Alphabetical Plant Listing

A Hot Summer Border Idea with Dahlias, Helenium and Easy Perennials

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


If you are passionate about vibrant summer color in your garden, this perennial planting may be for you. Although the planting does include many spring-flowering bulbs, it is geared to giving a great floral display from midsummer to fall, and includes late-flowering species. Amongst them are the flamboyant Dahlias 'Ambition' and 'David Howard' and the coppery orange Helenium 'Sahin's Early Flowerer', both intermingling with the airy purple blooms of Verbena bonariensis.

They are underplanted with a lush mix of purple Salvia, scarlet Penstemon and superb foliage plants such as Heuchera 'Obsidian', Hosta 'Frances Williams' and Hakonechloa macra. The result is a real eye-catcher of a border, full of color, light and sparkles.

A great way of ending the season with a bang of color. Most plants make excellent fresh cut flowers that can be pleasantly enjoyed at home. Enjoy!

Garden Information

Hardiness 7 – 8
Heat Zones 7 – 8
Climate Zones 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil Ph Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage , Traditional Garden

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cleome - Spider Flowers Great Plant Combination Ideas with Dahlia Great Plant Combination Ideas with Helenium - Sneezeweeds Great Plant Combination Ideas with Heuchera - Coral Bells Great Plant Combination Ideas with Hosta - Plantain Lilies Great Plant Combination Ideas with Penstemon - Beardtongues Great Plant Combination Ideas with Salvia - Sage Great Plant Combination Ideas with Verbena


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 7 – 8
Heat Zones 7 – 8
Climate Zones 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil Ph Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage , Traditional Garden

Get Garden Design Ideas


Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cleome - Spider Flowers Great Plant Combination Ideas with Dahlia Great Plant Combination Ideas with Helenium - Sneezeweeds Great Plant Combination Ideas with Heuchera - Coral Bells Great Plant Combination Ideas with Hosta - Plantain Lilies Great Plant Combination Ideas with Penstemon - Beardtongues Great Plant Combination Ideas with Salvia - Sage Great Plant Combination Ideas with Verbena


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Dahlia 'Ambition'
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Dahlia 'David Howard'
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Helenium 'Sahin's Early Flowerer' (Sneezeweed)
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Heuchera 'Obsidian' (Coral Bells)
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Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)
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Cleome hassleriana 'Sparkler Blush' (Spider Flower)
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Penstemon 'Firebird' (Beardtongue)
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Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Sage)
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Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (Hakone Grass)
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Hosta 'Frances Williams' (Plantain Lily)
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