Plants for Massing

Impact is created in many different ways in the garden. Sometimes you get impact from a single plant that has an interesting form or stunning color. Other times you get visual impact from grouping several of the same plants together. These masses are eye-catching and lend a much-needed movement to the landscape. Not every plant is cut out for massing, however. It can’t be too big, or too overbearing. And, generally, a good massing plant puts on a show during several seasons; one-hit wonders need not apply. Find out some of our favorite plants for grouping in this episode, including some bulletproof perennials and a few dwarf shrubs. In expert testimony, we’ve got a Midwest designer to weigh in with some of his favorite plants for massing. Did someone say “pollinator magnets”?

Expert testimony: Austin Eischeid, owner and principal designer at Austin Eischeid Garden Design in Chicago.

Jelly Bean® blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘ZF06-179’, Zones 4–8)

‘Yellow Wonder’ alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca ‘Yellow Wonder’, Zones 2–9)

‘Serendipity’ allium (Allium ‘Serendipity’, Zones 4–8)

European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum, Zones 4–7)

Plant pictures

Jelly Bean® blueberry (early spring)
Jelly Bean® blueberry (early spring)
‘Yellow Wonder’ alpine strawberry
‘Yellow Wonder’ alpine strawberry
'Serendipity' allium (photo credit: Walters Gardens, Inc.)
‘Serendipity’ allium. Photo: Walters Gardens Inc.
European wild ginger
European wild ginger

Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 4–7)

‘Wee One’ lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Wee One’, Zones 5–9)

Northern maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum, Zones 3–8)

‘Bertram Anderson’ lungwort (Pulmonaria longifolia ‘Bertram Anderson’, Zones 3–8)

Lady’s mantle
Lady’s mantle
‘Wee One’ lavender (photo credit: David Salman at High Country Gardens)
‘Wee One’ lavender. Photo: David Salman at High Country Gardens
Northern maidenhair fern
Northern maidenhair fern
‘Bertram Anderson’ lungwort
‘Bertram Anderson’ lungwort

Do you have a favorite plant to mass together ? Here is the website that features a 30 minute discussion of the best plants for massing:

https://www.finegardening.com/

Author: Dennis Hickey

There are no limits to success to those who never stop learning. Learning will nourish your personal growth. I hope you enjoy this website and visit often so you too keep learning and growing.

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