Basement-friendly plants
Find basement-friendly plants for the Southeast below, and read Nick McCullough's article for more ideas: "The most important aspect of your foundation beds is to choose plants that make an impact but don't overwhelm the space. You want to include structural plants that create the structure and architecture of the space, but it's also important to include statement plants to weave the tapestry of the garden together. The combination of these two types of planting creates essential foundation beds for your home.
1. ‘Mariesii Variegata’ lacecap hydrangea
Name: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii Variegata'
Zones: 5–9
Size: 4 to 5 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Part sun; Constantly moist soil
The large, colorful leaves of this hydrangea provide a great foliar contrast from the mix of deep green boxwoods, laurels, hollies and yews commonly found in foundation plantings. Its delicate flowers can be blue or pink depending on soil pH and bloom from late spring to summer. This shrub needs to be watered weekly or more frequently in high heat. Depending on your local situation, some deer protection may need to be considered.
2. 'Alexander the Great' Brunnera
Name: Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'
Zones: 4–8
Size: 12 to 18 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide
Conditions: Part shade; Average to moist, well-drained soil
We all love hostas (Hosta spp. and cvs., zones 3–9) for the bold textural contrast they provide; However, deer love them. In contrast, brunneras are deer resistant, but most are too small to replace hosta function in the landscape. This new cultivar comes with large, bold colorful foliage and the bonus of powder-blue "forget-me-not" style flowers in spring. If you have conditions that support hostas, this is a great alternative.
3. 'Shamrock' Inkberry
Name: Ilex glabra 'Shamrock'
Zones: 4–9
Size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; Average to moist soil
If you're "own" with your foundation plantings, you need a structural shrub that can replace the evergreen appeal of boxwoods (Buxus spp. and cvs., zones 6-9). Inkberries are one of the few natives that can pull this off. Although they can get leggy compared to boxwoods, 'Sherwood' is a cultivar that resists this tendency more than most. The attractive jet-black drupes, used by early American settlers to make ink, often persist through winter.
4. 'Madeline' Salvia
Name: Salvia 'Madeline'
Zones: 4–8
Size: 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; Well-drained soil
This hybrid salvia was introduced in 2009 by renowned Dutch breeder and designer Piet Oudolf. We love the bicolor violet-blue and white flowers that really pop in the spring garden. Flower stems darken as they mature, adding more drama to the contrast. Like all salvias, 'Madeline' prefers full sun, is drought tolerant once established, deer resistant and not picky about soil. It tolerates monsoons well and can provide a second flush if cut back after flowering.
5. Carex
Carex, or sedges, are grass-like, soil-like plants that provide textural interest and color throughout the year. Most coppers adapt well to shade or partial shade and do well as an edging plant or in mass plantings. There are several varieties, but 'Everillo' has attractive lime green and golden foliage, while 'Everest' has beautiful white markings.
6. Spirea
Spireas are easy flowering shrubs to grow because they tolerate a wide variety of soils and conditions. They are fast growing and many become very large, over 10 feet. Look for a dwarf variety for foundation plantings. Southern Living Plant Collection's Little Pony has blue-green leaves and lavender-pink flowers, while Monrovia's Double Play series has varieties with blue or gold leaves. Most spireas can be grown in zones 4-8, with some adapted to zones 3 or 9.
7. Agapanthus
Also known as lily of the Nile, this beautiful perennial has evergreen strappy leaves and beautiful blue, purple or white flowers that attract pollinators from spring through fall in frost-free climates. Agapanthus are especially attractive when planted in groups at the front of borders. It ranges from one foot to 18 inches tall depending on the variety. Hummingbirds and bees love it. 'Ever White' and 'Ever Sapphire' are real stand-outs in your basement planting bed.
8. Panicle hydrangea
Panicle hydrangeas are some of the most reliable flowers that bloom on new (this year's) growth, so you don't risk cutting the flowers if you prune in the spring. They are more tolerant of heat, soil type and sun than other hydrangeas, making them less demanding to maintain. Some varieties, such as 'Limelight', can even be grown in zone 9. Panicle hydrangeas come in many varieties, but the newer dwarf varieties are perfect for foundation plantings. In warm climates (zones 7 and warmer), provide four to six hours of full sun for best bloom, with afternoon shade. Water in hot weather for best looking plants.
9. Boxwood
These shrubs are classics for a reason: they're evergreen, they're less palatable to deer than many varieties, and there are many different cultivars of varying sizes. Some types of boxwood can be cut to shape, while others can be left natural. Look for the 'baby gem', which reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, or the fast-growing 'sprinter', which holds its shape and reaches 2 to 4 feet tall and wide. Most varieties can be grown in zones 5-9.
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