This perfect pairing includes Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Allium karataviense, Iris siberica (siberian iris), and Anemone blanda (Grecian windflower).
What is a perfect plant pairing?
Similar Growing Conditions: For me the pairing has to work logistically, meaning the plants need about the same conditions to thrive and a similar maintenance.
Bloom Succession: the parings have to have a good succession of seasons so that the area of the garden looks good all year. That being said, there should also be some overlap, otherwise we never get to truly appreciate the pairing.
Looks: Lastly, they have to look great together! in a perfect plant paring, the plants both have to elevate one another so that the entire scene is made better than the individual plants on their own.
This paring gets started in May when the geranium-esque foliage of the beautiful Anemone blanda intermingles with the thick, blue and glaucous foliage of Allium karataviense. It's a wonderful mix of delicate and sleek. To maximize the season, add some snow crocus to the mix.
After the windflower finishes blooming, the allium takes centerstage, showing off its metallic purple blooms. Allium karataviense has the most beautiful blooms of all the alliums (in my humble opinion). They look wonderful against the white-grey bark of the aspen.
In June the whole scene comes alive with Iris siberica 'Drink Your Tea.' The almost bleak color of the allium bloom is the perfect contrast for the warm peachy tones of Iris siberica.
The only problem with this pairing is that Iris siberica is reported to prefer moister conditions than the other plants in this combo. In its second season it's still blooming well.
Have you tried this plant pairing or something similar? Share your thoughts!
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