Sometimes when you are dealing with darker colours on the trim or siding of houses, you need to brighten things up by providing some sharp contrast. The same principle applies to darker coloured planters, especially black and deep burgundy pots. Of course, you still want a little variety (in form) to keep things interesting – which is why I chose a fine-textured shrub, a large flowering perennial and an ornamental grass – all with various heights. Given a little time, the arching stems of the Lonicera ‘Baggesen’s Gold’ will trail over the planter’s edge where it will compliment the rich purple foliage of the Sweet Potato Vine. The only maintenance required is a little deadheading on the Rudbeckia.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Prairie Sun’ – A truly beautiful Gloriosa Daisy with large golden single blooms (borne from July to October) with each petal generously tipped in lemon yellow, all nicely contrasted by a green central cone. This Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner has coarse hairy leaves and looks great when paired with Verbena bonariensis. Grows 28-32″ high by 12-16″ wide. Zone 5.
Ipomoea batatus ‘Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Purple’ – A vigorous Sweet Potato Vine with dark purple heart-shaped foliage that will spill heavily over the side of the planter. It is the perfect foil for any plant with gold foliage or flowers. To overwinter, store the tubers in dry peat moss or vermiculite and keep in a cool, dry place. Grows 6-8″ high by 36″ wide. Hardy to zone 10.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gold Bar’ – A compact ‘Strictus’ or Porcupine Grass with more variegation in the form of tightly packed gold bars on the upright green blades. This slow-growing Japanese Silver Grass will take about 8 years to reach its ultimate height. It has burgundy-red plumes that appear in autumn and it makes a spectacular centerpiece in containers. Grows 3-5′ high. Zone 5.
Lonicera nitida ‘Baggesen’s Gold’ – This evergreen shrub or Box Honeysuckle is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and was introduced back in 1967. It features arching branches of tiny bright gold leaves that can wash out (or whiten a bit) in full sun exposures. Easily trained as an informal hedge or topiary. Grows 5′ high and wide (without pruning). Hardy to zone 6.
Mike's Garden Guide 