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  1. Midwest Living
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  4. Midwest Plants for Small-Space Greenery and Color

Midwest Plants for Small-Space Greenery and Color

Teresa Woodard
By Teresa Woodard August 09, 2022
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urban backyard garden narrow path
Credit: Emily E Berger-Crawford

In her small Detroit backyard, botanical artist Lisa Waud plants a leafy foundation, then selectively accents with pops of color and vertical climbers. Here are some of her tried-and-true recommendations for small-space landscaping.

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Greens: Switchgrass

green switchgrass
Credit: Emily E Berger-Crawford

This upright native has green leaves with red tips that darken to burgundy from summer into fall. Billowy seed heads add to the show. Try popular 'Shenandoah'.

Related: Botanical Artist Lisa Waud's Small Detroit Backyard is a Lesson in Urban Serenity

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Greens: 'Limelight' Hydrangea

limelight hydrangea
Credit: Emily E Berger-Crawford

Reliable and widely available, this shrub has chartreuse summer blooms that fade to pink in the fall. Dry flowers provide continued interest throughout the winter.

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Greens: Fountain Grass

fountain grass garden
Credit: Emily E Berger-Crawford

Gardeners prize this dependable grass for its fluffy bottle-brush plumes and flowing shape. Consider pinkish 'Karley Rose' or miniature 'Little Bunny' for small spaces.

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Color Accents: Geranium

bright pink geranium
Credit: Emily E Berger-Crawford

Waud grows regular and scented geraniums, which have ruffled leaves that emit a fragrance when touched. Since they're not hardy in the Midwest, she overwinters them indoors.

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Color Accents: Purple Coral Bells

purple coral bells
Credit: Emily E Berger-Crawford

A striking perennial, purple coral bells have grape-color leaves and delicate flowers. Waud pairs them with brown sedge for contrast. Try 'Forever Purple' or 'Palace Purple'.

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Color Accents: Allium

allium plant
Credit: Emily E Berger-Crawford

Ornamental onions showcase purple, pink or white blooms in spring and rounded seed heads that linger throughout the season. Look for award-winning 'Millenium'.

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Climbers: Blue Passionflower

blue passionflower climbing plant
Credit: Emily E Berger-Crawford

Grown as an annual in the Midwest, this rampant tropical vine features intricate white and blue-purple blooms and will cover a trellis or fence. Waud lets it clamber up her garage.

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Climbers: Sweet Autumn Clematis

sweet autumn clematis
Credit: Emily E Berger-Crawford

This vigorous vine (even invasive in some states) erupts with tiny white, fragrant flowers in August and September, followed by a silvery mass of fluffy seed heads.

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Climbers: 'Jackmanii' Clematis

jackmanii clematis around pole
Credit: Emily E Berger-Crawford

This classic, trusty clematis delivers showy royal purple blooms in June, July and September. Waud's climbs up remesh that she wrapped around a porch post.

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    1 of 9 Greens: Switchgrass
    2 of 9 Greens: 'Limelight' Hydrangea
    3 of 9 Greens: Fountain Grass
    4 of 9 Color Accents: Geranium
    5 of 9 Color Accents: Purple Coral Bells
    6 of 9 Color Accents: Allium
    7 of 9 Climbers: Blue Passionflower
    8 of 9 Climbers: Sweet Autumn Clematis
    9 of 9 Climbers: 'Jackmanii' Clematis

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