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Companion Plants
Create a cheerful perennial border with these complementary tones:
Perennial. An award winning variety of a native North American wildflower, ‘Crystal Peak’ boasts pure white flowers on long spikes that attract an abundance of pollinators to the garden. It is a Fleuroselect Gold Medal award winner (Europe’s top prize). Flowers are self-cleaning, and do not fade or brown as they age. Their curious name comes from the fact that when plants are in full bloom, you can push the snapdragon-like blossoms to hold any position you like - a helpful trait in flower arrangements. Plants thrive in average soils and moderately moist conditions, making them an ideal choice for clay soils and waterside plantings. They will easily naturalize into the garden, but are polite spreaders, having been bred to retain their compact habit much more so than their native counterparts.
Location: Sloping waterside, Wildflower meadow, Coastal garden
Bloom Period: July to September
Height: 16”
Plant Spacing: 18-24”
Perennial. Warm, sky-blue flowers with white bees. ‘Magic Fountains’ is an ideal series for smaller gardens, especially in windy areas where taller varieties would struggle. Plants do not require staking and provide plenty of cutflowers.
Delphiniums are a star in the early summer border. They attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and make an excellent companion for lilies, daylilies, irises and roses. Plants will grow best in rich, well-draining soil that maintains even moisture. Provide regular fertilization and cut stalks back after blooming.
Location: Rear border, Cottage garden, Cut flower garden
Bloom Period: June/July
Height: 30-36”
Plant Spacing: 12-14”
Perennial. A striking, blue beauty that happens to be a pollinator magnet! Bees and butterflies will swarm the huge, 4” flowers over a long blooming season. Ruffled petals will open around a pale central disc. As the bloom matures, this disc becomes studded with dark stamens to give the characteristic “pincushion” appearance. Plants tolerate a variety of soil types, but will thrive in rich, well-draining soil. Drought tolerant once established, they will benefit from regular watering and fertilization in their first year.
Location: Mid-border, Cut flower garden, Rock garden
Bloom Period: July/August
Height: 28”
Plant Spacing: 12-18”