How to Interplant Ornamental Grasses with Perennials and Bulbs for the Ultimate Cottage Garden Look
A cottage garden is known for its natural, romantic, and overflowing appearance, where plants intermingle freely to create a lush, inviting space. One of the best ways to achieve this look is by interplanting ornamental grasses with perennials and bulbs. Ornamental grasses bring movement, texture, and year-round interest, while perennials and bulbs provide vibrant color and seasonal changes. By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a dynamic and picturesque garden.
Choosing the Right Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses add softness, height variation, and structure to a cottage garden. When selecting grasses, consider their growth habits and seasonal interest:
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Low-growing grasses (such as Blue Fescue) work well as edging plants or fillers.
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Medium-sized grasses (like Hakonechloa) create movement and pair well with perennials.
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Tall, airy grasses (such as Lemongrass) add drama and provide a striking backdrop for colorful blooms.
Pairing Grasses with Perennials
The key to successfully interplanting grasses and perennials is selecting plants with complementary textures, colors, and growth habits. Some great combinations include:
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Soft grasses with bold flowers: Pair the fluffy plumes of Bunny Tail Grass with large, dramatic flowers like Coneflowers (Echinacea) or Hollyhocks.
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Fine-textured grasses with delicate blooms: Match the thin blades of Blue Fescue with dainty flowers like Coreopsis.
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Seasonal succession planting: Combine warm-season grasses, which peak in summer, with spring-blooming perennials like Lupines and Foxgloves to maintain visual interest year-round.
Adding Bulbs for Seasonal Color
Bulbs add an extra layer of interest and ensure continuous bloom cycles. To seamlessly integrate bulbs into your garden, plant them among grasses and perennials to create waves of color throughout the seasons.
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Spring bulbs (Tulips, Daffodils, Alliums) emerge before grasses fully develop, offering a burst of early color.
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Summer bulbs (Lilies, Gladiolus) add vertical height and complement the airy movement of ornamental grasses.
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Fall-blooming bulbs (Lycoris, Nerine) extend the garden’s interest as perennials begin to fade.
Creating a Naturalistic Layout
To achieve an effortless cottage garden look, plant in informal groupings rather than rigid rows. Allow grasses to weave through perennials, creating a layered effect with overlapping textures and heights. Use drifts of bulbs within these plantings to create pockets of seasonal color that blend harmoniously with surrounding foliage.
Maintaining Balance and Year-Round Interest
A well-designed cottage garden doesn’t require excessive upkeep but benefits from occasional maintenance to maintain its charm:
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Cut back grasses in late winter before new growth emerges to keep them looking fresh.
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Deadhead perennials selectively to extend bloom times while allowing some seed heads to remain for winter interest.
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Divide perennials and grasses every few years to prevent overcrowding and encourage vigorous growth.
Interplanting ornamental grasses with perennials and bulbs is an artful way to create a charming and dynamic cottage garden. By mixing textures, colors, and seasonal bloom times, you can craft a space that is beautiful year-round. With careful planning and a relaxed planting approach, your garden will develop into a lush, ever-changing tapestry of movement, color, and structure.