Spring bulbs bring a dazzling array of yellows, purples, and pinks to the garden that remind me how much I enjoy designing with these colors. That’s why I love Southern Living Loropetalums. With deep purple foliage and a variety of low-prune plant sizes, there’s a perfect Loropetalum for every garden. If you are not familiar with these stunning shrubs, check out the Grumpy Gardener’s “What-a-Petalum?” article.

Purple and yellow are complementary colors, creating an eye-catching combination in the garden. Using ‘Sunshine’ Ligustrum and Southern Living Loropetalums as a foundation, I created these yellow and purple garden designs for sun and shade. This color combination also works beautifully in container plantings.

Some of the most versatile plants to use in designing a new garden are Southern Living® Abelias and the EverColor® Series Carex. Abelias bridge sunny and shady areas with ease, providing continuity throughout the landscape, and provide a soft color compliment through variegated foliage and summer blooms. Carex is an evergreen groundcover available in a variety of hues. I like to use the lush, grass-like foliage as a textural contrast in containers and garden beds. 

However you combine them, these beauties are sure to brighten the garden with rich, lasting color.

Happy Planting,