Big Bluestem Companion Plants: Enhancing Your Garden with Native Prairie Flora

Oleh Anonymous October 07, 2022 Post a Comment

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Big bluestem is a native prairie grass that can grow up to 8 feet tall and is known for its striking blue-green foliage. It's an excellent choice for creating a naturalistic landscape or prairie garden. However, big bluestem can be even more striking when paired with other native prairie flora. In this article, we'll explore some of the best big bluestem companion plants to enhance your garden.

Best Companion Plants for Big Bluestem

There are many native prairie plants that pair well with big bluestem. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple coneflower is a classic prairie plant that pairs perfectly with big bluestem. Its bright pink flowers add a pop of color to any garden, and it's attractive to bees and butterflies. Purple coneflower also attracts goldfinches, who love to eat its seeds.

Why purple coneflower makes a great companion plant for big bluestem:

Attractive pink flowers contrast well with blue-green big bluestem foliage
Attracts pollinators and goldfinches
Tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including heavy clay soils

2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susan is another classic prairie plant that pairs well with big bluestem. Its bright yellow flowers are a cheerful addition to any garden, and it's also attractive to bees and butterflies.

Why black-eyed Susan makes a great companion plant for big bluestem:

Bright yellow flowers contrast well with blue-green big bluestem foliage
Attracts pollinators
Tolerant of a wide range of soil types and moisture levels

3. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild bergamot is a tall, fragrant prairie plant with lavender-pink flowers. It's attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and its leaves can be used to make a delicious tea.

Why wild bergamot makes a great companion plant for big bluestem:

Fragrant lavender-pink flowers contrast well with blue-green big bluestem foliage
Attracts pollinators, including hummingbirds
Deer-resistant

4. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass is a tall, graceful prairie grass that pairs well with big bluestem. Its feathery seed heads add texture to the garden, and it's an important habitat plant for birds and insects.

Why switchgrass makes a great companion plant for big bluestem:

Feathery seed heads add texture to the garden
Important habitat plant for birds and insects
Drought-tolerant

5. Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

Prairie smoke is a low-growing, ornamental prairie plant with pink or red flowers. Its fluffy seed heads resemble smoke, hence the name. It's attractive to bees and butterflies, and its leaves turn a beautiful burgundy color in the fall.

Why prairie smoke makes a great companion plant for big bluestem:

Low-growing habit contrasts well with tall big bluestem
Attractive to pollinators
Beautiful burgundy fall color

Caring for Big Bluestem Companion Plants

Most native prairie plants are low-maintenance, but they do require some care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your big bluestem companion plants:

1. Plant in full sun

Most native prairie plants require full sun to thrive, so make sure to plant them in a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

2. Water regularly

While most prairie plants are drought-tolerant once established, they still require regular watering during their first growing season. After that, you can reduce watering to once a week or less, depending on rainfall.

3. Mulch around plants

Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. Use a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around your plants, being careful not to cover the stems or crowns.

4. Deadhead spent flowers

Deadheading spent flowers encourages plants to produce more blooms and prevents them from self-seeding where you don't want them.

Pairing big bluestem with native prairie flora is an excellent way to create a naturalistic landscape or prairie garden. Purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, wild bergamot, switchgrass, and prairie smoke are just a few of the many plants that pair well with big bluestem. By caring for your big bluestem companion plants, you'll create a beautiful and sustainable garden that supports local ecosystems.

FAQs

1. Can I plant big bluestem in a container?

No, big bluestem requires too much space and root depth to be grown in a container. It's best planted directly in the ground.

2. Are big bluestem companion plants deer-resistant?

Some, like wild bergamot and switchgrass, are more deer-resistant than others. However, no plant is completely deer-proof, so it's always best to protect your garden with fencing or other barriers if deer are a problem in your area.

3. Can I grow big bluestem in a shady location?

No, big bluestem requires full sun to thrive. If you have a shady location, consider planting shade-tolerant native plants instead.

4. How do I propagate my big bluestem companion plants?

Most native prairie plants can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Simply dig up the plant, divide it into smaller sections, and replant them in their new location.

5. Do I need to fertilize my big bluestem companion plants?

No, most native prairie plants don't require fertilizer. In fact, too much nitrogen can cause them to become overly lush and prone to disease. If your soil is very poor, you can amend it with compost or other organic matter before planting.