Effectively combining plants is a crucial part of garden design. By considering various plant attributes—such as type, size, and habit; leaf shape; flower color; and seasonal interest—you can create harmonious and unified planting schemes. Contrasting, complementary, and sometimes even clashing colors can be utilized to achieve specific effects.
Combining Different Flower Types
Planting flowers of different shapes together can add depth to a planting scheme. Sticking to two or three bold colors makes the overall design more cohesive. In this blue-and-yellow scheme, yellow torch lilies take center stage, with Russian sage and pale yellow coreopsis in the foreground, accented by purple flax. The variety in height and flower shape creates depth and interest, while the different shades of yellow and blue provide a sense of unity.
Using Tints and Shades of a Single Color
Different shades of the same color can create a dramatic effect. Here, the bright orange nasturtium 'Empress of India' grows alongside the apricot-pink mullein 'Southern Charm'. Ornamental grasses complement these colors, while the pink aster 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke' provides a contrasting highlight, emphasizing the unity of the other colors.
Using Foliage to Accentuate Flower Colors
Plants with dark foliage can be used to set off similarly-hued flowers, while ornamental grasses can soften a planting scheme. Here, the foliage of Hylotelephium 'Jose Aubergine' and Pennisetum 'Rubrum' accentuates the pink of round-headed leek (Allium sphaerocephalon), while the flower heads of the Pennisetum soften the overall arrangement.
Planting Flowers in a Single Color
Using a single color is highly effective, especially when paired with flowers of different shapes and heights. Here, white speedwell and white cosmos add a touch of cool elegance and beauty to the border, perfectly highlighting the vibrant green of the foliage.
Creating Different Planting Styles
Sometimes, plants can be combined to create a distinctive look or style. Here, Agapanthus and Stipa tenuissima form a casual, prairie-style planting, perfect for a hot, dry border.
Using Color to Create Depth
Using closely related shades, whether of the same plant or different plants, works well. This combination of deep purple and light purple alliums creates more depth and variety than a single allium variety would. This technique can make a small garden appear larger.
Mixing Styles
A mix of formal and informal plants creates a stylish, modern feel. Here, neatly trimmed box spheres are complemented by the flowing foliage of catmint and the sturdy stems of brightly colored globe thistles. Bronze fennel and Stipa tenuissima unify the overall layout, while Euphorbia in the background sets off the various shades of blue and pink.
