Ornamental grasses are a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers due to their versatility, low maintenance requirements, and ability to add texture and visual interest to various garden settings.
However, when it comes to selecting companion plants to pair with ornamental grasses, many gardeners may find themselves unsure of where to start. This is because different types of ornamental grasses have varying growth habits, foliage characteristics, and flowering behaviors, which can make it challenging to find suitable companion plants.
Choosing Companion Plants for Ornamental Grasses
One of the most important considerations when selecting companion plants for ornamental grasses is to choose plants that have similar growing conditions, such as sunlight, soil type, and moisture requirements.
For example, if you are growing a warm-season ornamental grass like pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), you will want to choose companion plants that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, such as black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) or coneflowers (Echinacea spp.).
Companion Plants for Warm-Season Ornamental Grasses
Some other companion plants that work well with warm-season ornamental grasses include:
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.) - This fragrant, low-maintenance herb is a great choice for pairing with warm-season ornamental grasses, as it requires similar growing conditions and adds a beautiful, delicate texture to the garden.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - Yarrow is a versatile, drought-tolerant herb that works well with a variety of warm-season ornamental grasses, including pampas grass and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis).
Companion Plants for Cool-Season Ornamental Grasses
Cool-season ornamental grasses, such as blue oat grass (Poa arctica) or switch grass (Panicum virgatum), have different growing requirements than their warm-season counterparts.
For these types of grasses, you will want to choose companion plants that thrive in cooler temperatures and moist soil, such as:
- Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) - This low-growing, spreading herb is a great choice for pairing with cool-season ornamental grasses, as it requires similar growing conditions and adds a beautiful, delicate texture to the garden.
- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) - Foxglove is a tall, stately perennial that works well with a variety of cool-season ornamental grasses, including blue oat grass and switch grass.
Designing a Beautiful Ornamental Grass Garden
When designing a garden with ornamental grasses, it's essential to consider the mature size of the grasses and leave enough space for them to grow and spread.
Some other tips for designing a beautiful ornamental grass garden include:
Using a variety of ornamental grasses with different textures, colors, and growth habits to create visual interest and depth in the garden.
Pairing ornamental grasses with other plants that have similar growing requirements and complementary textures and colors to create a cohesive, harmonious look in the garden.
Considering the mature size of the grasses and leaving enough space for them to grow and spread, while also leaving room for other plants to grow and thrive.
By following these tips and choosing the right companion plants for your ornamental grasses, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that provides year-round interest and beauty.
Ornamental grasses are a versatile and low-maintenance choice for gardeners and landscapers, and with the right companion plants, they can add texture, visual interest, and beauty to any garden setting.