Exploring Companion Plants for Purple Smoke Bush

The Beauty of Purple Smoke Bush

If you're looking to add some color and texture to your garden, look no further than the purple smoke bush. With its unique, smoky purple foliage, this plant can really make a statement in any landscape. But what should you plant alongside it to really make it shine? In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for the purple smoke bush.

15 Companion Plants to Consider

1. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian sage is a great choice to pair with the purple smoke bush. Its silvery-gray foliage and blue-purple flowers complement the smoky purple leaves of the smoke bush nicely. Plus, both plants are drought-tolerant and low maintenance.

2. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)

The bright red-orange spikes of the red hot poker plant provide a stunning contrast to the deep purple foliage of the smoke bush. This plant also attracts hummingbirds, adding an extra element of interest to your garden.

3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

The sunny yellow blooms of the black-eyed Susan create a beautiful contrast against the dark purple foliage of the smoke bush. This plant is also easy to grow and attracts pollinators to your garden.

4. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)

Daylilies come in a wide range of colors, but the orange and yellow varieties really pop against the purple smoke bush. These plants are also low maintenance and can bloom for weeks at a time.

5. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)

The bright pink, purple, and white blooms of the coneflower provide a lovely contrast to the smoky purple foliage of the smoke bush. Plus, this plant is a favorite of butterflies and bees.

6. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)

The blue-green foliage of the blue fescue creates a cool-toned contrast against the warm tones of the purple smoke bush. This plant is also drought tolerant and adds a textural element to your garden.

7. Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Hylotelephium telephium)

The pink flowers of the sedum 'Autumn Joy' complement the purple foliage of the smoke bush nicely. This plant is also easy to grow and attracts pollinators to your garden.

8. Salvia 'May Night' (Salvia nemorosa)

The deep blue-purple flowers of the salvia 'May Night' look stunning against the smoky purple leaves of the smoke bush. This plant is also drought tolerant and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

9. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

The lavender-blue flowers of the catmint provide a beautiful contrast to the purple foliage of the smoke bush. Plus, this plant is easy to grow and attracts pollinators to your garden.

10. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

The bright yellow blooms of the goldenrod create an eye-catching contrast against the dark purple foliage of the smoke bush. This plant is also a great late-season nectar source for pollinators.

11. Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica)

The red and green blades of the Japanese blood grass create a striking contrast against the purple foliage of the smoke bush. This plant is also drought tolerant and adds a textural element to your garden.

12. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

The deep pink-purple blooms of the purple coneflower look stunning alongside the smoky purple leaves of the smoke bush. This plant is also a favorite of butterflies and bees.

13. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)

The colorful foliage of the coral bells provides a beautiful contrast to the purple smoke bush. These plants come in a wide range of colors, from lime green to deep purple.

14. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)

The fluffy plumes of the fountain grass provide a soft texture that complements the bold foliage of the smoke bush. This plant is also drought tolerant and low maintenance.

15. Liatris (Liatris spicata)

The tall spikes of the liatris provide a vertical element to your garden that contrasts nicely with the mounding habit of the smoke bush. This plant is also a favorite of butterflies and bees.

How to Pair Companion Plants with Purple Smoke Bush

When choosing companion plants for your purple smoke bush, it's important to consider factors like color, texture, and growing conditions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Choose Complementary Colors

Look for plants with flowers or foliage that complement the smoky purple leaves of the smoke bush. Warm-toned plants like oranges, yellows, and pinks can create a striking contrast, while cool-toned plants like blues and greens can provide a more subtle complement.

Vary Textures and Forms

Pairing plants with different textures and forms can create a more interesting and dynamic garden. For example, you might pair the spiky blooms of the red hot poker plant with the mounding habit of the smoke bush.

Consider Growing Conditions

Make sure to choose companion plants that have similar growing conditions to the purple smoke bush. Plants that prefer well-drained soil and full sun will likely thrive alongside the smoke bush, while those that prefer shade or moist soil may not do as well.

FAQs

1. Is the purple smoke bush hard to grow?

No, the purple smoke bush is actually quite easy to grow. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but can tolerate some drought.

2. Do I need to prune my purple smoke bush?

Pruning is not necessary for the health of the plant, but can help to control its size and shape. If you do decide to prune, it's best to do so in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

3. What are some other uses for purple smoke bush?

In addition to being a beautiful ornamental plant, the smoke bush has also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

4. Can I grow the purple smoke bush in a container?

Yes, the purple smoke bush can be grown in a container as long as it has adequate drainage and room to grow.

5. How often should I water my purple smoke bush?

The purple smoke bush is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water deeply once a week during dry spells or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.