Perennial Plant Combinations
 As
a landscape architect in the Brainerd Lakes Area there
are two questions that I receive most frequently from
clients. The first is, "How do I deer
proof my yard?" The second question that I
invariably receive is, "What perennial plant combinations
should I use for maximum effect?" This article
will attempt to provide some inspirations for the second
question on mixing and matching perennials, and is based
upon 30 years experience in Minnesota landscape design
and the use of plant materials.
To begin it is important to remember that it depends
to a great extent on whether the perennials will be
in shade, part shade or sunny areas. Further,
it is important to remember that we are in the zone
3 hardiness zone, so plants suited for zone 4, 5 or
beyond should be generally bypassed with a few exceptions.
The biggest exception to the zone 3 rule is Feather
Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'). It
is normally rated as a zone 4 or even a zone 5 plant,
and yet it does amazingly well in Brainerd Lakes Country
and is extremely hardy here. This four foot tall
clump grass with wheat like seed heads waving in the
breeze makes the perfect match for other sun loving
perennials. It makes a dramatic backdrop for multiple
plantings of Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'). It's
also a wonderful way to set up late summer and early
fall bloomers such as Woods Purple Aster (Aster dumosus
'Wood's Purple'), Neon Sedum (Sedum spectabile 'Neon'),
or even Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pupurea 'Magnus').
Fern-leaved Bleeding Heart (Dicentra 'Luxuriant') and
August Moon Hosta (Hosta 'August Moon') make a terrific
combination in shade to semi-shaded areas. The
lacey foliage of this Bleeding Heart contrasts nicely
with the much broader, coarser leaves of the hosta. An
added bonus is the beautiful reddish heart shaped blooms
of the Bleeding Heart. This combination is a keeper.
Astilbes have always been one of my favorites and combine
so nicely with Blue Angel Hostas (Hosta ‘Blue
Angel’). The astilbes that I prefer are
the Rheinland Astilbe (Astilbe 'Rheinland') or Sister
Theresa Astilbe (Astilbe 'Sister Theresa'). This
is another one of those exceptions to the zone 3 rule,
as both astilbes are rated for zone 4 but do famously
well here in the Brainerd Lakes area. Simply find
a semi-shade or shady area, plant three, five or seven
Blue Angel Hostas to the rear and a mass planting of
astilbes with their plumes of pink to rose pink flowers
in front and you have a landscape ready for photos.
Here is a great groundcover combination for part to
full shade. Mix and match Heartleaf Bergenia (Bergnia
cordifolia 'Winter Glow') with Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans
'Burgundy Glow'). The low growing ajuga leaves
contrast perfectly with the large glossy leaves of the
bergenia creating a lovely combination for those bare
areas. Bergenia is a greatly underused perennial
and deserves more attention in the landscape.
Another zone 4 plant that I have used effectively is
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). It enjoys
ample sunlight, is 36" to 48" tall and the
lavender blue blooms literally invite plantings in front
such as the long red blooming Pardon Me Daylily (Hemerocallis
'Pardon Me'), the rose colored Vera Biaglow Daylily
(Hemerocallis 'Vera Biaglow') or the Jacob Cline Bee
Balm (Monarda 'Jacob Cline') with its bright red flowers. The
added treat for the Brainerd Lakes area is that the
bee balm is a favorite of hummingbirds.
Here is a real eye catcher for semi-shade. The
Krossa Regal Hosta (Hosta 'Krossa Regal') is a splendid,
large leaved hosta which makes a perfect background. Why
not plant a number of Maidenhair Ferns (Adiantum pedatum)
in front to highlight their lacy, soft almost prehistoric
looking foliage. Remember though not to let them
dry out. For a little added fun plant a few Foamflower
(Tiarella wherryi) along with them.
Here is my favorite combination of all. In my
opinion Goat's Beard is the most underused and underappreciated
perennial of all with its wispy astilbe like blooms. It
is fantastic in shade to semi-shaded areas and mixes
extremely well with hostas. Paul's Glory Hosta
(Hosta 'Paul's Glory') is my favorite to pair it with. Allow
the lacey blooms to cantilever over the hosta leaves
for maximum effect. Try it, you’ll like
it.
These are just a few of my favorite perennial combinations
for here in the Brainerd Lakes Country. This will
give you ideas and hopefully inspirations, and always
remember that perennials are easy to transplant. If
there is a combination you don’t like, simply
alter it next year. That's half the fun.
|
