Who says stripes, splatters and splotches can’t mix? Not us! Love this luscious leafy salad bowl? Read our tips for becoming an adventurous foliage chef.

Why it Works

1. Although this medley at first appears to be a complicated recipe in fact only two main ingredients are used (plus greens of course). That’s what keeps it looking like a gourmet salad rather than a dogs dinner!

2. Each colorful ingredient is used at least once in the dish but in different ways;

• A bright yellow foamy bells (Heucherella ‘Solar Power’) dazzles with soft crinkled leaves while the color also appears in the striped grass (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’) and on the margins of the variegated shrub.
• Warm terracotta and raspberry foliage of the central coral bells (Heuchera ‘Kassandra’) repeats the shade of the container itself as well as echoing the speckles of its neighbor
• The green succulent leaves of elephant ears (Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winter Glow’) hold it all together, generously helped along by the green and yellow variegated shrub (Euonymus japonica ‘Chollipo’) and delicate autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora).

What this needs to look fabulous

• Morning sun and afternoon shade
• Regular water
• All these plants are evergreen so this is a four season favorite!
• This combination is hardy in zones 6-9, but see individual hardiness ratings below

Shopping List

• ‘Solar Power’ foamy bells (Heucherella ‘Solar Power’) – an amazing new hybrid which looks good in full sun.  or full shade! Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
• ‘Kassandra’ coral bells (Heuchera ‘Kassandra’). Prefers light shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9
• ‘Chollipo’ euonymus (Euonymus japonica ‘Chollipo’)A handsome evergreen shrub with clean creamy-yellow and green variegation. This is fast growing to 12′ tall and 6′ wide so won’t stay  in this container for too long although it can easily be pruned. Happy in full sun or part shade. Hardy in USDA zones 6-9
• Golden sweet flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon‘). This fan shaped evergreen grass is ideal for the edge of containers but also at home in shallow water. full or part sun. Hardy in USDA zones 5-11
• Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora).One of our favorites with arching green fronds that take on burnished copper tints. Considered evergreen but best to remove older fronds in spring. Will grow to 3′ x 3′ so enjoy it in containers while small then transfer to the garden. Full or part shade. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9
• ‘Winter Glow’ elephant ears (Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winter Glow’). Evergreen, glossy,  fleshy, elephant ear-shaped foliage. Magenta flower spikes in spring. Happy in full or part shade. USDA zones 3-9

What’s on your menu tonight?

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