Ornamental grasses are a gardener’s delight, offering a mix of textures, heights, and colours that can transform any UK garden. They’re low-maintenance, hardy, and provide excellent habitat for wildlife. But what should you plant with them to create a harmonious and visually appealing landscape? Let’s explore some complementary plants that thrive when paired with ornamental grasses.
When selecting plants to accompany your ornamental grasses, consider their size, shape, and colour. You’ll want to create a balanced composition that showcases the best features of both plants. Here are some tips and plant suggestions to help you achieve this.
Grasses and Perennials: A Match Made in Heaven
Perennials are a great choice to pair with ornamental grasses. They provide a burst of colour and help to anchor the grasses, preventing them from becoming too leggy. Choose perennials with similar water and light requirements to ensure they thrive together.
For example, the tall, elegant Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ looks stunning when planted alongside the vibrant purple flowers of Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’. The Salvia’s compact size and low water needs make it an excellent companion for this drought-tolerant grass.
Grasses and Bulbs: Spring Magic
Bulbs can add a spectacular spring show to your grassy borders. Plant them among your ornamental grasses for a stunning display of colour as the snowdrops, tulips, and daffodils emerge in early spring.
Try planting Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’ among shorter grasses like Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’. The bright yellow blooms of the daffodils will contrast beautifully with the silvery-green foliage of the Carex, creating a striking display that will carry you through to summer.
Grasses and Shrubs: Structure and Height
Shrubs can provide valuable structure and height to your garden, making them an excellent choice for adding depth to grassy borders. Choose shrubs with a similar growth habit to your grasses, and ensure they have compatible light and water requirements.
For instance, the tall, arching Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ looks stunning when planted alongside the elegant Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’. The white, fragrant flowers of the Philadelphus contrast beautifully with the delicate, green-and-white striped foliage of the Miscanthus, creating a stunning display that will last throughout the summer.
Creating a Cohesive Look with Repeating Elements
Repetition is key to creating a cohesive look in your garden. Repeat the colours, textures, and shapes of your ornamental grasses throughout your planting scheme to tie the whole garden together.
For example, if you’ve chosen Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ for its striking zebra-striped foliage, consider repeating this striped theme in other plants. The striped leaves of Ligularia ‘The Rocket’ would make an excellent companion, providing a bold contrast of colour and texture that complements the Miscanthus beautifully.
Using Contrast to Create Impact
Contrast is another powerful tool in the gardener’s toolbox. By pairing plants with contrasting colours, shapes, and textures, you can create eye-catching displays that draw the eye and add interest to your garden.
For instance, the soft, feathery plumes of Stipa tenuissima look stunning when planted alongside the bold, architectural leaves of Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’. The red flowers of the Crocosmia provide a vivid contrast to the delicate, airy plumes of the Stipa, creating a striking display that will add a pop of colour to any border.
Grasses and Ground Covers: The Perfect Partnership
Ground covers are an excellent choice for filling in the gaps between your ornamental grasses. They help to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and add a layer of texture and colour to your borders.
For example, the low-growing, mat-forming Geranium sanguineum ‘Hedgerow’ looks stunning when planted among the taller, more upright grasses like Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’. The pink flowers of the Geranium provide a soft, delicate contrast to the upright, grassy plumes of the Calamagrostis, creating a beautiful, textured display that will last throughout the summer.
By carefully selecting plants that complement your ornamental grasses, you can create a harmonious and visually appealing landscape that’s a joy to behold. So, get out there and start experimenting with different combinations – your garden will thank you for it!
