An interesting, structural layout like the one in this garden deserves interesting, structural plants. The following selections, which grow in prominent areas of the zigzag bed, provide bold accents through their distinctive forms and vibrant colors.

1. ‘Gold Mound’ spirea (Spiraea japonica* ‘Gold Mound’)

Zones: 3–8

Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Native range: Japan

This spirea is a versatile accent, with bright foliage and a perfectly rounded habit of growth. It blooms with pale pink flowers and can be pruned in midsummer to promote a fresh flush of leaves.

2. ‘Royal Purple’ smokebush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’)

Zones: 4–8

Size: 15 to 20 feet tall and 12 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; evenly moist, well-drained soil

Native range: Southern Europe, western and central Asia

This shrub displays oval-shaped leaves that emerge red, shift to maroon, and then turn red again for fall. It naturally grows into a large, bushy form, but you can control its size and shape through hard pruning.

3. Russian sage (Salvia yangii syn. Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Zones: 5–9

Size: 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Native range: Central Asia

The delicate, airy foliage of Russian sage mixes well with the sturdy woodies in this garden. Its strong upright form and light purple-blue flowers provide undeniable contrast to nearby companions.

4. Red-leaved rose (Rosa glauca)

Zones: 2–8

Size: 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

Native range: Southern Europe

This rose grows in a bushy, upright manner with dense, smoky purple leaves that sport glaucous undersides. Its form, color, and texture make it a standout in the landscape.

5. Little Devil™ ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Donna May’)

Zones: 3–7

Size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; dry to medium well-drained soil

Native Range: Eastern North America

Little Devil™ is a dwarf purple-leaved ninebark with fine-textured leaves on wandlike, upright stems. Its dark foliage is thrown into relief by its dainty pink-white flowers.

From Fine Gardening #210

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