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 |
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 |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cleome - Spider Flowers Great Plant Combination Ideas with Pennisetum - Fountain Grasses Great Plant Combination Ideas with Zinnia
Border Calculator
Recreate this garden. Specify the percentages you would like to have of each plant and input the dimensions of your garden space.We'll give you a shopping list so you know how many plants you need.
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Plant | Quantity |
---|---|
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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