Vibrant Layers: A Garden with Arborvitae, Valerian, and Daylilies

This dynamic garden offers color, texture, and structure with a thoughtful combination of ornamental perennials, evergreen shrubs, and pollinator-friendly flowers. It features Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina), Speedwell (Veronica spicata), Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber), Daylilies (Hemerocallis), Golden Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), and Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria), ideal for long-lasting interest, wildlife support, and low-maintenance beauty.

Why Create This Garden?

This garden offers a perfect combination of structure, vibrant blooms, and textural foliage. It supports pollinators, providing nectar-rich flowers from early to late summer. With drought-tolerant plants and evergreens for winter interest, this garden requires little maintenance while remaining beautiful for weeks. It’s ideal for anyone looking to create a visually stunning, wildlife-friendly landscape.

Key Plants and Their Roles

Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

• Type: Herbaceous perennial.
• Native Habitat: Native to the Middle East, thriving in well-drained soils and full sun.
• Role in the Garden: Known for its soft, silver foliage, Lamb’s Ear adds texture and contrasts beautifully with colorful blooms. It works well as a ground cover and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.

Veronica spicata (Speedwell)

• Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Habitat: Europe and Asia
• Role in the Garden: Provides vertical interest with narrow spikes of blue or purple flowers. Blooming in summer, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Speedwell prefers full sun and tolerates dry soil.

Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber)

• Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region, often found in rocky, dry areas.
• Role in the Garden: With its dense clusters of red flowers, Red Valerian blooms from summer to fall, adding height and bold color to the garden. It’s a great nectar source for pollinators and thrives in well-drained soil with minimal water.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

• Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Habitat: Asia and Central Europe
• Role in the Garden: Known for vibrant orange blooms that open for one day, daylilies provide seasonal color from summer to fall. These hardy perennials are drought-tolerant once established.

Golden Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Native Habitat: North America
• Role in the Garden: Adds year-round structure and serves as a backdrop for flowering plants. Its bright golden foliage provides color even in winter. It grows well in full sun to partial shade.

Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria)

• Type: Biennial or short-lived perennial
• Native Habitat: Southeastern Europe
• Role in the Garden: Offers magenta flowers and gray-green foliage, adding vibrancy to the garden. Rose Campion thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming in summer.

Design and Planting Tips

Layering: Place Arborvitae at the back for structure, followed by Rose Campion and Red Valerian in the middle, with Lamb’s Ear and Speedwell at the front for bursts of color. Daylilies can fill gaps to extend seasonal interest.

Soil and Light: For optimal growth, ensure well-drained soil and full sun. Water regularly when first planted, but once established, most plants require minimal watering.

Pollinator Appeal: The garden attracts bees and butterflies, creating a lively, buzzing space that supports local biodiversity.

Design your dream garden effortlessly with our landscape design tool!