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"Blooming" plants for an asian inspired garden? (Zone 8)?

I need some ideas for plants for my asian inspired garden. I've found tons of ground coverings & grasses & things that don't produce blooms. Now I'm trying to find some plants with color that will hopefully attract butterflies, but need them to fit into the asian theme, & they need to be able to thrive in Zone 8. Any help is appreciated. Thanks! Forgot to mention, I am wanting flowering plants.

Public Comments

1. how about roses .or forget-me-nots or babys breath.lillys.
2. I always think of irises, wisteria, plum, chrysanthemums, rhododendrons, cherry blossoms, peonies and poppies first in connection with the gardens of China and Japan. Some ideas: http://www.jgarden.org/plants.asp http://www.a-japanese-garden.com/japanese-garden-plants.php Valdar's book Garden Plants of China
3. Although it doesn't "flower" every Asian inspired garden needs a Japanese maple. ^^ Some have brilliant red colors that truly stand out. For some different color, try Phyllostachys Nigra (Black Bamboo) or Himalayacalamus falconeri ‘Damarapa’ (Red Bamboo - actually pink then yellow as they age). You can try Camellia (Camelia japonica) as flowering bush. Also Plumeria. Orchids are a typical flowering plant of Japan. They are finicky so be sure to read up on them. If you have a pond, try the Lotus flower. For the shade, many hosta varieties comes from asia, such as Hosta Koreana. Most lilies originated in Asia, for your spring garden, also Dogwood for a blooming spring tree. Rose of Sharon is the National Flower of Korea and it was started there. Cherry blossoms, of course. Same with Peach trees. Kenari for lots of little blooms. Hydrangea, azalea, magnolias, bluebells, ambrosia, and poppies. Jasmine and forget-me-nots both have asian varieties. For an Asian-inspired garden, remember that "less is more" and most make use of stone and water as well as plants. Hope this is helpful!