Companion Plants for Ornamental Grasses - Enhancing the Beauty of Your Garden

Oleh Anonymous December 05, 2022 Post a Comment

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When it comes to landscaping, ornamental grasses are an excellent choice to add texture and structure to any garden. They come in various sizes and colors, making them versatile enough to complement almost any design scheme. However, selecting the right companion plants can enhance the beauty of your garden even further. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the best companion plants for ornamental grasses.

The Best Companion Plants for Ornamental Grasses

1. Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)

Coneflowers are native to North America and are available in various shades, including pink, white, yellow, orange, and red. These sun-loving perennials bloom in late summer and fall and are perfect for planting alongside ornamental grasses such as Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) or Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). The combination of coneflowers' vibrant petals and the delicate leaves of ornamental grasses adds interest and dimension to your garden.

How to Plant Coneflowers and Ornamental Grasses Together

To plant coneflowers and ornamental grasses together, make sure you choose a spot that receives full sun. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and loosening it up with a garden fork or tiller. Dig holes for each plant, making sure they're spaced at least 18-24 inches apart. Place the coneflower in the hole first and then plant the grass around it. Water thoroughly and add a layer of mulch to retain moisture.

2. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are easy to grow and care for, making them a favorite among gardeners. They produce bright yellow flowers with dark centers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. Plant them alongside ornamental grasses such as Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) or Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) to add contrast and texture to your garden.

How to Plant Black-Eyed Susans and Ornamental Grasses Together

Plant black-eyed Susans and ornamental grasses in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. Prepare the soil by adding compost or aged manure to enrich it. Dig holes for each plant, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Place the black-eyed Susan in the hole first and then plant the grass around it. Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.

3. Japanese Anemones (Anemone hupehensis)

Japanese Anemones have delicate pink or white flowers that bloom from late summer to fall, making them a perfect companion for taller ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' or Giant Silver Grass (Miscanthus floridulus). They prefer moist soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is consistently moist.

How to Plant Japanese Anemones and Ornamental Grasses Together

Plant Japanese Anemones and ornamental grasses in an area that receives partial shade to full sun. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or leaf mold. Dig holes for each plant, spacing them 12-24 inches apart. Place the Japanese Anemone in the hole first and then plant the grass around it. Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.

4. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvias are a diverse group of plants that can range from annuals to perennials, with flowers ranging from white to purple or even bi-colored. They bloom from early summer to fall and are perfect for planting alongside ornamental grasses such as Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) or Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). The combination of their spiky flowers and the soft texture of ornamental grasses is visually appealing.

How to Plant Salvias and Ornamental Grasses Together

Plant salvias and ornamental grasses in an area that receives full sun. Prepare the soil by adding compost or aged manure to improve its fertility. Dig holes for each plant, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Place the salvia in the hole first and then plant the grass around it. Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.

Other Companion Plants for Ornamental Grasses

Apart from the plants mentioned above, there are several other companion plants that you can grow alongside ornamental grasses. These include:

1. Sedums (Sedum spp.)

Sedums are succulent plants that come in various shapes and sizes, with flowers ranging from pink to yellow. They're perfect for planting alongside shorter ornamental grasses such as Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) or Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).

2. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)

Daylilies are hardy perennials that produce colorful flowers in a wide range of shades. They're perfect for planting alongside taller ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' or Giant Silver Grass (Miscanthus floridulus).

3. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian Sage is a tall, hardy perennial with silvery-green foliage and spiky blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. It's perfect for planting alongside ornamental grasses such as Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) or Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).

In selecting the right companion plants for your ornamental grasses can enhance the beauty of your garden even further. Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, Japanese Anemones, and Salvias are just a few of the many plants you can grow alongside ornamental grasses. By following the planting instructions provided above, you can create stunning combinations of colors, textures, and shapes that will make your garden stand out.

FAQs

1. Can I plant companion plants for ornamental grasses in containers?

Yes, you can plant companion plants for ornamental grasses in containers. Just make sure the container is large enough for both plants to grow and thrive.

2. How often do I need to water my companion plants for ornamental grasses?

The frequency of watering depends on the type of plant and the climate in your area. As a general rule, most companion plants for ornamental grasses prefer moist but well-drained soil. Water them deeply once a week, or more frequently if the soil feels dry.

3. Do I need to fertilize my companion plants for ornamental grasses?

Most companion plants for ornamental grasses don't require fertilization, especially if you've enriched the soil with compost or aged manure. However, if you notice that your plants are not growing as well as they should, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

4. Can I plant shade-loving companion plants for ornamental grasses?

Yes, you can plant shade-loving companion plants for ornamental grasses such as Hostas or Heucheras. Just make sure they receive at least 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight per day.

5. How do I propagate my companion plants for ornamental grasses?

The propagation method depends on the type of plant. Some plants can be propagated by division or stem cuttings, while others require seed propagation. Consult a gardening guide or nursery for specific instructions on how to propagate each plant.