Accent plantings can bring great interest to your landscape. Use these plants to draw attention to a particular area, such as a fishpond, patio area, entry of a house, pool area, perennial garden or annual bed. The advantage of seasonal plantings is they usually bloom the entire season. The following are some examples of these types of plants.
Hibiscus have large long-lasting blooms, come in several colors and are available in tree-form, braided trunks, and bush form. Bougainvillea or Mandevilla are vines that are heavy bloomers during the entire growing season. They are also available in different colors. These vines are used in many ways; for example, they can be grown up trellises, arbors, mailboxes, light poles, and fences. They can be used as ground covers or planted to cascade over walls, rock ledges and planters. Purple Fountain Grass or Plumbago are also great accent pieces. They are great in containers and planters. Consider trying the taller growing Lantana since they will give a nice splash of color to any landscape.
Accent plants that live year round will give great interest to a landscape. Though they will not give color all the time, they will add great appeal to needed areas. Some examples of perennial accents are tree-form Lorapetalum; tree-form Gardenia; Japanese Maples; Palm trees; tree-form Camellia; tiered Ligustrum and Boxwood; Pom-pom Juniper; spiral Boxwoods and Junipers. Try using accent plants in you landscaping. They will give great interest to your landscaping.
Happy gardening.
