Ornamental Grasses: Best Companion Plants

When it comes to creating a visually appealing and harmonious garden, the combination of plants is as important as the individual specimens themselves. Ornamental grasses, with their striking textures and forms, can be a standout feature in any landscape. But what plants look good with ornamental grasses? Let's explore some stunning combinations that will elevate your garden design.

Ornamental grasses come in a variety of sizes, textures, and colors, making them incredibly versatile. They can be used to create height, add movement, or provide a striking contrast to other plants. When selecting companion plants, consider their growth habits, colors, and textures to create a balanced and cohesive look.

Grasses and Flowering Perennials

Flowering perennials are a classic choice to pair with ornamental grasses. Their vibrant blooms can complement the grass's foliage, creating a beautiful contrast that changes with the seasons.

For instance, consider planting the feathery Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' with the bold, purple blooms of Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'. The tall, upright growth habit of the grass provides a striking backdrop for the low-growing, mounding coneflower. As the grass's plumes turn golden in fall, the coneflower's seed heads add another layer of interest.

Ornamental Grasses and Asteraceae

The Asteraceae family, which includes daisies, asters, and sunflowers, offers a wealth of options for pairing with ornamental grasses. Their bright, cheerful blooms can add a pop of color to grassy landscapes.

Try planting the airy, blue-green Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') with the bright yellow blooms of Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'. The grass's tall, upright habit provides a stunning contrast to the mounding, golden black-eyed Susans. Plus, both plants are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators.

Ornamental Grasses and Liriope

Liriope, also known as lily turf, is a versatile, low-growing perennial that pairs well with ornamental grasses. Its narrow, strap-like leaves and small, purple or white flower spikes provide a striking contrast to the taller, broader leaves of many grasses.

Consider planting the elegant, arching Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) with Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'. The Switchgrass's tall, airy plumes provide a beautiful contrast to the low-growing, evergreen Liriope. Plus, both plants are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for water-wise gardening.

Grasses and Shrubs

Shrubs can provide structure and form in the garden, making them an excellent choice for pairing with ornamental grasses. When selecting shrubs, consider their growth habit, size, and texture to create a balanced look.

For example, the upright, arching Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue') looks stunning when planted with the mounding, evergreen shrub, Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'. The grass's fine, steel-blue leaves provide a striking contrast to the hydrangea's large, white flower clusters. Both plants are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for low-water gardens.

Ornamental Grasses and Berberis

Berberis, also known as barberry, is a versatile shrub that pairs well with ornamental grasses. Its narrow, spiny leaves and bright, yellow or red berries provide a striking contrast to the broader leaves and taller growth habit of many grasses.

Try planting the bold, upright Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) with Berberis thunbergii 'Red Chief'. The grass's tall, airy plumes provide a beautiful contrast to the low-growing, spiny Berberis. Plus, both plants are drought-tolerant and provide excellent fall color.

Ornamental Grasses and Cornus

Cornus, also known as dogwood, is a versatile shrub that pairs well with ornamental grasses. Its showy spring blooms, colorful fall foliage, and attractive berries provide interest throughout the growing season.

Consider planting the elegant, arching Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' with Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'. The grass's tall, upright habit provides a stunning contrast to the low-growing, mounding Cornus. Plus, both plants provide excellent fall color and attract pollinators.

In your garden design, don't be afraid to experiment with different plant combinations. The key is to create a harmonious balance of textures, colors, and forms. By pairing ornamental grasses with flowering perennials, shrubs, and other plants, you can create a stunning, dynamic landscape that will captivate and inspire. So go ahead, get creative, and let your garden flourish with these beautiful plant combinations.