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Vibrant Summer Border: Dahlia, Zinnia, Chinese Aster

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

Garden Ideas, Border ideas, Perennial Planting, Perennial combination, Summer Border, Dahlia David Howard, Amni Visnaga, Toothpick Weed, Chinese Aster, Callistephus chinensis, Zinnia Profusion, Pennisetum Setaceum Rubrum, Salvia farinacea,

Immerse yourself in a vivid summer display with this dazzling planting idea that features Dahlia, Zinnia, Chinese Aster, and Ammi visnaga. Easy to recreate and maintain, this border offers a kaleidoscope of color and texture that will enliven any garden setting from mid-summer to the first frost.

Dahlia
Known for their vibrant tangerine blooms, Dahlias are the stars of this arrangement. These bushy, tuberous perennials stand around 3 to 4 feet tall and offer a lush contrast to the more delicate elements in the border. A recipient of multiple horticultural awards, Dahlias are excellent as cut flowers and bring a touch of elegance to any bouquet.

Ammi Visnaga (Toothpick Weed)
Ammi visnaga offers a frothy, cloud-like backdrop with its delicate, white umbel-shaped blooms. Standing around 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) tall, this annual is wonderful for filling in gaps and softening the overall appearance of the border. Its blooms also make excellent filler in floral arrangements.

Pennisetum setaceum (Purple Fountain Grass)
Contributing a dramatic flair are the long, arching crimson plumes of Purple Fountain Grass, which reach heights of up to 5 feet (150 cm). Their feathery texture adds an extra layer of visual interest and movement to the border.

Callistephus chinensis (Chinese Aster)
These annuals bring a burst of variety with their eye-catching, daisy-like flowers. Usually growing to about 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm) in height, their bright colors harmonize beautifully with the Dahlias and Zinnias.

Zinnia ‘Profusion’
Zinnias offer bold orange mounds of blossoms that contrast wonderfully with the vertical spikes of the Salvia. ‘Profusion’ is a particularly hardy variety, growing up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall, and can bloom continuously if dead-headed.

Salvia farinacea (Mealy-Cup Sage)
Completing the ensemble are the purple-blue spikes of Mealy-Cup Sage. This perennial brings a vertical element to the garden and is also known for its drought resistance.

Remember, consistent deadheading will prolong the life and vibrancy of this sensational plant combination. Many of these plants have received prestigious awards and all make fabulous cut flowers for your home. Enjoy this stunning summer spectacle!

Garden Information

Hardiness 3 - 10
Heat Zones 8 - 9
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

Plants In This Garden

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Salvia (Sage) Dahlia Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) Zinnia
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Dahlia ‘Bantling’
Dahlia ‘New Baby’
Dahlia ‘Mrs Eileen’
Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’ (Mealy Cup Sage)
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 3 - 10
Heat Zones 8 - 9
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Salvia (Sage) Dahlia Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) Zinnia
Get Garden Design Ideas
Search Gardens

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Ammi visnaga (Toothpick Weed) N/A Buy Plants

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    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

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