Golden glow
At first glance, you might wonder, “What’s that gorgeous golden plant?” It’s a hosta! ‘Patriot’ is one that reliably changes color in fall. ‘P.J.M.’ rhododendron is a spring bloomer, but its foliage is evergreen and leaves take on a burgundy hue that lasts. Wax begonias will hang on to those pretty blooms until a hard freeze. After that you can pull them out and toss them on the compost pile. Cut hostas back to the ground then, too. This will prevent insects and disease from overwintering on the plants. But leave coral bells’ foliage; it protects the crown during winter.
See also Flowers & Plants
A) Rhododendron (Rhododendron x 'P.J.M.')
Type Shrub Blooms Lavender-pink flowers in spring; burgundy foliage in fall Light Part to full shade Size 4 to 6 ft. tall and wide Hardiness Cold-hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, heat-tolerant in AHS zones 8 to 1
B) Hosta (Hosta ‘Patriot’)
Type Perennial Blooms Lavender flowers in summer, variegated green and white foliage turns gold in fall Light Part to full shade Size 12 to 18 in. tall, 24 to 36 in. wide Hardiness Cold-hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, heat-tolerant in AHS zones 9 to 1
C) Coral bells (Heuchera ‘Obsidian’)
Type Perennial Blooms Creamy white flowers in spring; nearly black, ruffled foliage Light Full sun to part shade Size 12 to 24 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide Hardiness Cold-hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, heat-tolerant in AHS zones 9 to 1
D) Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens ‘Vodka’)
Type Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual) Blooms Red-orange flowers from early summer to frost Light Full sun to part shade Size 6 to 8 in. tall, 8 to 12 in. wide Hardiness Cold-hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11, heat-tolerant in AHS zones 12 to 1
