Foliage Plants and Foliage Colors With Blooming Plants For
Eye-Catching Combinations
Gardens with Color Combos and Foliage
Factor
Lawns and gardens that are
eye-catching have harmonious colorful plants in bloom and dramatic foliage varieties patterned in a way that
appeals to the senses.
Unifying blooming and foliage plants in gardens has become a popular trend because it allows homeowners to think
outside the box of traditional flower beds. If planted with care, a garden space can result in a heightened
presence of sight, smell, movement and even touch. However, starting from scratch without proper knowledge can be
tricky. From bold plant selection contrasts to color continuity, understanding bloom and foliage combinations will
lead to an alluring escape in any backyard.
Ambiance Matters
Foliage plants bring as much interest to the garden and provide as many options as blooming plants. However, these
combinations often exist in the form of variegated textures and nontraditional color contrasts. It is important to
keep in mind the differences between a flower bed and foliage design. Foliage is all about leaf shape, vein
coloration, outlines and textures. Some foliage selections are tall, dramatic and vast; others  are
soft, petite and simple. Arrangements are often subtle and focus on creating a mood, drawing the eye outward
or upward and creating dimension.
Because common foliage colors include variations of blues, silvers, greens and deep reds, a soothing design concept
is often a favorite among homeowners. To achieve this delicate ambiance, it is best to use strong textural
contrasts to insight supplemental interest instead of bright colors alone. A mix of matte and velvet-like foliage
may be best for this style, with groupings of smooth and serrated edges. The blue-green summer leaves of
Heucherella ‘Tapestry’ are accented with deep-red veins which complement dark foliage plants such as the deep
purple of Heuchera ‘Plum Royale.' These two plants from Terra Nova Nurseries, a world leader in plant breeding and
genetics in Portland, Ore., work well together to infuse drama and fullness to beds or containers.
Introducing soft hues blended with striking color contrasts adds range and seems to extend the space. Plant colors
such as silver, auburn, russet and deep green will also add a calming effect and develop a sense of assortment
without over-complicating the layout of the garden.
By choosing colors such as yellow, chartreuse, bright reds and greens, a foliage garden will take on a more vibrant
energy. While vivid hues were once less common in foliage plants, many are now cultivated with high-level color
power to tackle the need. When trying to make an impact, pair several
bright- and true-green
foliage varieties of different textures in an area with one or two unusual foliage colors. Complementing a heavy
green palette with plants of crimson or wine will become an instant focal point. For example, the shiny, lacy
leaves of Tiarella ‘Sugar and Spice,’ from Terra Nova Nurseries, have heavily marked reddish centers in summer.
When used with Tiarella ‘Mystic Mist,’ showcasing bright green leaves with white-speckled variegation and red
veins, the combo is breath-taking.
Two other garden-worthy options from the growers of Garden Splendor varieties include Sedum ‘Angelina’ with
evergreen needle-like, yellow foliage that makes a stunning ground cover or container plant and Sorbaria ‘Sem’
boasting a spectacular chartreuse leaf accented with softer bronze-red young tips that turn green in summer.
Color Congeals
When planning the colors for a landscape, especially spring or summer gardens, it is wise to think in terms of
diversity. When placed together, flowering blooms in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes creates a medley with
enticing appearance. Professional growers like Terra Nova Nurseries and Garden Splendor make great strides each
year to  cultivate a
wide range of colorful bloomers. Planting unexpected combinations like Terra Nova Nurseries’ Echinacea ‘Pink
Poodle’ and Echinacea ‘Mac ‘n’ Cheese’ will stop garden visitors in their tracks with a bold and beautiful
surprise. The names alone are enough to draw attention.
The alternating-stripe blooms of Phlox ‘Peppermint Twist’ are a stunning choice for beds, borders and mass
plantings. True to its name, pink and white blooms appear as if peppermint candy atop this compact grower. The
Garden Splendor brand horticulturists say it is a mainstay of summer garden color.
Following the home-gardener trend of developing a collection or menagerie of color in the landscape, the Terra Nova
Nurseries team introduced Echinacea ‘Tomato Soup,’ a coneflower with tomato-red blooms that can grow up to 3 feet
tall. It follows Echinacea ‘Tiki Torch,’ now well known for its broad florets and burnished-copper seed cones. When
creating beds, borders, containers, and other gardens, blooming color and attractive foliage will unify the areas
by their sheer visual appeal. Learn more about these plants and gardening tips at www.terranovanurseries.com and
www.gardensplendor.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Foliage Plants and Foliage
Colors With Blooming Plants For Eye-Catching Combinations
Gardens with Color Combos and Foliage Factor
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