5 Fail-Proof Plant Combinations for a Gorgeous Front Yard
Selecting the right combination of outdoor plants for your front yard or garden is a tricky business. First, you have to know which plants will look good together. Then, you have to make sure they will grow well together. Figuring out coordinating colors, heights, desired soil type, sun preferences, and watering schedules is a lot of boxes to check.
Fortunately, the plant pros at Monrovia have already cracked the code. Here, Justin Hancock, Horticultural Craftsman at Monrovia, suggests 5 foolproof plant combinations that always look spectacular. Plus, with specific plant recommendations for sunny spots, shaded areas, and those who want a high-contrast design, you can be sure to choose the garden recipe that works best for your outdoor space.
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For Shaded Areas: Pink Hydrangea + Osmanthus + Pittosporum
Pink Splendor Hydrangea, Goshiki Osmanthus, and Cream de Mint Pittosporum combine to beautify and brighten shaded spots. The creamy-white variegation in the osmanthus and pittosporum, plus the soft pink hydrangea blooms, practically sparkle in the shade. They also create garden layers—low-growing pittosporum in the front, hydrangeas in the middle, and taller osmanthus in the back.
For High Contrast: Hydrangea + Japanese Maple + Hosta
Seaside Serenade Cape Lookout, Martha's Vineyard, and Cape May Hydrangeas are natural companions for hostas; their leaf shapes complement one another while the big, fluffy hydrangea flowers add contrast. Boost the contrast—both in color and texture—with purple Japanese Maple, like Crimson Queen.
For Sunny Spots: Salvia + Flower Carpet Rose + Lamb's Ear
For hot and sunny spots, it's tough to beat the bold colors of VIBE Ignition Purple Salvia and Flower Carpet Red Groundcover Rose. Both have an exceptionally long flowering season and hold up all summer long. We're fans of designing with silver foliage because it goes with everything. Here, for example, Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear adds softness and elegance to its plant partners. As an added plus, it also thrives in all-day sun.
Vertical Design: Shrub Rose + Boxwood + Columnar Juniper
Grace N' Grit Yellow Shrub Rose shines when planted with just about anything because of its soft color and nonstop procession of blooms. Here, it beautifies a pairing of mounding Green Beauty Boxwood and upright Green Columnar Juniper. The juniper helps draw the eye up and provides a contrasting feathery texture with its fine needles.
For the Birds and Bees: Viburnum + Salvia + Thuja
This beautiful plant trio looks great in the garden, and attracts wildlife, too. Salvias like Little Night are excellent providers for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Sparkler Arrowwood Viburnum also attracts pollinators when it blooms in early summer, then feeds songbirds with its blueberries in the fall and winter. Emerald Green Arborvitae offers habitat for songbirds to nest or hide from predators.
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