Corner Magic: Agave Willmorriana, Elaeagnus 'Gilt Edge,' Coleonema 'Sunset Gold,' and Dodonea Viscosa Purpurea
partner
I blab on and on about succulents - Agave this, Aloe that, Yucca the
other ... but if Ididn't have a strong supporting cast of shrubs and
perennials my
garden would have no surprise, no lushness, no
je ne sais quois.
Right now, one of my favorite things to look at is a corner of my
backyard where a big potted Agave willmorriana is being cuddled by a
team of shrubbery - an Elaeagnus 'Gilt Edge' and a Coleonema 'Sunset
Gold' (one of my favorite plants of all time). The E. 'Gilt Edge' is
one of those go-to shrubs that people don't use enough; I rarely see it
in gardens around here, and that is a shame because it is SUCH a great
plant. It does get rangy as it grows, so you have to do a little
cutting to keep it in hand - or you can do what I do and celebrate the
kooky shape! I've also paired it with Dodonea viscosa purpurea in other
gardens, which is a mighty sexy combo if I do say so myself.
The beautiful Coleonema 'Sunset Gold' can do no wrong - you can
quote me on this. Anywhere you put it, it's bright greenish yellow
feathery leaves will caress whatever surrounds it, making it's partner
look better than before. It looks especially great next to strappy
leaved Phormiums and waxy Agaves. I don't like cutting this plant - I
think letting it find its own way brings the best expression of the
Coleonema forward. And every year at this time, the tiniest pink
flowers burst open, making C. 'Sunset Gold' look like a perfect home
for faeries. I swear... I don't want to look too hard, lest I disturb
them, but if faeries exist, they are living happily in this lovely
corner of my
backyard.
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