3 Plant Combinations For Colorado Summertime

When planting a garden, it is easy to be overwhelmed with options. You have to consider color, form, texture, seasonal interest, bloom time, drought tolerance, and lifespan before planting. These are things that we think about every day at Tree of Life, and after decades of experience, we have found some of our favorite combinations that thrive in the Colorado climate.

Echinops ritro, Heliopsis helianthoides and Chamaebatiaria millefolium

Featured in last month’s blog, Globe Thistle, False Sunflower, and Fernbush are some of our favorite July bloomers. The Heliopsis has a long lasting bloom that compliments perfectly the color and texture of the Globe Thistle. The Fernbush adds structure to the planting with a soft white that doesn’t compete with the color palette, and offers relief to the viewer.

Penstemon pinifolius, Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low' and Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’

The ‘Blonde Ambition’ cultivar of the Colorado state grass (Bouteloua gracilis) is perfectly suited for our dry climate and produces blonde seedheads that mingle gracefully with the trumpet shaped flowers of the penstemon and the soft stems of the catmint. The early blooms from the Nepeta, summer bloom of the penstemon and winter texture from the Bouteloua provide year round interest for this garden planting.

Galium odoratum, Brunnera macrophylla, and Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta'

Shade gardens have become a bit of a specialty for our designers, but the constrained pallet can be difficult for some planters. As is the case with Brunnera and Sweet woodruff, shade plants often have blooms that are delicate and sometimes unnoticed. For this reason we pay extra attention to foliage and form in shade gardens. The heart-shaped leaves of the Brunera provide the most structure in this combination, while the light-colored Phalaris brightens the space, and Sweet Woodruff creates a deep glossy green canvas.