This summer I decided to try a few new things in my containers and step away from my standard mix of Coleus and Bigleaf Begonia.  When visiting my favorite local greenhouse, I looked for what I could find in my color palette for the summer – orange, pink and purple, and of course shades of green. Crossandra ‘Orange Marmalade’ has turned out to be a winner planted with Hibiscus ‘Mahogany Splendor’ and Scaevola ‘Whirlwind Blue’. 

This tropical Hibiscus (Z 8-10)  is an unusual plant with foliage that resembles a Japanese Maple.  I feel lucky to have stumbled upon it. It has yet to flower, but I don’t care if it does, the foliage is stunning, and I am happy with that. 

Please share what you have planted to make your outdoor living areas a happy place.