Cool Combos For Sun

I get lots of requests asking for the names of plant combinations seen at the nursery. Need help in making some pretty plant pictures ? Here’s a sampling of late Winter / early Spring planting combinations.
Dianthus ‘Sooty Black’ and Gypsophila elegans for a classy black and white pairing. The Dianthus is a perennial, the Gypsophila is a reseeding annual, so you’ll get a nice repeat every year. After the Gypsophila fades, you can replace it with Ursinia anethoides – bearing ferny foliage and bright golden daisies for months.
Delphinium bellamosum ‘Improved’ with ‘Danebrog’ Poppy, Greek Poppy and Omphaloides linifolia.
These true blue Delphiniums are perennial and easier to grow than the ‘Pacific Giants’-and they don’t need staking. You put yer ‘Danebrogs’ in the back with the Delphiniums 2’ in front of the ‘Danebrogs.’ The Greek Poppies can go about 1’ in front of the Delphiniums intermixed with the Omphaloides linifolia. What you get: reds, white, and bright blue. Throw in a couple of Lasthenia californicus “Goldfields” (bright, golden yellow and long blooming) for added zest.
Collinsia heterophylla “Chinese Houses,” Asperula orientalis “Blue Woodruff” and Agrostemma githago ‘Milas’ “Corncockle” Many of our visitors loved our sample pot of this trio last Spring. “Chinese Houses” are only available in January and February, so don’t delay. Put 3 “Corncockles” in the middle and alternate “Chinese Houses” and “Blue Woodruff” around the outside. The “Corncockle” grows to 30” with sprays of violet –rose single flowers that move with the slightest breeze. Surrounded by a haze of lavender-blue, purple & white.
If you’re using a container it should be at least 14” across.
Geranium pyrenacium ‘Bill Wallis” and Camisasonia bistorta ‘Sunflakes” The insanely popular Geranium ‘Bill Wallis,’ with its bloomiferous sprays of small deep purple flowers, is intensely set off by the bright sunny yellow of the California wildflower -- Camissonia bistorta. Both are very long blooming. And the Geranium is a good reseeder.
Salpiglossis sinuata ‘Chocolate Royale’ and Viola ‘Tiger’s Eyes’ My sample pot of this happy couple bloomed from late Spring till late September. Everyone wanted it --so now you can make your own! Gorgeous, large, flaring stars of chocolatey maroon with gold veins are mirrored by the maroon striped, golden yellow Violas. Container should be at least 12.” When the Salpiglossis looks like it’s fading, cut off the spent flowers and whoosh -- it pops right out again!
Stylomecon heterophylla “Wind Poppy” and “Baby Black Eyes” You’ll love this combination of our little known native Papaver rising above the darling, compact version of our native Nemophila . The poppy has diaphanous, bright orange petals with maroon centers and bright golden stamens. “Baby-Black-Eyes” are darkest maroony-purple with white edges.


Comely combos for Part shade
Nicotiana mutabilis and Asperula orientalis “Blue Woodruff” These guys require bright shade even some morning sun. Haven’t tried growing this Nicotiana yet? Well, you are so missing out! It grows 3-5’ tall and forms a shimmering cloud of pink, deep rose and white flowers all at the same time. Clothe her feet with the bushy, lavender cloud of “Blue Woodruff” and voila- Perfection! After the Nicotiana has finished blooming, cut the main stalks to 6” (any time of year) and it comes right back. If you’re using a container, use a big one for this combo – at least 16” across.
Verbascum ‘Southern Charm’, Aquilegia ‘Magpie’ & Beta ‘McGregors Favorite’