Companion planting is a way of gardening which thinks about not only the pairing of plants in a particular space, but also time. There are endless possibilities, tried and true ones and others waiting to be created. Not all plants can be combined, for instance shade-loving hostas shouldn’t be placed in a dry, sunny border with yuccas. Needless to say, all plants require specific environmental conditions to grow – soil, moisture, temperature, light.
I could write a book on plant combinations, and many have already been written, but it’s a matter of what works. In Cape May County, we have more of a sandy, loam with some being more sandy making plant selection more difficult. I’d like to focus on perennials that have something to contribute to the garden from spring to fall, even the bones of winter that can handle our growing conditions.
Shade gardens are the types of garden people have trouble with the most I think as traditional flowering perennials for sun borders can’t necessarily be applied here. But what shade gardeners have on their side is foliage – wonderfully, colored large leaved hostas and brunneras, or the fine texture of ferns, that come in a variety of soothing greens, blues, and whites. Silver Heart Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’) is one of those plants that brighten shade with large frosted white, heart shaped leaves topped with small, dainty blue flowers in late April to May. Pair this perennial with Labrador Violet (Viola labradorica) to contrast with deep purple foliage in spring and fall, complemented by small purple flowers April through May, with sporadic flowering. The violet with freely self seed and spread, ideal for more naturalized gardens. Add fine, bright green texture of Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) or a large, blue grey foliage of a Hosta such as Halcyon or Krossa Regal to make these perennials pop.
I can’t say more wonderful things about this next perennial Arkansas blue star (Amsonia hubritchtii). This native perennial boasts something for nearly every season for the sun garden. From April to May it’s donned with small blue flowers above its quickly growing, three-foot tall wispy foliage. However, its greatest show is in the fall when it turns a beautiful golden yellow. It will tolerate dry conditions pairing well with coneflower (Echinachea cvs.) and many ornamental grasses not only throughout the summer, but also late October through December when seed heads are left standing. Lamb’s ear (Stachyz bynantina) brings a bold texture and shape against this bright green feathery foliage, and pairs beautifully with the golden foliage in the fall. Arkansas blue star can also pair with more moisture loving plants such as Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium cvs.) and Hot Lips Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’), a delightfully late blooming perennial from late August to October with dark pink turtlehead shaped flowers.
It’s never too late to garden, even in this sporadic weather. May was a busy hectic month, while, as a famous garden designer said, June is “the time of perfect, young summer.” We’d love to help you find the right plant for you whether it’s a small area you need to fill or an entire landscape design. We continue to improve our plant selection throughout the whole year making sure there is something enjoyable for you in all seasons.
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