When it comes to companion plants for silky asters , there are several options that can heighten the beauty and overall wellness of your garden . These companion plants not only complement the silky aster aesthetically , but they can also provide extra benefits such as attracting pollinator and improving soil wellness .
1 . confidential information plant ( Amorpha canescens ): This native perennial is an splendid companion for silklike asters . It has attractive blue - green foliage and produces arresting violet prime . leading plants are known for their power to fix N in the soil , which can benefit nearby plant , including silklike asters .
2 . small Andropogon gerardii ( Schizachyrium scoparium ): This warm - season grass pairs well with silky asters , creating a beautiful contrast in textures and colors . footling bluestem is drouth - liberal and sum an element of movement to the garden with its refined , vertical ontogenesis habit . It also provides habitat for beneficial insects .
3 . Side - oat gramma ( Bouteloua curtipendula ): Another aboriginal grass that complement silky asters is side - oat grama . This strong - time of year grass features typical semen head that advert on one side of the stem , add together optic interest to the garden . Side - oats grama is also a larval host plant life for several butterfly specie .
4 . flossy gentian ( Gentiana puberulenta ): This perennial wild flower forms a beautiful partnership with silky asters . Downy gentian produces sensational blue flowers in previous summer and other downfall , attracting butterfly and other pollinators . Its deep taproot can aid ameliorate grunge structure .
5 . purplish prairie trefoil ( Dalea purpurea ): With its vivacious over-embellished peak , purple prairie trefoil makes a endearing companion for silklike aster . This perennial legume fixes nitrogen in the dirt , benefiting neighboring plants . It also attracts a variety of pollinators and cater food for butterfly larvae .
6 . Prairie dropseed ( Sporobolus heterolepis ): This aboriginal pot forms slow cluster of fine - textured leaf and releases a pleasant bouquet when crushed . Prairie dropseed ’s airy seed heads tot up a finespun touch to the garden , and its deep root aid improve soil structure and prevent erosion .
7 . Pasque flower ( Pulsatilla patens ): This early - blooming perennial pairs well with silky asters , as it add up a burst of color to the garden in early spring . Pasque flowers boast showy purple or blanched flush and foggy foliation . They are also beneficial for former emerging pollinators .
8 . Prairie smoke ( Geum triflorum ): The unique , feathery seeded player capitulum of prairie smoke create a captivating exhibit alongside silky asters . This native recurrent produces nodding pink flowers in spring and develops attractive seeded player foreland that hang in into wintertime . It also attract pollinator .
Personal Experience : In my own garden , I have engraft silky asters alongside tether plants and lilliputian Andropogon gerardii . The combination of the purple flowers of the silky asters , the nitrogen - fixing power of jumper lead plants , and the refined motility of small bluestem create a visually stunning and ecologically good garden space . The pollinator are abundant , and the soil wellness has perceptibly improved over time .
When take fellow flora for silken asters , consider options like principal plants , piffling bluestem , side - oat grama , downy gentian , purple prairie clover , prairie drop-seed , pasque bloom , and prairie gage . These plants not only enhance the visual collection of your garden but also provide additional benefit such as attracting pollinator and meliorate grease health . Experimenting with different combinations can lead to a vibrant and thriving garden space .
Caroline Bates