Alphabetical Plant Listing

A Great Summer Planting Idea with Mexican Sunflowers, Zinnia and Grasses

Perennial Combinations, Plant Combinations, Flowerbeds Ideas, Summer Borders, Fall Borders


Annual plants bring color and excitement to summer gardens. This desirable and long-lasting border idea is a great example. It uses very interesting flowering plants such as Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican Sunflower), Cleome hassleriana 'Violet Queen' (Spider Flower) and 'Benary's Giant' Zinnias for a spectacular combination. Valued for their tall, vibrant blossoms, they literally leap up out of the border, where they gloriously team up with the long arching plumes of Pennisetum villosum (Feathertop Grass) and the feathery, aromatic foliage of Foeniculum vulgare 'Rubrum' (Bronze Fennel). These last two plants add airiness and movement to the planting.

Easy to replicate in your own sunny garden, this striking plant combination will last for months until frost.

All plants are drought tolerant and easy care. Enjoy!

Garden Information

Hardiness 4 – 9
Heat Zones 6 – 9
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil Ph Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Cutting Garden , Informal and Cottage , Mediterranean Garden

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cleome - Spider Flowers Great Plant Combination Ideas with Pennisetum - Fountain Grasses Great Plant Combination Ideas with Zinnia


Credit: GAP Photos/Christa Brand - Weihenstephan Gardens

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.

Garden Information

Hardiness 4 – 9
Heat Zones 6 – 9
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil Ph Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Cutting Garden , Informal and Cottage , Mediterranean Garden

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cleome - Spider Flowers Great Plant Combination Ideas with Pennisetum - Fountain Grasses Great Plant Combination Ideas with Zinnia


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Pennisetum villosum (Feathertop Grass)
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Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican Sunflower)
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Cleome hassleriana 'Violet Queen' (Spider Flower)
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Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Bright Pink'
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Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Lilac'
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Foeniculum vulgare 'Rubrum' (Bronze Fennel)
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