A Colorful Summer Border Idea with Hibiscus and Grasses

Perennial Combinations, Shrub Borders, Plant Combinations, Flower beds Ideas, Summer Garden Ideas, Fall Garden Ideas

Get inspired by this colorful garden idea noted for its long season of interest and attractive mix of shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses. Gorgeous from spring to fall, it includes the showy scarlet flowers and dark foliage of ‘Hibiscus Midnight Marvel’ (Rose Mallow), the pink and white blooms of Hydrangea paniculata Sunday Fraise, and the architectural Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass).

This ravishing ensemble is framed by the brilliant golden-yellow blooms of Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Herbstsonne’, the pyramidal Picea pungens var. glauca (Colorado Spruce) and the popular Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ (Redbud).

An excellent garden idea for the sunny landscape. Easy to grow, most plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and are deer resistant. As an added bonus, many of these plants are recipients of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. Enjoy!

Garden Information

Hardiness	4 - 8
Heat Zones	2 - 8
Climate Zones	2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Clay, Loam
Soil pH	Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics	Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts	Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	Informal and Cottage

Plants In This Garden

Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel' (Rose Mallow)

Hibiscus ‘Midnight Marvel’ (Rose Mallow) is a compact perennial with large, 9-inch deep scarlet red flowers. Blooming from midsummer to fall, the blossoms emerge from glossy, black-red buds and contrast beautifully with thick, leathery, deep wine purple foliage. Ideal as a striking backdrop or centerpiece in sunny borders.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Hydrangea paniculata Sundae Fraise

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Sundae Fraise’ is a compact, bushy, deciduous shrub boasting loose, fluffy, conical flower heads at the tips of gracefully arching branches in summer. Opening creamy white in mid-summer, the florets turn to strawberry-pink as they age, before finally taking on rich pinkish-red tones as fall approaches. The large blossoms retain their red color for 3-4 weeks prior to turning brown.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass)

One of the most popular ornamental grasses worldwide, Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass) is a majestic ornamental grass, highly valued for its erect feathery flower plumes, moving gracefully with even the slightest breeze. Fast-growing, reliable, with a multi-season interest, this cool season grass is not only beautiful, but it is also virtually carefree and quite versatile.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' (Eastern Redbud)

Noted for its striking foliage, award-winning Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ (Redbud) is a large deciduous shrub or small, often multi-stemmed tree with profuse, pea-like, rosy-pink flowers that arise before the foliage in spring. The cheerful blossoms are on display for several weeks before being joined by broadly heart-shaped, shimmering red-purple leaves

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread	25' - 35' (7.6m - 10.7m)

Picea pungens var. glauca (Colorado Blue Spruce)

Architectural, Picea pungens var. glauca (Colorado Blue Spruce) is a dense and bushy, evergreen conifer of elegant pyramidal habit with stiff horizontal branches covered with prickly, slightly curved, bright silvery blue needles.

Hardiness	2 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	30' - 60' (9.1m - 18.3m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne' ('Autumn Sun')

If you are looking for golden blooms in mid or late summer, award-winner Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Herbstsonne’ (aka ‘Autumn Sun’) will not disappoint you. Very tall, this late flowering Coneflower features large daisy blossoms, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), with broad, drooping, bright golden petals surrounding a prominent pale green conical center that turns brown as it matures.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 7' (120cm - 210cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.