There’s no such thing as a truly no-maintenance garden, but allowing flowers to jostle together as they grow will not only make the garden more glorious, it cuts down on weeds.
Many plants will flourish in close quarters without pampering. Most perennial plants are sociable — they actually grow best with other plants, says Roy Diblik, author of Small Perennial Gardens and an advocate of what he calls “the know-maintenance approach.” When you see a garden with each plant growing by itself, surrounded by a sea of mulch, the open space simply gives weeds an opportunity to get started, he says. Instead of using mulch as your only defense against weeds, choose plants that will thrive together in your climate and conditions, and plant them in interesting combinations, creating great sweeps of color and texture. You’ll find yourself working less in the garden and enjoying it more.
Plants native to your region are naturally adapted to local conditions, but you don’t have to stick with natives, Diblik says. Planting exotic Russian sage with a native ornamental grass is fine, if both plants thrive where you live; the combination looks very naturalistic. Diblik likes to use ornamental grasses of various sizes to fill empty spaces in flower beds and give a garden a lush look and a suggestion of flowing movement. “If you don’t know what to do, put a grass in,” he says.
Perennial blue salvias with yellow-flowered yarrow is another combination Diblik favors. He likes to add spring-flowering bulbs for a reassuring burst of color before perennials start to grow in spring, and he favors daylilies of all kinds for their ability to fill in areas between groups of plants in flower beds.
The rhythms and harmonies of music inspire him, and so do prairie landscapes. Both music and prairies are more beautiful because they are compositions, Diblik says.
Prairies are “closed community” landscapes that do not allow weeds to flourish — so follow nature’s example when you plant, he says. Cheerful Rudbeckia ‘Goldstrum’, a Perennial Plant Association plant of the year, really performs better when it has companions in the garden, like coneflowers, asters, Amsonia, or ornamental grasses. All gardens require maintenance, but make it a little easier on yourself, and let plant partnerships do some of the work.
Perennials are a gardener's dream: they come back year after year and bring beauty to your garden with minimal effort. Choosing complementary combinations of perennials can elevate your garden’s design, offering rich textures and colors throughout the seasons. Here are five tried-and-true perennial pairings to inspire your next planting plan.
1. Blue Salvias and Coneflowers
Pair the vibrant purple-blue blooms of perennial salvias with the bold, cheerful colors of coneflowers (Echinacea). This classic combination thrives in sunny locations, attracting pollinators while providing a long-lasting display of color. Both are hardy and require little maintenance, making them perfect for busy gardeners.
2. Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ and Asters
For late-season brilliance, combine the golden hues of Rudbeckia with the soft purples and blues of asters. This duo lights up your garden in late summer and fall, extending your garden's appeal while offering essential nectar for bees and butterflies.
3. Russian Sage and Ornamental Grasses
The silvery-purple spikes of Russian sage blend beautifully with the flowing texture of ornamental grasses like feather reed grass or little bluestem. This pairing creates a natural, meadow-like look that’s low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, perfect for sunny borders.
4. Spring Bulbs and Daylilies
Create a seamless transition from early spring to summer by pairing spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips or daffodils, with versatile daylilies. The bulbs provide a splash of early-season color, while the daylilies take over as the season progresses, ensuring constant visual interest.
5. Amsonia and Coneflowers
Combine the soft, sky-blue blooms of Amsonia with the vibrant purples or pinks of coneflowers for a stunning contrast of color and texture. Amsonia’s feathery foliage also turns golden in the fall, adding multi-season appeal to this elegant pairing.
Tips for Success with Perennial Plant Combinations
- Layer with Purpose: Arrange plants by height, with taller varieties at the back and shorter ones at the front.
- Think About Bloom Times: Choose plants that bloom in succession or overlap to keep your garden colorful all season long.
- Add Movement: Incorporate ornamental grasses for gentle, flowing motion that brings your garden to life.
These perennial plant combinations are not only beautiful but also easy to maintain, allowing you to spend less time weeding and more time enjoying your garden. Let these pairings inspire your next planting project!