years and produces the biggest acorns.
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Trees
Reds, pinks
Blackgum
Korean Stewartia
(Nyssa sylvatica)
(Stewartia koreana)
An old adage says that blackgum is never fooled, wait-
A great small tree like this one lends quick visual per-
ing to leaf out until all danger of a late spring freeze
spective to garden scenes created in flat, empty spaces.
is past. It might as well be said that this tree is pre-
Stewartia takes on its mature form in a few years with
scient about fall’s arrival, too, since it begins coloring
sophisticated colors and habits that should be seen more
up several weeks sooner than most as if it knows what’s
often. At 20 feet tall and possessing a thick pyramid with
coming. Yellow and orange hues appear quickly in late
showy trunks that peel dramatically, the tree can estab-
summer, then give way to purples and pure reds from
lish scale in a focal point embellished with annual and
scarlet to maroon in this tree, which is also known as
perennial flowers as bigger, slower trees grow nearby.
black tupelo. Broad at the base and tapering to a point
Bright white flowers stand out against arching, wine-
more than 30 feet above the ground, it redefines red fall
bottle-green leaves in early summer. Opening like a
color in native stands and modern landscapes. Lustrous
single camellia, its velvety petals blush with a thick
and bottle green, blackgum’s leaf shape is generally oval
crown of buttery yellow stamens. Fall turns the leaves
with prominent veins that give it a slightly coarse texture
red unlike other autumn hues, more subtle and warm,
that allows sunlight to bounce around in every direc-
closing in on orange at times. Equally beautiful flow-
tion. The flowers are yellow-green, arranged in pedun-
ers and even more prominent bark makes Stewartia
cles, and give rise to small, thick-skinned blue drupes
pseudocamellia a good choice for larger spaces. Its check-
for added fall coloration on female trees. The bark is
erboard bark sloughs off in clever patching patterns; the
nearly black, ridged aggressively in channels that are
tree tolerates moist soils, even clay. Its glossy dark green
even darker in hue and give a muted checkered effect at
leaves turn deep reds in fall with overtones that range
a distance. Cultivars gain more garden favor each year,
from muted oranges to dark purples. Silky stewartia
including a weeping form, ‘Autumn Cascades’, and the
(S. malacodendron) is native to the southeastern US. Its
especially colorful ‘Miss Scarlet’.
glorious fall color glows garnet red to deep purple even
Zones 4–9
in warm winters. Zones 5–8 (marginal at Zones 4 and 9)
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Reds, pinks
Kwanzan Cherry
Smoketree
(Prunus serrulata)
(Cotinus spp.)
Just as winter gives way to spring, troops of dancing
You face a delightful dilemma when selecting a smoke-
flowers deliver Kwanzan cherry tree’s surprising, strong
tree to light the garden in pinks and reds from summer
pink-rose shades. Each bloom is doubled in form like
through fall. Two species await consideration, one native
tiny, eye-catching roses or camellias packed along the
to alkaline soils in the US (C. obovatus, also known as
branches so tight it seems there’s no room for leaves
C. americanus) and the other from Europe (C. coggygria).
at all. The sight is a sure cure for the winter blues, and
Both may be seen as sprawling shrubs but deliver more
Kwanzan cherry continues to please as the flowers hold
drama in garden culture as small, colorful trees. The
on while the pinky-bronze leaves emerge. Four- to 5-inch
green-blue leaves let smoketree stand out among other
long, narrow, and slightly serrated leaves are also thick
trees in the early spring garden, but come May and June,
with a charming, slightly drooping habit; fall turns them
it’s all about the flowers. Spectacular, otherworldly, ethe-
several shades of red highlighted with bronze metallic
real—these words are overused in most plant descrip-
tones. Beneath this colorful canopy, Kwanzan stands
tions yet entirely apt for smoketree blooms. Up close,
on attractive, striated bark in brown and gray hues that
each flower is greenish yellow, exploding with countless
forms a rounded, vase-shaped tree. This tree sets the bar
pink hairs the color of cotton candy. Taken altogether
high for all other cherry trees but it is not alone in popu-
they create color clouds that are frankly the pretti-
larity. Sargent cherry (P. sargentii) is beloved for single
est “smoke” you’ll ever see, floating above branches
rose-pink flowers, deep red bark, and bronze fall color
thick with oval leaves that turn striking red and purple
in northern zones, while Higan cherry (P. subhirtella)
plus yellow-orange in autumn. Adding to the choice
offers a smaller, more open tree form well into the Deep
dilemma, C. coggygia ‘Royal Purple’ lives up to its name
South. The flowering cherry trees are uptown cousins of
grandly while the fall color on American smoketree is
the native black cherry that do not fruit and so they are
a brighter red. The native’s bark holds great interest,
well suited for many garden styles and settings.
a scaly brown canvas with a clever, flaking habit that
Zones 5–8
gives it great dimension. Zones 5–8
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Trees
Blues, purples
Strawberry Tree
Chaste Tree
(Arbutus unedo)
(Vitex negundo)
Evergreen trees that flower in the fall are a rarity in most
When the solid blue, nearly navy shades of chaste tree
places, including the zones where strawberry tree finds
flowers greet you for the first time, you can be forgiven
a home. The tiny white bells appear as balloons turned
for wanting it in your garden immediately in its full-
upside-down, ready to spill nectar out through each
grown glory. Shaped like upside-down ice cream cones,
narrow neck. They hang in sweet clusters in a sharp con-
the brilliant flower clusters explode upward from every
trast to the dark green leaves, but the blooms are not the
stem in summer like organic fireworks made to celebrate
most colorful feature of strawberry tree. That distinction
Independence Day. They burst like a blooming halo
is reserved for the red fruits that form round nubby orbs,
above stacks of gray-green (or sage-colored) leaves that
each one no bigger than a pea. They gradually ripen
are slightly waffled, lighter underneath, and palmate
to shades of red so brilliant it seems they would glow in
with five fingers, rather like hands. Chaste tree is also
the dark. A small tree no more than 15 feet tall, straw-
called hemp tree to recall other leaves it resembles. The
berry tree usually stands on one dark trunk that brings
tree and its leaves have a pleasantly fresh fragrance,
red tones to brown as it ages. Above is a dense canopy
almost citrusy at times but never offensive, so it’s per-
of perky, upturned leaves that are longer than they are
fect for planting where people can pass close by. This
wide. Native to warmer areas in Ireland and Europe,
small and picturesque 15- to 20-foot tree is also listed in
this species is one parent of Arbutus × andrachnoides,
references as Vitex agnus-castus and is sometimes called
celebrated for rich hues in its burgundy-cinnamon
agnus-castus too. In the garden, chaste tree has a sweet,
bark. Cultivars of strawberry tree include ‘Elfin King’,
almost quaint sprawling pyramid or arc shape that
which can bloom and fruit at 8 feet tall; ‘Compacta’,
hums with bees all day during the long bloom season.
with charming, twisted branches for added interest; and
Because the tree blooms on new wood, it can be pruned
‘Rubra’, with pink flowers that open from dark red buds.
after blooming or when winter freezes its stems to main-
Zones 5–8
tain a pleasing height and shape. Zones 5–9
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Blues, purples
Eastern Redbud
Empress Tree
(Cercis canadensis)
(Paulownia tomentosa)
Few trees are as likely to cause you to slow or even stop
There are trees that are much more popular with gar-
along your commute as eastern redbud on a spring
deners than with professionals in the field, and empress
morning. Its bare gray-brown branches burst with glo-
tree certainly is one. But all agree that the lavender-pur-
rious, delicate blooms that crowd together along their
ple or purple-blue flowers are a powerful attraction to
length. Each tiny bead of a flower captures light like a
people and butterflies alike. The blossoms are even more
prism and creates a blinding, radiant aura of the high-
spectacular because they appear before the leaves in a
est order—purple shades so rich with rose hues that their
flowery cloud of hanging bells gathered into large pani-
color needs a name of its own. But these are not just
cle-shaped clusters that cover the tree. The shape of each
pretty flowers; they are a favorite nectar source for hon-
flower resembles another spring favorite that shares its
eybees and butterflies such as Henry’s elfin. They dazzle
common name, foxglove tree, and in keeping with the
on a tree that can be 30 feet tall and about as wide in full
royalty theme, some refer to it as princess tree. Whatever
sun, but in slightly shady woods will more often be seen
you call it, empress tree is an impressive tree even when
20 feet tall and more upright. Stunning, heart-shaped
not in bloom. The matte green leaves are lobed rather
leaves open in olive green and soon develop brighter,
like those of catalpa and they are large, up to 10 inches
deeper hues that add to the tree’s considerable charms.
across on a 40-foot tree. Densely arranged, the canopy of
Soon to follow are the seedpods, flat beans that speak of
empress tree is a wide, shading beauty in summer with
the tree’s home in the legume family. Eastern redbud is
oblong yellow-green fruits that turn deep brown before
widely distributed in a variety of environments and soil
they explode to send seeds flying. This habit can cause
types; it is native to more than half the continental US
too many seedlings and give it the label “messy.” No tree
and grows more widely.
is for everyone, and empress tree is best grown in full sun
Zones 4–9
where you can mow under it to control its prolific nature. Zones 5–9
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Harlequin Glorybower
Pawpaw
(Clerodendrum trichotomum)
(Asimina triloba)
The late summer garden can benefit from cooling blue
Unusual, colorful, and the source of delicious fruit,
and purple tones, and harlequin glorybower delivers like
pawpaw tree should be celebrated in modern gardens.
no other small tree can. The tree’s canopy is almost fluffy,
Native to moist, wooded areas such as creek banks in
full of dark green leaves that smell like peanut butter
half the states, this small, unsung tree stands up to hur-
when crushed, giving rise to another common name,
ricanes as well as blizzards. Huge, sword-shaped leaves
peanut butter tree. They make the perfect pillows to dis-
bring deep green tropical tones to this small tree, which
play huge clusters of pinky-lavender flower buds that
can grow into a dense pyramid in sun or a looser form
pop open all summer to reveal fragrant white pinwheel
in shade. Both deliver color in their coarse texture but
flowers. There can be thousands of flowers on a 15-foot
flowers and fruit are more abundant on sheltered, sunny
tree, and each one seems to attract butterflies in search
sites. Pawpaws have been around since before honey-
of nectar. The white petals fall off to reveal incredibly
bees, and so its pollinators are usually beetles and flies.
beautiful bright blue fruit ringed by fuchsia calyxes that
The exotic flowers have evolved to attract the insects
surround it like a star. The effect is dazzling—the blue is
that prefer dark colors, intense odors, and easy access.
so shiny it looks like polished chrome. Most Clerodendrum
They are deep purple-red, merlot wine shades and face
species are tropical in nature, but this one performs best
downward as if to point their smell in the bugs’ direction.
a little farther north, and if the top is damaged, it will
It works and pollination happens to fruit-lovers’ great
resprout from established roots to bloom each year. ‘Betty
delight. The light green, waxy fruits appear in clusters in
Stiles’ is an especially nicely formed, cold-hardy tree that
the shade of the leaves, each 4 to 8 inches long and foot-
was originally found in North Carolina. Without much
ball shaped. Golden yellow with black seeds inside, the
attention and planted in shade, harlequin glorybower
fruit tastes like banana custard. If you want fruit, seek
becomes a huge thicket with fewer blooms and a propen-
out two different, commercially grown pawpaws; trees
sity to spread unpleasantly.
transplanted from the wild are seldom successful.
Zones 6–9
Zones 5–9
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Blues, purples
Purple-Leaf Plum
Rose of Sharon
(Prunus cerasifera)
(Hibiscus syriacus)
A tree bold enough to have “purple” in its name has to
Althea, also called rose of Sharon, basks with cool blue
be great, and purple-leaf plum tree lives up to its bill-
style all summer in cottage gardens and offers stiffly
ing. New leaves almost drip the color as they fill out,
upright vase-shapes to beds and borders in need of
with deep shades that grow richer as spring hastens on
diverse silhouettes. Its flowers are open, single trum-
to summer. Unlike other plants with purple new growth,
pets that resemble tropical hibiscus in that their petals
this plum holds its color and enhances it in full sun and
seem to be made of slightly wrinkled paper, but they are
hot weather. Shade is a challenge, and leaves may be a
unlike them in color. The dusky blues and purple that
puny green there. Moderately fast growing to about 25
paint these blooms distinguish rose of Sharon from its
feet at most, purple-leaf plum forms a rounded canopy
family and are unforgettable in their simple perfection.
that makes a fine specimen tree alone in the side yard
Each has a bulls-eye center of deeper purple-red with a
or as the focal point in a mixed bed of perennials and
long pistil that pokes out boldly from the center like a
bulbs. Flowers appear before the new leaves in very
nose laden with flower parts and pollen. The tree’s inter-
early spring. They are pink or white, thickly packed
esting leaves are longer than they are wide and lobed
onto the tree with a smell much like an orchard of less
rather like a chrysanthemum. Deep green and slightly
lovely but edible plum trees in bloom. ‘Purple Pony’ has
shiny, they are loaded along each branch from top to
very dark rose-pink flowers, and both ‘Thundercloud’
bottom to create a perfect setting for the flowers on this
and ‘Newport’ are noted for their dark leaf colors. Fruits
small tree. Often seen in rows or planted in clumps, rose
do form on purple-leaf plum, little 1-inch jewels that
of Sharon can be pruned annually maintain it at the
can be purple, red, or even yellow depending on the cul-
height (10 to 20 feet) best suited for your garden. Some
tivar chosen.
trees are greatly improved upon by breeders, and there
Zones 4–9
are fancier, often double-flowered, rose of Sharon trees that are lavender and rosy blue. But the classic cannot be beat for pure purple flowers and old-fashioned charm. Zones 5–8
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Trees
Yellows, oranges, golds
Sweetgum
Chinese Pistache
(Liquidambar styraciflua)
(Pistacia chinensis)
Fall color can be amazing to view but bittersweet as it
This tree is a real showstopper all year because of its
signals the end of a season. When leaves hang on longer
dynamic compound leaves—no one can resist taking a
than most other trees in exquisite purple shades, it is
second look at close range or across the garden. Chinese
heartwarming to see and feel. Sweetgum is such a tree,
pistache leaves are beautiful, highly sculptural, and
with deep purple color dancing amid bold gold and red
gracefully gathered in a canopy shaped like a fancy
palmate leaf shapes on every branch. When at last they
parasol. The leaves emerge deep green in spring and
drop from the tree, its gray or brown bark is revealed
hold their color through hot, humid, summer weather
with dark ridges that are often spaced neatly like lines
to turn brilliant autumn shades of orange, apricot, gold,
on a graph. Its patterns are drawn on a sturdy trunk and
and sometimes red. Most years, other orange leaf shades
spreading branches and make sweetgum tree easily rec-
pale in comparison to this tree’s colors, so intensely
ognizable against the winter sky. The new leaves emerge
bright they almost look dyed. Every breeze puts them
in spring with five or seven hand-shaped lobes. They are
in motion for an unforgettable, kinetic garden moment.
rich bottle green with petioles that are light in weight
You might not notice long clusters of greenish flowers in
and color, so the new leaves rustle in every spring breeze.
spring, but you will when they become bluish red, deep
The purple feature has been enhanced in cultivars
blue, or bright red berries. They look like delicate jewels
including ‘Burgundy’ and ‘Rotundiloba’. The second of
strewn among the orange fall leaves. But this tree is even
these is also fruitless, a desirable feature for those who
tougher than it looks, with strong, durable wood that
consider the woody fruit called “gumballs” too messy for
can stand up to high winds in exposed, sunny sites. A
garden culture. Others love the fruit’s spines and holes
relatively fast grower to about 30 feet tall and almost as
that resemble crazy organic space capsules; they may
wide, Chinese pistache is nearly pest free and long-lived.
paint them in holiday colors or roll them in peanut
Best in full sun and not picky about soils, it transplants
butter and birdseed for outdoor decorating.
readily and develops good drought tolerance.
Zones 5–9
Zones 6–9
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Yellows, oranges, golds
Ginkgo
Golden Chain Tree
(Ginkgo biloba)
(Laburnum × watereri)
Renowned as the oldest living tree species on Earth,
Not to be confused with the Asian native golden raintree,
ginkgo (or maidenhair tree) uses color to charm in
golden chain tree is a long-beloved hybrid of trees from
uncommon ways. Scalloped leaves emerge yellowish
southern Europe. The small (20 feet) tree simply glows
green and open into grass green, squatty triangles that
with spectacular color when in bloom, the quality that
give it another common name, duck foot tree. The tree
makes it a favorite focal point in cottage garden designs.
can be more than 30 feet tall but is more often seen at
Dangling chains of small golden flowers form fragrant
that height; width varies but usually the tree presents
clusters, called racemes, that are more than a foot long
an upright pyramid of bright, bold green. Like most
and taper perfectly into points below the leaves. The tree
trees, ginkgo needs regular water in its early years and
can display such dazzling gold and so many racemes
becomes rather more drought tolerant as it ages; color
in a row along a long branch that their silhouette may
will suffer without full sun and water in dry years. In
remind you of Chinese wisteria vines at their very best.
transition to fall, when the leaves give up the green
Golden chain tree is a member of the legume family as
to reveal their trademark bright gold, the colors are
evidenced in its pea-green, slightly pointed, tri-lobed
briefly—and delightfully—striped in both shades on
leaves and long bean pods that form in summer. Young
individual leaves. In fall, another natural surprise
trees have green stems that change slowly to dark gray-
awaits when ginkgo leaves suddenly cascade off the tree
brown marked with deep creases and crevices that grow
as if a string was pulled to disconnect them. When the
more attractive with time. Golden chain’s rewarding
lawn suddenly wears a gold skirt at the base of the tree,
color can inspire love at first sight that forgives a few
its handsome gray trunks take the stage. Male trees are
frailties, including the need to prune young trees into
preferred, such as cultivar ‘Autumn Gold’ and the dwarf
shape and the fact that all parts of the plant are poison-
form ‘Jade Butterfly’. The odor of female ginkgo flow-
ous. The cultivar ‘Vossii’ tolerates full sun without fading
ers recalls rotting meat, and raking up the petals just
the fabulous flowers.
spreads the smell.
Zones 5–7
Zones 4–9
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Golden Raintree
Pendant Silver Linden
(Koelreuteria paniculata)
(Tilia petiolaris)
To see a golden raintree in bloom is to understand its
More than one linden tree can do well in gardens across
common name. In late spring, every branch tip lights
the center of the country, but pendant silver linden rises
up with huge clusters of small golden yellow flowers that
to the top of the family color chart. Big and little leaf
shower the tree in color. The tree’s leafy canopy grows
lindens, Crimean linden, silver linden—all have jaunty,
dense with so many little branches that there can be hun-
heart-shaped leaves on slick brown branches. Their
dreds of these flower panicles on one 30-foot tree—the
trunks darken and crack nicely with maturity; the trees
halo effect is simply brilliant. Native to Taiwan, golden
offer up pastel yellow flowers each spring, and most
raintree has dark brown, almost corklike ridged bark
put on decent fall color. Pendant silver linden does it
and surprisingly lightweight emerald green compound
all better, displaying more and richer yellow blossoms
leaves. Each charming leaflet has gently scalloped edges
in spring, matched by golden fall leaf colors. The tree
and ruffles easily in the breeze. Golden raintree puts color
is more oval and rounded than its relatives and creates
in motion and keeps it there until late fall like few other
a large, almost weeping form that could be taken for
trees can. Summer sees the flower clusters transform into
granted but for its strong colors. Fragrant little clusters
wild arrangements of salmon-pink, papery envelopes,
of fringed yellow flowers extend from so many leafy
each designed to protect one precious seed. These daz-
branches that from a distance the tree looks like it is
zling structures are lighter than balsa wood but strong
wearing a polka-dotted veil. When the leaves begin to
enough to carry the seed far and wide. And travel they
turn, first fading then deepening to warm yellow-gold
do, becoming a pest in some areas of Zone 9. As they
with red tones, they herald the season’s change, and you
drop from the tree, the leaves turn yellow, and the gnarly
know winter is approaching. The name of this tree is
trunks stand alone for a few months. Like few other trees,
poetic, evoking images of fine handcrafted jewelry, and
golden raintree starts conversations about the awesome
it does not disappoint.
quality of natural beauty, and deservedly so.
Zones 5–7
Zones 4–9
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Yellows, oranges, golds
Quaking Aspen
Sassafras
(Populus tremuloides)
(Sassafras albidum)
There are a select few trees with uncompromising needs
Deep furrows mark the dark red-mahogany brown bark
yet their astounding beauty beckons us to bring them
on sassafras tree and that might be enough to earn it
closer when possible. As a group, poplar trees’ finicky
a place in your garden. But there’s much more to rec-
site needs and vulnerability to pests rate them low on
ommend this colorful native tree, starting with the
the landscape satisfaction scale—the outstanding excep-
way its narrow trunks are arranged and how its leaves
tion is quaking aspen tree. Forgive its flaws and use it
are placed. Like a Hindu goddess’s arms, the tree’s side
where it can deliver unsurpassed color impact, most
branches extend every which way, some go straight out
often in northern and western states where cool sum-
and others bend sharply at the “wrist.” Even without
mers and relatively moist soils can support its pyramid
leaves their distinct geometry can be riveting. Glorious
of jewel-green leaves. With the first chill comes a huge
green, lobed leaves arise from each branch like extended
color transformation; nothing else in the range offers
hands with three stubby fingers that want to be seen.
anything close to these bright, richly yellow leaves.
They splay out from the branches in tiers, revealing the
Each leaf is attached to its branch by an unusual stem
wood behind. When the leafy layers color up in autumn,
that has the strength of a spider’s web and is almost as
it is not possible to pass by a sassafras tree without a
thin. These petioles hold the leaves tight but any little
second or third look. Shades of orange, apricot, gold, and
breeze spins them into frenetic motion and causes them
yellow paint each leaf like a patchwork quilt of perfect
to shudder, to spin about like yellow tops in the air, to
fall color, with a touch of navy blue sometimes added by
“quake.” Just when you think the show is over, leaves
fruits on female trees. Usually grown in the understory
drop to reveal the naked truth—quaking aspen’s white
garden beneath taller trees, sassafras tree stands bright
trunk and angled branchwork is stunning against the
in the shade. The allure only grows when dappled sun-
winter sky. If you do not live where this tree can thrive,
light illuminates it from above—resistance to its color is
consider a pilgrimage to see it.
futile.
Zones 4–6
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Trees
Greens
Tulip Poplar
Bald Cypress
(Liriodendron tulipifera)
(Taxodium distichum)
You could look far and wide and never find a tree with
If you think bald cypress only grows in the swamps
flowers as colorful as the yellow and orange blossoms
of the Southeast, consider your horizons expanded
that crown tulip poplar each spring. But, its other col-
because this graceful native tree enjoys a wide range of
orful features distinguish it as well. Each flower actu-
environments. This tree stands erect with a loose, flow-
ally does resemble a tulip in that they are open cup
ing canopy that looks oddly light and soft for such a
shapes, buttery yellow and bursting with orange inside.
large tree; this effect is sometimes more pronounced
The flowers are followed by fruit capsules shaped like
in the West. Feathery, almost frilly, its new leaves are
Christmas lights that are yellowish green and turn tan
very light green in spring and deepen into jewel tones
as they mature. A tulip poplar tree forms a single, thick
that soak up the summer sun and keep growing. The
gray trunk with slight ridges that are lighter in color at
change of season brings out the best in bald cypress as
times in contrast to many native trees. Few side branches
green gives in to stunning golden-brown and rich russets
develop and the top growth is rounded in young trees
to end the cycle. In colorful contrast, the gray trunk is
but spreads with age. The leaves are recognizable from a
coarse with sharp ridges and darker furrows in young
distance, lobed with a deep notch on top in warm, green
trees. Over time the tree’s base may split into lobes that
shades that are also hard to find. Tulip tree is host to
form a big, scalloped, light gray skirt. Bald cypress trees
larvae of the eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly; many
are majestic when gray Spanish moss stripes their leafy
others seek out its nectar as do hummingbirds, and a
branches. But the versatile tree is equally beautiful as
host of birds nest in the canopy. This is a large specimen,
the focal point behind deciduous shrubs or perennials
among the tallest native hardwoods, yet its habits and
in almost any garden soil. Such placement highlights
good looks make it a friendly, welcoming tree well suited
its winter colors, which persist for weeks longer. One cul-
for the modern landscape.
tivar stands out for its bluish green color and narrower
Zones 4–9
silhouette: ‘Shawnee Brave’. Zones 5–9
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Greens
Dawn Redwood
Desert Willow
(Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
(Chilopsis linearis)
Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoia
This little tree is a colorful garden elf—airy, finely tex-
(Sequioiadendron) are ancient conifers long prized on
tured, fern green leaves shaped like exclamation points,
the West Coast for their beauty and utility. Individual
and clever hat-shaped flowers. Desert willow practically
trees are impressive, huge, and dressed in thick clusters
giggles as its loose canopy waves in the breeze. Each leaf
of deep green leaves that move with the wind; redwood
may be a foot long but is never more than half an inch
groves are the stuff of poetry. Both these trees have lim-
wide with a slightly drooping, kinetic nature. In all but
ited habitat, and the 1941 discovery of dawn redwood,
the most humid environments, desert willow lightens
long thought to be extinct, added a dynamic upstart to
the mood in borders and mixed hedgerows. But groups
this small family of magnificent trees. Dawn redwood
of the trees can be quite dramatic at the end of a sunny
has expanded the big tree’s potential range to the East
path in well-drained soil or a raised bed. The trumpet-
Coast and South, and its fans are both in residential
shaped blooms appear on the current year’s wood; thus
and commercial landscapes. Finely cut leaves shimmer
pruning to shape does not hinder flowering. They are
when fresh; light green new growth lays over the deep
abundant in number and fragrance from spring through
forest color of maturity. The effect is stunning, especially
fall or longer in pastel pinks and violets, occasionally
when sunshine plays around the tree in spring. Its pyra-
white, and sometimes red. They deserve your atten-
mid shape is a naturally uplifting icon in the garden all
tion. Desert willow makes a fine large container plant
summer, and when the leaves flame up into their orange
where it is not hardy. Intergeneric hybrids are rare in
fall colors, the effect is awe-inspiring. No tree bark can
nature, but desert willow is one parent of a delightful
match dawn redwood’s mature form. Trunks start with
one, × Chitalpa tashkentensis. Its other parent is Catalpa
a red bark that darkens, cracks, and peels in charming
bignonioides, and together they create a larger tree with
narrow strips. In time the trunk gains the character of
bigger, pink-streaked blossoms. Like desert willow, this
age, buttressing its crevices into deep cracks streaked in
plant best suits dry climates.
shades of gray.
Zones 7–9
Zones 5–8
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Eastern Red Cedar
Japanese Privet
(Juniperus virginiana)
(Ligustrum japonicum)
On the road to anywhere in the Midwest on a snowy
When you seek a garden bed centerpiece or a colorful
winter day, eastern red cedar offers a crisp green salute
signature plant to repeat throughout the landscape,
to raise your spirits. Stiffly upright, this tree radiates
Japanese privet fits. It has been long appreciated as a
green every day, all year, yet does not stay the same.
hedge plant but is too often chopped into a shadow of
Bright, rich summer color softens with the coming
itself to control its vigor. This 12- to 15-foot woody plant’s
winter into darker greens with yellow and brown over-
best use is as a tree that delivers like the post office—con-
tones. Male trees spew out yellow pollen clouds; females
sistently and year-round. The evergreen leaves are 2 to
put on ice lapis blue cones, a much preferable quality.
4 inches long along lumpy (but lovely) light gray stems.
Unparalleled rot resistance and moth-repelling qualities
Their color matches shiny dark green porch paint, and
have led to a host of uses for this tree. Historically, fence
their heft lends a formal air to the dense canopy. Bright
posts, storage closets, pencils, and hope chests are made
pyramid shapes made of flower buds appear at the
of its wood, and more than a few of the trees have worn
branch tips in spring and soon open into scores of hairy
Christmas ornaments. Like many great native trees,
little stars. The effect is like green glass bowls stacked
eastern red cedar has given rise to cultivars better suited
with scoops of old-fashioned vanilla ice cream. Their fra-
to landscape designs including the deep green, open
grance is powerfully sweet, some say cloying, but you
form of ‘Canaertii’, long popular in the Midwest. ‘Burkii’
forgive that because it brings in the pollinating insects
is prized for its open pyramid form; it develops oddly
just when the garden needs them. The flowers become
beautiful, purple tones in its winter leaves. Rich dark
purplish gray fruits (drupes) that turn even darker in
green leaves, long yellow cones, and shaggy gray-brown
winter to bring more bold contrast to the tree. The culti-
bark make an irresistible statement in incense cedar. The
var ‘Recurvifolium’ sets the standard with gently waved
western native conifer, Calocedrus decurrens, has a simi-
leaves, and ‘Nobilis’ continues it with faster growth and
lar pyramid form that ages into an upright column.
glossier green color.
Zones 4–9
Zones 7–9 (marginal at Zone 6)
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Greens
Lacebark Elm
Pines
(Ulmus parvifolia)
(Pinus)
Trees that you choose for the front garden should be dra-
Garden design takes every sense into consideration,
matically beautiful, long-lived, elegantly neat in habit,
including sound, like the moans of high winds blowing
and easy to grow. Lacebark elm, also called Chinese elm,
through pine trees. Their visual appeal lies in their nee-
hits these essential points with dynamic color all year
dles, bark, cones, and stately silhouette. Like puppies,
from coast to coast. First is its stunning rainbow bark
pine trees vary greatly within the family and each has
that sloughs off with brown, orange, green, and gray
its charms. In Zones 4 through 7, Austrian and Japanese
hues, a quality that may explain its popularity as an
white pines (P. nigra and P. parviflora, respectively) are
urban street tree. Lacebark elm can be endlessly inter-
good examples of this diversity. The Austrian white pine
esting to passersby even without its broad leafy canopy.
can be 50 feet tall, eventually becoming a goblet shape
Those leaves ride on a network of fine-textured branches
of thick branches and dark green, almost-black needles.
that softens their deep green, leathery texture, gives the
Its bark has dark ridges around stunning, abstract tiles
tree gentle motion, and creates excellent shade. Fall
in white and ashy gray. This is a dominant tree, meant
color tends to be yellow and rich wine reds, depending
to be seen from across the garden. Japanese white pine,
on location and the year. Lacebark elm has remarkable
though, covers itself in green-blue needles that sweep
adaptability to a range of climate and soil conditions,
the ground, wide at the base and curving upward like
and shows good tolerance for common pest problems.
a huge chocolate kiss. About 30 feet tall, this pine
The trees can range in size from 30 to 60 feet and far
is at home in a range of garden sizes and styles. The
outperform other non-native elms introduced in recent
American native white pine (P. strobus) has a broader
decades. The native elm, Ulmus americana, was lost to
range (Zones 4 through 8) and an elegant profile, like
Dutch elm disease and has been the subject of many
arms outstretched. In Zones 6 through 9, the resilient
breeding efforts to replace its grandeur. The trees that
native American loblolly pine (P. taeda) has fine bright
result from those programs are worth watching with
green needles, orange flowers, and tapered, 5-inch cones.
hopes for their long-term success.
Zones 4–9
Zones 4–9
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Trees
Whites, creams
Weeping Willow
Blackhaw
(Salix babylonica)
(Viburnum prunifolium)
The lyrical songs and poems written about this tree are
Too few truly small trees make as big a color statement
both ancient and modern. From the Koran and the Bible
as blackhaw. No larger than 20 feet and often multi-
to Joan Armatrading and British duo Chad and Jeremy,
trunked, the tree is easily pruned to a rounded or more
weeping willows have evoked grand, often sorrowful
spreading canopy right at eye level. Leaves, flowers,
emotions. The best known of its family, there is no better
and fruit are multicolored in multiple seasons. The 2-
focal point tree for damp soils and those that are irri-
to 4-inch leaves are glossy green, rounded, and packed
gated regularly. Numerous varieties with mature heights
thickly onto gray stems that darken with age. In late
from 25 to 40 feet tall are favored in particular locales
spring, spectacular flower clusters decorate the tree
but the overall silhouette of this tree holds our hearts. In
like dollops of vanilla ice cream, scores of tiny white
full sun, its weeping profile is distinct, branches that soar
blossoms dropped on each branch. Part of blackhaw’s
up and bend over just as far. They are thin and grace-
charm is that the individual flowers sport skinny white
ful, covered in skinny lance-shaped leaves that are 3 to
filaments and yellow anthers so each cluster looks a bit
6 inches long and turn as yellow as a baby chicken in
unkempt, like a blonde with bedhead. The fruits, botani-
fall. Where there’s space, grow a weeping willow for sheer
cally known as drupes, have precious pink shades that
drama. Other willows worth consideration for some zones
slowly deepen as the summer wanes. Meanwhile, the
include: white willow (S. alba), noted for huge size and
leaves develop bronzy tones in summer that stand out
diamond willow wood pattern brought on by a harm-
in an understory garden beneath taller trees. The russet
less fungus; purple osier or basket willow (S. purpurea),
colors fade into a dull deep red in late summer but their
with colorful stems on a small tree; dappled willow
display is not over—blackhaw leaves turn shiny red in
(S. integra), for delightful variegated leaves and red winter
autumn. The showy crimson tones are matched by beau-
stems; and pussywillow (S. discolor), the American native
tiful clusters of oval-shaped, deep purplish blue drupes
beloved for its fluffy gray catkins.
that hang on until late in the season, unless devoured
Zones 4–9a
sooner by hungry birds. Zones 4–9
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Whites, creams
Castor-Aralia
Catalpa
(Kalopanax pictus)
(Catalpa spp.)
Summer-flowering trees celebrate the season with
Few trees bring delight when voracious caterpillars strip
panache, pouring out cool, colorful flowers as easily as
their leaves, but catalpas are the exception. Fishermen
you pour lemonade over ice on a hot afternoon. The
prize these caterpillars for bait; they collect and even
creamy bloom clusters of castor-aralia bring an ethe-
freeze them for future use. The defoliation is natural and
real, light-hearted look to the garden when lawns and
new leaves appear again soon after sphinx moth larvae
brightly colored flowers usually dominate. The end of
(or “catawba worms”) go into cocoons. Both Northern
each branch erupts with a wild display of round flowers,
and Southern catalpas present unusual, colorful fea-
each one of dozens in the panicle held apart like starry
tures besides their bright green, heart-shaped, matte
balls on the toothpicks of their petioles. The light hues
leaves, each in its own distinct way. Northern catalpa
of the flowers range from nearly white to almost green;
(C. speciosa) and Southern catalpa (C. bignonioides) put
taken altogether, they seem to blanket the tree in mystery
on large clusters of white, ruffled trumpets. Bright white
for weeks. When the same tree also offers eye-catching,
on a hot summer day, the clean, crisp, fragrant clusters
shiny dark green leaves and rugged bark complete with
are looser and larger in the southern tree. That makes
thorns, it earns a place in the garden. This macho tree
it easier to see the bright yellow and sometimes purple
has deeply lobed, coarse-textured leaves cut like fat fin-
markings in the trumpet’s throat. The northern tree
gers to add an almost tropical flair to its garden presence
holds its blooms more upright and its limbs more erect
everywhere it is grown. Native to north Asia, including
than the southern, but both can reach 50 feet with little
Russia, castor-aralia grows more appealing each year as
more than basic maintenance once established. The
its upright form spreads to take on a rounded canopy.
flowers soon become long, light green seedpods that give
Its bark is fascinatingly dangerous: dotted with small,
rise to the common name, Indian bean. They are dra-
sharp thorns, it ages darker with intriguing, gray ridges
matic, thick clusters of fine-textured beans that dangle
in the mature tree that are mesmerizing all year long.
below the coarse, darker leaves to light up the summer
Zones 4–7
with colorful contrast. Zones 4–9
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Flowering Crabapple
Flowering Dogwood
(Malus spp.)
(Cornus florida)
With numerous species and hundreds of cultivars, there
Not many trees are capable of breathtaking flower
is a flowering crabapple tree for every garden north of
display and long-lasting fall color in leaves and fruits.
Atlanta, Georgia. They are medium-sized trees, each
Sometimes reaching 30 feet tall, flowering dogwood
essentially a vase shape packed with flowers that appear
brings these colorful features and an open form with
before their leaves, abundant fruits, and reliable fall
limbs widely spaced when grown in part shade. In
color. Pink or red buds open to pink and pinkish white
spring, the branches become arms dotted with pristine
flowers, creating a sweet cloud of color above thick,
white blooms, each with four petals perfectly shaped
rich brown trunks in the early spring garden. The leaf
around a simple center. In sunny sites, both branches
canopy is medium green and dense all summer as the
and flowers will be packed tightly so bloom time becomes
fruits, which hang like yellow and red earrings into
a blazing white blur that can stop traffic, in part because
fall, form when the leaves color up in shades to match.
the sight is relatively rare. Shiny red, slightly elongated
Modern cultivars also offer superior disease resistance
berries sit proudly all summer where the flowers were,
and distinctive features. ‘Liset’ brings drama with deep
usually in groups of five or more, waiting for wildlife
red buds that open into rose-red flowers followed by bold
to eat and disperse them. Even after they’re gone, white
maroon fruits the size of marbles. Pink buds and clear
stem tips remain as the leaves take on ruby red fall
white, quarter-sized flowers make ‘White Angel’ a favor-
color. Dogwood is a native tree but suffers in prolonged
ite in formal garden designs where its colors contrast
drought. Farther north, another dogwood deserves
well with brick and concrete statuary. ‘Harvest Gold’ is
attention: Kousa dogwood (C. kousa) covers each branch
unusual and stunning. Pink flower buds open into white
with white flowers in late spring followed by large red
flowers, and little gold “apples” decorate it well into fall.
seed balls. The Asian native tree delivers brilliant fall
Smaller than most, ‘Narragansett’ matures at 12 feet
color in purplish red and pure red. Its flowers are more
tall with red flower buds, white blooms tinged with pink,
pointed and closer together, stacked like whipped cream
and cherry red fruits.
and almost obscuring the leaves.
Zones 4–8
Zones 5–9
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Whites, creams
Star Magnolia
Sycamore
(Magnolia stellata)
(Platanus spp.)
A small tree, usually no more than 20 feet tall, upright,
Across the country, many new homesites are a blank
and about 15 feet wide at most, star magnolia more than
slate. They need color in a big way, and the right big
lives up to its name. The spectacular and fragrant starry
tree to set the scene. American sycamore (P. occidentalis)
flowers appear in late winter or early spring, covering
puts color into every design element, from its stately
the tree’s round canopy with pristine white pops of color.
form covered in huge green leaves, to textural contrast
Rows of narrow, slightly curled petals are stacked around
in rounded fruit that is lighter green all summer. Fall
a neat cream center; they are light enough to flutter in
turns the leaves brown and tan and after leaf drop, the
a slight breeze. Star magnolia brings a hopeful mood to
sight of its creamy bark with rough brown peels provides
stir the season’s optimism, and the tree is beautiful alone
a winter muse for artists of all sorts. Sycamore reaches
or in a row at the back of a long border. Lancelike leaves
70 feet or taller and spreads nearly as wide, with native
follow the flowers; they are crisp green all summer,
habitats along streams and rivers from Canada to
then slightly yellow-umber in fall. Green pods form in
Texas and east. It is equally at home in garden soil with
summer and then split open to reveal shiny scarlet seeds
irrigation in dry seasons. As tall but not as wide, London
in late autumn. The tree can fill both color and culture
planetree (Platanus × acerifolia) graces cities worldwide
needs in the garden. It is a bright light to curse winter
because it tolerates urban environments and common
away, thrives in moist areas, and can bloom in shade at
diseases better than sycamore. As a young tree, it has
the edge of a wooded area. The cultivar ‘Centennial’ is
darker leaves and a more upright shape but matures
taller and more vigorous and pyramid-shaped than the
with the same spreading form. Planetree bark has a
species. ‘Royal Star’ blooms slightly later and so better
more spotted pattern in shades of reddish brown and
escapes late freezes to flower when the species does not.
cream that is equally impressive in winter. Both Platanus
Zones 4–8
trees provide imposing, colorful charm and can be the only tree your garden needs. Zones 4–9
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Trees
Grays, browns, and barks
American Hophornbeam
Crape Myrtle
(Ostrya virginiana)
(Lagerstroemia hybrids)
Whether tree bark peels to relieve a tree of pests or just
When the parents of a crape myrtle include the hardy
to show off in winter, gardeners revel in the natural, if
L. faurei, they are reliably hardy far north of their previ-
disconcerting, process. American hophornbeam puts
ous southern range. Besides selecting for cold tolerance
brown shades front and center in winter but a closer
and flower colors, modern crape myrtles were bred for
examination reveals this tree’s particularly attractive
their spectacular barks that grow more attractive as the
patterns. Narrow strips curl up, still firmly attached and
trees age. White, creams, and an array of grays, plus
oddly fringed, like Easy Rider’s iconic western jacket. Milk
every shade of brown in the crayon box from cinnamon
chocolate brown, tan, and gray mark the trunk in eye-
to rust and mahogany, these barks peel grandly. The
catching linear patterns that invite a closer look even
trees perform well in almost any well-drained soil and
when the tree has leaves but are most dramatic without
full sun, and mature to heights from 20 to 30 feet or
them. Hophornbeams are 20 to 40 feet tall and almost
more. Their flowers range widely from white to pinks,
as wide when they’re mature; they form a rounded pyra-
purple, and red.
mid shape that shows off forest green, serrated leaves
‘Lipan’ is a small crape myrtle (20 feet) whose white
that can be 5 inches long tapering to sharp points. They
bark peels away to reveal dark, cocoa-brown beneath.
are the perfect backdrop for light green fruits in little
‘Tuscarora’ is also small, with cocoa patches under san-
cocoon shapes that adorn the tree in summer like finely
dalwood brown bark on a neat, vase-shaped tree. ‘Biloxi’
crafted earrings. Fall color is briefly yellow-brown and
stands taller; it has coffee-bean-brown bark with green-
soon gives way to the amazing bark display. American
ish gray and tan underneath.
hophornbeam’s appeal extends to its ability to tolerate
‘Miami’ has light gray bark that exfoliates to show
alkaline soils well and hold its own as a full sun street
off patches of red-brown and bone colors that can be
tree as well as in the understory beneath other stately
quite mottled. ‘Wichita’ displays bark that is russet-
trees. It is underappreciated yet once you see it in winter,
potato brown and red mahogany on tall, upright trunks.
you will never forget the statement it makes then and
‘Natchez’ is tall with the reddest cinnamon shades
all year.
revealed under tan and cream bark.
Zones 4–9
Zones 6–9
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Grays, browns, and barks
Downy Serviceberry
Japanese Zelkova
(Amelanchier arborea)
(Zelkova serrata)
Designing a “naturalized” area in a modern landscape
Not every tree has attractive yet different bark in youth
can be challenging, but this native American tree can
and old age. When it also makes a striking shade tree
establish that “wild” mood nearly by itself. Even if
and maintains good looks all year, it becomes a winner
downy serviceberry had no other qualities to recom-
for modern garden designs. Japanese zelkova debuts
mend it, its dynamic form and sleek gray trunks cer-
with dark trunks and branches that are glossy, like the
tainly would. The bark is beautiful in winter, streaked in
shiny red colors of cherry wood. Mature zelkovas display
shades that range from storm cloud gray to charcoal on
storm cloud gray bark that flecks off to show red-orange
gently curved trunks and thick branches. Depending on
tones in pockets all over the trunks. Native to Japan but
the site, downy serviceberry ranges in height from 20 to
also Korea where it is much beloved for its tenacity, zel-
40 feet tall with trunks that can be thick as an elephant’s
kova is said to invoke a mood of tolerance and goodwill.
leg and widen to a fat “foot” or base. Attractive all year,
Its name, however, comes from two words in the native
its features include fuzzy white flower and crisp dark
language of the Republic of Georgia that mean “bar”
green leaves that exhibit autumn shades from apricot to
and “hard,” a reference to the durable wood. Growing
orange and reds. Striking blueberry-like fruits complete
slowly to grand heights (60 feet or more at times) this
the package, prized by birds and humans alike.
tree establishes an erect posture. Its canopy is a fountain
One natural hybrid of the group has the deservedly
of leathery leaves that spread to shade a street, a walk-
boastful name A. × grandiflora, or apple serviceberry.
way, or a bench in the backyard. Fall color offers gold
This tree averages 20 feet and as wide if left to form a
and purple as the leaves prepare to drop off a sturdy tree
thicket, maintaining the rich gray trunk and branches
that has the good looks of an elm but resists its pests and
of its parent. It is further distinguished by purple new
also tolerates heat and humidity.
growth. Apple serviceberry cultivars feature strong
Zones 5–8
red fall color and include ‘Princess Diana’, ‘Autumn Brilliance’, and ‘Ballerina’. Zones 4–9
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Paperbark Maple
River Birch
(Acer griseum)
(Betula nigra)
No other maple has trunks and branches as beautiful
At every formal gala, there are many beauties but one
as the paperbark does. This tree gains new fans each
always stands out; it is the same among trees. The tall
time it is seen in the winter landscape where its colors
“drink of water” in an Emerald City-green gown gets
bring vibrant contrast to gray skies and snow banks. The
attention, and if she has nice legs, your glance lingers.
bark peels in muscular fashion as if it would rip off the
So it is with river birch—that first glimpse can start a
tree painfully, in clutched red fists. That does not happen
lasting love affair. In this case, it is the “legs,” the tree
yet the colors beg a second—and third—look. Paperbark
trunks that are so enticing, especially because they
shades encompass reds from sienna to rust, sepia, and
are usually seen in multiples that further increase the
cinnamon as the peels twist away to reveal gnarly levels
attraction. But single trunked or in classic triples, river
below. When spring arrives, the canopy takes on its
birch bark puts on a show all year with bark that peels,
summer cover of greenish blue leaves that have three
curls, and colors like few can do. Every shade from
distinct leaflets forming a triangle called a trifoliate
white through gray and cinnamon are grandly revealed
leaf. The trees thrive in full sun and almost any soil that
in curiously charming, wide curls. Slipping out from
drains. Not taller than 30 feet but thick with branches,
under the leafy canopy of small, puckered leaves with
paperbark maple puts a primal beauty in your face as
toothy edges or revealed in all their winter glory, river
a focal point tree to be seen and appreciated all year
birch bark is unforgettable long after that first glance.
long. Another trifoliate (or trident) maple, three-flower
The trees can be as tall as 60 feet eventually, but begin
maple (A. triflorum) brings especially attractive, if differ-
their show much sooner, at about 10 feet, and only
ent, peeling bark in chocolate brown and ash gray to the
get grander year by year. They are covered in draping
scene. Both of these maples display red fall color, but it is
swaths of leaves that rustle in the breeze until autumn
more robust in the three-flower maple.
turns them yellow and casts them aside.
Zones 4–8
Zones 4–9
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Shrubs
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Winterberry
Blue holly
Holly (Ilex spp. and cultivars) There’s more than meets the eye in hollies: shrubs large
takes its name from its showy black fruits. The small
and small, with and without thorns, berried or not, solid
leaves are glossy and bright green when they’re new,
green and variegated leaves, evergreen and decidu-
and take on blue tones as they mature. Indestructible
ous. Each plays an important role in modern garden
yaupon holly (I. vomitoria) almost belongs in a class by
design with unstoppable color year-round. Some holly
itself for strident good looks in an assortment of sizes
“bushes,” as they are called, are often featured in foun-
and colors. Truly dwarf specimens, accent plants, and
dation plantings because no matter the weather or con-
taller dense thickets may have red, orange, or yellow ber-
ditions, they never flag. Thick with leaves, the shrubs
ries. Deciduous hollies have a special place in gardeners’
keep the scene neat around the front door or in thorny,
hearts. Southern states have possomhaw (I. decidua),
impenetrable hedges. But larger hollies make strong
and everywhere, winterberry (I. verticillata) delights
statement plants in a border where evergreen leaves or
gardeners in late winter when its thickets explode with
berry showers (on deciduous selections) become winter
orange-red berries hiding in the leaves until they drop
anchors for the design. Theirs are the brightest winter
off. Slow-growing to about 10 feet tall, ‘Cacapon’ and
reds—at least until you clip them for holiday decorat-
‘Winter Red’ are superior selections, and the smaller ‘Red
ing or the birds make a buffet. These plants can be big
Sprite’ brings its defiant beauty to any size garden.
berry makers, as long as both male and female plants
When a wonderful plant originates outside the
are included. The dependable nature of hollies finds a
United States it is called “exotic,” and we embrace
home in every zone, depending on the variety selected.
them if they are well behaved and bring extra panache
Native American hollies are a varied bunch that
to the garden. Blue holly (I. × meserveae) is especially
show off the best facets of the group. Inkberry (I. glabra)
dramatic with a spooky blue cast to its spiny leaves in contrast to scarlet red berries in the Meserve series. ‘Blue Girl’ and ‘China Girl’ are excellent in Zones 4 through
Roses decorate landscapes nationwide with good reason—no
7. Japanese holly (I. crenata) has small leaves with no
other shrub equals the passion they inspire in gardeners. Climber
spines in rich, forest evergreen colors. For fine texture on
and shrub types play equal roles in this landscape for color and a
a small or medium-sized dense shrub and black berries,
dignified air of old garden style.
consider ‘Convexa’ and ‘Glory’ in Zones 5 through 7.
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Japanese spirea
Spirea spp.
Spirea (Spiraea spp. and cultivars) Spireas first became popular as big shrubs with a blaze of
green with a blue cast and buckets of flower clusters in
white glory in their spring flowers, but now their beauty
orbs that look like little white nosegays. Reeves spirea
spans the seasons and the nation. More colors and sizes
(S. cantoniensis) has double flowers on a similar shrub.
await to deliver texture in color to every garden style.
The Bumald spireas (S. × bumalda) are hybrids
Spirea leaves vary from the blue-green color of a tropi-
of two Asian species and selections taken from them.
cal lagoon to screaming yellows, all striking and mostly
‘Goldflame’ started the trend toward these smaller spi-
fine-textured. The plants have scores of woody stems
reas with graceful 3-foot mounds. In early spring, new
that form thickets ideal for resting wildlife. The shrubs
leaves emerge in fiery red-orange shades that fade to
have different flower arrangements that may appear in
yellow. Its sweet pink flower clusters are characteristic
spring or summer, or both. Some are single, others are
of the Bumalds, flat-topped and plentiful. ‘Goldmound’
in clusters that may be round or flat, yet all have that
has a richer, buttery yellow color that lasts all year and
intangible quality that attracts and holds your interest
pink flowers that are small but bright. ‘Lime Mound’
year after year.
begins the year with new leaves that are bright orange
There are two distinct kinds of spireas, bridal wreath
and turn a steady lime green; its flowers are slightly
and Bumald, separated by the arrangement and timing
more purple than the others. ‘Anthony Waterer’ has
of their flowers. The basic spirea flower has five flared
become the name for several similar shrubs with reddish
petals that are sometimes separate from one another
green leaves and rosy pink flower clusters. One of them
but are most often cupped like a horn. Baby’s breath
is ‘Crispa’ noted for its incredibly fine, twisted leaves that
spirea (S. thunbergii) is the earliest bridal wreath type
are sometimes variegated. You will find brighter pink
to bloom and can be downright breathtaking in early
flowers in ‘Froebelii’ and ‘Gumball’.
spring. Its tiny white flowers have flared petals open like a fairy’s peaked hat amid lime green leaves that are small, feathery, and soft to the touch. The classic bridal wreath is Vanhoutte spirea (S. × vanhouttei), which sets the bar for this group and sets it high. Vanhoutte covers an exuberant fountain shape with leaves that are dark
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Sungold
Albury purple
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum spp. and cultivars) Yellow-flowering shrubs are an uncommon treat any-
to Zones 5 through 7, Albury purple (H. androsaemum)
time, and those that deliver summer color are even more
puts on rich golden flowers with chart-topping clusters
precious, drawing in scores of bees. St. John’s wort is a
of 10 or 11 flowers in each. Its spectacular maroon ber-
diverse group of shrubs with sunny yellow blooms that
ries often last for weeks after the purplish green leaves
ranges from quaintly small to good-sized and garrulous.
are gone.
These worts (the traditional word for “plant”) are native to temperate zones in the US and around the world,
In Zones 4 through 8: • Great SJW (H. pyramidatum) features an
beloved for their complicated flowers, and respected for
upright growth habit (5 feet by 3 feet) and
their herbal properties. The plants take their common
saffron yellow flowers with lush, glossy petals
name from St. John the Baptist, whose birthday is cel-
in large center clusters.
ebrated in June when the plants bloom. The flowers vary
• Sungold (H. patulum) thrives in wet soils, a perky,
slightly in their warm yellow hues and attitude but all
rounded mound (3 feet by 3 feet) of flowers with
have five petals that open to reveal prim halos of yellow
very prominent bright yellow stamens.
stamens; many form attractive fruits. The plants display
• Sunny Boulevard (H. ‘Deppe’) features small,
bright green or green-blue leaves that have evolved to
almost daffodil-looking flowers on a similar small
suit their wide range of native habitats; some are decid-
shrub that blooms beginning in mid-summer; its
uous while others are semi- or completely evergreen.
narrow leaves are deciduous.
The Hypericum genus offers a size and shade for many
In Zones 5 through 9, ‘Hidcote’ SJW (H. × Hidcote)
designs that seek yellow in a sunny or partly shady
has a long bloom season on a slightly larger, 4-foot
garden. Despite their native origins, they are surpris-
mounded plant. ‘Sunburst’ (H. frondosum) is larger still
ingly underused and so make loud, colorful statements
(5 feet by 5 feet) and is drought tolerant once established
in every zone. An excellent St. John’s wort for Zones 4 to
in Zones 6 through 9. Its spectacular flowers look like
7 is Kalm’s SJW (H. kalmianum ‘Ames’), an evergreen
lime yellow lollipops. They soon burst open dramatically
with brilliant golden yellow flowers. Its upright branches
and cover the shrubs.
cover a 3-foot mound of blue-green leaves that are longer than wide. Especially stunning, although limited
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Koreanspice
Burkwood viburnum
Viburnum (Viburnum spp. and cultivars) Viburnums are garden soldiers, stalwart staples for year-
• American cranberrybush (V. trilobum ‘Bailey
round good looks and color that stand at attention through
Compact’). Burgundy fall color and persistent red
snow, thunderstorms, and summer heat. They never com-
fruit, Zones 4–7
plain, seldom need much attention, and so are taken for
• Nannyberry (V. lentago). White “snowball” flowers,
granted and sometimes considered old hat. But tried-and-
purple berries, yellow-orange fall leaf color, Zones
true colors, elegant forms, and great diversity mark this group and can make selecting just one quite a challenge.
4–8 • Mapleleaf viburnum (V. acerifolium). Creamy
One may be a featured player in all its glory or a dozen
white “snowballs,” shiny purple berries, fall color
can stand close to elevate a hedgerow. Viburnum leaves
gold to purple, Zones 4–8
can be coarse-textured and waffled or smooth, shaped like
• Arrowwood (V. dentatum). Not as showy with
fat footballs or maple leaves. Fall colors are sometimes
small flowers and brilliant blue berries in summer
golden but may also offer every deep red and purple shade
that turn black, prized by wildlife, yellow fall color,
imaginable. The often-fragrant flowers gather in clusters
Zones 4–8
that may be larger than your fist and very dramatic or tiny
• Doublefile (V plicatum f. tomentosum). Tiered rows
and barely noticeable. They are usually white or cream,
of big flat flower clusters, red fruits turn black fruit,
or rarely, sweet pink as if they were blushing from the
Zones 4–8. Stellar selections include ‘Pink Beauty’,
sudden attention they get in spring. You cannot overlook
‘Mariesii’, ‘Shasta’, and ‘Summer Snowflake’.
the charming fruits, which often undergo mind-boggling color changes from summer into fall. The name “viburnum” comes from the Latin for “wayfaring tree,” which might refer to the way they spread. Thanks to the birds
• ‘Mohawk’ Burkwood viburnum (V. × burkwoodii). Red buds open with white flowers, red berries, orange-red fall color; Zones 5–8. • Smooth witherod (V. nudum ‘Winterthur’). Small
that devour the fruits and then deposit the seeds far away
white flowers, bright pink fruit turns deep blue.
from the mother plant, there is no shortage of Viburnum
Shiny, leathery leaves turn wine red and maroon
species. These can be huge, back-of-the-border shrubs or quite small in the case of dwarf varieties. The best, most colorful ones mature between 6 to 8 feet tall and wide.
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Shrubs
Reds, pinks
Burkwood Daphne
Flowering Quince
(Daphne × burkwoodii)
(Chaenomeles ‘texas scarlet’)
People either love or hate daphne shrubs. The latter
Spring can start sweetly with a crocus or some other
camp insists they are finicky divas, as likely to croak as
fairly subtle plant, or you can kickstart it with bright
they are to reward with colorful arias. Ally yourself with
red ‘Texas Scarlet’ quince. The typical flowering quince
the lovers and provide well-drained soil that is richly
has precious salmon flowers, blooms for about a week,
organic and provide plenty of water regularly in sun
and then disappears into a green blob of leaves. ‘Texas
or shade. Burkwood daphne drapes its shapely, almost
Scarlet’ represents the best of this shrub’s modern incar-
evergreen leaves in a cloak of purplish pink flower buds
nations: it is a showstopper at about 3 feet tall and up
that are fat with expectation. They open into tight cor-
to 5 feet wide. Arching upward with exuberance, each
sages of star-shaped blooms that are white tinged with
branch shines with fat clusters of cardinal red flowers,
pink and extremely fragrant. The flowers give way to
each open just enough to see the yellow stamens in its
scarlet red berries that last from summer to fall. For an
throat. Glossy and round green leaves 1 to 2 inches long
even brighter spot in the garden, choose ‘Carol Mackie’
and wide grow thickly to make ‘Texas Scarlet’ a shapely
for its leaves edged in white. With both buds and flowers
shrub deserving focal point status in the spring garden.
in rosy pink shades and neat habit, this daphne lights
Adaptable to most soils but not drought tolerant, modern
up a shady spot all year. Put up a “do not disturb” sign
flowering quince shrubs need not be relegated to the
and let daphne find her voice in your garden. In two sea-
backyard. These are real showoffs for red in spring, with
sons this shrub’s ebullient form will enchant you, and
strong shapes and handsome leaves to carry on for the
once it blooms, you will be hooked. Although daphnes
rest of the year. A bit larger shrub with flowers the color
can adapt to soils that are acid or neutral in pH, rose
of Dorothy’s ruby slippers, ‘Scarlet Storm’ offers added
daphne (D. cneorum) offers strong rose pink flower colors
drama. This and other lovely quinces in the Double Take
in looser clusters and grows well in rocky soils.
series were introduced by North Carolina’s Tom Ranney.
Zones 4–8
Zones 5–9 (marginal at Zone 4)
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Reds, pinks
Japanese Barberry
Mountain Laurel
(Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea)
(Kalmia latifolia)
Reds—deep scarlet, maroon, and almost purple—make
You may be surprised to learn that a shrub with the word
the leaves of Japanese barberry a hallmark for garden
“mountain” in it can grow almost anywhere, but that
color. Its optimistic form, red-brown thorny branches,
is the case with mountain laurel. This native American
and red berries make it a must-have when you seek
species is known for pink and white flowers as well as a
texture contrasts in shrub plantings. But the variety in
large, rounded shape in sunny gardens and a slightly
color and size of its leaves takes Japanese barberry to the
looser, some say more attractive, form in part shade.
next level of desirability because the group is so diverse.
Its evergreen leaves are rich dark green and shiny with
They range from little ones like ‘Bagatelle’, barely 2 feet
neatly pointed ends held out like open arms in a welcom-
tall with coppery red and green leaves, to the upright
ing embrace. Each branch explodes with spring clusters
‘Helmond Pillar’, covered in bold maroon, to the broad,
of buds that are every bit as attractive as the flowers they
almost perfect hedge form of the species itself. About an
hold inside. The species is lovely, but the variety ‘Ostbo
inch long and dotting the many complex, and interwo-
Red’ mountain laurel is among the best of the selections
ven branches, the leaves may be red, purple, or shades
and cultivars chosen for both its smaller size (5 to 7 feet
in-between. The brilliant ruby red berries appear in
tall and wide) and smashing crimson color flower buds.
summer and can last six months unless, as often hap-
As if they know how gorgeous they are, the buds stand
pens, they are devoured by hungry birds. The shrub is
up on stiff stems for weeks before they finally begin to
usually maintained at about 4 feet tall and wide, and
open. The flowers are blissfully slow to show their baby
grown in full sun where its colors will be at their best.
pink interior petals, so ‘Ostbo Red’ is covered with buds
Although it tolerates most soil conditions, this is not a
and petals at the same time in a truly memorable show.
plant for boggy sites. Its thorns make Japanese barberry
Like many native plants, mountain laurel grows well
an effective but beautiful barrier plant. Cultivars with
with few problems in well-drained soils.
variegated leaves include ‘Rose Glow’ with pink and
Zones 4–9
purple leaf patterns. Zones 4–8
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Ninebark
Piedmont Azalea
(Physocarpus spp., cultivars, and hybrids)
(Rhododendron canescens)
Too few shrubs are known for their amazingly color-
It’s not necessary to live in the Piedmont to enjoy the
ful bark but this American native outdoes them all.
explosion of pink that is this azalea. All you need is a
Ninebark gets its name from its bark’s peeling habit;
desire to expand the early spring garden with a plant
curls strip themselves off to reveal outrageous shades of
that redefines the terms “shrub” and “pink.” No amount
red and brown in the winter garden. The beautiful leaves
of pruning will make this plant a hedge, and its strongly
emerge, shovel-shapes with gentle lobes and distinct,
upright form means it works best as an understory
taut veins with outstanding texture. The flowers are pink
or border background choice. But even in deep shade
or whitish pink, grouped in oval-shaped, flat-headed
where its branches stretch awkwardly, this is not a
clusters that become shiny red fruits. At a size of 8 feet by
tree, so shrub it must be. Piedmont azalea, also called
6 feet, ninebark creates an imposing presence in sunny
Pinxter azalea or bush honeysuckle, glows with blush
sites. Smaller selections are even more popular because
pink buds with rosy tubes that open into shapes more
they add colorful leaves and more compact forms to the
like a Japanese honeysuckle than most azalea flowers.
plant’s sometimes-rangy profile. Golden leaves that turn
Pale, almost lavender lower petals reach out like launch
lime green and surround the red fruits mark ‘Dart’s Gold’.
pads for the long, curvy pistil and stamens. These wispy
‘Amber Jubilee’ marks its leaves in rich gold and orange,
flower parts are featured in the species, and the cultivar
then turns them dark red and purple in fall. ‘Coppertina’
‘Varnadoes Phlox Pink’ has even deeper pink buds and
looks like it sounds, bronze new growth with chartreuse
pinker flowers. Piedmont azalea thrives in sunny and
tones in their heart. By summer, the leaves are copper
shady gardens, any acidic soil, and for most of the year
red, deep in contrast to pale pink flowers and striking
is a rather gawky green presence like a vase on stilts. The
against its red fruits. It is not as vase-shaped as ‘Summer
flowers appear just before the leaves with a sweet but
Wine’ can be. This one has redder leaves, almost purple,
strong fragrance reminiscent of cloves.
pink flowers, and an exuberant vase silhouette like its
Zones 5–9
relatives, the old-timey spireas. Zones 4–7 (marginal at Zone 8)
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Reds, pinks
Red Osier Dogwood
Shrub Rose
(Cornus sericea)
(Rosa)
A classic Christmas card depicts a snow bank with red
People are of two minds when it comes to shrub roses—
osier dogwood stems popping out all over it, their bril-
they dismiss or embrace them, often for the same rea-
liant red brighter than Santa’s hat. They are stunning
sons. Compared to hybrid tea roses, shrub types are
even without the snow, leafless and held straight up like
very easy to grow since they seldom, if ever, require
pointed cherry-red arrows flashing warm messages in
pest control. Few shrubs bloom as often as a remontant
the coldest winter landscape. Few shrubs garner as much
(reblooming) rose, and with heights that range from less
attention in one season and few deserve it. Especially
than 2 feet to nearly 5 feet, there’s one for every sunny
in designs weighted heavily toward spring and summer
garden space. These qualities can seem understandably
color, a hedge or slope dotted with the upright vase form
elementary to veteran cut-flower rosarians. However, the
of red osier dogwood bridges the seasons with panache.
rest of us appreciate them as well as the neat rounded
Since new stems are more brightly colored, garden-
forms and flower colors in every shade of rose and pink.
ers either prune out one-third of old ones each year or
Flower sizes vary almost as much; let the last flush make
cut the entire shrub down every other year. Its colorful
scarlet red hips in fall. Use the shrub rose to establish
profile is not limited to winter, however, and includes
your hue as a hedge or to put the color twist of repeated
delightful drupes that are white with a blue cast and fall
bloom flushes into a mixed shrub row with spireas and
color in red-purple hues. Red osier dogwood thrives in
hydrangeas. This class of roses thrives in well-drained
sunny or shady sites, in richly organic soils with plenty of
soil and once established needs no more water and fer-
water, even boggy conditions. Only slightly less vibrant,
tilizer than other flowering shrubs. There are two differ-
red twig dogwood (Cornus alba, especially the variegated
ent sorts of shrub roses: antique or old garden roses, and
‘Elegantissima’) tends more toward the purple shades
modern introductions such as the David Austin roses
in its stems. Equally attractive but usually larger and
and KnockOut roses. Shop locally for suitable varieties.
thicker, its flowers are sometimes more fragrant.
Zones 3–9
Zones 4–7
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Shrubs
Blues, purples
Spreading Cotoneaster
Blue Mist Shrub
(Cotoneaster divaricatus)
(Caryopteris × clandonensis)
Stiff small leaves and strong gray stems give the
Clear purple-blues—cool, calming, and serene—can be
Cotoneaster family members plenty of rugged good looks
hard to find in the heat of late summer gardens. Blue
that make them a durable landscape choice across the
mist shrub solves this dilemma with subtle shades that
country. But this one, spreading cotoneaster, takes the
have big impact in a shrub bed or as a featured player
best of its relatives’ good qualities and goes beyond them
among perennial plants. Its flowers are packed in a cloud
with outstanding red shades in three seasons. As a 6-foot
that can be sweet sky blue or vibrant purple, depending
hedge, it forms a thick, shiny screen with exuberant,
on the individual plant as well as its selections and cul-
arched branches that stand out amid more understated
tivars. Their hues may remind you of the lavenders your
shrubs. But spreading cotoneaster possesses enough
great aunt favors, but there is nothing demure about this
individual charm to stand alone at the center of a well-
plant. The little blooms reach out in bunches from the
drained or xeriscape planting. Pink-tinged, perky white
leaf axils of stiff stems, poking above gray-green leaves
flowers start the parade in spring nestled in new leaves
that form a dense plant that is very attractive to bees
that look like bright green collars made just for them. As
and butterflies. The oddly fragrant plants form exuber-
the leaves take on deeper hues, red berries bright as stop
ant mounds about 3 feet tall and wide, and they keep
signs adorn the length of each branch all summer and
their neat shape in sunny sites with well-drained soils.
fall. Not done yet, every leaf takes on deep scarlet reds
Blue mist blooms on new growth and will have more
that last long into fall before they finally drop. Tough as
flowers if you cut its stems back early in spring. When a
nails in sun or part shade with well-drained soils, spread-
plant is named for prestigious public gardens, you can
ing cotoneaster seldom needs any attention from its
trust that it is beloved, like ‘Blue Kew’ and ‘Longwood
gardener once it is established. Even pruning is not rec-
Blue’. Both are prized for their dark violet-blue flowers.
ommended, except rarely, so its natural vigor can grow
‘Worcester Gold’ harkens to another common name,
unrestrained with huge numbers of flowers and berries.
blue spirea; its lavender blue flowers and yellow-green
Zones 4–7
leaves make it a seasonal focal point like its namesake. Zones 6–9
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Blues, purples
French Hybrid Ceanothus
Meyer Lilac
(Ceanothus × delilianus)
(Syringa meyeri)
When you first see this shrub, it’s as if a new shade
If you think it’s old-fashioned to love lilacs, you’d be cor-
was invented just for your pleasure. Take the prettiest
rect—so long as you know that retro is very now. Meyer
lilac and infuse it with pure purple to get a shade of
lilac is a hands-down perfect purple with no competi-
lavender-blue that can be almost gray at times and is
tion for looks and fragrance. Hypnotic describes this
always eye-catching. These selections and cultivars show
particular lilac’s effect on garden visitors. You smile
dependable blues: ‘Gloire de Versailles’ in lighter hues
as the perfume finds them first and leads them to the
and ‘Henri Desfosse’ with deeper violets. French hybrid
neat, compact shrub where they marvel at how many
ceanothus ranges from 4 to 12 feet tall with a spreading
flowers burst from each cluster. Purple tubes that define
form that provides plenty of leaf tips to hold the flower
“lilac” in pastel chalks open their ends to release that
clusters that all but block out the leaves when the plants
heady aroma and reveal light shades inside. The com-
are in bloom. But the bottle green, glossy leaves carry
bination creates colorful visual depth that obscures the
the rest of the year with style. They are slightly coarse
leaves from view for weeks. Meyer lilac is more compact
in texture with pronounced veins that look almost puck-
in its habit than other lilacs, with grass green leaves
ered; their impact is strong and separates them from
that are rounded and almost cupped, in smart contrast
other evergreen (or semievergreen) shrubs.
to the bubbly blooms. This one is seldom leggy, with
Other ceanothus cultivars deserve attention for color
plenty of leaves from ground level up to form a rounded
and cultural concerns. ‘Dark Star’ (C. × ‘Dark Star’) is
shape no more than 6 feet wide and somewhat shorter.
a hybrid with dense flower cover in deep purple blue
Dwarf Korean lilac (S. meyeri ‘Palibin’) is popular for its
shades. Ceanothus × pallidus has more cold tolerance
smaller overall size with plentiful flowers and compact
and can be grown in Zones 6 and 7. Its cultivars ‘Roseus’
canopy of cute little leaves. Tinkerbelle (cultivar name
and ‘Marie Simon’ offer rosy-lilac colors in dense flower
of ‘Bailbelle’) is a captivating Meyer lilac with pink buds
clusters on shrubs 3 to 4 feet tall and wide.
and dark wine-colored blossoms. None are picky plants
Zone 8–9
and are grown widely in their zones. Zones 4–7
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Oregon Grapeholly
Purple Beautyberry
(Mahonia aquifolium)
(Callicarpa dichotoma)
Some plants are intriguing to look at because they
Like a farmer named Mr. Green, when “purple” and
seem made of disparate parts. Even the name of this
“beauty” are in your name, you’d better be good. This
Mahonia can be confusing since it is not a grape nor a
shrub lives up to its name. Purple beautyberry spends
holly, and it is native to Oregon but also more of the
each summer putting on its sparkling berries, or drupes,
Pacific Northwest. A treasure for color in the shade
in tight clusters at each leaf axil. The metallic purple
garden, Oregon grapeholly has leaves so green that they
berries look like BBs that have been painted and hot-
are blue and develop beautiful bronzy purple color in
glued into bundles for some ignoble purpose. The sight
winter. This oddball shrub has crazy, spiky, scalloped
of them atop perfect rows of bright green leaves in late
leaf edges rather like some hollies and creates welcome
summer is enchanting, but they really pop once the
coarse texture amid hardy ferns and azaleas. Oregon
leaves turn yellow most autumns. Soon you get the plea-
grapeholly is a devil among those angels—stiff, upright
sure of watching birds devour them on a bright after-
canes with spiny leaves and a cocky attitude to go with
noon; the gray stems hold your interest all winter. In
them. But it can also join other evergreens in a partly
northern zones, you are advised to cut the stems down
sunny hedgerow without losing any of its color punch.
in late winter to stimulate new growth. Elsewhere, only
Tiny yellow flowers cascade in long clusters from the top
minimal early spring pruning will be needed. At 4 feet
of the canes each spring like bold necklaces. Soon the
tall and slightly wider, this shrub offers white, pink, or
jewel blue fruits appear, sometimes delft blue and some-
lilac flowers on a sweetly draping vase shape. It thrives
times closer to navy, but always exquisite. And yes, the
with well-drained soil in partly shady to partly sunny
clusters do resemble tiny grapes in a way, yet they have a
sites and needs only minimal maintenance.
distinct presence that cannot be confused with any other
American native beautyberry (C. americana) is a
plant. Both standard and dwarf varieties bring outstand-
denizen of the woods in the Southeast and is well suited
ing color in four seasons.
to large, shady gardens.
Zones 4–9
Zones 5–8
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Blues, purples
Purple Giant Filbert
Redleaf Loropetalum
(Corylus maxima var. purpurea)
(Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum)
This plant needs another name as this one is mislead-
There may be no more startling shrub than redleaf
ing at best and possibly even insulting to the Filbert
loropetalum. Its leaves are unmatched for pert rounded
family. The common name implies an odd-colored, huge
shapes and shades of deep wine shades of burgundy,
nut—a filbert—but you’d have to look hard for any here,
merlot, and claret. They flow along every curving branch
and they’d be a disappointment to crack. In this case,
of the shrub, so perfect and plentiful they might have
“purple giant” refers to the extraordinary leaves of this
been piped on by a talented cake decorator. Flowers
plant, which, like other big shrubs that can be used as
appear in spring to reinforce the color palette with fuch-
small trees when lower limbs are exposed, allowing a
sia, carmine, or raspberry narrow petals that twist and
canopy to form. Gray trunks are obscured by a host of
flare out like shiny ribbons. A member of the witch hazel
purple leaves that are fat ovals with thick veination. The
family and related to that old Southern favorite, white
waffling is strangely attractive with rough, muscular,
fringe flower, redleaf loropetalum outshines the rest of
yet still friendly good looks. Spring brings in the bold,
its clan with vigor that often belies its label. The species
almost metallic purple leaves; it is impossible to miss
and some selections from it can reach 8 feet tall and
purple giant filbert even at the back of the border or in
make excellent weeping tree forms or espaliers. Some
the far corner of the garden. There it does double duty
of the group go through leaf color changes while others
with unparalleled color and a densely leafed thicket
pop out in their strong purple shades and stay that
that is ideal for birds and other wildlife to rest and nest.
way all year. Cultivars and selections of note include
Averaging 10 feet tall and wide but capable of larger
‘Blush’ with brilliant red flowers and rosy new growth
size, this thub grows in sun or part shade where its colors
that appears all summer to create a patchwork quilt of
stay stronger as summer wears on. Its fruits and male
color; ‘Garnet Fire’, aptly named for its leaf color and
catkins are quite purple too.
bright red blooms; and ‘Zhuzhou Fuchsia’ for the deep-
Zones 4–8
est maroon leaves and dark pink flowers. Zones 7–9
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Shrubs
Yellows, oranges, golds
Sweetshrub
Dyer’s Greenwood
(Calycanthus floridus)
(Genista tinctoria)
Red shades in the burgundy-maroon range of purple get
It’s true that good things sometimes come in small pack-
plenty of attention in the fall garden, but few spring and
ages, and Dyer’s greenwood packs plenty of bright yellow
summer flowers sport such muscular tones. Sweetshrub
onto small, deciduous shrubs. The individual blooms
(or Carolina allspice) blooms with ironic beauty, in the
and late summer seedpods give away its relations to the
deepest hues of purple with petals that seem sharp and
peas, beans, and brooms, but this shrub is more upscale
stiff, as if to cut you if you dare to touch them. Their
than most of that family. Dyer’s greenwood stacks pea-
fragrance seems heaven-sent, too sweet for this tough
like flowers in clusters that stand erect, opening from
flower orb. Their aroma is like the best fruit salad you
bottom to top. Each bud is longer than wide, quite
ever smelled, a combination of banana and strawberry
plump, and opens like a mouth ready to shout about
with pineapple and, some say, passionfruit. It lingers in
spring’s joys. Their plentiful flower spikes point straight
the air like perfume, long enough to make you wonder
up and cover the low mounding shrubs like birthday
about its source. In garden and vase, these flowers are
candles for a centenarian. The effect is dazzling in the
unusual, tightly formed like little roses that might have
main bloom cycle, but the flowers keep on coming spo-
been carved instead of grown in the back garden and
radically for many more weeks. Dyer’s greenwood gets
picked days ago. Glossy leaves cover this shapely but
its name from the green twigs that cover the 3-by-3-foot
rather squat shrub that is usually 6 to 8 feet tall and
shrub in winter. It thrives in sunny sites, including those
slightly wider. Sweetshrub is a native American plant
with poor fertility and relatively dry conditions, such as
that thrives in most soils including clays, and in sun or
in front of fences and along sidewalks where bed prepa-
some shade where its form is more open and graceful.
ration is impractical. ‘Royal Gold’ has flowers in darker
But in sun, there will be more flowers and brighter fall
gold hues on a 2-foot-tall shrub. ‘Bangle’ shows more
colors of gold and purple before they drop to reveal dark
heat and drought tolerance in a similar sized shrub.
purple-gray stems.
Zones 4–7
Zones 4–9
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Yellows, oranges, golds
Forsythia
Fothergilla
(Forsythia × intermedia)
(Fothergilla major ‘Mt. airy’)
The first to bloom in many gardens and a welcome sight
When a hybrid plant occurs without human effort, and
to the winter-weary, forsythia might have invented yellow
it is honestly better than either of its parents, you can
flowers. The shrub is flamboyant, vase-shaped, and cov-
see it as proof that nature continues to amaze. ‘Mount
ered in sometimes-fragrant single or semi-double flow-
Airy’ fothergilla was named by Dr. Michael Dirr for
ers on leafless stems. They grow exuberantly, all yellow
the Ohio arboretum where he found it, the overlooked
arms flung wide to embrace the coming of spring. The
offspring of two native species. Before this deciduous
leaves emerge kelly green and some deepen their hues
shrub drops its leaves each autumn, ‘Mt. Airy’ simply
in summer; they are pointed ovals with slightly serrated
stuns viewers with yellow and orange with red-purple
edges. Forsythia can be described as a vase- or funnel-
tones in its fall color. It is a player in the color game
shaped, and their shape is best maintained with pruning
in spring and summer, too, beginning with flared oval
after flowering since the shrub blooms on old wood. Fall
leaves 3 to 4 inches long that are bottle green with gray-
color varies but can be deep gold with exquisite purple
ish blue undersides. Late spring flowers are perky bottle-
mottling. Like many species, forsythia has given rise to
brushes made of sweet-smelling, tiny flowers that pop
many “children” in the form of cultivars, selections, and
from every stem. The flowers are white and airy, so light
hybrids, including Forsythia × intermedia. Out of hundreds
you can see the green stems inside brushes up to 3 inches
tested, a few rise to the top for the color and panache of
tall and round like lollipops. They can tolerate some
the parents in a smaller shrub. ‘Sunrise’ is as wide as it is
shade as long as the soil is moist and richly organic.
tall at 5 feet by 5 feet; dwarf ‘Golden Peep’ spreads across
One parent, F. major, is larger than ‘Mt. Airy’ and brings
the soil with single blooms (2 feet by 3 feet); ‘Mindor’ or
more apricot color to the fall show. Another, F. gardenii,
‘Show Off’ is about 4 feet by 4 feet and branches freely
is smaller and often called dwarf fothergilla. For added
from its vase shape for even more flowers than most;
color dimension, consider ‘Blue Mist’ and ‘Blue Shadow’
‘Meadowlark’ is noted for cold tolerance.
fothergilla shrubs with serious blue tones in their leaves.
Zones 4–8
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Fragrant Sumac
Japanese Kerria
(Rhus aromatica)
(Kerria japonica)
Also known as lemon sumac, this shrub’s colors recom-
A treasure introduced to Western garden culture around
mend it for space in mixed hedgerows and naturalized
1800 from Japan, the species Kerria is named for its col-
plantings. Fall sends its neatly lobed leaflets into flam-
lector, William Kerr. The most beautiful of the bunch
ing shades of orange, yellow, and red to warm up your
by most estimation is also known as Japanese rose or
garden as well it does in native stands. With such bright
‘Pleniflora’, referring to its family origins and abundant
leaves and shiny red berries gathered into tight clusters,
double flowers. They are bright golden yellow, quarter-
fragrant sumac looks dressed up for every autumn cel-
sized, and a rare treat in partial shade where they bloom
ebration. A dense, deciduous thicket of stems supports
their heads off in late winter and spring, depending on
all this color and more, including stacks of rounded yel-
location. The outstanding flowers dot stiff, spring green
lowish flower clusters in spring. Their shade is subtle, yet
stems that hold that bright hue all year long. The leaves
stands out amid the pinks that can dominate gardens
are equally bright green, very toothy, sometimes arrow-
early in the year. Fragrant sumac spreads underground
shaped, and a bit puckered. Its linear form presents best
to form its spreading clump, a favorite resting place for
in a bed of shrubs with contrasting shapes where it can
wildlife in summer under the shade of fragrant, green
stand out as it should. The colors and attitude of Japanese
to greenish yellow leaves. This shrub varies in size but
kerria are as festive as the T-shirts at a St. Patrick’s Day
is usually grown 3 feet × 4 feet or slightly larger and
parade. Select cultivars are slightly smaller with more
is pruned after flowering to shape its growth. It thrives
predictable forms and are well suited for smaller gar-
in well-drained, even slightly rocky soils, in full sun or
dens. ‘Albescens’ has flowers more creamy than yellow
slightly less. The sweet flowers attract butterflies as well
with jaunty petals that are not all alike. ‘Golden Guinea’
as other nectar-seekers, and the berries bring in hungry
has larger, single yellow flowers. ‘Simplex’ offers bright
birds fueling up for the winter.
yellow blooms that look more like kerria’s relatives in
Although the leaves are a similar shape to the toxic sumac, none of fragrant sumac’s plant parts are poisonous.
the rose family. Zones 4–9
Zones 4–9
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Yellows, oranges, golds
Tangerine Cinquefoil
Witch Hazel
(Potentilla fruticosa)
(Hamamelis vernalis)
When you want a shrub with impossibly large flow-
Just when it seems that winter will go on forever, witch
ers to contrast with fine-textured leaves, think shrubby
hazel blooms to reassure us that spring will come. In
cinquefoil. But when you want sunny yellow blooms
full sun or part shade, its fragrant and unusual yellow
with touches of bright tangerine-orange, know that tan-
flowers burst out around the bare branches. The twisted
gerine cinquefoil is for you. With a bloom season that
petals flare out from dark red calyxes in delightfully
lasts from late spring to fall and a preference for dry
whimsical, thin yellow ribbons that last for weeks in
sites, it’s a star that shines where few others can thrive.
cold weather. They look like brilliant yellow spiders with
The shrub is wider than it is tall, usually 2 to 3 feet tall
many more than eight legs crawling along each stem.
by 4 feet wide, with dusky, almost gray-green leaves that
Such unusual color and habit in the coldest months is a
are oddly ferny in appearance. Tangerine cinquefoil is
welcome sight soon followed by bright green leaves that
at its best with room to spread, but it is not particular
cover the grayish red stems. Witch hazel leaves seem to
about soil type so long as it drains well. Blooms will be
mirror the flowers with golden yellow fall color in most
paler yellow in full afternoon sun, and the shrub’s form
years. Native habitat is often the areas along stream beds
will be denser and, ironically, less attractive. Best used in
and gravel soils where witch hazel’s suckering habit can
masses, tangerine cinquefoil can line a walk, fill a flow-
take over the space. In the garden, plant it in full sun for
erbed, or bloom like crazy in front of taller evergreens.
best flowering and in well-drained soil; prune after flow-
Other cinquefoils have a place in modern garden design
ering to shape and remove suckers when they appear to
to provide low-maintenance plants with abundant flow-
control its spread. Another native, common witch hazel
ers and interesting leaves that attract butterflies, but
(H. virginiana) is a large shrub or small tree that blooms
usually not deer. The species has pale yellow flowers
in late fall with yellow flowers in softer shades. Because
with prominent centers; they are not as cupped as tan-
of its astringent properties, it is used in commercial skin-
gerine and other cultivars.
care products.
Zones 4–7
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Shrubs
Greens
Chinese Juniper
Evergreen Euonymus
(Juniperus chinensis)
(Euonymus japonicus)
The name Chinese juniper has become almost generic for
Every garden needs go-to shrubs with dark green color
shrubs with blue-green needles. It has spawned scores of
that can take whatever the seasons bring. You might use
named cultivars and selections that are beautiful, dura-
them to mark an entrance or establish hedging, but the
ble, and colorful. For a range of green shades few other
best, including this one, offer contrasting greens as foils
groups can match, fine texture, and dense form, the
to lighter shades. Evergreen euonymus fills these gaps,
Chinese junipers are unrivaled in the shrub world. The
but those who have only seen the sometimes-garish
light brown cones are fleshy, small, and almost round;
variegated version may hesitate. Deep shades of bottle
on female junipers, they offer nubby contrast to the rich
green and slightly lighter new growth let these leaves
foliage colors. Chinese junipers can be trees or very large
glow in a very good way. Rounded with slight points on
shrubs, but smaller ones and the groundcover forms are
the ends, evergreen euonymus leaves are held tight and
better suited for most gardens. Each depends primarily
dense on their stems and are so glossy they seem dipped
upon its color to distinguish it. ‘Pfitzer Compacta’ juni-
in wax. The plants grow into fat, slightly rounded forms
pers are perhaps the best known, recognized by grayish
with a natural grace that is often concealed by the box
sage green leaves and branches at 45-degree angles that
shapes into which they are usually pruned. Delightful
seem to drip their needles like candlewax. ‘Pfitzer Aurea’
flowers appear on these looser shapes, whitish yellow
starts golden yellow in spring before its strong green
blooms that soon form pink structures with orange seeds
takes over. ‘Pfitzer Glauca’ brings muted blue tones and
inside. Evergreen euonymus has other good qualities
softer texture to this classic landscape form. ‘Sea Green’
to recommend it: simple maintenance needs, adapt-
might have been called the mint juniper to best describe
ability to most soils, salt- and shade-tolerance, and
its color. About 4 feet tall and wider, its branches arch
fast response to pruning rank are among them. The
gracefully. Another ‘Glauca’ with very blue needles is
pest issues common to Euonymus usually manifest in
in the × sargentii group of Chinese junipers, noted for
crowded, unpruned shrubs and are easily addressed. If
ground-hugging form.
variegation or a mix is needed, seek out ‘Silver King’ for
Zones 4–9
pale green leaves with creamy white edges. Zones 4–9
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Greens
Fatsia
Heavenly Bamboo
(Fatsia japonica)
(Nandina domestica and cultivars)
Any garden spot in shade, part shade, or morning sun
This plant lives up to its status as an exotic, both in
can benefit from the yellow-green hues on display in
origin and garden impact. Nandina was imported from
fatsia. This quirky evergreen shrub delivers coarse tropi-
Asia and got its common names, heavenly or sacred
cal texture in big, shiny leaves. They are palmate, or
bamboo, from two of its features. The multi-stemmed
hand-shaped, and might belong to the Incredible Hulk
shrub grows on segmented woody canes that are rem-
if he had two extra thumbs. Leaf colors range from deep
iniscent of slender bamboo stems. Its rich forest green
avocado shades in the older leaves to nearly chartreuse
leaves are compound leaflets that form fine-textured,
new growth. Each is held stiffly on a stubby stem in
graceful arrow shapes. They extend horizontally from
lighter hues that increase the bold look and visual appeal
the canes like open fingers; those with the finest cut
of the shrub. What starts as a fat clump of leaves near
leaves look like feathers. Where they are not evergreen,
ground level soon develops a rough trunk that is dark
fall color is red so dark it might be purple. Two dwarf
green with brownish gray-netted patterns reminiscent
nandinas set the mood where smaller plants are pre-
of cantaloupe rinds. The trunk is more exposed as the
ferred: ‘Harbor Belle’ has new growth in shades of pink
shrub sheds lower leaves with age and adds bold notes to
crowned by small white flowers in spring, followed by red
fatsia’s tropical presence. Its greens are uncommon and
berries, and ‘Flirt’ shines with new growth throughout
expressed in unforgettable form, but this shrub explodes
the season in shades from coral-red to scarlet above dark
in late winter with light green flowers that turn creamy
green mature growth. The species has become invasive
white. Balls of flowers stick out of their clusters on stiff
in some areas, but some recommended cultivars offer a
stems, like unbelievably cute, fuzzy golf balls stuck on
neater habit and very colorful leaves. Fall color ranges
toothpicks. They attract bees in droves, adding needed
from greenish yellow to orange-red and fire engine red
nectar at a time of the year when little is available.
in ‘Firepower’; bushy ‘Gulf Stream’ has coppery-orange
Zones 7–9
new growth; and smaller ‘Harbour Dwarf’ is wider than tall with orange and orange-bronze fall color. Zones 6–9
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Japanese Pieris
Sasanqua
(Pieris japonica)
(Camellia sasanqua)
Some shrubs are meant for center stage, and Japanese
Hands down the best evergreen shrub for its zones,
pieris is a star, glossy as porch paint and just as slick. Its
sasanqua has shiny, small (2 to 3 inch) leaves that seem
leaves are narrow, about 2 inches long, and arranged
unfazed, aloof from the world. Some are the rich green
in whorls so they appear as stacked wheels around their
of Wellington boots while other varieties are as dark as
branches. New growth is dazzling: bright, truly spring
champagne bottles. They do not suffer wind damage,
green plus coppery shades of bronze and red. The green
shake off snow and ice, and laugh at summer heat.
tones deepen and the others hold as more new leaves
Sasanquas are not bulletproof, but their perfect green
emerge, and the big shrub becomes an organic kalei-
leaves surely seem to be. A denser shrub with more spec-
doscope of color. At the end of a path, around a corner,
tacular fall flowers is readily maintained with annual
Japanese pieris lights up the shade garden with a dense,
pruning after bloom season. Sasanqua varieties are
rounded form. Then it blooms with draping chains of
chosen for their size and flower color. Standard sasan-
urn-shaped white flowers whose fragrance draws you in.
quas stand 8 to 10 feet tall and almost as wide. A favor-
About 8 feet tall and wide, the greens of Japanese pieris
ite is ‘Yuletide’ with a red flower and prominent gold
are unmatched as focal point plants but they are also
stamens that blooms late season. ‘Kanjiro’ has rose pink
dramatic in groups. Three plants in a row can create a
blooms, while ‘Jean May’ has small, pale pink blooms.
wall of Granny Smith, emerald, and forest green in color
Midsized varieties at 4 to 6 feet include the classic white
shades. Himalayan pieris (P. formosana var. forrestii)
‘Mine-No-Yuki’ (white dove), ‘Shishi Gashira’ with rose
may seem misnamed since it thrives in warmer zones,
pink flowers, and sweet pink ‘Showa-No-Sakae’. Dwarf
but it is well worth consideration there. It adds to the
varieties include ‘Marge Miller’ that grows 1 foot tall with
color palette with new red growth that changes to cream
a weeping form and pink flowers, and ‘Chansonette’,
before becoming green, and its chains of white flowers
which matures at 2 to 3 feet with rose pink flowers.
are stunning.
Zones 7–9 (marginal at Zone 6)
Zones 5–8
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Shrubs
Greens
Whites, creams
Summersweet
Adam’s Needle Yucca
(Clethra alnifolia)
(Yucca filamentosa)
Summer in the garden can be almost monochrome
A clump of strappy, rather sticky leaves with sharp
green, with only a few subtle differences in leaf color
pointy ends and odd peeling hairs sounds like a
and texture to distinguish one green plant from others.
Halloween scarecrow, not a desirable shrub. Yet Adam’s
Summersweet bucks that trend to stand out with dynamic
needle yucca is a true garden treat beloved for towering
pea shades arranged on an upright, open form in shady
poles of perfect summer white flowers that attract butter-
spaces. The thin leaves pick up any breeze in a pleas-
flies in droves. The leaves can be 3 feet long, lower ones
ing lilt, but this American native and its cultivars make
splayed out on the ground and the rest upright, sound-
you wait for their lighthearted garden impact. The long,
ing a bold textural note in the garden. They are trom-
narrow leaves sometimes turn darker but often maintain
bones, not trumpets, and demand attention for beautiful
lighter shades all summer in much needed, finer-textured
contrast to almost every other plant. The leaves may be
contrast to the neighboring shrubs. An inch wide and
green, blue-green, or variegated with yellow, all perfect
up to 4 inches long, the leaves take on creamy yellow
foils for the wistfully creamy white flower stalks that rise
colors in fall, a welcome feature in a thicketing shrub
from them each year. Adam’s needle blooms are puffy
form like this one. New suckers can be left to spread, cut
orbs stacked up like marshmallows on thick stalks often
down to control their size, or dug up and transplanted.
taller than the 3-foot shrub. At first sight, the two parts
Sweetshrub tops its sparkling form with fragrant flower
seem oddly juxtaposed, yet the total effect is pleasing,
spikes that may be pink or white and are more plenti-
ruggedly handsome, and quite welcome in contempo-
ful in sunnier sites. Larger, smaller, and different color
rary gardens. Native to much of the US, the colors of
sweetshrubs deserve consideration. ‘Pink Spires’ reaches
both leaves and flowers on Adam’s needle are most
8 to 10 feet tall, while ‘Hummingbird’ will be compact
pronounced in full sun but it tolerates some shade and
and no larger than 4 feet. For darker green leaves, red
needs only minimal water once established.
flower buds, and deep pink blossoms, ‘Ruby Spice’ is a
Zones 4–9
favorite selection. Zones 4–9
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Annabelle Hydrangea
Chinese Fringe Flower
(Hydrangea arborescens ‘annabelle’)
(Loropetalum chinense)
Sometimes a species gives rise to a plant so superior to
A favorite in cottage gardens and older landscapes,
its parent that you marvel that they are related. Smooth
Chinese fringe flower has robust, somewhat open form
leaf hydrangea (H. arborescens) is nondescript in nature,
and cascades of ribbony white flowers. This shrub is
but steps up in the garden and, happily, its daughter
attractive year-round, just waiting to herald summer
is a real show-off. Luscious, huge flower heads in late
with curly white streamers that seem made for the
spring make Annabelle the finest hydrangea in the
season: they are as cool as coconut gelato. Reliable in
family for bright white color that lasts weeks. At their
part shade or dappled sun, Chinese fringe flower tickles
best, the flowers can be as big as basketballs, so large it
the air, and its motion draws you closer to see the flowers
seems they might break the branches that hold them.
in detail. They remind you of witch hazel blooms, and
What you see are scores of white bracts that surround
both are in the same plant family; that’s why Chinese
tiny flowers, packed tightly together in stunning clus-
fringe flower is sometimes called Chinese witch hazel.
ters on sturdy shrubs often wider than they are tall. The
Fast-growing, it can reach 10 feet tall and be pruned into
bracts age, turning pale green and then tan whether you
a small tree, but it is far superior as a large, rather effu-
leave them on the shrub or deadhead them. Removing
sive presence in the garden maintained at about 6 to
old flowers often brings on more blooms for a double
8 feet wide and tall. Fringe flower’s rounded leaves are
feature of lush white flowers later in the summer. Once
dark green with darker veins, average 2 inches long, and
they are gone, Annabelle shifts to fall color and main-
emerge alternately along gently arched branches. They
tains your interest with large serrate leaves that turn
are nearly evergreen; new leaves come on as old ones
delicious shades of yellow, especially in southern zones.
drop off. This shrub was introduced to the United States
Whether in sun or part shade, Annabelle hydrangea can
from Asia in the late nineteenth century, long before
be pruned each spring to shape and keep its new growth
its red-leafed relative made its debut, and continues to
dense to display the magnificent flowers.
deliver cooling color to the summer garden.
Zones 4–9
Zones 7–9
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Whites, creams
Chinese Photinia
Glossy Abelia
(Photinia serrulata)
(Abelia × grandiflora)
The Photinia family has gotten a bad name since its
There are gaps in the color palette of every garden and,
standout, Fraser photinia (P. fraseri), was besieged by
white summer- and fall-flowering shrubs fall right into
leaf spot disease. Thankfully, there are others waiting to
those. Glossy abelia takes on that challenge not only
step up with even more colorful features and no fungus
with late-season blooms but also with attractive features
issues. Chinese photinia brings evergreen leaves with
the rest of the year. A prize in sun or part shade, abelia
sawtooth edges that put on new growth with the trade-
forms an upright fountain of thin branches that spills
mark reddish shades. But these clusters have creamy
wider than it is tall. The leaves are glossy bottle green,
bronze tones that add colorful, desirable bulk to these
neatly pointed, and plentiful; they turn rich bronze and
big, round, coarse-textured shrubs each year. Puffy and
coppery in autumn. In warmer zones the shrubs are
hairy, the warm white flower clusters stand out in late
evergreen or nearly so but even where the leaves drop
spring in a stark contrast to the dark green older leaves
entirely, they persist well into fall and then reveal the
and bronzy new ones. Scores of small blossoms join
fine lines of their supporting thicket. Spring’s new growth
forces in flat, jaunty flower heads that sit like a Sunday-
has a rosy glow until the leaves unfurl; trimming it then
best hat atop every branch tip. The creamy flowers have
resets the process for more colorful tips. Blooms appear
a distinct smell and hold great attraction for pollinat-
on the current year’s wood from early summer until after
ing insects in search of breakfast. Soon berries form that
Labor Day. Each one is a little white trumpet standing
slowly turn to bright red in fall, a feature seldom seen
on a rosy ring of sepals and held in sumptuous clusters.
on the Frasers. Another evergreen relative, oriental pho-
They are sweetly fragrant and a welcome nectar source
tinia (P. villosa), has creamy white flowers with impres-
for late in the season. Hedges and mixed beds welcome
sive red berries and fall color in yellow and orange hues.
abelias, and the small variety ‘Little Richard’ makes a
Both can be trained into small trees, but their landscape
fine container plant.
value is greater as large shrubs used for colorful hedging
Zones 6–9 (marginal at Zone 5)
and screens. Zones 5–9
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Pearlbush
Slender Deutzia
(Exochorda racemosa)
(Deutzia gracilis and cultivars)
Selecting shrubs that bloom before their leaves emerge
Splendid white flowers are the icing on the cake of these
in spring speaks volumes about your innermost desires.
flamboyant Hydrangea relatives, slender deutzia and her
They shout the sentiment, “C’mon already, it’s time
cultivar offspring. All have scores of sweet-smelling, bell-
for the season to change!” Few carry the message
shaped blooms in spring that are held in loose clusters
better than pearlbush, also called common pearlbush
called racemes. In sunny, well-drained garden soil, they
although there is nothing low-class about this shrub.
cover the shrub, and bees cover them in a breathtaking
Its flower buds do look like perfect white pearls and as
spectacle. The plants are generally round with narrow
they open, cupped white flowers open in succession from
branches that arch gracefully yet have the strength to
bottom to top on 6-inch raceme clusters. They spill out
withstand the wildest storms. They are durable, low-
from myriad branches that grow their own way in a
maintenance shrubs that can be 5 feet tall and as wide.
loose form about 10 feet high and wide that is perfect
Lance-shaped and dark green, the deciduous leaves
to display the flowers. Planted in a shrub border or as
sit opposite one another along the stems, adding to its
a backdrop to perennials, pearlbush dazzles early and
graceful garden impact. Smaller than the species, two
then puts on handsome small, medium-green leaves in
cultivars have additional features that offer design uses
a perky, if somewhat unpredictable form. Light prun-
beyond the classic mixed hedgerow. Award-winning
ing after the flowers finish keeps pearlbush in its space,
‘Nikko’ soon reaches 2 feet tall and spreads slowly to 5
unless you prefer its naturally wilder, offbeat shape.
feet wide, perfect for spilling over a garden wall. Its flower
Fall color varies depending on location but is gener-
bells have showy yellow stamens. Deutzia ‘Duncan’, whose
ally muted. ‘The Bride’ joins this species and another
trade name is Chardonnay Pearls, has lime-yellow leaves
Exochorda to create a smaller shrub about 4 feet tall and
all year on a slightly larger shrub. It holds its flowers in
slightly wider. Its branches arch sweetly to show off lots
tiny fists; the effect is round, rather like pearls. Popular in
of smaller flowers in 4-inch racemes.
cottage gardens since the early twentieth century, showy
Zones 4–8
deutzia (D. × magnifica) can provide 10 feet of grayish green leaves and double flowers. Zones 5–8 (marginal at Zone 9)
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Flowering perennials
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Hosta ‘Undulata’
Hosta plantaginea
Hosta (Hosta) Hostas, also called plantain lilies, gleam in the shade
bells. It thrives in light shade with consistently moist soil
garden with clumps of wide, pointed leaves that drape
and is often 30 inches tall in Zones 5 through 9.
like limp daggers. Plantain lily paints the scene with a
The choice of hostas is greatest in Zones 4 to 8. Green-
range of rich green, blue, and sometimes yellow and
leaved plantain lilies pack plenty of textural contrast,
white hues. The plants have such presence they are
like ‘Aphrodite’ with its distinct veins and white flowers;
impossible to ignore even at a distance and glow like
it grows 18 inches tall and wide. Taller and wider, ‘Royal
summer candles on the patio when they bloom. Solids,
Standard’ offers pleasant aromas in white flowers above
stripes, and colorful edges mark the leaves and are
sharply ribbed, light green leaves.
topped by spikes of bell-shaped, often fragrant flowers
‘Bright Lights’, 2 feet tall and wide, pops with
in summer. These perennials grow in richly organic,
lime-green leaves edged in dark blue-green and white
well-drained soil that has a ready water supply nearby.
trumpets. Two feet tall with green leaves edged in
Some are best suited for deep shade while others do best
white, ‘Minuteman’ stops traffic with fat purple flowers.
in more light; different sizes, leaf patterns, and flower
Just as large with fat, yellow-edged green leaves, ‘Wide
colors add even more pizazz to plantings. In general,
Brim’ lives up to its name. ‘Olive Bailey Langdon’ is
blue leaf hybrids grow better in northern zones than
focal-point big, a yard tall and twice as wide. Her leaves
they do in the South and West. ‘Big Daddy’ pours out
are deep green with wide, pale green edges, and white
waffled blue leaves and white flowers. Most unusual,
flowers. Smaller but no less dramatic, ‘Whirlwind’ gives
‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’ has blue, quite bizarre cup-
its leaves a quaint twist, accentuating the yellow color
shaped leaves. An exception to the northern rule is ‘Blue
with green edging.
Angel’ with huge, silvery blue leaves and white flower
Truly impressive at nearly 4 feet tall and wide, ‘Empress Wu’ brings leaves in deep green with a blue cast to every zone. The flowers are lilac and borne on short
Perennial plants create a sense of place and convey reliability
stems. The whimsically named ‘Night Before Christmas’
when they return year after year to bloom abundantly in their
has sharply pointed leaves painted white down their
season. Combining a pair of bold colors, such as this bright yellow
wide middles like Santa’s beard. Its purple flowers are
coreopsis and blue salvia, says much about a gardener.
the perfect tubular bells.
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Copper iris
Siberian iris
Iris (Iris spp.) When a group of plants rings the bell for enough people,
more exist than those listed below, these few beardless
it can inspire great art as irises have for centuries. Few
irises dominate garden culture; most bloom later than
remember the leaves, their shafts like arrows pointing
spring’s earliest bearded iris.
skyward, usually stiff and always sharply pointed. A bed of colorful iris can grow anywhere and reinforce your garden’s signature shade in spring or summer. A clump
• Siberian iris are divas in light shade with neat “bouquets.” Flower colors include unusual orange and brown as well as purple-red, yellow, and blue.
or three in a perennial border can carry the eye from
• Japanese iris have been described as “corsage
color burst to color burst. Their heights vary, adding to
iris,” a reference to their huge, flat shape. Their
garden utility. Some iris plants have flower petals that
ruffles and flourishes come in blues, purples, and
hang down, known as falls, and also have additional
white with some marbling and cute yellow flecks.
structures on those downward petals. Those are the beards that give this group their name, but there are
Three native irises bring a sense of place:
other important differences between this group and other irises. The bearded irises are drought-tolerant sun-lovers
• LA (Louisiana) iris show the flattest flowers with
and require soil that is relentlessly well drained. There
the fattest petals in every color but pure orange—
are six defined types of bearded iris, characterized by
and some of the reds come close, reflecting their
their height, flower size, and bloom time. When choos-
copper iris parentage (I. fulva).
ing bearded irises for the garden, a plant’s height may determine its usefulness but flower color brings it home. The others, the beardless irises, are no less interesting and include a plethora of specific kinds that are gener-
• Pacific Coast iris include 11 species native to fields and woods in milder climates along the West Coast. Flower colors range from white and yellow to pale and deep purples just short of true red.
ally more tolerant of different growing conditions. They
• Virginia iris (I. virginica) may be white, blue, or
are usually more casual in style, and have narrower,
lavender with elegantly simple flowers found in
more grass-like leaves that form strong clumps. Yet
native meadows and at water’s edge in the eastern
beardless irises present as many colors, bicolors, and fas-
US. They are carefree in the garden.
cinating flower details in endless combinations. While
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Mealycup sage (S. farinacea)
Bog sage
Salvia (Salvia spp.) The repetition of related plants can create color har-
• May Night sage (S. × sylvestris ‘Mainacht’) is big
mony and design unity—when some are taller or shorter
at 20 inches tall and wider. Its dark flower stems are
than others, the effect is greatly reinforced. That’s where
vivid lavender.
salvias make their well-deserved reputation. Salvias put on dense clumps of lance-shaped leaves just stiff enough to stand out in greens from light to dark. The spectacular flower spikes are sturdy towers of flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in droves. Their
Zones 5–9: • ‘Texas Wedding’ (S. greggii) forms a clump 2 feet by 2 feet with stunning, pristine white flowers. • Cobalt sage (S. reptans) is more upright than most
colors range from deep apricot and rose-red pinks to sky
with leaves like needles. The plant is 3 feet tall and
blue, royal blue, and a multitude of purples. From small
spectacular with raucous blue flowers.
and sweet to big, muscular stalks, the flowers have the same essential structure—a tube with an extended lower “lip.” Sunny sites and areas with some shade in very hot
Zones 6–9: • ‘Pink Preference’ (S. greggii) is 2 feet tall and
climates, well-drained fertile soil, and moderate water
3 feet wide with dark, rosy pink flowers that have
are the keys to months of salvia flowers for many sea-
dramatic, nearly black calyxes.
sons. There are many perennial salvias to choose from; here are some that may be overlooked.
• Furman’s red sage (S. greggii ‘Furman’s Red’) has the truest red flowers on a taller plant, 3 feet by 2 feet. • ‘Maraschino’ is a S. greggii hybrid that reaches 3 feet
Zones 4–8:
tall and wider with flowers the color of red velvet cake.
• Caradonna sage (S. nemorosa) has sleek, dark
• Japanese sage (S. nipponica ‘Fuji Snow’) is breath-
green leaves in a foot-tall rosette topped with even
taking all year. Its white leaf margins dissolve in
taller and dramatic violet flower spikes.
summer, replaced by huge pastel yellow flower
• Eveline sage (S. ‘Eveline’) sends up ethereal lilaclavender flowers on spikes almost 2 feet tall that dominate their light green leaves.
spikes that are more than a foot long. • Bog sage (S. uliginosa) easily grows bigger than 4 feet tall in sunny, wet sites. The clumps are covered with a sky blue cloud of flowers for months.
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Threadleaf tickseed
Largeflower tickseed
Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.) Lots of gardeners want the airy feeling of wildflowers but
dark centers. Threadleaf tickseed (C. verticillata) puts
their design has no vast space for swaths of native peren-
its sturdy yellow daisies with pointed petals on decep-
nial plants. Coreopsis brings that loose, country vibe into
tively wimpy-looking stems and leaves. Their novelty is
cultivated gardens in all zones with bright, golden yellow
matched only by their reliable, colorful show on plants 24
pops of color. Tickseed is the common name given to the
to 30 inches tall in the species but varied in its selections.
entire family, and all have similar, tick-looking seeds,
‘Zagreb’ is a very small threadleaf, while ‘Golden Shower’
but there the obvious resemblance ends. Leaves range
is tall and blooms for weeks. Creamy yellow, almost
from spring green to bluish, substantial to quite thin in
white, ‘Moonbeam’ blooms in between the others. A bed
shape. The flowers present almost endless vamps on the
of all three puts low-maintenance, high-impact color in
classic daisy shape, and some have markings the color
place to carry a happy message of welcome.
of redwood. Small or large, on short stems or impossi-
Other selections and varieties of Coreopsis are often
bly long ones, the vast majority of flowers are buttercup
named for our planet’s star and their color. ‘Rising Sun’
yellow but some are orange, red, or pink. Tickseeds are
shows off yellow petals with red bases in a semi-dou-
full sun plants, happy in all but rich, wet soils; some can
ble bloom with a yellow center. Thinner leaves and a
grow in pure sand or gravel.
looser, more casual habit give ‘Baby Sun’ a showy single
Largeflower tickseed (C. grandiflora) is the grand-
flower with bright red rings where the yellow petals meet
daddy of the garden bunch, native and self-sowing to
their center. ‘Early Sunrise’ is smaller with slightly wider
delight or chagrin, depending on space available for the
leaves than the species and solid yellow, semi-double
tall plants. On plants 2 to 3 feet tall, the 2-inch blooms
blooms. A delightful red tickseed, ‘Mercury Rising’ is
have greenish centers and solid, bright yellow ray petals
a smaller plant selected from C. rosea that blooms for
with characteristic notched petals. Lanceleaf tickseed
months in Zones 5 to 8 with deep red-purple flowers on
(C. lanceolata) sets a lighter, airy mood with finer-textured
fine-textured leaf mounds.
leaves on a plant about 18 to 24 inches tall. Its flowers that look more like traditional daisies, yellow petals with
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Perennials
Reds, pinks
Astilbe
Beardtongue
(Astilbe hybrids)
(Penstemon hybrids)
Astilbes are shade garden staples with more colors
Simply beautiful pink or red flowers fill beds and big sec-
available every year as breeders expand the palette.
tions of many perennial borders for plenty of bells on
They range in height from 6 inches to nearly 4 feet tall,
sturdy stems. The flower tubes open with pouty lower
with fernlike leaves and thin, upright stems. Leaf colors
petals and one hairy stamen, or tongue; some seem to
range on the dark side of green, with bronze and copper
positively smirk at you. They range in shades from car-
overtones, to bright spring greens. Each leaf widens at
nation pink to bright and deep claret reds and can bloom
its middle, tapers to a graceful point, and is toothed or
for weeks in bright sunny gardens. In the warmer zones,
scalloped on its edge. Those flowers are nothing short
flower color will be stronger longer if the plants are
of spectacular, tiny flowers gathered into plumes fancy
located away from late afternoon heat. Once established
enough to adorn any Sunday chapeau. Shades of pink
in well-drained soil, the plants are quite drought tolerant.
astilbes include salmon, coral, bubblegum, and pastel
Several species of Penstemon are native to different parts
chalk. There are true reds, lavenders, purples, and whites.
of the United States and have been bred extensively with
Bloom times vary from spring through summer, and
English species to create the chic perennials we enjoy.
flowers differ slightly among the diverse hybrids. Dark
Beardtongue hybrids include the dramatic ‘Dark Towers’,
scarlet ‘Fanal’ is one of many Astilbe × arendsii hybrids
with purple leaves and baby pink flowers, and ‘Hidcote
that thrive in the shade garden with moist, organic
Pink’, a favorite for clear pink blooms. The flaming red of
soils. ‘Federsee’ (also called ‘Catherine Deneuve’) forms
‘Ruby’ flares from stems invisible under so many flowers,
a mound of leaves 18 inches tall with rose-pink flow-
while ‘Red Riding Hood’ is bright red with a very upright
ers on fluffy spikes that can double its height. ‘Ostrich
growth pattern that creates an unusually regimented
Plume’ stuns with coral pink flowers in looser clusters
effect. ‘Firebird’ blooms traffic signal red on thin stems
than most. No taller than a foot in bloom, dwarf astilbes
with strappy leaves, and the denser crown of ‘Port Wine’
are distinctly pixie-ish and appealing. ‘Key West’, for
puts up stunning flowers worthy of their name.
example, has rich pink, tufted flowers above coppery
Zones 4–7
green leaves. Zones 4–8
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Reds, pinks
Cardinal Flower
Columbine
(Lobelia cardinalis)
(Aquilegia canadensis)
Up to six feet tall at its best, this is a Roman candle of a
Romantic and demure, columbine nods its flowers on
perennial plant in summer and fall. Big clumps of showy
thin, rod-like stems as if it is too shy to speak. These bells
green leaves grow quickly to support tall flower spikes as
speak in color, cardinal red and canary yellow, and their
scarlet as Miss O’Hara. The jade green leaves are long
message is a clear welcome to the wildflower patch or
and narrow with prominent veins that run their length
partly shady garden bed. Hummingbirds are drawn to
and add to the plant’s graceful stance. The red flowers
the droopy blooms that have red spurs and sepals, yellow
crown each stem with fat tubular buds that open over sev-
petals and stamens arranged like elfin hats in a fairy
eral days from the bottom to the flaming red tip. Nectar
garden. Sometimes as tall as 3 feet, columbine is most
hides deep inside the tube, accessible to hummingbirds
often seen as a mature plant in its second year at 18 to
as they hover over the open petals whose colors attract
24 inches in height, but often blooms in its first spring
them. Two silky, rich red upper petals are curved back
in the garden. It is not impatient to grow although the
and three more spread out like a welcome mat. Each is
flowers will be smaller and in proportion to the young
about an inch long and united in clusters called racemes
plants. The clumps are vigorous with rounded leaflets in
that hold the colors high on the leafy stems like flags on
threes that are gently scalloped and nearly lime green or
fire. Long-lived in the vase, cardinal flower makes a great
slightly darker in color. As good in a naturalized design
cut flower. But let some flowers go to seed to replenish the
as a formal one where a low edging plant that blooms is
stand. Cardinal flowers take the sun in northern zones
always welcome, columbine needs rich organic soil that
but farther south, they grow in partial shade. Richly
drains well and regular irrigation in hot summers. If
organic soil that gets water regularly will bring on the
allowed, it will reseed to replenish and increase its stand.
most flowers and bring in the hummingbirds.
Beyond that, this plant stands its ground sweetly, but
Zones 4–9
with quiet resolve. Zones 3–8 (marginal to Zone 9)
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Garden Phlox
Peony
(Phlox paniculata)
(Paeonia hybrids)
From full-sun borders to beds in a bit of shade, garden
Peonies are native to southern Europe, the western
phlox packs a color wallop for weeks if not months
United States, and Asia, but the vast majority of the ones
in spring and summer. Every shade of pink and red,
we grow are Asian hybrids. Not every perennial flower
some with bright red bull’s eyes, paint inch-wide pin-
performs as well in the vase as in the garden; peonies are
wheel flowers that are gathered into tall, fragrant flower
stars in both places for days if not weeks of color. Green-
heads. At times it seems the stems cannot possibly sup-
stemmed, herbaceous clumps average 3 feet tall and 2
port such big flowers, and they do waft in the breeze a
feet wide and need little more attention than their bed-
bit but seldom fall over. Flower colors include the pink
mates in the perennial border. New shoots are often red,
blushed ‘Prospero’, pale pinks of ‘Bright Eyes’ with
and there are scores of pink and red flowers to be grown
proper red “eyes,” and ‘Franz Schubert’, a petite pleasure
in a variety of flower types from single to semi- and fully
at only 3 feet tall. Rosier pinks like ‘Red Eyes’ and the
doubled petal arrangements, as well as Japanese and
unfortunately named ‘Red Indian’ are the pretty pinks
anemone-flowered types. And if you search far and wide
of ballet shoes and tutus. But the boldest in this bunch
for corals, peony shines a warm light in that color group
are gaudy neon pink: ‘Fairest One’ with especially dense
too. Most of the flowers are fragrant and the plants long
flower heads and the huge (5 feet tall) ‘Robert Poore’.
lived in temperate zone gardens. Select local favorite
The plants are thick with light green leaves, pointed and
peony varieties for best performance, especially in the
jaunty on their ends, and thrive in most soils with mod-
South and West, where warm winters are the rule. Tree
erate needs for water and other maintenance. The intox-
peonies are shrubs and not considered here except as
icating fragrance of phlox puts the power of cloves and
one parent of the intersectional hybrids, also called Itoh
cottage pinks on steroids. Just one flower cluster holds its
peonies. These are hugely popular because they bloom
perfume in potpourris and pressed flowers long after the
longer with stronger stems and often huge flowers,
color has finally faded.
including pink and coppery rose.
Zones 4–8 (marginal to Zone 9)
Zones 4–8 (marginal to Zone 9)
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Reds, pinks
Pinks
Purple Coneflower
(Dianthus spp. and hybrids)
(Echinacea spp.)
The expression “pretty in pink” might have been coined
Make no mistake: the traditional “purple” coneflower is
for this diverse group. They are a broad bunch that
pink. Its hues vary from almost pastel to nearly but not
includes the robust cottage pinks (D. plumarius) and
quite purple, but they are pink nonetheless with bur-
delicate cheddar pinks, (D. gratianopolitanus) as well as
gundy-brown or even orange centers. The species, E. pur-
other species and hybrids. Their colors run the gamut
purea, is widely grown, native to the Midwest and south-
from palest pastel to pink shades made for Easter hats,
eastern United States, and the source of many of the best
to bright fuchsias and purplish reds. Five petals sit close
garden selections. Its flowers are the classic “pink daisies”
together around a darker center or dark ring to create tiny
of cottage garden design with distinct, pointed cones that
saucers filled with color. Most are fragrant and bloom
swell with seeds each summer. The plants are considered
on stems atop gray-green mounds or mats of quill-like
easy to grow, drought tolerant, and ideal for sunny sites
leaves. Well-drained soil and full sun are the keys to suc-
including slopes. Robust and hardy, coneflower clumps
cess with these small perennials whether along a bed’s
are dark green with leaves shaped like arrows that take
edge or filling containers of early spring color. None is
this plant straight into your heart in sun or partial shade.
taller than 18 inches and most are smaller; some spread
‘Ruby Star’, commonly called Rubinstern, has only a
and some form round mounds, but all are covered
slightly drooped flower much like the species on a more
with flowers each spring. Scores of choices await you,
compact plant. Other outstanding coneflowers include
including these three: ‘Bath’s Pink’ sets the standard for
some with exaggerated cones: ‘After Midnight’ with dark
cheddar pinks with the darkest leaves and brightest icy
fuchsia petals, lighter pink ‘Pixie Meadowbrite’, and
pink fringed flowers. ‘Grandiflorus’ has loud, rosy pink
‘Double Decker’, prized for a swingy skirt under the cone
blooms that open almost flat with bright red rings in
and a wacky topknot of petals above it. Closer to sheer red,
their center. ‘Dad’s Favorite’ is a wild, multipetaled, red-
‘Tomato Soup’ has flowers that face you, while ‘Summer
and-white bicolor flower that shouts for attention.
Sun’ starts with glowing red and changes to orange and
Zones 4–8
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Perennials
Blues, purples
Clematis
Gayfeather
(Clematis hybrids)
(Liatris spicata)
Climbing around a mailbox post or clambering up
You might not recognize that the flower blooming by the
a sunny trellis, blue and purple clematis vines are
side of the road is the same one in that fancy bouquet
unmatched for colorful vigor. There are choices for every
from the florist. But both may be gayfeather, or blaz-
zone with spring, fall, and intermittent bloom times,
ing star, that can easily bring its colorful flower spikes
but all thrive in sunny spots with shade on their roots.
to every sunny garden, too. Each little bloom looks like
The interspecies hybrid Jackman clematis with its clas-
a tiny mauve or purple button whose shape reveals its
sic purple flowers is the best known for its dark shin-
membership in the Aster plant family. They are packed
ing petals that pop out from tight yellow centers. But
tightly along tall flower spikes in shades uncommon in
another one, Durant’s clematis, has more flowers that
summer and so are as welcome in the perennial border
are only slightly smaller on a neater, dark green vine.
as they are in naturalized areas. Fluffy as a feather boa
Modern hybrids gain attention for huge, cooling blue
and erect as a soldier at attention, this native wildflower
flowers like pale ‘Madame Chalmondeley’, blue-purple
opens from the top down, a most unusual and whimsical
‘Pearl d’Azure’, and the lilac shades of ‘Elsa Spath’.
habit in garden plants. The plants average about 5 feet
A charming hybrid feature retains blue shades in the
tall and bloom in summer atop stems with wispy leaves
seed heads long after the flowers are done. Nonvining
that look frail but are not; they thrive in full sun with
clematis deserve attention for clusters of brilliant purple
moist, well-drained soil. ‘Kobold’ is a smaller plant with
tube-shaped flowers. ‘Cote d’Azur’ and lighter colors of
brilliant flower colors on the lilac side while the flowers
‘Wyevale Blue’ are popular cultivars of C. heracleifolia
of ‘Floristan Violett’ are stunning violet blue. A relative,
popular in Zones 4 to 7. Renowned breeder Raymond
Liatris graminifolia, has equally exotic flower color in
Evison has turned the tables on this group with Petit
lilac-blue but with grassy leaves unlike its relatives.
Faucon (the tradename for C. ‘Evisix’) and others. Best
Zones 4–9
grown as true perennials and cut down each spring at rose-pruning time, the deep metallic purple petals of Petit Faucon open with long petals amid shrub roses. Zones 4–9
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Blues, purples
Joe-Pye Weed
Speedwell
(Eupatorium spp.)
(Veronica spicata)
It’s said that an expert is a journeyman far from home,
From the front edge of a border to center stage in col-
and that adage certainly applies to Joe-pye weed. This
orful beds, speedwell finds a home in sunny perennial
native perennial has long been both a garden favor-
plantings. Blue, bluer, and bluest might describe the
ite overseas and a weed to be conquered at home.
pointy flower spikes with clear hues that stand out in
But if you like purple flower heads as big as footballs
any planting. Upright and covered in buds, speedwell
and shaped like them, too, this is your plant for late
looks like a mass of pale green fingers pointing skyward;
summer color. Stacks of pointed leaves longer than they
when they open, there is no more eye-popping sight to
are wide stick straight out from stems as tall as 10 feet
be seen. Beloved for its neat, dark green, toothy leaves
in areas of cool summers. Thick clumps push up scads
and plentiful flowery spikes, the plants bloom for weeks
of tiny flowers in purple clouds that attract a bevy of
in summer and then spread by rooting stems as they
bees and butterflies. If their height would overwhelm its
fall over. From less than a foot tall to more than 2 feet
bedmates, this plant and the very similar spotted Joe-
in full bloom, speedwell wins the blue ribbon for easy
pye weed (E. maculatum, with stems blotched purple)
perennial color. ‘Blue Fox’ has lavender or lilac-blue
can be pinched in spring to shorten their ultimate
flowers on a petite plants, and ‘Glory’, also known as
height, but ‘Gateway’ is grown for its naturally shorter
‘Royal Candles’, is noted for flowers that are dark violet.
stature. Wherever you cultivate Joe-pye weed, consider
Tiny ‘Nana Blauteppich’ blooms bright blue at less than
adding its relative, wild ageratum (E. coelestinum), as a
4 inches tall, and ‘Romiley Purple’ has a muscular look
companion in the bed for complimentary flower colors.
and blue-violet blossoms. A subspecies, V. incana ‘Silver
The flower clusters on these smaller plants are delicious
Carpet’, has the additional desirable feature of silver-
lilac to blue shades; together they are irresistible. The
green leaves to go with its deep blue blooms. Many gar-
entire group deserves your attention.
deners recognize speedwell as the first blue flower they
Zones 4–8 (marginal to Zone 9)
ever remember seeing; its potent colors are memorable. Zones 4–8
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Perennials
Yellows, oranges, golds
Stokes’ Aster
Black-Eyed Susan
(Stokesia laevis)
(Rudbeckia spp., hybrids, and cultivars)
Sometimes a native perennial plant gives rise to such
Step into the world of black-eyed Susan flowers for
stunning offspring that they far outshine the species. In
unmistakable, bold color that shines up at you in big
fact, people may not even recognize the dainty, inch-
daisy shapes surrounding deep, dark centers. Flower
wide light blue “daisies” with fine petals extended
shades range from orange coneflower (R. fulgida) to the
around a wide round center. It is a sweet, late spring-
lemony yellow petals of cutleaf coneflower (R. laciniata)
flowering doll and a good companion to small ferns and
with dozens of selections and hybrids in between. The
native columbine in naturalized settings. With much
flower petals simply glow with vibrant, heartwarming
larger flowers, brighter colors in shades from delft blue
color whether one plant or a plethora comes into view.
to nearly purple, Stokes’ aster daughters are ready for a
The colors have tremendous depth that shines through
debutante’s ball. Their flowers are held on light green
in every photo, even those taken with the simplest
stems above the clumps and can come in waves for
camera. Black-eyed Susans are at home in full sun, and
weeks if you deadhead them. The leaves offer bright con-
most adapt to any average soil but are less tolerant
trast to the flowers with strappy, almost lime green color
of severe drought conditions. By far the most popular,
piled into thick clumps. They thrive in sunny to partly
‘Goldsturm’ calls on its sturdy R. fulgida background
shady sites where soils are well drained in all but the
with golden yellow petals around a dark disk 3 inches
most northern zones where they can be enjoyed as con-
across. Fast to grow and colonize, the plants easily reach
tainer plants. The most popular, Stokesia ‘Blue Danube’,
2 feet tall and wide or larger and dominate their space
lives up to its name with clear blue blooms 2 to 3 inches
if allowed. Slightly less rambunctious but sunnier yellow
wide. ‘Wyoming’ delivers deeper purple tones while
with a small, dark nose, R. hirta readily reseeds itself.
‘Klaus Jelitto’ brings even larger blue flowers on plants
Double-flowered black-eyed Susans are as easy to grow
that can be 2 feet tall in bloom. ‘Omega Skyrocket’ has
and make excellent cut flowers, including ‘Goldquelle’
erect stems and is perfect for the cut flower garden.
that looks like a buttery yellow chrysanthemum. It is a
Zones 5–9
treasure for zones with cool summers. Zones 3–8 (marginal to Zone 9)
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Yellows, oranges, golds
Blanket Flower
Daylily
(Gallardia spp. and hybrids)
(Hemerocallis)
Many plants seem to get their common names from
When a youngster picks a bouquet, enthusiasm some-
their beautiful blooms, perhaps none as appropriately
times wins and nary a blossom is spared. Mothers can
as blanket flower. The name speaks volumes once you
relax and smile when daylily stems are clutched tight in
have seen it, but read closely. While you might associ-
little fists—new buds will open again tomorrow. Indeed,
ate the colors and patterns of fiery yellow, gold, and red
everywhere you look in late spring and summer daylilies
that mark blanket flower with the beautiful blankets
of a dozen types bloom, many with the sunniest yellows,
woven by Native Americans, the plant is named for its
most brilliant golds, and the orangiest oranges in the
spreading habit. Some creep across the sand in coastal
garden. More than any other plant group, our beloved
zones, others spread into tall stands on the prairies, and
daylilies can be bred in every direction: single and
smaller selections add to small pots. All deserve more
double flowers, dwarf and giant plants, rebloomers, and
attention in sunny garden spots for their crazy colors in
the tongue-twisting diploids and tetraploids. Petals may
striking patterns. Blanket flowers bred for garden culture
be solid shades or bi- or tricolored, but many modern
mostly come from G. × grandiflora and include ‘Goblin’
daylilies are the children of the big, tawny orange
with petals that are orange-red with golden tips on a
H. fulva; the golden H. dumortieri; and the smaller, lemon
foot tall plant. ‘Tokajer’ can be 2 feet tall and brings rau-
yellow H. minor. Among hundreds of named choices,
cous rusty-orange flowers (with a tinge of purple). The
the legendary ‘Mary Todd’ holds its own for pure deep
‘Lollipop’ series of blanket flowers look like their name—
yellow; equally storied are ‘Hyperion’ and ‘Lemon Drop’.
stiff stems hold the double orange flowers high above the
Dwarf and reblooming ‘Stella d’Oro’ introduced daylilies
dense, hairy clump of leaves. Another blanket flower, G.
to container culture. Another old favorite, ‘Kwanzo’, has
aristata, is native across the northern tier to the West
no rivals for double orange flowers. Full sun in almost
Coast. From it comes ‘Bijou’, noted for 3-inch-wide, rich
any soil grows long, narrow leaves into robust clumps
orange-red flowers with golden notes on plants no more
ready to send up lots of stems with flowers that each last
than a foot tall.
but one glorious day.
Zones 4–9
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Perennials
Greens
Sundrops
Lady Fern
(Oenothera fruiticosa)
(Athyrium filix-femina)
Like another common name in this family, evening
Damp shade has no better companion than lady fern,
primrose, sundrops is the moniker given to many plants
which is probably the first garden fern most people ever
unrelated to it. The “true” sundrops bloom all day with
see. This is an elegant, well-behaved plant that can be
bright, crayon-yellow flowers that have four fat, papery
counted on for years of brilliant green color. Tougher
petals on perky stems above plants about 20 inches
than she looks, the spring green fronds start each year
tall. But hybrids born of marriages with pink evening
as adorable new stems or croziers that may have red or
primroses may open late in the day like them; neverthe-
pink hues. Soon they unfurl, tall, erect, and yes, fern
less, sundrop yellows embody the positive outlook that
green with a definite airy élan that lights up the darkest
defines the color. Its buds are often pink with red stems
corners and lasts all season. No other fern has as many
and pink or red flower parts, but you can be forgiven
variations as this lady and many are named. Crested,
for not noticing them once the screaming yellow flowers
crisscross designs and fancy plumes mark them, and
open. ‘Sonnenwende’ makes the most dramatic bicolor
one with both has a tongue-twisting name, ‘Plumosum
statement with rosy pink buds, but its yellow flowers are
Cristatum’. ‘Frizelliae’ is a sweet dwarf fern with all the
the attraction. ‘Lady Brookborough’ offers piles of small
elegance of the much larger ladies. Finely cut leaves
yellow flowers while ‘Yellow River’ stands tall with buck-
create a feathery, plume effect in ‘Rotstiel’ in fronds that
ets of big blooms. Ozark sundrops (O. missouriensis) has
can be 4 feet tall. In the same family, Japanese painted
yellow flowers as big as your hand but demands excel-
fern (A. nipponicum var. ‘Pictum’) has fronds in several
lent drainage like that found in rock gardens. To fur-
shades of green from dark with gray tones to silver, blue-
ther confuse the name game among Oenothera species
greens. Left alone, it spreads with endless color combina-
there is another species that thrives from Zone 7 into the
tions in shade or morning sun. The surprising offspring
tropics. The flowers of O. drummondii are yellow, but its
of lady fern and this painted fern is ‘Ghost’, grown and
common name is beach evening primrose.
loved for its spooky gray-green fronds.
Zones 4–9
Zones 4–8 (marginal to Zone 9)
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Greens
Rosemary
Shield Fern
(Rosmarinus officinalis)
(Polystichum spp.)
For green shades that can be dark moss green, gray-
You could grow an entire grotto of diverse-looking
green, and even lighter hues when mature, rosemary can
ferns and never leave this group, beloved for a range
garner attention even before you detect it by its aroma.
of green shades and hardy good looks in damp, shady
Young plants and old growth are darkest, heat and
spaces. Sword fern (P. munitum) stands tall with fronds
bright sun brings out the gray tones, and new growth
more than 4 feet long that arch gracefully up and away.
starts out at grass green. Then its magnificent woodsy
Native to the western US and well adapted nationwide,
aroma adds dimension to this colorful, usually upright
sword fern’s side growth can be tough to remove, but
plant’s appeal. The species is rounded at ground level
the elbow grease required pays off with large stands in a
with branches that curve wide and up, toward a point
few seasons. Not limited in its appeal, either, Christmas
about 4 feet above the center. Its leaves are fat needles
fern (P. acrostichoides) hails from the East and was once a
that also point up from the branches, creating an uplift-
commercial source of holiday greenery. Often described
ing, optimistic mood. Prostrate rosemary (‘Prostratus’) is
as leathery, its fronds are longer than wide and are
smaller overall with an arching habit that allows it to
a deep, dark forest green. Two of the soft shield ferns
stand alone or spill over walls in a brilliant green row.
(P. setiferum) offer charming shapes and habits and
Let rosemary be the centerpiece of a well-drained knot
more points on the green spectrum. One group has
garden or xeriscape bed to best enjoy its color palette.
blue-green fronds so divided that they seem crocheted
This herb can grow in part shade, but in full sun its flow-
into lacy loops. Equally upright with rust-colored mid-
ers attract pollinators to its blue or white lipped tubes of
ribs, the fronds of the Divisilobum group are simpler in
nectar. Where it is not garden-hardy, rosemary can be
design. The individual leaflets are so small they might be
grown for years in a container protected from freezing
beads strung on army green string. Southern shield fern
and/or propagated each summer to grow as a house-
(Dryopteris) shares its name with these ferns. Florescent
plant in winter.
lime green fronds are 3 feet tall and perennial in the
Zones 8–9 (marginal to Zone 7)
South and West. Zones 4–9
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Perennials
Whites, creams
Wake Robin
Candytuft
(Trillium)
(Iberis sempervirens)
When spring pokes the shade garden, wake robin comes
Every garden bed looks better with a neat edge, and a
along for the ride, popping up in its native woodland
low-growing flowering perennial can keep it spiffy if it
environments across the globe. Those who seek truly
is well-behaved in habit. Candytuft is such a plant, with
unusual, long-lived perennial plants with a strong sense
crispy bunches of small emerald green leaves and flow-
of place really should seek out local favorite Trillium spe-
ers in dress whites. They bloom for weeks in early spring
cies and encourage their use in garden culture. You will
with a modest show in autumn in many areas. Mounds
be rewarded with pleasing shades of green in leaves that
of bright white flowers crowd the leaves out of view, each
can carpet shade under trees while other plants are still
one decked out in layers of crisp petals around green-
sleeping. Each leaf is wide and roughly heart-shaped;
ish white eyes. The lowest, widest tier shows candytuft’s
three leaves top each stem in nature’s most perfect tri-
toothy, squared off petals that are its signature, clean
angle of color. Some are solid green, like the best known
white smile. Candytuft has a clean, sweet fragrance that
of the bunch, great white trillium (T. grandiflorum), and
smells as cool as the plants look. The hardy plants bask
its selections including ‘Flore Peno’. But others offer sur-
in sunny or partly sunny beds with well-drained soil.
prising mottled, streaked, or painted leaves such as wake
Unlike other perennials, candytuft can also be grown
robin (T. cuneatum) with distinctive light and dark mark-
as an annual and allowed to reseed in place or col-
ings. There are more than two dozen trilliums native to
lected for planting the next season. This strategy avoids
the United States, some with flowers held up like scepters
the crispy leaves that excess heat and humidity can
and other hidden, nodding under the leaves. All thrive
bring, but the plants can also be cut back in summer.
in moist, organic soils where they can be undisturbed,
Candytuft will experience senescence or summer dor-
and each is called different names depending on where
mancy in Zones 8b and 9; they return with cool weather
it grows. Do not harvest any wildflower in its native
and bloom intermittently all winter.
stands; instead, seek them out from reputable nurseries
Zones 4–9
and plant swaps. Zones 4–8 (marginal to Zone 9)
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Whites, creams
Eulalia Grass
Great Globe Thistle
(Miscanthus)
(Echinops sphaerocephalus)
Other colors may flash and fade as summer wears on,
If gardeners chose plants based on a menu of land-
but these ornamental grasses gain steam with the heat.
scape attributes, this perennial might check off every
Some say they best display their true colors, creams and
item but its color tops the list. Great globe thistle defies
whites, in autumn and winter but eulalia grass brings
comparison for its whites, which rock your expectations
color all year. Spring sees them as heaps of long, thin
with gray, green, and even cream tones, depending on
blades piled up like haystacks; both solid greens and
the day and the sunlight. Diversity reigns in perennial
variegated leaves turn lustrous buff in fall. White and
border design where plant height, texture, flower shape,
silvery hues take perennial style and grace to new levels:
and bloom season matter greatly. Great globe thistle
‘Variegatus’ sets its standard with wide leaves and a stal-
has it all in a gorgeously bizarre plant, beginning with
wart form. ‘Cabaret’ is more upright, while ‘Morning
its rugged spiny leaves that are shaped like their rela-
Light’ has the thinnest leaves and the finest texture of
tives, artichokes and pasture thistles. Their undersides
all. But white and cream take center stage when eulalia
are cottony white and spaced wide along tall (4 to 6
grasses bloom with tall, fluffy plumes. Some of the best
feet) flower stems, affording you a great view of even
include ‘Malepartus’, with airy, soft-looking, creamy
more color. The plant’s stems are oddly white, a rarity in
white plumes and ‘Silver Feather’, whose name nails
perennial plants, and stiff in comparison to everything
the flowers’ brilliant good looks. Eulalia grasses can be
but tree branches. And then there are the flowers, the
outstanding as focal point individuals or grown together
globes that are intricate round clusters that, more than
into nearly impenetrable barriers to mark a property’s
anything else, resemble the Death Star in the movie Star
edge. By the time in late fall or winter that you cut them
Wars. Each tiny, sage-green bud stands like a map tack
down, the entire plants have donned wheat straw cloaks.
on the globe and opens into an elegant, feathery white,
Versatile and durable, eulalia grasses thrive in sun or
glowing orb. Great globe thistle would be a gawky mess,
part shade and any well-drained soil.
easily overlooked, were it not for its unexpected and
Zones 5–9
unworldly whites. Zones 4–9
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Knotweed
Shasta Daisy
(Persicaria polymorpha)
(Leucanthemum × superbum)
Like people, plants sometimes get a bad reputation
A bouquet sends a message: pansies are for thought,
from their relatives, and such is the case with knot-
roses express emotions, and daisies—yellow centers with
weed. Aggressive and not especially pretty to most eyes,
white ray petals flying in perfect circles—speak brightly
other Persicaria species and many related plants in the
in a welcome hello to friends. Leaves are John Deere-
Polygonaceae family are mostly considered weeds. But
green and glossy, just the perfect supporting cast for
even in the most dysfunctional families, there are excep-
the chaste white flower petals that surround a dense
tions—well behaved and lovely, perhaps forced to take
yellow disc center. Ironically, the story of this clas-
another name to avoid recognition. This particular knot-
sic white flower comes shrouded in mystery, unlike its
weed has become known as giant fleece flower, certainly
simple beauty. Whether you think Luther Burbank bred
a more descriptive, stylish name. The creamy white
it from international stock or simply selected ‘Shasta’, he
flowers are chic; upright clusters filled with knotty small
named it in 1901 after years of seeking its perfect white
blooms in profusion, their effect is rather like fistfuls of
color and universally pleasing form. Many more bright
freshly sheared fleece. Even the flower buds are elegant,
whites have followed with single, double, frilly double,
densely packed and light green atop stems 3 to 5 feet tall
and curious anemone flower shapes, but a few stand out
and thick with leaves shaped and colored like spireas.
from the pack. ‘Becky’ follows true Shastas with later
The muscular clumps can stand tall behind black-eyed
bloom and equally simple flowers on a more forgiving
Susans and other bold summer colors or contrast nicely
plant, but all these daisies do best in moderate environ-
with the cone-shaped blooms of purple butterfly bushes.
ments without extremes of wet and dry soils. ‘Esther
They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil, tolerate
Read’ has delightful fully double flowers on a 2-foot
some drought, and any amount of heat and humidity
plant, while ‘Aglaia’ loosens up its doubled petals for an
the climate offers. Call it knotweed or giant fleece flower,
occasional glimpse at its yellow center. ‘Alaska’ is grown
this perennial will be at home in cottage gardens and
from seed yet displays great uniformity in both plants
add crisp flair to naturalized garden designs.
and crisp, white, single flowers.
Zones 4–9
Zones 5–8
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Groundcovers
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H. micrantha ‘Palace Purple’
H. sanguinea
Coral Bells (Heuchera) Sometimes you think you know a plant, and then every-
casual design as when they are used to soften the hard
thing changes, like the day your teenager gets her driver’s
lines of a deck. Deeply cut edges or crazy outlines almost
license. Coral bells (H. sanguinea) used to be a nice, pre-
like maple leaves make a stronger statement of order and
dictable groundcover with ruffled green leaves and cute
formality. Groups of three plants repeated along a curved
pink flowers. But late in the last century a plethora of
bed can bring comforting unity and stability.
quite different selections and new releases from breeders
• ‘Alabama Sunrise’ has yellow-green leaves that
appeared in landscapes and garden centers. Leaf colors
feature bright red veins in spring and summer. They
from practically pink to purple, orange, yellow, and rain-
are deeply lobed, wrinkled, and mesmerizing.
bows of mixed shades now decorate sunny sites in the North and partial shade in the South. The world of coral
• ‘Amber Waves’ undulates with shades of gold and apricot on scalloped leaves that might be piles of
bells has changed so dramatically that many gardeners
fancy oak leaves but for their pale pink flowers.
do not recognize the original and know only Heuchera as
• Deep purple leaves with white edges emphasize the
the name for these fabulous plants. They are still polite
extravagant ruffles that distinguish ‘Amethyst Myst’.
mounds about a foot tall and wide, have fancy leaves in
• A calico tapestry of orange, red, and yellow hues
a dense clump, and belong in every well-drained garden
mark ‘Peach Crisp’. Its leaves are both lobed and
soil nationwide. Their versatility makes the garden pos-
ruffled for superior colorful dimension.
sibilities almost unlimited. Coral bells can fill a bed, edge a sidewalk, or take their place in the front row of a perennial border. The incredible array of color patterns
• ‘Southern Comfort’ has rounder leaves that seem to roll out of their crown in shades of light orange and apricot.
enables you to lay out a mixed-up crazy quilt or rein-
• ‘Delta Dawn’ has leaves that are veined, lobed, and
force your theme palette. Round-leafed coral bells suit a
edged. Dark orange-red veins create intricate patterns on peachy backgrounds with gold-green rims and flower stems.
Groundcover choices use color and growth habit to establish the
• ‘Rave On’ gets attention for shiny silver leaves with
basis of a top-down design. A flat, dark green profile emphasizes
red underneath and tall spikes crowded with tiny
everything above and around it while a mat of looser, lighter
coral flowers. Whoever named it can be forgiven for
green offers contrast to other plants in the design.
the effusive name—this plant earns it.
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Athyrium niponicum var. pictum
Dryopteris marginalis
Hardy Ferns
This group refers to evergreen and deciduous ferns with
(D. fragrans) thrives in moist environments yet can toler-
average clumps 2 feet by 2 feet or smaller. In practical
ate some drought without damage in northern zones.
terms, hardy ferns may be ankle-, calf-, or almost knee-
Cliff ferns (Zones 5 through 8) hail from around
high, but their clumps must grow dense to be considered a
the globe, including all US states and are usually 6
groundcover. They are well suited for living mulches and
inches tall or measured falling over rocks as their name
low profile beds as well as in cameo roles in the perennial
implies. Tolerant of sunnier sites than most ferns, they
border or shady grotto. Hardy ferns offer a boatload of
include the grass-green blunt-lobed woodsia (W. obtusa)
plants to choose from that diverge wildly in characteris-
a loose, airy fern with tufts of stems about 10 inches tall
tic color and texture. There are selections for every zone,
in the garden. Oblong or rusty woodsia (W. ilvensis) is
shade density, and green hue you desire, in textures from
tougher than it looks. Open and upright in form, the
boldly coarse to frilly fine. Brilliant examples of the group
ribbon-green fronds are almost lacy.
include wood ferns (Dryopteris) and cliff ferns (Woodsia).
Hardy in Zones 4 through 9, Japanese painted fern
Wood ferns (Zones 5 through 8) include crested
(Athyrium niponicum var. pictum) defies imagination with
buckler (D. dilitata ‘Cristata’), which ups the ante on
its exotic, enchanting beauty. Its fronds are lacy, light
exuberant, girly good looks with crested tips on each
and dark green with a cloak of silver and claret that is
shiny frond. Male wood fern (D. filiz-mas) is native
most unexpected. A patch among muscular hosta and
to the United States and has big clumps of emerald
ginger plants delivers stunning textural contrast in bril-
green fronds that are evergreen in warm winter areas.
liant color. In Zones 5 through 8, other Athyrium cultivars
Champion’s wood fern (D. championii) has Christmas
with surprising color include ‘Branford Beauty’ with bur-
green fronds and light lime green new growth. It is 2
gundy stems and silvery fronds and ‘Lady in Red’ noted
feet tall and wider, with arching, yard-long fronds. With
for scarlet red stems. ‘Silver Falls’ radiates in morning
similar dimensions, Formosa wood fern (D. formosana)
sun with reddish pink stems and purplish leaf veins.
has fronds that are lighter in color and texture with especially wide bases. Hardier still, fragrant woodfern
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Groundcovers
Reds, pinks
Bearberry
Bunchberry
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
(Cornus canadensis)
If you could stand up a single stem of bearberry, it might
Although its name may not seem inspired, bunchberry
be taller than you are—but this groundcover’s habit
(also called creeping dogwood) describes this ground-
never lets on. Its profile is not over a foot high yet the
cover quite well. It has shiny, cardinal-red berries in, well,
rough red stems can spread 6 feet, twisting around and
bunches, atop crisp, five-leaf clusters that turn glorious
growing together into delightfully dense clumps. The
fall shades of red and purple. Look closely and you’ll
leaves are glossy, round at the outer edge, slightly spoon-
see the resemblance to its relatives, the dogwood trees.
shaped, and evergreen in shades from lime to forest
The leaves are broadly oval, slightly curved around the
green. The flowers are pinkish white, bell-shaped, and
edges with a pointed tip. They seem longer than they
a sweet surprise as their fragrance wafts up to your nose
are because each leaf has distinctive veins running its
in late spring. Soon the power punch of color arrives in
length, and their color ranges from crayon-green to hues
crimson red berries with such sheen they might have
with yellow tinges. Growing at a moderate pace in well-
been polished. If bearberry were a woman, you’d say
drained soils, bunchberry spreads with underground
she is the girl-next-door—cute, clean, and polished. A
rhizomes to form thick drifts in shady beds. Late spring
modern selection of this storied plant, ‘Massachusetts’
brings the flowers, tight little clusters that would be
is especially showy with great garden potential. Smaller
nondescript but for the four satiny bracts around them.
and with a thicker, more compact form than the native,
More understated than those on the trees, creeping dog-
its flowers and berries are a bit larger, too. Native from
wood’s flowers do shine unlike any other groundcover
Alaska to Virginia (and Greenland), the plants thrive in
in late spring. The bright berries form in summer and
poor, acid soils and so make an especially colorful state-
persist unless eaten by wildlife until the first cool snap.
ment in difficult garden areas. Let the runners roam to
Then the leaves take the stage for weeks with striking
show off their true prostrate habit and create a colorful
red hues from candy apple to almost purple. Bunchberry
view where few plants could.
fits neatly under trees and peeks out from the edges of
Zones 4–6 (marginal to Zone 7)
shrubs and makes a perfect living mulch at no more than 6 inches tall. Zones 4–7 (marginal to Zone 8)
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Reds, pinks
Cinquefoil
Stonecrop
(Potentilla)
(Sedum)
Cinquefoil quite literally takes its name from the
Without question, stonecrops solve lots of design
fourteenth-century term for “five leaf” and is not named
dilemmas with serene, chic style. The plants and flowers
for its petals. But their perfect symmetry has timeless
are undemanding, and their colors are bright and cheery,
appeal. The plants will surge and spill, sending leafy
especially the reds and pinks. Well-drained and poor
branches every which way to set up for a long bloom
soils welcome this groundcover that roots everywhere a
season of flashy red flowers. There are five petals in each,
stem or shiny leaf makes contact. They rapidly spread
surrounding a bright yellow center; in garden varieties,
wider than tall across open space, gravel, and gentle
each flower can be as wide as the saucer for a teacup. ‘Red
slopes but are well behaved and easily kept in their
Ace’ ages its flowers from red to apricot and sometimes
place. Tiny Lydian stonecrop (S. lydium) has clusters
several shades appear at once. ‘Red Robin’ is flirty with
of tightly wrapped leaves, green cylinders with red
pale yellow tones on the underside of scarlet red petals.
frosting just lighter than the red stems. ‘Ruby Glow’ (S.
Cinquefoil plants are not tiny, creeping groundcovers
middendorfianum), at 10 inches tall, looks like its name,
meant to edge a neat bed. The plants average 18 to 24
with starry flowers in shades from rose to ruby to garnet.
inches tall and spread into dense mats that are much
Even its leaves have a dark red-purple sheen. Two-row
wider and so can best be considered in this group for this
sedums (S. spurium) bring brilliant pinks and reds to
pleasing habit. Palmate, or hand-shaped, leaves grow
plants 3 to 6 inches tall, depending on variety. ‘Dragon’s
into thick bunches of tiny fingers reaching up and out
Blood’ shimmers with rose pink hues in flowers and
in shades of grayish green. The plants thrive in moist,
darker leaves. Diminutive ‘John Creech’ is but 2 inches
well-drained soil and full sun, but the flowers will last
tall yet covered in bright pink flowers from summer
longer and hold their colors with afternoon shade. Their
to fall. A variegated two-row sedum adds pink stripes to
versatility earns space in designs from quaint cottage
its green and white leaves for added dimension in its
style to clean, modern, low-maintenance plans.
dense mat. Almost a foot high, ‘Vera Jameson’ rounds
Zones 4–7
out this group with pink flowers in the mauve range. Zones 4–9
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Groundcovers
Blues, purples
Brass Buttons
Carpet Bugle
(Leptinella ‘Platt’s Black’)
(Ajuga reptans)
If your design sense says there should be a ferny-looking
Sweet rosettes of leaves that range from dark green to
plant for sunny sites, brass buttons, particularly ‘Platt’s
purple look impossibly quirky, their veins so tight that
Black’, will suit your style. This purple is so dark that
they seem stitched into waffle patterns. Each leaf is
its moniker truly suits; the leaves are nearly black and
slightly scalloped and flares to a round outer edge for
oil-slick shiny. They are 2 inches long, almost an inch
even more ground-hugging interest. They are gathered
wide, and taper slightly down like a fern frond. Each leaf
into a ground-hugging crown that spreads in sun or
has tiny, flat leaflets all along its length to form mats
shade and wears its spring flowers like a tiara made of
of purple and purplish green that are no more than a
cloisonné blue beads. Because they are packed so tightly
few inches tall, but healthy rhizomes will spread much
onto the flower stem, each horn is squished so its lower
wider. Well-drained, organic and preferably acidic soils
lobe sticks out like a trumpeter’s pouty lip. Also known as
provide optimum growing conditions for brass buttons.
bugleweed, this groundcover has gone uptown in recent
The habit and leaf detail of ‘Platt’s Black’ resemble
decades with a plethora of stunning selections. ‘Black
button fern (Nephrolepsis) if it were camouflaged with
Scallop’ looks unworldly with deep purple leaves that
deep purple spray paint. This New Zealand native is
glisten in sunlight even on a dry day. ‘Mahogany’ has
rugged enough that you can walk gently on established
leaves that are redder and rounder on a slightly shorter
plantings without damaging them and even mow the
plant. ‘Burgundy Glow’ has purple new growth amid
flowers off to increase leafy growth. Its gold flowers and
leaves that age to blue green with white markings. ‘Dixie
small berries are not very showy but do add contrast-
Chip’ shows different variegation, green, off-white, and
ing texture to the leaves in summer. Brass buttons is a
red-purple leaves and deep violet flowers. ‘Chocolate
full-sun plant everywhere except Zones 8b and 9 where
Chip’ has lighter, Delft-blue flowers, and ‘Atropurpurea’
partly shady sites will best maintain the leaf color of
even has purple stems. Especially small ‘Purple Brocade’
‘Platt’s Black’.
has shorter bloom stems in tight, purple-blue clusters.
Zones 4–8
Zones 4–9
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Blues, purples
Creeping Raspberry
Lungwort
(Rubus pentalobus)
(Pulmonaria)
Also known as creeping bramble and ornamental bram-
Shady places need color to brighten them, never more
ble, this is an evergreen groundcover that is virtually
so than in early spring when everyone is looking for
indestructible. It is favored for four-season interest and
signs of the new season. Lungworts have it—green,
lives up to its billing with dark purple-red and sometimes
silver, and mottled leaves put on flowers in purple and
bronze fall color that lasts until spring when the clumps
blue shades to warm your heart and the garden scene.
turn green with new growth. Their shades are rich like
The blooms come in clusters that emerge from dark,
the hues woven into quality tapestries that depict knights
red-purple buds that pop open into blue, purple, or
and derring-do. The leaves are puckered into lumpy,
pink bell shapes. Long leaves range from a few inches
round heart shapes, some lobed and/or slightly wavy on
to more than a foot long from the clump to their tip
their edges. They pack visual muscle and are held stiffly
and taper sweetly to form bubbly mounds. The plants
on strong, short stems that deliver three-dimensional
spread by rhizomes, but slowly, and some also reseed
interest, unusual in such a low-growing plant. Creeping
to further build their numbers. They do best in rich soil
raspberry is at home in full sun and partial shade, in
that stays just moist but also drains away the excess, yet
almost any soil that drains well. It needs only minimal
can adapt to slightly less ideal conditions. Long-leaved
amounts of water once established and will crawl and
lungwort (P. longifolia) dazzles with pure blue flowers,
sometimes run in every direction from its crown to form
and its selection ‘Cevennensis’ is noted for leaves 18 to
a dense mat 2 to 4 inches tall. White flowers keep spring
20 inches long. Bethlehem sage (P. saccharata) has wild
interesting, followed by raspberry-like fruits that can be
silver leaf markings, especially prominent in ‘Milky
purple, red, or golden yellow for more color well into
Way’, with dark blue blooms. A fabulous hybrid, ‘Roy
summer. Creeping raspberry is at home in beds and bor-
Davidson’ has precious pale blue flowers atop long,
ders but also in large containers and rock gardens where
spotted leaves. ‘Silver Bouquet’ features shiny silver
it can spill over surfaces with panache.
leaves and incredible blue and pink blossoms.
Zones 6–9
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Groundcovers
Yellows, oranges, golds
Fairy Wings
Moneywort
(Epimedium)
(Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’)
Fairy wings, also known as bishop’s hat and less
Golden yellow heading toward chartreuse in shade,
romantically called barrenwort, invites close inspection.
moneywort, or creeping Jenny, spreads its cloak of round
They seldom look as tall as their 1-foot height and
leaves quickly. Each leaf is the size of a quarter or a dime,
spread slowly into piles of little leaves shaped like
and they are stacked in whorls around short, equally
organic valentines. They offer plenty of pizazz all by
colorful stems. They run across bare ground, rooting
themselves, especially those colored in shades of bronze,
anywhere a stem hits the soil, and spill out of containers
gold, and red. Each is deeply notched at the stem end
like the ruffles on a goofy teenager’s tuxedo shirt. This
and held aloft on a thin, stiff stem. The result is a slightly
shade, bright and compelling, defines happy yellow in
flattened clump with a neat profile in the garden. Then
plants made for moist, sunny sites and makes an indel-
the yellow flowers appear, tiny individuals arranged
ible imprint on all who see it. The yellow leaves are thick
in loose bunches that fill the space in early spring
in dimension and in growth pattern with a relentless
sometimes before the leaves. They may be pastel shades
positive attitude—they never flinch in thunderstorms
or much brighter, like E. warleyense with flowers that
and can tolerate brief dry spells without losing leaves
are bright orange and yellow. Long-spurred fairy wings
or color. About 4 inches tall, creeping Jenny’s profile is
(E. grandiflorum) is 8 inches tall, a bit wider, and has
upright yet gently undulating, upbeat and almost fluffy.
quirky, spiky leaves. Two more barrenworts are slightly
Moneywort, another common name for this plant, is
less hardy than the others They are, however, better
taken from the traditional term for weed, “wort,” refer-
suited to Zone 8b and sometimes Zone 9, where they
ring to its gold coin-shaped leaves and flowers. Creeping
are reliably evergreen. E. × perralchicum can be more
jenny is a seventeenth-century term for whooping
than a foot tall with twice the spread and its selection,
cough, and the plant was used in its treatment. Equally
‘Frohnleiten’ brings flowers an inch wide in mounds to
popular, ‘Golden Globes’ is a green-leaved relative
the spring garden. Of similar size, E. perralderianum adds
(L. procumbens) with charming yellow flowers surround-
brown spurs in contrast to its sunny yellow flowers.
ing a red center.
Zones 4–9
Zones 4–9
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Groundcovers
Yellows, oranges, golds
Greens
Yellow Archangel
Lily Turf
(Lamium galeobdolon)
(Liriope spicata)
For a plant that is otherwise known as dead nettle,
Sometimes a plant seems to be everywhere, and we are
Lamium has much to offer in the color garden. Deep
tempted to deem it too common to grow. But there’s a
shade presents challenges to seasonal yellow color
reason for its popularity, and in the case of lily turf, that
beyond a few plants that do not lose their hues there,
reason is the color green. Dark and rich, the strappy
mostly in their leaves such as hostas. Yellow archangel
leaves are as green as the finest pool table felt and just
meets this need with distinctive flowers in mellow yellow
as lustrous. The entire plant is no more than a foot
shades that are quaintly charming. Most of its flower
tall, yet there are scores of leaves springing from each
parts seem to peek shyly from under one big petal above
clump. They form a mound that is neat but never boring
them, an exaggerated cap. Their effect is clever, as if it
because just enough of the leaves stand up at atten-
had been drawn to attract attention from visitors to the
tion—and gain yours. Muscular spikes of purple-blue
difficult areas under trees and between them. Shallow-
flowers join them in summer and are followed by round,
rooted and ready to spread on stems that creep at
black berries.
ground level, the plants are quite drought tolerant once
‘Big Blue’ lives up to its name with thick spikes of
established. Yellow archangel might also be exalted (as
blue flowers that seem to punch their way out of the
its name suggests) for its striking silver and gray leaves
clump in summer. Any well-drained soil can support
painted to exaggerate their elongated heart shapes. The
lily turf; with regular watering and annual fertilizing in
plants establish themselves with steady vigor, spreading
spring, it will show its vibrant colors for years. Lily turf
both above- and belowground by stolons and rhizomes.
plants are best maintained by cutting off the old leaves
The clumps are a foot tall with flowering stems held sev-
in late winter before the new ones arise in the center of
eral inches above that to create a round mound with
the plant. Divide clumps every three years for more flow-
leafy antennas flush with yellow blooms. ‘Hermann’s
ers and the neatest looks.
Pride’ has slightly narrower, toothy leaves and lemon
Zones 5–9
yellow flowers with a sweet, sophisticated air. Zones 4–9
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Groundcovers
Whites, creams
Pachysandra
Bishop’s Weed
(Pachysandra terminalis)
(Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’)
Evergreen groundcovers are a treasure when their colors
Green leaves with white variegation grab whatever light
sparkle and mark the seasons with subtle changes.
reaches shady gardens and bounces it around, illumi-
Pachysandra is also called spurge, although that is
nating the space. Their presence adds interest, dimen-
the name of a group of lawn weeds and hardly suits
sion, and texture to the view, and also continuity with
this beautiful, ground-hugging plant. Adaptable to all
their constant color. Not all plants have strong variega-
but the driest sites, its colors respond to the available
tion, neatly defined in each leaf, and not all hold their
sun, with the darkest bottle greens in deep shade and
white variegation all year. Even in shade, bishop’s weed
yellow-green, almost chartreuse hues in sun. In high
fulfills this mission; in brighter beds it can be a guid-
shade, pachysandra’s shiny evergreen leaves gleam
ing white beacon along paths and in between shrubs.
like emerald green gems that would make a jeweler
Not every leaf is painted alike, and each of three leaflets
proud. The leaves are 2 inches long, slightly toothed,
can vary greatly within one leaf cluster. A bit rounded
and arranged in flat clusters called whorls to create
in the middle and a little toothy around the edges, the
a dynamic planting that refracts every ray of sun. Its
leaves have green feathery patterns drawn with white
stems are also green, with the delightful habit of rooting
rims. Sometimes white or green consumes most of the
where they touch the ground, ensuring thick stands for
leaf, but usually it’s a fascinating mixed bag of patterns.
years. In spring, flowers that are small white brushes
A foot tall and half again as wide, bishop’s weed quickly
add interest to passersby and are another reason to grow
grows into a thick mat of color in almost any soil that
pachysandra along walkways and under trees near the
drains well. The flowers are a minor feature and can be
house. Sometimes called Japanese spurge, it’s not to be
sheared off to prevent seedlings that may lack strong
confused with Allegheny spurge, a native Pachysandra
coloration. If any shoots are ever entirely green, they
(P. procumbens) with a coarser habit and ability to live in
should be removed, too, so the striking green and white
deeper shade and wetter conditions. Its green is deeper,
can dominate.
too, with blue-gray overtones.
Zones 4–9
Zones 4–9
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Whites, creams
Dwarf Fountain Grass
Lamb’s Ear
(Pennisetum alopecuroides)
(Stachys byzantina)
If you are in the camp that feels names like “Little Bunny”
The first glimpse of this perennial in a garden bed or
are too cute by half, call it “groundcover fountain grass”
planter can be cause for a double take as you look back
and grow it anyway. Few others even come close to this
to confirm the view. Fuzzy, oddly white leaves demand
little ornamental grass for color and cover at ground
closer observation, which reveals a thick white coating
level. No more than 18 inches tall and a bit wider, this
of baby-fine hairs soft as eiderdown all over them. The
grass forms a dense mat of fine-textured green leaves
“hairs” are white in full or part sun, glisten when morn-
that goes creamy ecru in late summer or fall, depending
ing dew sits on them, and shine like silver when the light
on the zone. Its puffy white flowers appear in late spring
is just right at dusk. Each elongated oval leaf is wide
atop thin, wiry stems. Each bloom is shaped like a
in the middle and gently pointed at the end; someone
capsule and comprised of dozens of tiny florets and nods
saw a resemblance to lamb’s ear and named it. Natural
with a little wink in the breeze. They are decidedly cute,
whimsy and tactile joy can be overlooked if a plant’s
some have a slight cockeyed bend to the inflorescence,
colors are not as magnetic as these whites are, but lamb’s
and they are fuzzy in a silly, attractive way. Slightly
ear goes further. As a featured player along the edge of
larger ‘Hameln’ has longer, narrower flowers, creamy
a perennial planting, its color reflects well, literally and
tan spires on an equally compact plant. In between the
figuratively. Lamb’s ear plants stay close to the ground
other two in height and plume shape is ‘Piglet’. Dwarf
and spread rapidly into a dense clump. Where neces-
fountain grasses are best grown in full sun in northern
sary, control their rampant nature by removing young
zones but with afternoon shade farther south. The need
sprouts promptly and removing flowers before they set
for well-drained soil and regular watering make these
seed. Two selections never bloom: ‘Silver Carpet’ and
grasses good companions for many flowering perennials.
big lamb’s ears, ‘Helen von Stein’. The latter is a larger
Zone 5–9
plant, still under a foot tall and twice as wide. Zones 4–9
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USDA Hardiness Zone Map
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Planting Chart Genus
common name
oriGins
Garden soil tyPe
exPosure
Acer Aesculus Amelanchier Arbutus Asimina
maple buckeye downy serviceberry strawberry tree pawpaw
US/Japan US woodlands US woods’ edge Europe west US east and central
richly organic well-drained, organic richly organic richly organic well-drained, organic
sun/sun to part shade part sun to part shade sun to part shade sun to part shade sun to shade
Betula Catalpa Cercis Chilopsis Clerodendrum
river birch catalpa redbud desert willow glorybower
US US south US east to Mexico US southwest China and Japan
well-drained, organic adaptable adaptable well-drained well-drained, organic
sun sun sun to part shade sun to part sun sun to part shade
Cornus Cotinus Ginkgo Hibiscus Juniperus
flowering dogwood smoketree ginkgo rose of Sharon redcedar
US east to Mexico US/Europe to China China China, India US east and central
well-drained, organic well-drained adaptable well-drained, organic adaptable
part sun to part shade sun to part sun sun sun sun
Kalopanax Koelreuteria Laburnum Lagerstroemia Ligustrum
castor-aralia golden raintree golden chaintree crape myrtle Japanese privet
Asia from Russia to Korea Korean, China, Japan Europe central China, Korea Japan, Korea
well-drained, organic richly organic well-drained, organic adaptable adaptable
sun to part shade sun sun sun sun to part shade
Liquidambar Liriodendron Magnolia Malus Metasequoia
sweetgum tulip poplar flowering magnolia flowering crabapple dawn redwood
US east to Mexico US east and south hybrids/Japan hybrids China
adaptable well-drained, organic well-drained, organic well-drained, organic adaptable
sun sun sun to part sun sun sun
Nyssa Ostrya Paulownia Pinus Pistacia
blackgum American hophornbeam empress tree pine Chinese pistasche
US, Canada US, Canada China Europe/Japan/US China, Taiwan, Philippines
well-drained, organic well-drained, organic adaptable well-drained adaptable
sun sun sun sun sun
Platanus Populus Prunus Quercus Salix
American sycamore quaking aspen ornamental cherry, plum oak weeping willow
US US, Canada Asia US Asia
richly organic adaptable well-drained, organic adaptable richly organic
sun sun to part sun sun to part sun sun to part sun sun
Sassafras Stewartia Taxodium Tilia Ulmus
sassafras stewartia bald cypress pendant silver linden elm
US east and south Korea, Japan US east and south SW Asia US, Canada
richly organic, acid richly organic adaptable well-drained, organic adaptable
part sun to part shade part sun to part shade sun sun sun
Viburnum Vitex Zelkova
blackhaw chastetree zelkova
US east and south Europe, Asia Japan
adaptable adaptable adaptable
part sun to part shade sun sun to part sun
TREES
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Water
fertilizer
regularly regularly in summer regularly regularly regularly in summer
tree tree tree tree tree
regularly regularly in summer regularly grow on dry side regularly
tree formula early spring tree formula early spring flowering tree formula summer flowering tree formula summer flowering tree formula spring
to keep sprouts clipped off while young to shape only to remove dead wood cut back dead wood in spring while young to shape
regularly in summer grow on dry side grow on dry side regularly grow on dry side
flowering tree formula summer flowering tree formula summer tree formula spring, summer flowering tree formula spring, summer tree formula early spring
only to remove dead wood while young to shape while young to shape cut back dead wood in spring shear into shape in winter
regularly in summer regularly in summer regularly regularly grow on dry side
tree formula spring, summer flowering tree formula summer flowering tree formula spring, summer flowering tree formula spring, summer tree formula spring and summer
clip off spent flowers select 1 or 3 trunks shape after flowering keep sprouts clipped off shape after flowering
grow on dry side grow on dry side regularly in summer regularly in summer grow on dry side
tree formula summer tree formula summer flowering tree formula summer flowering tree formula summer tree formula spring
while young to shape while young to shape only to remove dead wood only to remove dead wood shear into shape in winter
regularly grow on dry side regularly grow on dry side regularly in summer
tree formula spring tree formula spring flowering tree formula summer tree formula spring tree formula spring
while young to shape only to remove dead wood while young to shape only to remove dead wood only to remove dead wood
regularly regularly in summer regularly regularly in summer regularly
tree formula spring tree formula spring flowering tree formula summer tree formula spring tree formula spring, summer
only to remove dead wood while young to shape cherry: tip prune in winter while young to shape trim to keep branches off ground
regularly regularly regularly regularly regularly
tree formula spring flowering tree formula spring tree formula spring tree formula spring tree formula spring
only to remove dead wood only to remove dead wood while young to shape while young to shape only to remove dead wood
flowering tree formula spring, summer flowering tree formula spring tree formula spring
to shape after flowering cut back dead wood in spring while young to shape
in in in in
summer summer summer summer
regularly regularly regularly in summer
formula formula formula formula formula
PruninG spring, summer early spring early spring in spring spring, summer
only to remove dead wood while young to shape only to remove dead wood only to remove dead wood only to remove dead wood
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Genus
common name
oriGins
Garden soil tyPe
exPosure
Abelia Berberis Callicarpa Calycanthus Camellia
glossy abelia barberry beautyberry sweetshrub sasanqua
China Japan US, Japan US south Asia
richly organic well-drained, organic richly organic well-drained, organic richly organic
sun to part sun to part part sun to part sun part sun to
Ceanothus Chaenomeles Clethra Corylus Cotoneaster
ceanothus flowering quince summersweet purple filbert cotoneaster
US, Mexico China US east and south Europe China
well-drained, organic well-drained, organic well-drained, organic adaptable well-drained
sun to part shade sun to part shade part sun to part shade sun sun
Daphne Deutzia Euonymus Exochorda Fatsia
daphne deutzia euonymus pearlbush fatsia
China Japan Japan China Japan
well-drained, organic richly organic well-drained adaptable richly organic
shade part sun to part shade sun to part shade sun to part shade part shade to shade
Forsythia Fothergilla Genista Hydrangea Ilex
forsythia fothergilla Dyer’s greenwood hydrangea holly
China US Europe, Asia US east China, Korea
well-drained, organic richly organic well-drained richly organic well-drained, organic
sun to part part sun to sun part sun to sun to part
Kalmia Kerria Loropetalum Mahonia Nandina
mountain laurel Canada, US kerria China loropetalum, fringe flower China grape holly Japan heavenly bamboo China
well-drained, acid richly organic well-drained, organic richly organic adaptable
part sun to part shade part shade sun to part sun part shade to shade sun to shade
Photinia Physocarpus Pieris Potentilla Rhododendron
Chinese photinia ninebark pieris cinquefoil native azalea
China Canada, US China, Myanmar China US east
adaptable adaptable richly organic well-drained richly organic
sun to part sun sun part sun to part shade sun part sun to part shade
Rhus Rosa Spiraea Syringa Viburnum Yucca
fragrant sumac rose spirea lilac viburnum Adam’s needle
US east Asia Asia China US, Japan US
well-drained, well-drained, well-drained, well-drained, well-drained, well-drained,
part sun to sun sun to part sun part sun to sun to part
astilbe lady fern clematis columbine tickseed
China and hybrids US east US, Japan, China US US
richly organic richly organic well-drained, organic richly organic well-drained, organic
SHRuBS
organic organic organic organic organic organic
shade shade part shade part shade
shade part shade shade sun
part shade shade part shade shade
PEREnniALS Astilbe Athyrium Clematis Columbine Coreopsis
180
part shade to shade part shade to shade sun to part sun part shade to shade sun
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Water
fertilizer
PruninG
regularly in summer grow on dry side regularly in summer regularly in summer regularly in summer
flowering shrub formula spring, summer shrub formula in spring, summer shrub formula in spring flowering shrub formula in spring flowering shrub formula in spring
to to to to to
shape shape shape shape shape
after flowering in spring in spring after flowering after flowering
grow on dry side regularly in summer regularly regularly in summer grow on dry side
flowering shrub formula spring, summer flowering shrub formula spring flowering shrub formula spring, summer shrub formula in spring, summer shrub formula in spring
to to to to to
shape shape shape shape shape
after flowering after flowering after flowering in spring in spring
regularly regularly in summer regularly in summer regularly in summer regularly
flowering shrub formula spring, summer flowering shrub formula spring shrub formula in spring flowering shrub formula in spring shrub formula in spring
seldom if ever to shape after flowering to shape in spring to shape after flowering only to remove dead wood
regularly in summer regularly in summer grow on dry side regularly regularly in summer
flowering shrub formula in spring, summer flowering shrub formula in spring flowering shrub formula in spring flowering shrub formula in spring, summer shrub formula in spring
to to to to to
regularly in summer regularly in summer regularly in summer regularly in summer grow on dry side
flowering shrub formula flowering shrub formula flowering shrub formula flowering shrub formula shrub formula in spring
to shape after flowering to shape after flowering to shape after flowering to shape in spring only to remove dead wood
grow on dry side regularly in summer regularly grow on dry side regularly
shrub formula in spring shrub formula in spring shrub formula in spring shrub formula in spring flowering shrub formula spring
to to to to to
regularly regularly regularly in summer regularly in summer regularly grow on dry side
shrub formula in spring shrub or rose formula spring, summer flowering shrub formula spring, summer flowering shrub formula in spring shrub formula in spring shrub formula in spring
cut back dead wood in spring cut back late winter, early spring to shape in spring and after flowering to shape after flowering to shape after flowering seldom if ever
regularly regularly regularly in summer regularly in summer grow on dry side
flowering perennial formula fern or perennial formula flowering perennial formula flowering perennial formula flowering perennial formula
remove spent flowers, cut back when dormant remove spend fronds remove spent flowers, cut back when dormant remove spent flower stalks allow to reseed
in spring in spring, summer spring, summer spring, summer
in spring in spring in spring in spring
shape shape shape shape shape
shape shape shape shape shape
after flowering after flowering after flowering after flowering in spring
in spring in spring in spring after flowering after flowering
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Genus
common name
oriGins
Garden soil tyPe
exPosure
Dianthus Echinacea Echinops Eupatorium Gaillardia
cottage pinks coneflower great globe thistle Joe-pye weed blanket flower
Europe US Europe US US
well-drained, organic well-drained, organic adaptable adaptable well-drained
sun sun sun sun sun
Hemerocallis Hosta Iberis Iris Leucanthemum
daylily hosta candytuft iris daisy
Asia Asia Europe US, Asia Europe
well-drained, organic richly organic well-drained, organic well-drained well-drained
sun part sun to shade sun to part shade sun to part shade sun
Liatris Lobelia Miscanthus Oenothera Paeonia
gayfeather cardinal flower ornamental grasses sundrops peony
US US Asia Mexico US, Asia
richly organic richly organic well-drained well-drained richly organic
sun to part part sun to sun to part sun sun to part
Penstemon Persicaria Phlox Polystichum Rosmarinus
beardtongue knotweed phlox sword fern rosemary
US US, Asia US Asia Europe
well-drained, organic well-drained well-drained, organc richly organic well-drained
sun to part sun sun to part shade part sun to part shade part shade to shade sun to part shade
Rudbeckia Salvia Stokesia Trillium Veronica
black-eyed Susan sage Stokes’ aster wake robin speedwell
US US, Mexico, Europe US US US
well-drained, organic well-drained, organic well-drained richly organic well-drained, organic
sun sun to part shade sun to part shade part shade to shade sun to part shade
to to to to
part part part part
shade shade sun sun
shade shade shade sun
GRounDCovERS Aegopodium Ajuga Arctostaphylos Epimedium Heuchera
bishop’s weed carpet bugle bearberry fairy wings coral bells
Eurasia UK US west Asia, Europe south North America
adaptable adaptable adaptable well-drained adaptable
part sun to part sun to sun to part sun to part part sun to
Lamium Leptinella Liriope Lysimachia Pachysandra
yellow archangel leptinella lily turf moneywort pachysandra
Europe, Asia New Zealand Asia Eurasia Asia
adaptable adaptable adaptable adaptable adaptable
part sun to part shade part sun to part shade sun to shade sun to shade part sun to shade
Pennisetum Pulmonaria Rubus Sedum Stachys Woodsia
little bunny lungwort creeping raspberry sedum lamb’s ear hardy fern
Africa, Asia Europe US west North America, Europe Europe US
well-drained well-drained well-drained, organic well-drained well-drained richly organic
sun sun to part shade part sun to part shade sun to part sun part sun to part shade part shade to shade
182
part shade part shade shade shade part shade
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Water grow on dry regularly grow on dry grow on dry grow on dry
fertilizer side side side side
flowering flowering flowering flowering flowering
PruninG
perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial
formula formula formula formula formula
in in in in in
spring spring spring spring spring
remove remove remove remove remove
spent spent spent spent spent
flowers flowers, flowers, flowers, flowers,
cut cut cut cut
back back back back
when when when when
dormant dormant dormant dormant
grow on dry side regularly regularly regularly regularly
flowering perennial formula in spring perennial formula in spring and summer flowering perennial formula in spring flowering perennial formula in spring, summer flowering perennial formula in summer
remove spent flowers remove spent flowers remove spent flowers, cut back when dormant remove spent flower stalks remove spent flower stalks
regularly regularly grow on dry side grow on dry side regularly
flowering perennial formula in summer flowering perennial formula in spring perennial formula in spring and summer perennial formula in spring and summer perennial formula in spring and summer
remove remove remove remove remove
regularly in summer regularly regularly regularly grow on dry side
flowering perennial formula in spring flowering perennial formula in spring flowering perennial formula in spring, summer perennial formula in spring and summer perennial formula in spring and summer
remove spent flowers, cut back when dormant remove spent flowers
grow on dry side regularly regularly regularly regularly in summer
flowering perennial formula in spring, summer flowering perennial formula in spring, summer flowering perennial formula in spring flowering perennial formula in spring flowering perennial formula in spring
remove remove remove remove remove
grow on dry side grow on dry side grow on dry side regularly regularly in summer
perennial formula in spring and summer perennial formula in spring and summer perennial formula in spring and summer flowering perennial formula in spring perennial formula in spring and summer
shear off spent flowers shear off spent flowers cut back to control spread shear off spent flowers remove spent flowers and leaves
regularly in summer regularly in summer grow on dry side grow on dry side regularly
flowering perennial formula in spring perennial formula in spring and summer perennial formula in spring and summer perennial formula in spring and summer perennial formula in spring and summer
remove spent flowers cut back to control spread cut back in late winter cut back to control spread cut back to control spread
grow on dry side grow on dry side regularly grow on dry side regularly in summer regularly
perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial
cut cut cut cut cut cut
formula formula formula formula formula formula
in in in in in in
spring spring spring spring spring spring
and and and and and and
summer summer summer summer summer summer
spent spent spent spent spent
flower stalks flowers, cut back when dormant flowers, cut back when dormant flowers flowers
cut back when dormant trim back in spring spent spent spent spent spent
back back back back back back
flower stalks flower stalks flower stalks or let reseed flowers flowers
after flowering to control spread to control spread after flowering after flowering spent fronds
P l a n t s f o r n o n s to P c o lo r
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More colorful plants IN ADDITION TO THE PLANTS PROFILED in this book, there are many others that can deliver buckets of color. Here are more to consider as you bring top-down, year-round color to your garden.
AnnuAL FLoWERS Every locality has must-have annual flowers that every gardener enjoys each year; use this list to expand your color collection. Because the range of annuals is so great, and can change so rapidly, use this list as a starting point but check out all the options for your area. Bacopa • Sutera cordata
Marguerite Daisy • Argyranthemum frutescens
Cape Daisy • Osterspermum hybrids
Nemesia • Nemesia fruticans and hybrids
Cleome • Cleome hassleriana and hybrids
Strawflower • Bracteantha species
Creeping Zinnia • Sanvitalia species
Summer Snapdragon • Angelonia angustifolia hybrids
Fan Flower • Scaevola aemula and hybrids
Superbells • Calibrachoa hybrids
Lobelia • Lobelia erinus and hybrids
Twinspur • Diascia hybrids
ouTSTAnDinG BARkS Tree bark colors add winter interest, but also unify the landscape through the seasons. Birch-bark Cherry • Prunus serrula
Manchurian Stripebark Maple • Acer tegmentosum
Bois d’Arc • Maclura pomifera
‘Joe Witt’
Himalayan White Birch • Betula utilis jacquemontii
Seven-Sons Plant • Heptacodium miconioides
Honey Locust • Gleditsia triacanthos
Weeping Blue Cedar • Chamaecyparis nootkatensis
Lacebark Pine • Pinus bungeana
‘Glauca Pendula’
WiLD vARiEGATion When you’re looking for just the right eye-catcher to add contrast to the garden scene, check this list. Many of their common names begin with their designation, as in “variegated butterfly bush.”
trees
ShruBS
Alleycat Redbud • Cercis canadensis ‘Alley Cat’
Beautyberry • Callicarpa japonica ‘Variegata’
Giant Dogwood • Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’
Bollywood Azalea • Rhododendron ‘Bollywood’
Hinoki Cypress • Chamaecyparis obtusa ’Aurea’
Butterfly Bush • Buddleia ‘Summer Skies’
Silver Sweetgum • Liquidamber ‘Silver King’
Daphne • Daphne ‘Silver Edge’
Snakebark • Acer conspicuum ‘Esk Flamingo’
Pieris • Pieris ‘Passion Frost’
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Perennials
Groundcovers
Capri Joe-Pye • Eupatorium ‘Capri’
Callaway Ginger • Asarum shuttleworthii ‘Callaway’
Columbine • Aquilegia ‘Leprechaun’
Edgehog • Dianthus ‘Edgehog’
Double Stuff • Polygonatum ‘Variegatum’
Emerald Mist • Brunnera ‘Emerald Mist’
Frosted Joe-Pye • Eupatorium ‘Frosted Elegance’
Fragrant Star • Erysimum ‘Fragrant Star’
Lungwort • Pulmonaria ‘Silver Bouquet’
Gold Fairy Bells • Prosartes hookeri
Purple Dragon • Lamium maculatum ‘Purple Dragon
(formerly Disporum genus) Great Masterwort • Astrantia ‘Vanilla Gorilla’
SHRuBS FoR ConTAinERS Your signature color can shine in big containers, and the addition of small shrubs enhances their impact. Not surprisingly, their common names all begin with the word “dwarf.” Bluebeard • Caryopteris incana ‘Sunshine Blue’ Blueblossom • Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens Blue Sargent Juniper • Juniperus chinensis sargentii ‘Glauca’ Shrubby Veronica • Hebes odora Weigela • Weigela ‘My Monet’
Reading List FOR MORE INFORMATION about topics and plants addressed in this book, consult these references. Armitage, Allan M. Armitage’s Garden Annuals: A Color Encyclopedia. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 2004. Courtright, Gordon. Trees and Shrubs for Temperate Climates. Portland: Timber Press, 1979. Dirr, Michael A. Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs. Portland: Timber Press, 1997.
Hériteau, Thomas, Charles, and Jacqueline. Water Gardens. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1996. Martin, Laura C. Gardens of the Heartland. New York: Abbeville Press, 1996. Odenwald, Neil and James R. Turner. Identification, Selection, and Use of Southern Plants, 4th rev. ed.
———. Dirr’s Trees and Shrubs for Warm Climates: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Portland: Timber Press, 2002.
Baton Rouge: Claitor’s Law Books and Publishing, 2010. Ogden, Scott and Lauren S. Plant Driven Design.
———. Viburnums: Flowering Shrubs for Every Season. Portland: Timber Press, 2007.
Portland: Timber Press, 2008. Rice, Graham, editor-in-chief. AHS Encyclopedia of
Ellis, Barbara. Covering Ground: Unexpected Ideas for Landscaping. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2007.
Garden Perennials. New York: DK Publishing, 2006. von Trapp, Sara Jane. Landscaping from the Ground Up. Newtown, CT: Taunton Books, 1997.
resources
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Photo Credits
Andre Viette: 157 (Clematis) Annie’s Annuals & Perennials: 171 (Brass Buttons) Arthur Chapman: 169 (Bunchberry) Bruce Marlin: 139 (Fragrant Sumac) Charles Mann: 153 (Beardtongue) Drew Avery: 164 (Great Globe Thistle) Gary Irish: 114 (Desert Willow) George Weigel: 43, 52, 57, 58, 61, 62, 74, 79 (top), 83, 84, 90, 91, 92, 93, 96, 107 (harlequin Glorybower), 111 (Pendant Silver Linden), 121 (American hophornbeam), 122 (Japanese Zelkova), 126 (right), 131 (Ninebark), 132 (red Osier Dogwood), 137 (Dyer’s Greenwood), 146 (Chinese Photinia), 147 (Pearlbush), 147 (Slender Deutzia), 166, 170 (Stonecrop) Jerry Pavia: 98, 101 (left), 104 (Kwanzan Cherry), 105 (Chaste Tree), 110 (Golden Chain Tree), 112 (Quaking Aspen), 112 (Sassafras), 123 (river Birch), 124, 125 (left), 125 (right), 126 (left), 128 (left), 128 (right), 130 (Japanese Barberry), 132 (Shrub rose), 135 (Purple Beautyberry), 140 (Witch hazel), 141 (Evergreen Euonymus), 149 (right), 149 (left), 150 (left), 150 (right), 154 (Columbine), 155 (Peony), 158 (Joe-Pye Weed), 160 (Blanket Flower), 161 (Lady Fern), 168 (left), 168 (right), 172 (Creeping raspberry), 174 (Yellow Archangel) © judywhite/GardenPhotos.com: 5, 6, 36, 39, 50, 59, 64, 66, 71, 72, 80 (bottom), 87, 94, 148 © iStockPhoto: 9 (BasieB); 11 (StukChocolate); 13 (David A. Birkbeck); 14 (chinaface); 16 (Jeanne Mcright); 19 (ron and Patty Thomas Photography); 21 (Ogphoto); 76 (Kings Photo); 80, top (Verena Matthew); 81, left (JenniferPhotographyImaging); 81, right (rodho); 82 (roseABC); 88 (Adventure Photo); 89 (ruth Black) Lee Anne White: 56, 73 Liz Ball: 101 (right), 103 (Blackgum), 113 (Bald Cypress), 115 (Eastern red Cedar), 129 (Burkwood Daphne), 144 (Summersweet), 145 (Annabelle hydrangea), 154 (Cardinal Flower), 173 (Moneywort), 174 (Lily Turf) Pam Harper: 137 (Sweetshrub) Peter Etchells/Dreamstime.com: 127 (left) Ralph Snodsmith: 138 (Forsythia) Richard Shiell, courtesy Monrovia: 129 (Flowering Quince) Shutterstock: 25, bottom right (stavklem); 26 (maturos1812); 27 (Jamie hooper); 28, top (Igor Sokolov); 28, bottom (MarKord);
186
29 (I love photo); 30 (Arkadia); 31 (Denise Lett); 32 (Marty Pitcairn); 32, bottom left (Nop Inu); 32, top (robert Crum); 34 (leoks); 35, bottom left (Francesco De Marco); 35, top left (Guzel Studio); 35, right (Poly Liss); 45 (Greg Kieca); 49 (white78); 65 (smikeymikey1); 78 (razvan Bucur); 79, bottom (Nir Levy); 85, left (karamysh); 95 (Antonina Potapenko); 99, right (Kathy Clark); 100, left (Stephen Farhall); 102, left (hintau Aliaksei); 103, Korean Stewartia (Jorge Salcedo); 106, Eastern redbud (Betty Shelton) and Empress Tree (Flaviano Fabrizi); 108, rose of Sharon (ralf Neumann); 109, Sweetgum (Stephanie Frey); 110, Gingko (Inomoto); 113, Tulip Poplar (belkxu); 119, Flowering Crabapple (Kenneth Keifer); 119, Flowering Dogwood (Steven russell Smith Photos); 120, Sycamore (Borodaev); 121, Crape Myrtle (TrE Wheeler BA hons); 122, Downy Serviceberry (Joan Budai); 134, French hybrid Ceanothus (Michaelpuche); 146, Glossy Abelia (alybaba); 151, right (alybaba); 155, Garden Phlox (weter 777); 160, Daylily (freya-photographer); 163, Wake robin (Flora Ehrlich); 165, Knotweed (Martin Fowler); 169, Bearberry (LFrabanedo); 170, Cinquefoil (Alesikka) The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens: 33 Thomas Eltzroth: 85 (right), 86, 100 (right), 102 (right), 104 (Smoketree), 105 (Strawbery Tree), 108 (Purple-Leaf Plum), 109 (Chinese Pistache), 111 (Golden raintree), 114 (Dawn redwood), 115 (Japanese Privet), 116 (Lacebark Elm), 116 (Pines), 117 (Weeping Willow), 118 (Catalpa), 120 (Star Magnolia), 123 (Paperbark Maple), 133 (Blue Mist Shrub), 133 (Spreading Cotoneaster), 135 (Oregon Grapeholly), 139 (Japanese Kerria), 141 (Chinese Juniper), 142 (Fatsia), 142 (heavenly Bamboo), 143 (Japanese Pieris), 143 (Sasanqua), 144 (Adam’s Needle Yucca), 151 (left), 152 (left), 152 (right), 153 (Astilbe), 156 (Pinks), 157 (Gayfeather), 158 (Speedwell), 159 (Black-Eyed Susan), 162 (rosemary), 162 (Shield Fern), 163 (Candytuft), 164 (Eulalia Grass), 165 (Shasta Daisy), 167 (left), 167 (right), 171 (Carpet Bugle), 172 (Lungwort), 173 (Fairy Wings), 175 (Bishop’s Weed), 175 (Pachysandra), 176 (Lamb’s Ear), 176 (Dwarf Fountain Grass) Troy Marden: 117 (Blackhaw), 136 (redleaf Loropetalum), 156 (Purple Coneflower), 159 (Stokes’ Aster), 161 (Sundrops) Wikimedia/Creative Commons: 99, left (h. Zell); 107, Pawpaw (Krzysztof Ziarnek); 118, Castor-Aralia (Dalgial); 127, right (Nova); 130, Mountain Laurel (Bottville); 131, Piedmont Azalea (Daderot); 134, Meyer Lilac (Daderot); 136, Purple Giant Filbert (Marcus Cyron); 138, Fothergilla (Jean-Pol Grandmont); 140, Tangerine Cinquefoil (Opioła Jerzy); 145, Chinese Fringe Flower (KENPEI)
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Index
Abelia x grandiflora (glossy abelia), 146 Acer spp. (maple), 101 Adam’s needle yucca (Yucca filamentosa), 144 Aegopodium podagraria ‘variegatum’ (bishop’s weed), 175 Aesculus spp.(buckeye), 99 Ajuga reptans (carpet bugle), 171 althea (rose of Sharon) (Hibiscus syriacus), 108 Amelanchier arborea (downy serviceberry), 122 American hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), 121 Annabelle hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’), 145 annual flowers, 88–91, 184 Aquilegia canadensis (columbine), 154 Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree), 105 architectural elements, 56–57, 81 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry) 169 Asimina triloba (pawpaw), 107 aspen, quaking (Populus tremuloides), 112 aster, Stokes’ (Stokesia laevis), 159 astilbe (astilbe hybrids), 153 Athyrium filix-femina (lady fern), 161 Athyrium niponicum pictum (Japanese painted fern), 168 axis lines in design, 59 balance in design, 12, 57–59 bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), 113 bamboo, heavenly (Nandina domestica and cultivars), 142 barks, 121–123, 184 bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), 169 beardtongue (Penstemon hybrids), 153 Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea (Japanese barberry), 130 berries and drupes, about, 87 birch, river (Betula nigra), 123 bishop’s weed (Aegopodium podagraria ‘variegatum,’ 175 black colors, aspects of, 62 black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp., hybrids, and cultivars), 159 blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), 103 blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium), 117 blanket flower (Gallardia spp. and hybrids), 160 blue and purple colors creating vignettes with, 66 emotional aspects of, 62 in flowering perennials, 157–158 in groundcovers, 171–172 in shrubs, 133–136 in trees, 105–108 blue mist shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis), 133 brass buttons (Leptinella ‘Platt’s black’), 171 brown colors. See gray, brown, and bark colors buckeye (Aesculus spp.), 99
bulbs, late winter, 87 bulbs, spring. See Iris spp. (iris); Trillium (wake robin) bunchberry (creeping dogwood) (Cornus canadensis), 169 burkwood daphne (Daphne x burkwoodii), 129 bush honeysuckle (Piedmont azalea, Pinxter azalea) (Rhododendron canescens), 131 Callicarpa dichotoma (purple beautyberry), 135 Calycanthus floridus (sweetshrub), 137 Camellia sasanqua (sasanqua), 143 candytuft (Iberis sempervirens), 163 cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), 154 carpet bugle (Ajuga reptans), 171 Caryopteris x clandonensis (blue mist shrub), 133 castor-aralia (Kalopanax pictus), 118 catalpa (Catalpa spp.), 118 Ceanothus x delilanus (French hybrid ceanothus), 134 cedar, eastern red (Juniperous virginiana), 115 Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud), 106 Chaenomeles ‘Texas scarlet’ (flowering quince), 129 chaste tree (hemp tree) (Vitex negundo), 105 cherry, kwanzan (Prunus serrulata), 104 Chilopsis linearis (desert willow), 114 Chinese elm (lacebark elm) (Ulmus parvifolia), 116 Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense), 145 Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), 141 Chinese photinia (Photinia serrulata), 146 Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis), 109 cinquefoil (Potentilla), 170 clematis (Clematis hybrids), 157 Clerodendrum trichotomum (harlequin glorybower), 107 Clethra alnifolia (summersweet), 144 color. See designing with color; problem-solving with color; specific colors color in place concept, 67 color palettes, personal, 15, 73–75, 90 color wheel, 60–61, 63 columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), 154 container shrubs, 185 contrast in design, 10 coral bells (Heuchera), 167 Coreopsis (tickseed), 152 Cornus canadensis (bunchberry, creeping dogwood), 169 Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), 119 Cornus sericea (red osier dogwood), 132 Corylus maxima var. purpurea (purple giant filbert), 136 Cotinus spp. (smoketree), 104 Cotoneaster divaricatus (spreading cotoneaster), 133 crabapple, flowering (Malus spp.), 119 crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia hybrids), 121
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cream colors. See white and cream colors creeping dogwood (bunchberry) (Cornus canadensis), 169 creeping raspberry (Rubus pentalobus), 172 cypress trees. See bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) daisy, shasta (Leucanthemum x superbum), 165 Daphne x burkwoodii (burkwood daphne), 129 dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), 114 daylily (Hemerocallis), 160 desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), 114 designing with color, 37–76 chapter preview for, 9–15 color concepts, 60–62 color relationships, 15, 63–67 creating impact, 12–15, 70–72 principles of (see design principle(s)) top-down color, 73–75 in transitional gardens, 40–41, 46–47, 54–55, 68–69 design inspiration gallery, 8–9, 22–35 design principle(s) balance and focal point, 57–59 form as, 42–44 line as, 38–39, 42 preview of, 10–12 scale and proportion, 51–53 texture as, 10, 44–45, 48, 51 unity as, 53, 56–57 Deutzia gracilis and cultivars (slender deutzia), 147 Dianthus spp. and hybrids (pinks), 156 dogwood, flowering (Cornus florida), 119 dogwood, red osier (Cornus sericea), 132 downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), 122 Dryopteris (woods ferns), 168 dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), 176 dyer’s greenwood (Genista tinctoria), 137 earth tones. See yellow, orange, and gold colors eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), 106 eastern red cedar (Juniperous virginiana), 115 Echinacea spp. (purple coneflower), 156 Echinops sphaerocephalus (great globe thistle), 164 elm, lacebark (Chinese elm) (Ulmus parvifolia), 116 emotional aspects of color, 61–62, 70–72 See also mood as design element empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa), 106 entryways, designing, 92–93 Epimedium (fairy wings), 173 eulalia grass (Miscanthus), 164 Euonymus japonicus (evergreen euonymus), 141 Eupatorium purpurea (joe-pye weed), 158 evergreen euonymus (Euonymus japonicus), 141 Exochorda racemosa (pearlbush), 147 fairy wings (Epimedium), 173 fall garden designs, 30–32, 41, 55, 69 fatsia (Fatsia japonica), 142 fern, lady (Athyrium filix-femina), 161 fern, shield (Polystichum spp.), 162
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ferns, hardy, 168 flowering crabapple (Malus spp.), 119 flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), 119 flowering perennials. See perennials flowering quince (Chaenomeles ‘Texas scarlet’), 129 focal point in design, 11–12, 59 form in design, 10, 42–44 forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia), 138 fothergilla (Fothergilla major ‘Mount Airy’), 138 Fothergilla major ‘Mount Airy’ (fothergilla), 138 fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), 139 French hybrid ceanothus (Ceanothus x delilanus), 134 Gallardia spp. and hybrids (blanket flower), 160 garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), 155 gardens, designing. See designing with color gardens, solutions for. See problem-solving with color gardens, transitional, 40–41, 46–47, 54–55, 68–69 See also seasonal gardens gayfeather (Liatris spicata), 157 Genista tinctoria (dyer’s greenwood), 137 ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), 110 glossy abelia (Abelia x grandiflora), 146 gold colors. See yellow, orange, and gold colors golden chain tree (Laburnum x watereri), 110 golden raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata), 111 grasses, ornamental. See eulalia grass (Miscanthus); dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) gray, brown, and bark colors, 121–123, 184 great globe thistle (Echinops sphaerocephalus), 164 green colors emotional aspects of, 62 in flowering perennials, 161–162 in groundcovers, 174 for shady spaces, 78 in shrubs, 141–143 in trees, 113–116 groundcovers, 166–176 additional selections, 167–168 blues and purples, 171–172 greens, 174 planting chart for, 182–183 reds and pinks, 169–170 whites and creams, 175–176 wild variegated, 185 yellows, oranges, and golds, 173 Hamamelis vernalis (witch hazel), 140 hardiness zones (uSDA), 177 hardscape in design, 40–41, 68–69 problem-solving with, 80–81, 85 hardy ferns, 168 harlequin glorybower (Clerodendrum trichotomum), 107 harmony in design, 12, 63 heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica and cultivars), 142 Hemerocallis (daylily), 160 hemp tree (chaste tree) (Vitex negundo), 105 Heuchera (coral bells), 167
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Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon, althea), 108 holly (Ilex spp. and cultivars), 125 hosta (plantain lilies) Hosta), 149 Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (Annabelle hydrangea), 145 Hypericum spp. and cultivars (St. John’s wort), 127 ‘Deppe’ (sunny boulevard), 127 patulum (sungold), 127 pyramidatum (great St. John’s wort), 127
maple (Acer spp.), 101 Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood), 114 Meyer lilac (Syringa meyeri), 134 Miscanthus (eulalia grass), 164 moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’), 173 mood as design element, 56–57, 90–91 mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), 130 myrtle, crape (Lagerstroemia hybrids), 121
Iberis sempervirens (candytuft), 163 Ilex spp. and cultivars (holly), 125 indigo colors. See blue and purple colors intensity of colors, 70–72 Iris spp. (iris), 150
Nandina domestica and cultivars (heavenly bamboo), 142 native species in design, 82–85 natural colors (barks). See gray, brown, and bark colors ninebark (Physocarpus spp., cultivars, and hybrids), 131 nonnative species in design, 84–85 Nyssa sylvatica (blackgum), 103
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea), 130 Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica), 139 Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica), 143 Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum), 115 Japanese zelkova (Zelkova serrata), 122 joe-pye weed (Eupatorium purpurea), 158 Juniperous virginiana (eastern red cedar), 115 Juniperus chinensis (Chinese juniper), 141 Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel), 130 Kalopanax pictus (castor-aralia), 118 Kerria japonica (Japanese kerria), 139 knotweed (Persicaria polymorpha), 165 Koelreuteria paniculata (golden raintree), 111 Korean stewartia (Stewartia koreana), 103 kwanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata), 104 Laburnum x watereri (golden chain tree), 110 lacebark elm (Chinese elm) (Ulmus parvifolia), 116 lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), 161 Lagerstroemia hybrids (crape myrtle), 121 lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina), 176 landscape design, elements of, 38–59 Leptinella ‘platt’s black’ (brass buttons), 171 Leucanthemum x superbum (Shasta daisy), 165 Liatris spicata (gayfeather), 157 Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese privet), 115 lilac, Meyer (Syringa meyer), 134 lily turf (Liriope spicata), 174 linden, pendant silver (Tilia petiolaris), 111 line as design element, 38–39, 42, 59 Liquidamber styraciflua (sweetgum), 109 Liriodendron tulipfera (tulip poplar), 113 Liriope spicata (lily turf), 174 Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower), 154 Loropetalum chinense (Chinese fringe flower), 145 Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum (redleaf loropetalum), 136 lungwort (Pulmonaria), 172 Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ (moneywort), 173 magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana), 100 Magnolia stellata (star magnolia), 120 Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grapeholly), 135 Malus spp. (flowering crabapple), 119
oak (Quercus spp.), 102 Oenothera fruiticosa (sundrops), 161 orange colors. See yellow, orange, and gold colors Oregon grapeholly (Mahonia aquifolium), 135 ornamental grasses. See eulalia grass (Miscanthus); dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) Ostrya virginiana (American hophornbeam), 121 pachysandra (spurge) (Pachysandra terminalis), 175 Paeonia hybrids (peony), 155 paulownia tomentosa (empress tree), 106 pawpaw (Asimina triloba), 107 pearlbush (Exochorda racemosa), 147 pendant silver linden (Tilia petiolaris), 111 Pennisetum alopecuroides (dwarf fountain grass), 176 Penstemon hybrids (beardtongue), 153 peony (Paeonia hybrids), 155 perennials, 148–165 additional selections, 149–152 blues and purples, 157–158 greens, 161–162 planting chart for, 180–182 reds and pinks, 153–156 whites and creams, 163–165 wild variegated, 185 yellows, oranges, and golds, 159–160 Persicaria polymorpha (knotweed), 165 Phlox paniculata (garden phlox), 155 Photinia serrulata (Chinese photinia), 146 Physocarpus spp., cultivars, and hybrids (ninebark), 131 Piedmont azalea (Pinxter azalea, bush honeysuckle) (Rhododendron canescens), 131 Pieris japonica (Japanese pieris), 143 pines (pinus), 116 pink colors. See red and pink colors pinks (Dianthus spp. and hybrids), 156 Pinus (pines), 116 Pinxter azalea (Piedmont azalea, bush honeysuckle) (Rhododendron canescens), 131 Pistacia chinensis (Chinese pistache), 109 plantain lilies (hosta) (Hosta), 149 Platanus spp. (sycamore), 120 Polystichum spp. (shield fern), 162
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Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), 112 Potentilla (cinquefoil), 170 Potentilla fruitcosa (tangerine cinquefoil), 140 problem-solving with color, 77–95 annuals, 88–91 chapter preview for, 16–17 shady spaces, strategies for, 78–81 small-space considerations, 92–95 winter designs, 86–87 xeriscape solutions, 82–85 proportion and scale in design, 10–11, 51–53 Prunus cerasifera (purple-leaf plum), 108 Prunus serrulata (kwanzan cherry), 104 Pulmonaria (lungwort), 172 purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma), 135 purple colors. See blue and purple colors purple coneflower (Echinacea spp.), 156 purple giant filbert (Corylus maxima var. purpurea), 136 purple-leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera), 108 quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), 112 Quercus spp. (oak), 102 red and pink colors creating vignettes with, 65–66 emotional aspects of, 61 in flowering perennials, 153–156 in groundcovers, 169–170 in shrubs, 129–132 in trees, 103–104 redleaf loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum), 136 red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), 132 redwood, dawn (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), 114 repitition in design, 56–57 Rhododendron canescens (Piedmont azalea, pinxter azalea, bush honeysuckle), 131 Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac), 139 river birch (Betula nigra), 123 Rosa (shrub rose), 132 rosemary (Rosemary officinalis), 162 rose of Sharon (althea) (Hibiscus syriacus), 108 Rubus pentalobus (creeping raspberry), 172 Rudbeckia spp., hybrids, and cultivars (black-eyed Susan), 159 sage. See salvia (Salvia spp.) Salix babylonica (weeping willow), 117 salvia (Salvia spp.), 151 sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua), 143 sassafras (Sassafras albidum), 112 scale and proportion in design, 10–11, 51–53 seasonal gardens, 40–41, 46–47, 54–55, 68–69 focal points in, 59 lines in, 42 Sedum (stonecrop), 170 shady spaces, gardening in, 78–81, 87 Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum), 165 shield fern (Polystichum spp.), 162 shrub rose (Rosa), 132
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shrubs, 124–147 additional selections, 125–128 blues and purples, 133–136 for containers, 185 greens, 141–143 planting chart for, 180–182 reds and pinks, 129–132 whites and creams, 144–147 wild variegated, 185 yellows, oranges, and golds, 137–140 slender deutzia (Deutzia gracilis and cultivars), 147 small spaces, gardening in, 92–95 smoketree (Cotinus spp.), 104 speedwell (Veronica spicata), 158 spirea (Spiraea spp. and cultivars), 126 spreading cotoneaster (Cotoneaster divaricatus), 133 spring garden designs, 23–25, 41, 46, 55, 69 spurge (pachysandra) (Pachysandra terminalis), 175 Stachys byzantina (lamb’s ear), 176 star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), 120 St. John’s wort (Hypericum spp. and cultivars), 127 Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis), 159 Stokesia laevis (Stokes’ aster), 159 stonecrop (Sedum), 170 strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), 105 sumac, fragrant (Rhus aromatica), 139 summer garden designs, 26–29, 40, 47, 54, 68 summersweet (Clethra alnifolia), 144 sundrops (Oenothera fruiticosa), 161 sweetgum (Liquidamber styraciflua), 109 sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), 137 sycamore (Platanus spp.), 120 Syringa meyeri (Meyer lilac), 134 tangerine cinquefoil (Potentilla fruitcosa), 140 Taxodium distichum (bald cypress), 113 texture in design annuals for, 90–91 as design principle, 10, 44–45, 48, 51 for shady spaces, 79–80 thistle, great globe (Echinops sphaerocephalus), 164 tickseed (Coreopsis), 152 Tilia petiolaris (pendant silver linden), 111 top-down color, 73–75 transitional gardens, 40–41, 46–47, 54–55, 68–69 trees, 98–123 additional selections, 99–102 blues and purples, 105–108 grays, browns, and barks, 121–123, 184 greens, 113–116 planting chart for, 178–179 reds and pinks, 103–104 whites and creams, 117–120 wild variegated, 185 yellows, oranges, and golds, 109–112 Trillium (wake robin), 163 tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipfera), 113
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Ulmus parvifolia (lacebark elm, Chinese elm), 116 unity in design, 38, 42, 53, 56–57 uSDA hardiness zones, 177 value of colors, 70 variegated plants and trees, 185 Veronica spicata (speedwell), 158 viburnum (Viburnum spp. and cultivars), 128 vignettes in gardens, designing, 63–67 vines. See clematis (Clematis hybrids) violet colors. See blue and purple colors Vitex negundo (chaste tree, hemp tree), 105
in shrubs, 144–147 in trees, 117–120 willow, weeping (Salix babylonica), 117 winter garden designs, 33–35, 47, 86–87 witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis), 140 xeriscape gardening, 82–85 yellow, orange, and gold colors creating vignettes with, 67 emotional aspects of, 61–62 in flowering perennials, 159–160 in groundcovers, 173 in shrubs, 137–140 in trees, 109–112 yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon), 174 Yucca filamentosa (Adam’s needle yucca), 144
wake robin (trillium), 163 water features, 80–81, 95 weeping willow (Salix babylonica), 117 white and cream colors emotional aspects of, 62 in flowering perennials, 163–165 in groundcovers, 175–176
Zelkova serrata (Japanese zelkova), 122
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Meet Nellie Neal
NELLIE NEAL IS A GARDEN WRITER AND RADIO HOST whose work has appeared in a variety of media platforms for more than two decades. She chose her first plant at age 8, a begonia with a red flower the same color as nail polish she wasn’t allowed to wear. She went on to earn a BS degree from LSU where she studied her mutual passions, English and horticulture. Nellie’s personal style is reflected in her garden, and both have been called geeky and eccentric, but always colorful! After years in California and southern Louisiana, Nellie found a home in central Mississippi and began her radio programs and website, gardenmama.com. Today, gardeners ask “GardenMama” questions and she answers on radio, online, and in print. She is a serious advocate and practitioner of lifelong, year-round gardening who says the kindest compliment is to hear that her advice worked. When she takes a break from gardening with her husband, Dave Ingram, she visits friends, family, and gardens, haunts thrift stores, and works crossword puzzles. Nellie is the author of Deep South Month-by-Month Gardening (Cool Springs Press, 2014); Gardener’s Guide to Tropical Plants (Cool Springs Press, 2012); Questions
also served as contributing editor for Ortho’s All About
and Answers for Deep South Gardeners, 1st and 2nd eds.
Houseplants and Ortho’s All About Greenhouses and as a
(B. B. Mackey Books, 2002 and 2010); Organic Gardening
contributing writer for Annuals for Dummies and Rodale’s
Down South (B. B. Mackey Books, 2008); Getting Started
Low Maintenance Gardening.
in Southern Gardening (Cool Springs Press, 2005);
She is a member of the Garden Writers Association,
GardenMama, Tell Me Why (G2C Books, 2004); and The
the Mississippi Nursery and Landscape Association, and
Garden Primer (Loose Dirt Publishing, 1999). She has
the Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network.
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