Maximalist Gardens: More is More — Let’s Go Bold!

maximalist garden with assortment of perennialsWho says your garden has to be quiet and minimal? At SummerWinds Nursery, we’re here to cheer you on to go big, go bold, and let your garden personality shine!

A maximalist garden is all about color, texture, and layers — think of it like painting with plants. The more shapes, shades, and surprises you pack in, the more magical and personal your outdoor space becomes. Plus, all that diversity? It’s a party for pollinators and a haven for local wildlife.

Let’s break it down!


Layering for Maximum Impact

Maximalist gardens are about layers:

    • Vertical layers (groundcovers, mid-height plants, taller shrubs/trees)
      • Groundcovers (2"–12") create a lush base layer
      • Mid-height plants (12"–36") add structure and color at eye level

maximalist garden with cordyline, nasturtiums, salvia, alstroemeria and grasses

    • Tall perennials, shrubs and trees (3'+) bring drama and height to anchor your garden
  • Color layers (mix warm and cool tones for contrast)
  • Texture layers (fine-leafed plants against bold, broad leaves)

Try pairing large-leafed cannas with airy grasses, or bright dahlias against dark-leaved coleus. The key is creating unexpected pairings that spark delight. Want a quick win? Add a few bold hanging baskets or colorful container gardens on your patio or porch — instant color punch!

Imagine tall grasses swaying behind bright dahlias or velvety coleus cozying up to delicate anemones. Play around and have FUN — there are no rules here except “more, please!”


Perennials that Pop


echinacea coneflower maximalist garden

Echinacea (Coneflower) — hot pinks, fiery reds, blazing oranges

  • Color
  • Mid-height
  • Full sun
salvia maximalist garden

Salvia — hummingbird-magnet purple and blue spikes

  • Color
  • Mid-height to Taller
  • Full sun
crocosmia maximalist garden

Crocosmia — arching stems of sizzling red and orange

  • Color
  • Mid-height
  • Full sun
japanese anemones maximalist garden

Japanese Anemones — soft, floaty blooms for contrast

  • Texture
  • Mid-height
  • Part shade
peonies maximalist garden

Peonies — big, lush blooms in dreamy pinks, reds, and whites

  • Color
  • Mid-height
  • Full sun to part shade
daylilies maximalist garden

Daylilies — hardy, easy-care perennials with tons of color choices

  • Color
  • Mid-height
  • Full sun
heuchera maximalist garden

Heuchera (Coral Bells) — ruffled, crinkled leaves in burgundy, lime, caramel, and silver tones

  • Texture
  • Mid-height
  • Part shade to full shade
alstroemeria maximalist garden

Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) — long-lasting blooms with spotted petals

  • Color
  • Mid-height
  • Full sun to part shade

Annuals that Sparkle


zinnia maximalist garden

Zinnias — like little fireworks in your garden

  • Color
  • Mid-height
  • Full sun
coleus maximalist garden

Coleus — crazy cool leaves in wild patterns and colors

  • Texture
  • Mid-height
  • Shade to part sun
nasturtium maximalist garden

Nasturtiums — edible, cheerful, and perfect for spilling over pots

  • Color
  • Groundcover
  • Full sun to part shade

Grasses that Dance


fountain grass maximalist garden

Fountain Grass — fluffy, feathery, fabulous

  • Texture
  • Mid-height
  • Full sun
feather reed grass maximalist garden

Feather Reed Grass — tall, swishy, and oh-so-chic

  • Texture
  • Taller
  • Full sun

Shrubs & Small Trees with Attitude


hydrangea maximalist garden

Hydrangeas — big, bold blooms for major drama

  • Color
  • Mid-height to Taller
  • Part shade
smoke bush maximalist garden

Smoke Bush — moody purple foliage with smoky flower clouds

  • Texture
  • Taller
  • Full sun to part shade
japanese maples broad leaf leaves

Japanese Maple — delicate, colorful, total show-off

  • Color & Texture
  • Taller
  • Part shade
peach rose maximalist garden

Bush Roses — classic, colorful blooms with sweet fragrance

  • Color
  • Mid-height to Taller
  • Full sun
cordyline maximalist garden

Cordylines — strappy, arching leaves with a tropical flair

  • Texture
  • Taller
  • Full sun to part shade
orange canna lily maximalist garden

Canna Lilies — tropical, bold, with huge leaves and vibrant blooms

  • Color & Texture
  • Taller
  • Full sun

Vines for Drama


bougainvillea vine maximalist garden

Bougainvillea — drought-tolerant vine with magenta, orange, or purple walls of color

  • Color
  • Taller
  • Full sun

Shade-Loving Additions


sword fern maximalist garden

Ferns — delicate, lacy fronds that add softness (e.g., Japanese Painted Fern, Sword Fern)

  • Texture
  • Groundcover to Mid-height
  • Shade to part shade

Invite Nature to the Party

A maximalist garden isn’t just eye candy; it’s a buffet and a safe haven for bees, butterflies, and birds. Pack your space with:

penstemon

  • Natives like milkweed and penstemon
  • Long-blooming flowers for food all season
  • Layered plants that create little hideouts for wildlife

It’s like throwing an endless garden party — and everyone’s invited.


Let’s Build Your Dream Garden Together

At SummerWinds Nursery, we’re all about helping you unleash your inner garden artist. Stop by one of our Bay Area locations to browse tons of bold, beautiful plants and chat with our garden gurus. Whether you want a wild color riot, a texture explosion, or just something that makes you smile every time you step outside, we’re here to help.

Ready to make your garden a maximalist masterpiece? Come see us — let’s play with plants! 🌸✨