Before we go to the list of candidates on pot roommates, it is worth remembering one rule: Heather loves acid and permeable soil. If you plant plants next to them that prefer completely different conditions ,. That is why it is best to choose species that also like sour ground, moderate humidity and a lot of light.
Golden grass – a pleasant contrast for the eye
Decorative grasses occupy the first place in the Society for Wrzosów. Their delicate leaves and clumsy habit add lightness, and the color contrast does the job.
- The ‘Evergold’ sedge – has yellow -green leaves that beautifully illuminate the violet heather.
- Kostrzewa Sina – Stalowonon -blue tuft, which emphasize the cool nature of the composition.
- Chinese Miscantus in miniature varieties – gives a slightly higher background, works great in larger pots.
Miniature conifers – green for longer
They have their time – they look the most beautiful in autumn, although they also keep color in winter. But if you want the composition to please the eye all year round, plant miniature conifers next to them.
- Craising juniper – does not take up much space, has silver -green needles and contrasts well with heather.
- White spruce ‘Conica’ – neat, conical, looks like a miniature Christmas tree. Perfect for Christmas decorations.
- Pea cypress – has soft, juicy green branches that blend beautifully with heathers in white.
Decorative cabbage – extravagant accent
If you are looking for something more bold, put on decorative cabbage. Its leaves have unusual colors – from white, through pink, to purple, i.e. perfectly in the tone of heather. Cabbage has one advantage that hardly anyone knows about: The cooler it is more beautiful. And because heather also like cooler months, this combination works on the basis of natural harmony.
Ivy – green throughout the year
When heather stands stiff and proudly, ivy does for their romantic “arm”. His shoots hang through the edge of the pot, softly enveloping the entire composition.
Choose varieties:
- Common ivy in a green and white version – brightens darker heathers.
- Miniature ivy – great for smaller pots, does not overwhelm the rest.
Dąbrówka Rozłogowa – a colorful rug
Do you want the heathers to have a colorful floor? Set a distribution of Dąbrówka with them. Her purple-green leaves form a low layerwhich contrasts well with heathers in white or light pink. Dąbrówka grows quickly, so it fills the free spaces in the pot well. Thanks to this, the whole looks thick and refined.
Miniature chrysanthemums – autumn partners
There is no autumn without chrysanthemums, and miniature varieties are a great company for heather.
Why?
- They have similar soil requirements.
- They bloom at the same time, so together they create a “color festival”.
- They come in so many colors that you will always find a shade that matches heathers.
Decorative Brussels sprouts? Why not!
Yes, it’s not a joke. In garden stores you can find Brussels sprouts with decorative leaveswhich look like colorful balls. Although it is not a classic in pot arrangements, it gives the effect of surprise and fits perfectly with heathers.
The selection of plants is one thing, but the planting technique counts. Here are some proven tricks:
- Choose a pot with the right depth – the heathers have a fairly shallow root system, so they don’t need deep containers. But if you plant a conifer with them, it is worth choosing a larger pot,
- Use soil for heather plants – this is the basis. If the rest of the plants have different requirements, it is better to give them up,
- Complete in layers – heather inside, grass or conifers at the back, plants hanging (like ivy) at the shore. This gives the “mini-garden” effect in the pot,
- Add natural decorations – cones, moss or bark pieces beautifully complement the heather arrangements.
What to avoid? Not every neighbor is a good neighbor. I strongly advise against which:
- the will of alkaline land (e.g. lavender, geraniums),
- They need a lot of water and constantly wet ground (e.g. bulbous begonias),
- They are very expansive and drown out heathers.
Such combinations end with a quick disappointment – Heather begins to turn yellow and miserable.
Mixed compositions are a hit every fall. They are effective and remain longer decorative (even when the heathers have already faded or dry). Their care is also easier – one pot is less carrying or watering.
