Ornamental grasses have soared in popularity, and for good reason. They offer incredible texture, movement, and seasonal interest to any garden design. But understanding what complements their unique qualities is key to creating a truly stunning landscape. This article explores the best plant pairings for ornamental grasses, helping you craft a garden that thrives visually and ecologically.
Understanding the Allure of Ornamental Grasses
Before diving into specific plant pairings, it’s crucial to understand why ornamental grasses are so appealing. Their graceful forms, swaying in the breeze, bring a dynamic element that many other plants lack. They offer four-season interest, from vibrant greens in spring and summer to golden hues in fall and striking silhouettes in winter.
Ornamental grasses also come in a wide range of sizes, textures, and colors, making them versatile enough to fit into various garden styles, from minimalist modern designs to lush cottage gardens. Their low-maintenance nature is another significant draw for busy gardeners.
The Art of Combining Textures and Forms
Successful garden design often hinges on contrasting textures and forms. Ornamental grasses excel at providing texture, and their upright or arching habits create a strong visual structure. When selecting companion plants, consider how their shapes and textures will interact with the grasses.
Playing with Contrasting Shapes
Pairing grasses with plants that have rounded or mounded forms can create a pleasing contrast. Think of pairing tall, upright grasses like Karl Foerster feather reed grass with the rounded blooms of coneflowers or the mounding habit of lavender. The juxtaposition of these different shapes will enhance the visual interest of your garden bed.
Consider the overall shape and size of your garden bed when choosing plants. Taller grasses can act as a backdrop for shorter, mounding plants, creating depth and dimension. Smaller grasses can be used as edging plants, softening the hard edges of pathways or borders.
Exploring Complementary Textures
Different textures can also create visual harmony. Fine-textured grasses, like blue fescue, pair well with plants that have bold, coarse foliage, such as hostas or bergenias. The contrast in texture will make each plant stand out while still creating a cohesive look.
Conversely, grasses with coarser textures, like switchgrass, can be paired with plants that have finer foliage, such as artemisia or dianthus. This creates a more subtle contrast that is still visually appealing.
Choosing the Right Colors for a Harmonious Palette
Color plays a crucial role in garden design. When pairing plants with ornamental grasses, consider how their colors will complement or contrast with the grasses’ foliage and blooms.
Harmonious Color Schemes
Creating a harmonious color scheme involves using colors that are close to each other on the color wheel. For example, pairing grasses with purple or blue flowers, such as salvia or Russian sage, can create a calming and serene atmosphere.
Grasses with golden or bronze foliage pair beautifully with plants that have warm-toned flowers, such as rudbeckia or helenium. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Contrasting Color Schemes
Contrasting colors, such as red and green or yellow and purple, can create a more dynamic and energetic look. Pairing grasses with brightly colored flowers can add a pop of color to your garden.
For example, pairing green grasses with red poppies or yellow daylilies can create a visually striking contrast. However, it’s important to use contrasting colors sparingly to avoid overwhelming the eye.
Considering Seasonal Interest
A well-designed garden should offer interest throughout the year. When choosing companion plants for ornamental grasses, consider their seasonal bloom times and foliage colors.
Spring Blooms
Pairing grasses with spring-blooming bulbs, such as tulips or daffodils, can add early-season color to your garden. The emerging grass blades will provide a backdrop for the colorful blooms.
Other spring-blooming perennials that pair well with grasses include irises, peonies, and bleeding hearts.
Summer Blooms
Summer is when most ornamental grasses reach their peak. Pair them with summer-blooming perennials that offer long-lasting color, such as coneflowers, black-eyed susans, and bee balm.
These plants will provide a steady stream of blooms throughout the summer, complementing the grasses’ flowing forms.
Fall Foliage and Seed Heads
Many ornamental grasses turn beautiful shades of gold, bronze, or red in the fall. Pair them with plants that offer equally stunning fall foliage, such as asters, sedums, and burning bush.
Also, consider plants that have interesting seed heads, such as sunflowers or teasel, to add another layer of visual interest to your fall garden.
Winter Interest
Even in winter, ornamental grasses can provide structure and interest to the garden. Choose grasses that retain their form throughout the winter, such as switchgrass or feather reed grass.
Pair them with evergreens, such as junipers or pines, to create a winter landscape that is both beautiful and functional. The seed heads of many grasses also provide food for birds during the winter months.
Specific Plant Pairings to Inspire You
Here are some specific plant pairings that work well with ornamental grasses, categorized by grass type and desired effect:
Pairing with Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’)
This popular grass is known for its upright habit and feathery plumes.
- Echinacea (Coneflower): The daisy-like blooms of coneflowers contrast beautifully with the upright form of feather reed grass. The purple or pink blooms of coneflowers also complement the grass’s warm tones.
- Salvia: The spiky blooms of salvia provide a vertical accent that complements the grass’s upright form. The blue or purple flowers of salvia also create a calming contrast with the grass’s green foliage.
- Lavender: The fragrant foliage and purple blooms of lavender create a charming contrast with the grass’s upright form. Lavender also attracts pollinators to the garden.
Pairing with Blue Fescue (Festuca Glauca)
This compact grass is known for its blue-gray foliage.
- Sedum: The succulent foliage and late-season blooms of sedum provide a textural contrast to the grass’s fine foliage. The pink or red blooms of sedum also add a pop of color to the garden in the fall.
- Dianthus: The fragrant, fringed blooms of dianthus provide a delicate contrast to the grass’s bold texture. The pink, red, or white flowers of dianthus also add a touch of romance to the garden.
- Artemisia: The silvery foliage of artemisia provides a cool contrast to the grass’s blue-gray foliage. Artemisia also adds a touch of drama to the garden.
Pairing with Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum)
This tall grass is known for its airy seed heads and vibrant fall color.
- Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan): The daisy-like blooms of black-eyed susans provide a warm contrast to the grass’s cool tones. The yellow blooms of black-eyed susans also attract pollinators to the garden.
- Aster: The daisy-like blooms of asters provide a late-season burst of color that complements the grass’s fall foliage. The purple, pink, or white blooms of asters also provide food for pollinators.
- Joe-Pye Weed: The large, fluffy flower heads of Joe-Pye weed provide a bold contrast to the grass’s delicate seed heads. The pink or purple blooms of Joe-Pye weed also attract butterflies to the garden.
Pairing with Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata Cylindrica ‘Rubra’)
This striking grass is known for its red-tipped blades.
- Green-Leaved Hostas: The bold, green foliage of hostas provides a cooling contrast to the grass’s fiery red blades. Hostas also add a touch of shade to the garden.
- Heuchera (Coral Bells): The colorful foliage of heuchera provides a textural contrast to the grass’s smooth blades. Heuchera also comes in a wide range of colors, from green to purple to orange, allowing you to customize your color scheme.
- Ferns: The delicate fronds of ferns provide a soft contrast to the grass’s upright blades. Ferns also thrive in shady conditions, making them a good choice for pairing with Japanese blood grass in partially shaded areas.
Considering Site Conditions
When choosing companion plants for ornamental grasses, it’s important to consider the site conditions, including sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels.
Sunlight Requirements
Most ornamental grasses thrive in full sun, but some varieties can tolerate partial shade. Choose companion plants that have similar sunlight requirements to ensure that all plants in the garden thrive.
For example, if you are planting grasses in a sunny location, choose companion plants that also prefer full sun, such as coneflowers, black-eyed susans, and salvia. If you are planting grasses in a partially shaded location, choose companion plants that can tolerate partial shade, such as hostas, ferns, and heuchera.
Soil Type
Ornamental grasses generally prefer well-drained soil, but some varieties can tolerate clay soil or sandy soil. Choose companion plants that have similar soil requirements to ensure that all plants in the garden thrive.
For example, if you are planting grasses in well-drained soil, choose companion plants that also prefer well-drained soil, such as lavender, dianthus, and artemisia. If you are planting grasses in clay soil, choose companion plants that can tolerate clay soil, such as asters, sedums, and Joe-Pye weed.
Moisture Levels
Ornamental grasses are generally drought-tolerant, but some varieties prefer consistently moist soil. Choose companion plants that have similar moisture requirements to ensure that all plants in the garden thrive.
For example, if you are planting grasses in a dry location, choose companion plants that are also drought-tolerant, such as lavender, dianthus, and artemisia. If you are planting grasses in a moist location, choose companion plants that prefer consistently moist soil, such as Joe-Pye weed, asters, and ferns.
Maintenance Considerations
Consider the maintenance requirements of both the ornamental grasses and their companion plants. Choose plants with similar needs to simplify garden care.
If you select low-maintenance grasses, opt for companion plants that also require minimal watering, fertilizing, and pruning. This will save you time and effort in the long run.
Designing for Wildlife
Consider incorporating plants that attract beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife to your garden. Many ornamental grasses provide seeds and shelter for birds during the winter months.
Pairing grasses with flowering plants that attract pollinators, such as coneflowers, bee balm, and salvia, can create a vibrant and ecologically diverse garden.
The Long-Term Vision
Think about how your garden will evolve over time. Consider the mature size of your plants and how they will interact with each other as they grow.
Allow for adequate spacing between plants to prevent overcrowding and ensure that each plant has enough room to thrive. You can also use succession planting to ensure that there is always something blooming in your garden throughout the growing season.
By carefully considering these factors, you can create a stunning garden that showcases the beauty and versatility of ornamental grasses. Remember to experiment and have fun with different plant combinations to create a garden that reflects your personal style and preferences. Happy gardening!
What are the key benefits of companion planting with ornamental grasses?
Companion planting with ornamental grasses offers numerous advantages for your garden. Firstly, it enhances visual appeal by creating dynamic textures and contrasting forms. Pairing grasses with flowering plants, for example, can accentuate their blooms and provide a stunning backdrop. Furthermore, well-chosen companion plants can help to suppress weeds around ornamental grasses, reducing maintenance efforts and promoting healthier growth.
Secondly, some companion plants can improve soil conditions and attract beneficial insects. Legumes, for instance, can fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for the benefit of the grasses. Plants that attract pollinators will also benefit the entire garden ecosystem, leading to increased biodiversity and a more vibrant outdoor space. Thoughtful companion planting creates a more resilient and sustainable garden.
Which flowering perennials complement ornamental grasses beautifully?
Flowering perennials that offer contrasting forms and colors are ideal companions for ornamental grasses. Coneflowers (Echinacea), with their daisy-like blooms and upright habit, create a stunning contrast against the flowing forms of grasses. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) provide a similar effect with their bright yellow petals, adding a touch of warmth and cheerfulness to the garden landscape.
Other excellent choices include Sedum, which offers interesting foliage and late-season blooms, and Salvia, known for its vibrant flower spikes that attract hummingbirds. The key is to select perennials with varying heights, bloom times, and textures to create a visually interesting and dynamic display that extends throughout the growing season. Consider the specific needs of both the grasses and perennials to ensure they thrive together.
How do I choose companion plants based on the specific ornamental grass variety I have?
The choice of companion plants should be tailored to the specific characteristics of your ornamental grass. Consider the grass’s height, width, foliage color, and light requirements. For taller grasses like Miscanthus, choose robust perennials that can hold their own in terms of scale and visual impact. For smaller grasses like Festuca, select more delicate and low-growing companions.
Assess the light conditions in your garden and choose plants accordingly. If the grass prefers full sun, ensure the companion plants also thrive in full sun. Similarly, consider the soil moisture needs of both the grass and the companion plants. Pairing plants with similar requirements will simplify maintenance and ensure their overall health and vigor. Research specific cultivars for optimal results.
Can I use annuals as companion plants for ornamental grasses?
Yes, annuals are an excellent option for adding bursts of color and texture to your garden alongside ornamental grasses. They provide flexibility, allowing you to change the garden’s appearance each year. Consider planting annuals like zinnias, cosmos, or petunias around the base of your ornamental grasses for a vibrant display.
Annuals are particularly useful for filling in gaps while perennials are establishing themselves or for adding color to a specific season. Choose annuals with complementary or contrasting colors to enhance the visual appeal of the grasses. Remember to deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering and prolong the display throughout the growing season.
Are there any companion plants that can help control pests or diseases affecting ornamental grasses?
While companion planting is not a foolproof solution for pest and disease control, certain plants can offer some benefits. Plants with strong scents, like marigolds or lavender, can help deter certain insect pests. Additionally, some plants attract beneficial insects that prey on common garden pests.
For example, planting dill or fennel can attract ladybugs and lacewings, which are effective predators of aphids. Healthy soil and good air circulation are also crucial for preventing diseases in ornamental grasses. Companion planting can contribute to a more balanced and resilient garden ecosystem, but it should be combined with other good gardening practices for optimal results.
How do I ensure that companion plants don’t outcompete ornamental grasses for resources?
Careful planning and regular maintenance are crucial to prevent companion plants from outcompeting ornamental grasses. Consider the growth habits of both the grasses and the companion plants, and space them appropriately to allow each plant adequate room to grow and access sunlight. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to competition for water and nutrients.
Regularly monitor the growth of both the grasses and the companion plants, and prune or divide them as needed to maintain a balanced and harmonious planting. Ensure that both the grasses and the companion plants receive adequate water and nutrients, and amend the soil as necessary to provide optimal growing conditions. Mulching can also help to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
What are some groundcover options that work well with ornamental grasses?
Several groundcover options complement ornamental grasses by providing textural contrast and suppressing weeds. Creeping thyme, with its fragrant foliage and delicate flowers, forms a low-growing mat that complements the verticality of grasses. Sedums, particularly the low-growing varieties, offer drought tolerance and interesting foliage textures.
Another excellent choice is creeping phlox, which provides a burst of color in the spring and creates a dense mat that helps to smother weeds. Ensure the chosen groundcover doesn’t overwhelm the ornamental grasses. Consider the light requirements and soil conditions to guarantee that both the groundcover and the grasses thrive in their shared environment, creating a cohesive and attractive landscape.