Hydrangeas and ornamental grasses – what a duo! There is an almost endless variety in the world of ornamental grasses: from delicate, delicate pennisetum grass to majestic miscanthus. But with all the choice, you quickly ask yourself: How best to arrange these beauties with hydrangeas in a flower bed? We have seven inspiring ideas for you here that show how you can perfectly combine hydrangeas and ornamental grasses to give your garden that certain something.
1. Elegance along the driveway
Imagine pulling into your driveway and being greeted by a parade of gorgeous hydrangeas and elegant ornamental grasses. Sounds tempting, right? Start withhigh,slim Conifers such as thuja or cypresses, which act as vertical accents and provide direction. These conifers provide the framework for your planting and give the bed structure and height.
In between you can enjoy the picturesqueReed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster')plant, which creates a wonderful connection between the conifers with its upright, golden stalks. It not only brings structure but also a certain lightness to the arrangement as its stalks sway gently in the wind. The grasses act like a bridge that connects the individual elements of the planting with each other.
To round off the planting, plant tender onesPanicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)in the foreground, whose white or pink flower balls form a soft contrast to the sharp lines of the grasses and conifers. Alternating withLampenputzergras (Pennisetum alopecuroides)planted, a rhythmic effect is created that guides the eye through the bed. This will make your driveway a real eye-catcher and put a smile on every visitor's face.
2. Scenic paths along the sidewalk
Who says sidewalks are just for walking? With the right planting, they can become real eye-catchers that make every walk in the garden an experience. Start withHydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea paniculata), which feel particularly comfortable in the immediate vicinity of a wall or fence. This placement protects the hydrangeas from strong winds and excessive sunlight, which helps them to develop their full blooms. Choose varieties in different shades from soft pink to purple to a greenish white to create a harmonious play of colors.
You can do this in front of the hydrangeasJapanese mountain grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola')set. With its curved, ribbon-shaped leaves in bright yellow-green, it not only brings color but also movement to the garden as it sways gently in the wind. The grass forms a wonderful contrast to the large, sturdy flowers of the hydrangeas and ensures that the bed appears lively and dynamic.
The picture is rounded off by companion plants such asBoxwood (Buxus), which provides structure in the background, and brightred impatiens (busy lizard)in the foreground, which provide additional color accents.
3. Raised bed with a wow factor
A raised bed in which hydrangeas and ornamental grasses play the main role provides a bit of drama in the garden. A raised bed not only offers the advantage of better drainage, but also an excellent stage to showcase your plants. Be the focus of the bedFarm hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), which provide a strong visual focus with their large, purple-blue flower balls. These hydrangeas are perfect for adding color and volume to the flower bed. It is particularly effective if you...Flower colors depending on soil pHvary - this gives the bed an individual touch.
You can use the grassy plant along the edges of the bedCarex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’plants whose narrow, white-edged leaves form an elegant finish. This grass brings lightness and movement into play and harmonizes wonderfully with the strong flowers of the hydrangeas. In addition, in the lower area of the bedgroßblättrige HostasandAstilbenwith its fern-like leaves and feathery inflorescences, which round off the arrangement perfectly. The mix of low-growing and taller plants creates a visual gradation that makes the bed appear more voluminous and interesting.
4. Natural charm in the garden
If you love the natural, untamed look, then this combination is for you.Panicle hydrangeas in soft cream and pink tones (Hydrangea paniculata)andthe fluffy pennisetum grass(Pennisetum alopecuroides)create a relaxed, almost wild atmosphere. These hydrangeas are known for their cone-shaped inflorescences that bloom from mid-summer through fall and blend beautifully into natural gardens.
Pennisetum grass adds a soft texture and movement to the garden, which is particularly effective in the fall when the spikes turn a golden to brownish color. In the background you canthe tall riding grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora)plant, which creates vertical accents with its slender, upright stalks without dominating the other plants.
This combination creates a garden image that remains interesting all year round - in summer the flowers of the hydrangeas dominate, while in autumn the grasses with their golden and brown tones immerse the garden in an autumnal ambience.
5. The intimate seating area
What could be nicer than retreating to a corner of the garden framed by hydrangeas and lavender? Here the bright blue flower balls create theFarm hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)a calming contrast to the silver-gray lavender leaves. These hydrangeas not only offer a magnificent display of flowers, but also a certain level of privacy that visually frames the seating area without dominating it.
Rhododendron bushesin the background provide the necessary greenery and structure all year round and reinforce the feeling of seclusion. A small stripLavendel (Lavandula spp.)adds a contrasting texture and a pleasant scent that makes this seating area particularly inviting. Use the natural topography of your garden to create a cozy corner that invites you to relax - be it with a cup of coffee or a good book. This combination of colors, scents and structures transforms any seating area into a true oasis of well-being.
6. Harmonious combination with hostas
If you like things lush and green, then combine yoursHydrangeaswith large leavesHostasand tall ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis. The glossy leaves of the hostas and the fine stalks of the miscanthus provide the perfect frame for the voluminous flowers of the hydrangeas. This combination of different leaf textures and flower colors creates a varied, vibrant garden that is enjoyable all year round.
The bi-colored, cream-green colored leaves of the hostas reflect light and give the garden a vibrant look. The slender, overhanging stalks of theMiscanthus, also known asMiscanthus, bring a vertical dimension to the planting, while the voluminous flowers of the hydrangeas dominate in the center of the bed. This combination of plants is relatively easy to care for –Hostas require regular watering, especially in dry periods, and theHydrangeas should be pruned annuallyto keep them blooming. Miscanthus can be cut back in late winter before new growth begins in spring.
7. Structure and order with gravel and mesh fencing
For anyone who prefers things tidy, this idea is a hit. Plant hydrangeas in front of a white lattice fence, which is not only decorative but also provides support for the flowers. A light-colored gravel base keeps the area clean and tidy, prevents weeds and keeps the roots cool. TheFarm hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)With their strong pink flowers, they set a striking color accent against the neutral background of the white fence, which not only serves as a climbing aid, but also makes the colors of the flowers appear even more intense.
In addition to the hydrangeas you canthe Japanese blood grass (Imperata cylindrica)plants whose narrow, upright stalks provide an interesting vertical structure. The fine texture of the grass forms a pleasant contrast to the strong, large leaves of the hydrangeas and gives the bed a certain lightness. This arrangement not only creates a clean and neat look, but is also easy to care for - the gravel base prevents weeds from growing and ensures that the plants are well looked after even on hot summer days.
And there you have it - seven inspiring ideas on how you can combine hydrangeas and ornamental grasses in your garden to create a real feast for the eyes. Whether elegant, wild, harmonious or structured – almost anything is possible with these plants. Have fun designing!
