Geranium ‘Rozanne,’ Heliopsis ‘Loraine Sunshine,’ Crocosmia ‘Lucifer,’ and Miscanthus sinensis will grow together successfully in a garden because of similar planting needs. This garden requires full to part sun with moist well-draining soil and with a zones 5 – 8 location.
This perennial plant combination can be grown in several types of themed gardens. These plants make dramatic cutting flowers and attract pollinators. But, it is useful to learn about each plant and how it can be individually grown, too.
Drought Tolerant Geranium Rozanne
Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a cranesbill geranium and perennial winner of the 2008 Perennial Plant Association’s Plant of the Year award. The plant is hardy in zones 5 – 8. The deep green foliage makes a good background for the violet blue flowers. The foliage’s reddish autumn color lends added value to the garden.
The plant has a rambling habit, spreading 24 – 28 inches, can be grown in containers and tolerates heat and drought. In southern regions, Geranium ‘Rozanne’ should be shaded from afternoon sun.
Perennial Heliopsis for Southern Gardens
Heliopsis ‘Loraine Sunshine’ is a plant hardy farther north, up to zone 3, but is also valued among perennial ideas for southern gardens. Commonly called false sunflower, it is a native of North America and related to the sunflower more often found in vegetable gardens.
The yellow disk shaped flowers bloom from July through the first frost. The variegated foliage has a rough texture growing up to 30” tall and does not require staking.
Container Plantings with Crocosmia Lucifer
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a tender perennial that grows from a corm. Hardy in zones 5 – 9, this plant is excellent for growing in a large container. North of zone 6, it requires being dug and stored each fall.
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ has blade shaped leaves, sure to remind gardeners of the strong structure of gladiolus foliage. The spray of flowers on each stem is made up of many tubular reddish orange flower clusters, opening from the base to the tip. The plant grows up to four feet tall and blooms middle to late summer.
Warm Season Ornamental Grass Miscanthus
Miscanthus sinensis is a warm season ornamental grass because it is slow to grow in spring, preferring summer temperatures to thrive and tolerating heavy clay soil. Flowering is from late summer to early fall. Cut back foliage in very early spring, leaving it over cold months for winter interest in the garden.
Gardeners should look for cultivars that do not easily self-seed, some have variegated foliage and fall color. Miscanthus sinensis is a large plant appropriate for backgrounds in a garden bed.
Geranium ‘Rozanne,’ Heliopsis ‘Loraine Sunshine,’ Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ and Miscanthus sinensis together is a perennial plant combination for full sun gardens.
Also, try a sustainable plant community grouping in the garden.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
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