When it comes to planting irises, choosing the right companions can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetics of your garden. Irises thrive when planted alongside compatible neighbors that enhance their beauty and provide a harmonious visual appeal. Let’s explore some excellent options for planting around irises to create a stunning garden landscape.
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are a fantastic choice to plant around irises. Their vibrant orange or yellow blooms create a striking contrast to the colorful irises. Additionally, marigolds are known to repel pests, which can benefit the irises by keeping harmful insects at bay.
2. Daylilies
Daylilies are another excellent companion for irises. Their long, grass-like foliage provides a lovely backdrop for the tall and elegant irises. The complementary colors of daylilies can add depth and visual interest to the garden bed.
3. Salvia
Salvia plants with their spiky blooms can be a great choice to plant around irises. The vertical structure of salvias complements the sword-like leaves of irises, creating a dynamic and visually appealing combination. Salvia’s ability to attract pollinators can also benefit the irises in the garden.
4. Russian Sage
Russian sage is a drought-tolerant perennial that pairs well with irises. Its soft, silvery foliage and delicate purple-blue flowers can create a stunning contrast against the bold colors of the irises. Russian sage also adds texture and movement to the garden bed.
5. Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as coneflowers, can be a striking addition around irises. Their daisy-like blooms in various shades of pink, purple, and white can offer a pop of color that complements the irises. Echinacea’s long-lasting blooms attract butterflies and bees, adding life and movement to the garden.
6. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, with its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, can create a cheerful and sunny atmosphere in the garden when planted near irises. The contrasting colors of coreopsis and irises can brighten up the landscape and create a visually appealing scene. Coreopsis is also low-maintenance, making it an excellent companion plant for irises.
7. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass or blue fescue, can add texture and movement to the garden bed when planted alongside irises. Their airy plumes or fine blades complement the structure of irises and create a soft and natural look in the garden. Ornamental grasses can also provide a backdrop that highlights the beauty of irises.
8. Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans with their cheerful yellow blooms can brighten up the garden bed and complement the vibrant hues of irises. These hardy perennials bloom profusely throughout the summer, adding a splash of color that pairs well with the elegant irises. Black-eyed Susans also attract pollinators, making them a beneficial addition to the garden.
9. Lavender
Lavender is not only prized for its fragrant blooms but also for its beautiful gray-green foliage that contrasts well with the irises. Planted near irises, lavender can add a calming aroma and a touch of whimsical charm to the garden. Additionally, lavender’s ability to repel pests can benefit the nearby irises.
10. Alliums
Alliums, with their unique globe-like blooms, can be an eye-catching addition around irises. The tall stems and spherical flowers of alliums provide a striking vertical element that pairs well with the upright irises. Their distinct appearance adds interest and intrigue to the garden bed.
11. Penstemon
Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, offers a range of colorful blooms that can complement the irises in your garden. From deep purples to bright pinks, penstemons add diversity and charm to the floral display. The tubular flowers of penstemons attract hummingbirds, bringing added life and movement to the garden.
12. Catmint
Catmint is a low-maintenance perennial that pairs beautifully with irises. Its soft, blue-gray foliage and tiny lavender blooms create a delicate and soothing backdrop for the showy irises. Catmint’s ability to attract pollinators can help pollinate the irises and promote a healthy garden ecosystem.
