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| The vertical flower stalks and sword-like foliage of Tall Bearded Iris contrast perfectly with the mounding form of Hardy Geraniums. |
Form relates to the shape and size of a plant or flower. A plant’s form is commonly referred to as its habit, and there are three basic plant habits: vertical/upright, mounding, and horizontal/prostrate. Balanced garden designs include plants of all three forms. Juxtaposing plants with opposite forms creates a delightful contrast and makes the garden more visually appealing. Alternately, a grouping of Tall Bearded Irises can visually balance a large Yucca since both plants share a similar form.
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| Since all three of these types of perennials have daisy-like flowers, the planting is united and visually pleasing. |
Perennials with similar flower forms can also be used to visually unite a planting. For example, a large grouping of coneflowers visually balances a patch of daisies because they have the same flower form, even though the colors are different. Similarly, Delphiniums can balance Foxgloves since they both carry their flowers on tall spikes.
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