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Combining Plants

Tips on the art (and science) of putting plants together for a look that pleases you.

Roses, salvia, catmint, and lady's mantle flowers add a splash of colors as they grow in a row at a white picket fence by a sidewalk.

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Pretty Vignette

Pink roses form the "upper story" of a look that includes purple (salvia) and chartreuse (lady's mantle).

Several varieties of hostas combine to create a landscape in shades of green.

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Same Species, Different Colors

An appealing blend of greens and yellows provides the interest in this hosta collection and focuses the attention on individual plants. The repetition of smoky green-blue creates a rhythm in the garden bed.

This garden combination of Asiatic lily and Paprika achillea plants has similar pink colors and contrasting textures.

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Same Color, Different Plants

Another pleasing combination: this Asiatic lily shares the same hue of 'Paprika' yarrow — the different foliage and texture provide the contrast.

This flower garden features a combination of salvia, phlox, lamb's ear, and ornamental grasses.

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Variations on a Theme

Give your garden a cohesive look by using the same color combinations — with different plants — in other parts of the garden. Mixtures of salvias, garden phlox and grasses create this variation on the purple, pink and chartreuse theme. Successful garden beds depend on marrying plants that have similar needs for light and water.

Combining Plants

Pretty Vignette

Same Species, Different Colors

Same Color, Different Plants

Variations on a Theme

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