Prairie dropseed, also known as Sporobolus heterolepis, is a beautiful native grass that thrives in prairie and meadow gardens. It is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that can add texture, movement, and visual interest to your landscape. While prairie dropseed can certainly be planted on its own, it can also be complemented by a variety of other plants that enhance its beauty and create a harmonious planting scheme.
One excellent companion plant for prairie dropseed is the nodding wild onion (Allium cernuum). This perennial wildflower features clusters of delicate pinkish-purple flowers that add a pop of color to the landscape. Not only does it provide visual interest when planted alongside prairie dropseed, but it also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the overall biodiversity of your garden.
Another great companion plant for prairie dropseed is lead plant (Amorpha canescens). This native shrub features stunning spikes of purple flowers and adds height to the garden. Lead plant is also a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it helps improve the soil fertility and benefits neighboring plants like prairie dropseed.
To create a diverse and visually appealing prairie garden, consider incorporating different grasses alongside prairie dropseed. Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) are two excellent choices. Big bluestem is a tall grass that adds vertical interest and turns a beautiful reddish color in the fall. Little bluestem, on the other hand, is a shorter grass with attractive blue-green foliage that turns coppery-orange in the autumn.
Adding some wildflowers to the mix can further enhance the beauty of your prairie dropseed planting. Shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia) is a stunning wildflower with nodding, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple. It prefers the same growing conditions as prairie dropseed and creates a lovely contrast with its unique flowers.
Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) is another interesting companion plant for prairie dropseed. It features spiky, globe-shaped flowers in shades of white or greenish-white, adding texture and structure to the garden. Rattlesnake master also attracts pollinators and is a favorite of butterflies.
For a burst of color, consider adding flowering spurge (Euphorbia corollata) to your prairie dropseed planting. This perennial wildflower produces clusters of white flowers and has attractive foliage. It complements prairie dropseed well and thrives in similar growing conditions.
To attract butterflies and other pollinators, include rough blazing star (Liatris aspera) in your prairie dropseed garden. This native perennial features tall spikes of vibrant purple flowers that create a striking visual display. It also adds vertical interest and movement to the landscape.
White and purple prairie clover (Dalea candida and Dalea purpurea) are two more excellent companion plants for prairie dropseed. These wildflowers produce clusters of small, colorful flowers and are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants.
Prairie phlox (Phlox pilosa) is a low-growing wildflower that produces clusters of pink, lavender, or white flowers. It adds a carpet of color to the landscape and pairs beautifully with prairie dropseed.
For a splash of yellow, consider planting yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) alongside prairie dropseed. This perennial wildflower features drooping petals and a cone-shaped seed head, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.
Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) is a tall perennial with large, deeply lobed leaves. It adds a structural element to the garden and produces bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators. Compass plant is a deep-rooted plant that helps break up compacted soil and aids in water infiltration.
Prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) is another tall perennial that pairs well with prairie dropseed. It features large, leathery leaves and produces yellow flowers that attract butterflies. Prairie dock is also known for its deep taproot, which helps improve soil structure.
Stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida) is a native perennial that adds a splash of yellow to the garden. It has stiff, upright stems and produces clusters of bright yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Stiff goldenrod pairs well with prairie dropseed and provides a late-season burst of color.
Prairie dropseed can be complemented by a variety of companion plants that enhance its beauty and create a diverse and visually appealing prairie garden. Whether you choose to incorporate wildflowers, grasses, or shrubs, the key is to select plants that thrive in similar growing conditions and complement the texture, color, and overall aesthetic of prairie dropseed. By carefully choosing companion plants, you can create a vibrant and harmonious planting scheme that will bring joy and beauty to your landscape.
