When it comes to pairing plants with verbena in your garden, there are several options that can create a beautiful and harmonious combination. Here are some suggestions:
1. Sun-loving perennials: Verbena thrives in sunny locations, so it’s best to choose companions that have similar light requirements. Sun-loving perennials like coneflower (Echinacea), fox lily (Eremurus), and Agastache are excellent choices. These plants not only complement the vibrant colors of verbena but also provide a long-lasting display of blooms throughout the summer.
2. Ornamental grasses: The tall, delicate stems of verbena can benefit from the structural presence of ornamental grasses. Grasses like feather reed grass (Calamagrostis), maiden grass (Miscanthus), or switchgrass (Panicum) add height, texture, and movement to the garden. Their feathery plumes or graceful arching blades create a stunning contrast against the verbena’s flowers.
3. Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis): This perennial herbaceous plant pairs well with verbena due to its unique silver-gray foliage and tall spikes of yellow flowers. The spiky texture of Jerusalem Sage adds an interesting element to the airy and delicate nature of verbena. Additionally, both plants are drought-tolerant, making them suitable choices for xeriscapes or water-wise gardens.
4. Perennial geraniums: Geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are versatile and come in a range of colors and sizes. The low-growing habit of geraniums creates a beautiful contrast to the upright growth of verbena. The delicate, intricate flowers of geraniums complement the simplicity of verbena blooms, resulting in an eye-catching combination.
5. Salvia: Salvia, particularly perennial varieties like Salvia nemorosa or Salvia x sylvestris, make excellent companions for verbena. Both plants have a similar growth habit and thrive in full sun. Salvia’s vibrant spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers provide a striking contrast against the verbena’s colorful blooms, creating a visually appealing display.
6. Sedums: Sedums are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant succulents that pair well with verbena. Their fleshy foliage and diverse range of flower colors add texture and interest to the garden. Sedums also have a long blooming period, extending the visual appeal when combined with verbena’s continuous flowering.
7. Native wildflowers: Consider incorporating native wildflowers into your garden design alongside verbena. Native plants not only provide habitat and food for local wildlife but also create a sense of place. Wildflowers like black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), butterfly weed (Asclepias), or purple coneflower (Echinacea) can be planted alongside verbena to attract pollinators and add a naturalistic feel to the garden.
Remember to consider factors such as soil type, moisture requirements, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve when selecting plants to pair with verbena. Experimenting with different combinations and observing how they interact can lead to discovering unique and captivating plant partnerships in your garden.
