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8/22/2014 2 Comments

Design Tip: Burgundy Blues

Picture
houzz.com
Burgundy foliage in the garden can be used most effectively when paired with the right hues. First, be mindful of your backdrop. Dark leaves don't show up on dark backgrounds. They just don't, so don't put them there. If you have a dark-red brick house, don't plant a ninebark against it. The burgundy leaves of the ninebark will show off much better against white or gray. 

My favorite way to use burgundy foliage is to pair it with blue - blue hostas in shade, blue grasses and blue evergreens in sunny spots. Below left is 'Little Devil' Ninebark (Physocarpus opifolius) and 'Shining Sensation' Weigela (right) with 'Prairie Sky' switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the middle' and 'Northwind' switchgrass. (shown in next collage).
Picture
photo sources: sensiblegardening.com, design-landscape.me, willowaynurseries.com
Add the blush flower heads of Hydrangea 'Quick Fire' or 'Limelight' (center), and the blue-green needles of a Juniper (left) and you have the perfect recipe for a sunny, low-maintenance shrub border. 
Picture
photo sources: pahls.com, beulahacres.wordpress.com, gardininacity.wordpress.com
 - Tracy Hankwitz, BGC Store Manager 
2 Comments
Tuincentrum Van Eeckhaut link
9/12/2014 01:27:46 pm

Thank you very much for publishing this kind of article. I like your article very much. I want to share my website details with you please give me some information to increase performance like as your website.

Reply
Gabriel Moss link
1/10/2025 07:10:15 am

You make a compelling point about the importance of contrast when working with burgundy foliage, and I fully agree—placement can make or break the visual impact of a plant. While I’ve often leaned toward pairing burgundy leaves with lighter greens or yellows for a striking vibrancy, the suggestion to pair them with blues is fantastic and adds a sophisticated, calming effect to the garden. It’s a thoughtful approach that shows a keen understanding of color harmony. The examples provided—like pairing Ninebark with blue grasses—are both practical and inspiring, showcasing how intentional design can elevate any garden space. Kudos for this insightful advice!

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