In order to pick the best shrubs that go well with grasses, it’s important to consider several factors: hardiness, size, color, texture, and form. Generally, shrubs that are similar in size to grasses are a good choice, as it gives the landscape continuity.
Height also matters – you don’t want to overload the eye with too much texture. Some popular shrubs that can be used with grasses include dwarf burning bush (Euonymus alatus), deciduous holly (Ilex verticillata), flower bells (Clematis terniflora), and winterberry (Ilex verticillata).
For a variety of textures, add dense evergreens like juniper (Juniperus virginiana) or yews (Taxus baccata). All of these shrubs pair well with ornamental grasses, as well as tall or short fescues, ryegrasses, or bluegrass.
To bring a splash of color to the grasses, many gardeners like to layer some flowering shrubs, such as beach plum (Prunus maritima), azaleas (Rhododendron species), matrush (Lomatia myricoides), clethra (Clethra species), or roses (Rosa species).
The color choices are virtually limitless – just pick ones that blend well with the color of your grasses and the season.
What flowers look good with purple fountain grass?
Purple fountain grass is an attractive ornamental grass with deep purple colored foliage. It’s an easy-care perennial grass, and looks great in beds, borders and containers. To bring out the best of purple fountain grass, pair it with other perennials to give your garden a riot of color.
Some annuals and perennials that look great with purple fountain grass include cosmos, yarrow, lavender, ornamental onion, Coreopsis, dianthus, baby’s breath, rudbeckia and asters. All of these flowers provide a good contrast with the deep purple color of the grass.
For a more dramatic look, pair purple fountain grass with contrasting blues and purples, such as hyacinth, Siberian iris, veronica and purple foxglove. For a more subdued look, partner purple fountain grass with creamy yellows, whites and pinks, such as Japanese anemones, oriental lilies, echinacea and shasta daisies.
How do you group ornamental grasses?
Ornamental grasses can be grouped according to their height and their foliage. Short-growing grasses, such as Blue Fescue, are ideal for borders, edging, and flowerbeds, while taller varieties, such as Misty Maiden or Zebra Grass, can be used to add height to your garden.
With regards to foliage, narrow, linear blades work well when planted in mass for texture, while broader, straplike blades can add movement and texture to gardens when planted in groups. Finally, for a more organized look to your garden, consider grouping grasses by color.
Varieties such as Feather Reed Grass, which has golden-bronze plumes, or the Salmon Tussock with flower stalks that range in color from pink to orange can be used to create a similar color palette throughout the garden.
Can purple fountain grass be divided?
Yes, purple fountain grass (botanical name: Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) can be divided. This is a fast-growing, warm-weather ornamental grass and will require division every two to three years or so in order to maintain its best appearance.
Dividing purple fountain grass is best done in spring, when the grass is actively growing. Start by carefully digging up the grass and its root system. With a sharp knife, divide the grass clump into pieces, making sure each piece has at least a few green leaves and sections of roots.
When finished, replant the divisions in either the original bed or a new bed that has been prepared with loose soil and organic matter. Be sure to water the newly divided plants well in order to help establish their root systems.
Do ferns and grasses go together?
Ferns and grasses can both be found growing together in many different ecosystems, from lawns to woodland habitats. While both ferns and grasses are independent organisms, they do have a few similarities as well as differences.
For example, both ferns and grasses are vascular plants, meaning they are able to use a special type of tissue to move water and nutrients around their systems. Additionally, ferns and grasses both require abundant moisture and nutrient-rich soil in order to grow and thrive.
However, there are also some important differences between ferns and grasses. Grasses have narrow, hollow blades, while ferns have wider, flat leaves that tend to be wider at the tips. Additionally, while grasses tend to grow in clumps that are tightly interwoven, ferns often have a feathery structure and are arching, or spreading out in a circular shape.
These differences in growth or structure can make it difficult for both plants to co-exist in the same environment.
In conclusion, while two ferns and grasses may be able to co-exist in the same environment, there are some differences in the structure and growth habits of these plants that can make it difficult for them to share the same space.
What ornamental grasses can be planted together?
There are a wide variety of ornamental grasses that can be planted together in the garden. Some of these include Muhly Grass, Maiden Grass, Feather Reed Grass, Blue Fescue, Blue Oat Grass, Switch Grass, Little Bluestem, Silver Grass, and Giant Reed Grass.
When choosing which ornamental grasses to plant together, it is important to consider their mature sizes and light and soil requirements to ensure that they all grow optimally in your garden. Many of the ornamental grasses mentioned above prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can tolerate drought.
Muhly Grass is a fast-growing warm-season perennial, which can reach a height of 4-6 feet, while Blue Fescue and Maiden Grass stay more staying maturing at 1-3 feet tall. Switch Grass, Little Bluestem and Silver Grass all prefer full sun, dry to moist soils, and reaches heights of 4-8 feet when mature.
Finally, Blue Oat Grass and Giant Reed Grass differ in that they prefer partly shaded locations and moist, well-drained soils.
What plants go well with Karl Foerster grass?
Karl Foerster grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’) is a popular ornamental grass that adds texture and height to landscapes. It is an adaptable and easy to grow grass that tolerates a variety of soil and light conditions.
To create flavorful, attractive garden beds around Karl Foerster grass, it is important to choose companion plants that provide color and texture, as well as attract pollinators. Some great plants to pair with Karl Foerster grass include creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), lavender (Lavandula spp.
), delicately-toothed thousand-leaf astilbe (Astilbe ‘Deutzia’), and wooly thyme (Thymus peiceus). Each of these companion plants are long-blooming, low-maintenance, and can easily be tucked in among the bold, wispy blades of Karl Foerster grass.
Allowing the light, airy foliage of Karl Foerster to act as a foundation for more colorful, textured companion plants is sure to create an eye-catching garden bed.
What can I plant with Miscanthus sinensis?
Miscanthus sinensis, also known as Maiden Grass, is an ornamental grass suitable for any garden setting. It tolerates many soil conditions, is easy to maintain, and provides great seasonal colour and texture to a garden.
Because of its low maintenance needs, many companion plants do well when planted alongside Miscanthus sinensis. Tall ornamental grasses such as Takarazuka Hakone grass or Stipa gigantea create a lush backdrop for this bushy grass.
Shrubs and perennials such as dwarf spirea, arctostaphylos, and dianthus are also excellent companions. This grass gets along well with most flowering plants, including summer flowering perennials such as delphiniums, daisies, and lilies.
For those seeking to add more textural interest to their gardens, Miscanthus sinensis is an ideal accompaniment for ornamental grasses such as pennisetums and festuca glauca.
Bulbs such as daffodils and tulips also pair well with Miscanthus sinensis, providing additional seasonal colour and texture. Trees such as weeping willows and aquilegias create a wonderful contrast with this grass and can also provide some much needed shade.
Miscanthus sinensis is a versatile and attractive grass that is a great addition to any garden. Its durability and low maintenance needs make it a great choice for anyone looking to add texture and colour to their outdoor space.
With the right companions, this hardy grass will provide beautiful garden interest all year long!.
Where should I put hydrangeas in my yard?
Where you put your hydrangeas in your yard depends largely on the amount of sunlight that particular area will get throughout the day. Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil in partial shade, which can be defined as a few hours of morning or afternoon sun and shadier areas the rest of the time.
Generally, this would rule out areas that get full sun all day long, especially during the hot summer months. Avoid areas with long afternoon sun, and opt instead for morning sun or the dappled shade of trees.
If you live in a dry climate – or are planning to put the hydrangea in a pot – look for a spot with more shade as too much sun will dry out the soil. In addition, make sure the area you choose is not too windy, as this can cause the plant to become stressed.
Where do hydrangeas go in front of house?
Hydrangeas are an excellent choice for adding color and texture to a front-of-house garden bed or as a stand-alone landscape feature. They are a hardy and low-maintenance flower that can provide season-long blooms in nearly any sunny or partially sunny location.
Depending on soil pH and available sunlight, hydrangeas bloom in a variety of colors and sizes. Planting the shrubs in moist, well-draining soil in a location where they will receive between four and six hours of sunlight is ideal.
When planting, space the shrubs at least a foot apart and ensure that the root zone is well-covered with soil and/or mulch to retain moisture and keep weeds in check. Planting hydrangeas in a front-of-house garden bed gives them an increased chance of survival during extreme weather events and creates a more formal look.
When planted as a stand-alone feature, they can grow into very large specimens and provide a focal point to the landscape. Regardless of where they are planted, hydrangeas offer vibrant color and texture to a landscape that can be enjoyed all season long.
Are hydrangeas high maintenance?
No, hydrangeas are not particularly high maintenance. They require regular watering and fertilizer, but other than that they are fairly easy to grow. Pruning should be done once a year to maintain a healthy growth habit and remove any weak branches.
Additionally, they should be mulched to retain moisture around the roots. Many hydrangeas are hardy and can withstand cold winters, making them relatively low maintenance compared to other flowers. Proper care of your hydrangeas is important to their health, however, they are not a labor-intensive species and are generally easy to look after.
What side of the house do you plant hydrangeas?
The ideal place for hydrangeas is an area that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade. The best spot is on the east or north side of the house. This allows the plants to bask in the morning sun but provide protection from the heat of the day.
It is important to avoid the south and west sides of the house, as the plants will be damaged in the intense heat and bright light of the afternoon sun. Depending on the variety, hydrangeas will also perform well in dappled light, such as that provided by trees or tall shrubbery.
Lastly, hydrangeas will not do well in areas with too much shade, as this will limit their ability to flower. Be sure to check the full sun requirements for the variety of hydrangeas you have planted.
Do hydrangeas like sun or shade?
Hydrangeas typically prefer a spot that gets dappled or filtered shade from direct sunlight, as long periods of direct sunlight can cause the plants to droop, wilt, and might even scorch the leaves. While dappled or filtered shade is best, some types of hydrangeas can tolerate more sun, such as the panicle varieties, or the oakleaf or phellodendron types.
If the plant does receive too much sun, it might help to provide more shade in the afternoon. If it is in a area that receives too much shade, it may need to be moved to an area of more sun.
Do hydrangeas do well facing East?
Yes, hydrangeas generally do well facing East. This is because they will receive morning sun, which is beneficial for most plants. Direct sunlight in the afternoon can damage their delicate petals, so the morning sun is ideal for hydrangeas.
Depending on the variety, some hydrangeas may tolerate more sun than others. For example, hydrangeas that are native to warmer climates may be more tolerant of full sun than those from cooler climates.
Even if a certain variety of hydrangea can tolerate more sun, an Eastern exposure is still ideal since they will receive morning sun and some afternoon shade. It is also important to note that many varieties of hydrangea will benefit from afternoon shade, so an Eastern exposure is a good option for these species.
When planting on an Eastern facing slope, make sure that the soil is well-drained and does not get too much moisture in the morning. Proper watering and fertilization for hydrangeas is also important for keeping them healthy.
Do hydrangeas do well on the west side of the house?
Yes, hydrangeas can do well on the west side of a house. Many varieties of hydrangeas thrive on the west side, including mopheads, French hydrangeas, smooth hydrangeas, and others. Depending on the type of hydrangea you choose, it will need morning or afternoon sun, or both.
Generally, hydrangeas do best in shady areas but will still survive in sunny spots as long as they are provided with adequate amounts of water and fertilizer. When planting, it is important to keep in mind that all hydrangeas need soil that is moist and well-draining, as well as a location where there is some air movement to help prevent fungus, mildew, and rot.
Adding organic matter to the soil will help keep it moist and provide the best possible environment for your hydrangea.