Companion Planting with Silphium
Silphium
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Complementary Partners: What to Plant with Silphium (Cup Plant, Compass Plant)
Introduction
Silphium is a genus of tall, sun-loving perennials native to North America, known for their bold, architectural presence and large, daisy-like flowers. Species like Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant) and Silphium laciniatum (Compass Plant) can create stunning focal points in perennial borders, prairie gardens, or naturalized landscapes. To create a harmonious and visually appealing garden display, it’s essential to choose companion plants that complement Silphium’s growth habits and environmental requirements. In this blog post, we will explore various plants that make excellent companions for Silphium, taking into account their compatibility and aesthetic appeal.
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinacea, or Coneflower, is a group of native North American perennials known for their showy, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators. Their upright growth habit and sun-loving nature make them ideal companions for Silphium. Some popular Echinacea varieties include:
Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus
Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit
Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower)
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Monarda, commonly known as Bee Balm, is another native North American perennial that thrives in sunny locations. With their tubular flowers and aromatic foliage, Monarda adds color, fragrance, and pollinator appeal when planted alongside Silphium. Some popular Monarda varieties include:
Monarda ‘Jacob Cline
Monarda ‘Marshall’s Delight
Monarda didyma ‘Grand Parade
Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia, or Black-eyed Susan, is a group of sun-loving perennials that can add a cheerful pop of color to the garden with their bright yellow or orange flowers. Their long bloom time and compatibility with Silphium make them a perfect choice for a vibrant display. Some popular Rudbeckia varieties include:
Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Indian Summer
Rudbeckia triloba (Browneyed Susan)
Grasses
Ornamental grasses can add texture, movement, and contrast when planted with Silphium. The fine, wispy foliage and soft plumes of grasses provide a subtle counterpoint to the bold presence of Silphium. Some popular ornamental grasses for planting with Silphium include:
Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)
Liatris (Blazing Star)
Liatris, also known as Blazing Star or Gayfeather, is a group of native North American perennials valued for their tall, feathery flower spikes. Their vertical growth habit and sun-loving nature make them a striking companion for Silphium. Some popular Liatris species include:
Liatris spicata (Dense Blazing Star)
Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Blazing Star)
Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)
Asclepias (Milkweed)
Asclepias, commonly known as Milkweed, is a group of native North American perennials essential for supporting monarch butterflies. Their sun-loving nature and unique flowers make them an excellent choice for planting with Silphium.
Now you know What to plant with Silphium
