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Colors & Textures

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December 26, 2015
A creative way to add interest to any planting is to combine plants having different colors and textures. Let’s take a look at some really good combinations to use in your garden. I really like the contrasting colors of these plants next to each other in the landscape. The flowers of Double Cherry Improved Zahara zinnia are beautiful. The fully double flowers range from deep magenta and mature to a pale pastel cherry pink. Purple Flash ornamental pepper is one of the showiest available. The purple and white variegated leaves are easily seen from across the garden. Glamour euphorbia adds a fine textual element to any planting bed that gives the appearance of being delicate, but is really durable. Combining heritage plants with new introductions can create garden interest. Persian Carpet zinnia is an old heirloom variety that has jazzy bicolor flowers that range from rich mahogany to a brilliant gold that form a beautiful carpet. Dragons Breath celosia has unique red-green foliage that is topped with blazing red feathery flowers that resemble flames licking upwards. Chilly Chili ornamental peppers are low growing and compact, but the wildly colored upward pointing fruit are really attractive in combination plantings. The crowning jewel of this planting are the three tiers of succulents combined with sun loving Red, Yellow and Tangerine Mojave purslane. Don’t be afraid of mixing it up with plant combinations in your landscape and garden. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman and I’ll see you next time on Southern Gardening.

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