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Grasses. These plants are virtually unsurpassed with regard to shape and texture. Many of the newer cultivars offer a wide range of colors. This low and mounding Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 5 to 9) contrasts perfectly with the Thunderhead pine (Pinus thunbergii ‘Thunderhead’, zones 5 to 10). From sedge to switchgrass, there’s a grass or relative to pair with every conifer.
Flowering perennials. Referencing the color wheel will provide guidance to effectively pair flowering perennials with your conifer(s). Notice how the pairing of blue spruce (Picea pungens cvs, zones 4 to 7) and Firewitch cheddar pinks (Dianthus ‘Feuerhexe’, zones 3 to 8) here is especially appealing. The blue-gray foliage of this dianthus nearly matches that of the spruce, while the pink adds punch. When planting perennials in close proximity to conifers, keep in mind that taller perennials can shade lower portions of the tree, causing brown patches and dieback. Shorter perennials may be a safer choice.
Companion Plants to Consider Japanese maples. People who are attracted to conifers are also generally attracted to Japanese maples (Acer palmatum cvs, zones 5 to 8). The marriage couldn’t be more perfect. Both score high with regard to color and size, and are particularly appealing in form. This is why both have been used in Asian gardens for centuries. Japanese maples are available in upright, mounding, weeping and even prostrate forms in red, orange, green, pink and white variegation. With thousands of cultivars available, there is a Japanese maple to pair with every conifer.
Container Plantings to Bring Winter Gardens to Life Photo 2 of 7 Purple kale and coral bells. A container next to the front door draws the eye to the house and can often deflect attention from a front garden that lies dormant through the colder months. This container bursts with color and texture, and the individual plants can be repurposed in future containers or moved to new homes in the garden once they outgrow the container. This container consists of: Fire twig dogwood Corokia Purple ornamental kale Coral bells 'Creme Brulee' Spurge 'Black Bird' Gold carex Scotch moss
7 Container Plantings to Bring Winter Gardens to Life Photo 1 of 7 Twigs, hellebore and dwarf cypress. This container's small size didn't allow for a dogwood plant, but the same effect is achieved by using dogwood twigs. (Ornamental twigs are usually available at nurseries over the winter months.) The chartreuse green of the miniature cypress makes for a bold statement, and the container is finished off with a hellebore, which will flower all through the winter. This is an easy, low-maintenance combination of textures and colors that really complements this modern residence. This container consists of: Dogwood twigs Dwarf golden cypress Hellebore
Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) Purple fountain grass has exceptional dark purple foliage with fluffy, bottlebrush-like spikes. Its overall shape is reminiscent of a fountain, which is how it gets its common name. Although an annual in colder zones, it will continue to look striking throughout fall. USDA zones: 8 to 10 (grow as an annual elsewhere) Water requirement: Medium moisture; well-drained soil Light requirement: Full sun to light shade Mature size: 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide
Chinese Mustard (Brassica juncea) Chinese mustard, seen here in the center, has a broad, crinkly leaf whose colors range from bright green to deep russet. It pairs well with wispy grasses and deep purple pansies. USDA zones: Not applicable; grow as an annual Water requirement: Medium moisture; well-drained soil Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall and wide
Where it will grow: Hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 4 to 8) Water requirement: Average to low; drought tolerant once established Light requirement: The growers recommend shade or partial shade, but my plant grew well in full sun (Seattle-type full sun) from sunrise until 3 p.m. each day. Mature size: 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide Benefits and tolerances: Deer resistant; low maintenance Seasonal interest: Spring to fall When to plant: Spring or fall Distinguishing traits: More resistant to sun scorch than other varieties Blue flowers in spring Stands up to heat and humidity Planting notes: It’s perfect for woodland gardens and shade containers. Plant it in rich, fertile soil that drains well.
Creme Fraiche Deutzia (Deutzia graciis ‘Creme Fraiche’) Crisp green and white variegation makes this deciduous shrub the perfect addition to break up expanses of green. Clusters of white flowers in springtime are a bonus, and at just 2 feet tall and wide, this shrub will fit into the smallest of spaces. Where it will grow: Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 5 to 8; find your zone) Water requirement: Average Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and wide Benefits and tolerances: Deer resistant Seasonal interest: Spring to fall When to plant: Spring or fall Distinguishing traits: Variegated foliage White flowers in spring Planting notes: Plant in groups for sparkle in the landscape or as a filler in large containers. It does best in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Prune immediately after it blooms to shape. Creme Fraiche Deutzia (Deutzia graciis ‘Creme Fraiche’) Crisp green and white variegation makes this deciduous shrub the perfect addition to break up expanses of green. Clusters of white flowers in springtime are a bonus, and at just 2 feet tall and wide, this shrub will fit into the smallest of spaces. Where ...
3. Orchids. While it’s true that these exotic flowers can be quite expensive, it is also possible to find lovely orchids at the grocery store for a reasonable price — just keep your eye out. Pot several white orchids together in a large blue and white china bowl for an elegant centerpiece that will last for months. And if you keep them through their dormant period after they finish blooming, you can have orchids again next year for free. More about types and care of orchids
How to use it in a container garden. In this container the dwarf Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’) is the star. The foliage emerges a soft yellow before maturing to a midgreen. Fiery shades of orange and red are a highlight in autumn, but even after the leaves have fallen, the smooth olive-green branches add interest. Paprika coral bells echo the sunset tints of the autumn fern, while Lime Rickey coral bells, spiky and grass-like Silver Dragon lilyturf (Liriope spicata) and trailing variegated periwinkle (Vinca maculata ‘Wojo’s Gem’) add lighter notes of creamy yellow and chartreuse. Rounding out the design are black mondo grass and the gray-green foliage of Jacob hellebore (Helleborus niger ‘Jacob’). All the plants in this lower tier are evergreen, making this a year-round design, yet it’s not static. The lilyturf, coral bells, hellebore and black mondo grass will all bloom at different times of the year, while the autumn fern will shine with richer copper shades for many months.
Botanical name: Koelreuteria paniculata Common name: Goldenrain tree Origin: China, Korea and Japan Where it will grow: Hardy to -20 degrees (USDA zones 5 to 9; find your zone) Elevation range: Up to 7,500 feet Water requirement: Low to moderate Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 20 to 30 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide Benefits and tolerances: Long season of interest from both flowers and fruit; tolerant of air pollution, wind and drought once established. When to plant: Spring Seasonal interest: Summer through winter
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) Neither frost nor snow can stop winter jasmine from blooming in the midst of winter. Bees appreciate this early source of nectar, and birds may make their home in its twiggy branches. This scrambling plant can fill many garden roles and is often grown as a gound cover, planted over retaining walls or tied and used as a climber. Its delicate yellow flowers also make great cut flowers. Bloom season: Late fall and winter Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 23.3 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 9) Origin: China Water requirement: Moderate Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun When to plant: Spring or fall
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