When it comes to planting companions for your blue rose of Sharon, there are several options to consider. The key is to choose plants that will complement the vibrant blue flowers and enhance the overall aesthetics of your garden. Here are some suggestions:
1. Perennial Flowers: Planting perennial flowers alongside your blue rose of Sharon can create a beautiful and long-lasting display. Consider options such as purple coneflowers (Echinacea), Russian sage (Perovskia), black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), or lavender (Lavandula). These flowers will add pops of color and attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.
2. Ornamental Grasses: Adding ornamental grasses can provide a lovely contrast to the tall, upright growth habit of the rose of Sharon. Consider planting varieties like switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), feather reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora), or maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis). These grasses will add texture and movement to your garden, creating a dynamic backdrop for the blue blooms.
3. Shrubs with Contrasting Foliage: Incorporating shrubs with contrasting foliage can add depth and visual interest to your garden. For instance, planting variegated or golden varieties of shrubs like Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica) or variegated weigela (Weigela florida) can provide a striking contrast to the blue flowers. These shrubs also offer additional blooms and foliage color throughout the growing season.
4. Climbing Vines: If you have a trellis or fence nearby, consider planting a climbing vine to complement your blue rose of Sharon. Vines like clematis, morning glory, or sweet pea can intertwine with the rose of Sharon, creating a beautiful tapestry of colors and textures.
5. Groundcovers: To fill in the gaps and create a cohesive look, consider adding low-growing groundcovers around your blue rose of Sharon. Options like creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), or sedum can provide a lush carpet of foliage and flowers. These groundcovers will help suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.
6. Evergreen Shrubs: If you’re looking to create a year-round garden with the blue rose of Sharon as a focal point, incorporating evergreen shrubs is a great option. Shrubs like boxwood, inkberry holly (Ilex glabra), or dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) will provide structure and greenery even during the winter months.
Remember to consider the specific growing conditions in your garden, such as sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels. It’s also important to leave enough space for each plant to grow and thrive. By carefully selecting companion plants, you can create a stunning and harmonious garden that showcases the beauty of your blue rose of Sharon.
