Associate Chasmanthium

In a lush border

With its supple appearance and changing hues, Chasmanthium latifolium integrates very easily into a lush, cottage-style display. It will punctuate the scene alongside other bright grasses like Melica ciliata at the heart of a mix of summer-flowering perennials. If you have a larger space, consider adding other grasses such as the elegant Stipa pennata. Surround it with Dahlia ‘Waltzing Mathilda’, cosmos, Echinacea purpurea, and Oriental Poppies. The ‘Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’ will provide a counterpoint with its large silver-grey leaves. You can invite in Verbena bonariensis, which will add beautiful verticality to this scene. Some large autumn asters like Aster laevis will accompany its flowering until October.

Chasmanthium latifolium, Aster laevis ‘Calliope’, Melica ciliata, Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’, Echinacea purpurea, Verbena bonariensis, and Papaver orientale ‘Karine’

In a mixed border

A few clumps of wild oats are enough to add depth and character to a flower bed. With their unique and delicate inflorescences and graceful silhouette, they allow for the creation of wild-looking scenes while remaining well-contained. The Chasmanthium latifolium easily settles into a sunny flower bed, beautifully complementing summer flowers.

For this mixed border, you will create a clever blend of tall ornamental grasses and hardy, floriferous perennial plants that thrive on their own. In the background, integrate the giant Miscanthus sinensis ‘Roland’, which reaches 2.5 metres in height; its strong presence adds beautiful structure and grace to the overall composition. The tall Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ and Panicum virgatum ‘Rehbraun’ will also be good companions with their foliage turning blonde or red in autumn and their magnificent habit even in winter. Also consider the majestic Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’, whose large feathery panicles persist on the plant at least until November. Accent this poetic scene with the blooms of Sedum ‘Matrona’, Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’, chrysanthemums, dahlias, Heleniums, and rudbeckias. This composition will reveal its full splendour at the end of summer and well into winter.

Chasmanthium latifolium, rudbeckia, Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’, Miscanthus sinensis, Sedum ‘Matrona’, Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’, and chrysanthemum

In a refreshing scene

The wild oat variety ‘River Mist’ with its broad light green leaves variegated with cream-white is perfect for brightening up partially shaded and cool spots. This grass is an asset in any garden, allowing for play with texture and movement, and lends itself to creating a refreshing tableau in the heart of summer. Experimenting with shapes and foliage enhances its luminosity. It will form a very fresh duo alongside Molinia caerulea ‘Variegata’, another ornamental grass with lovely variegated foliage that adds structure. Also consider Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’, featuring chartreuse green foliage with cream-yellow stripes. To enliven the scene, a bush of Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ and clumps of Hosta ‘Francee’ with irregularly marginate olive green leaves will bring welcome brightness and generosity. To create an elegant scene, enhance the white flowers with Liriope muscari ‘Monroe White’, Asters ericoïdes ‘Schneetanne’ with their abundant airy white flowering at the end of summer, and Japanese Anemones ‘Honorine Jobert’, perfect for the background of the bed, blooming until the frosts.

Chasmanthium latifolium ‘River Mist’, Liriope muscari ‘Monroe White’, Hosta ‘Francee’, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’, Molinia caerulea ‘Variegata’, Japanese Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’, Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’ and Aster ericoïdes ‘Schneetanne’

In a contemporary garden

Like many grasses, Chasmanthium latifolium is equally at home in both natural and contemporary settings. With its light spikelets and linear foliage, it will contribute to a display that blends graphic elements with lightness in a contemporary garden. It integrates beautifully into a clean and fresh scene. To structure the bed, install Horsetails (Equisetum hyemale) and non-running bamboos such as Fargesia rufa. To punctuate this clean decor, we recommend pairing them in partial shade with variegated Hostas and clumps of Ophiopogon planiscapus. For a more wild effect, you can plant groups of carex, whose foliage remains decorative throughout winter and which also enjoy well-drained, cool soils. Add verticality with ornamental garlic featuring large spherical umbels and with some Agapanthus ‘Black Magic’, incredibly graphic with their among the darkest flowering.

Chasmanthium latifolium, horsetail, Fargesia rufa, variegated hostas, Agapanthus ‘Black Magic’, Ophiopogon planiscapus and white ornamental garlic

In a meadow naturalist

Wild oats thrive in a naturalistic meadow that isn’t too dry. Add other light and airy grasses such as Stipa arundinacea with golden hues, Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Bronzeschleier’, or Pennisetum. To accompany them, opt for perennials with a free habit and airy summer flowering, sought after for their “natural” look. Choose companions that also enjoy sunny, cool soils. The flattened spikelets of Chasmanthium latifolium will contrast nicely with the large flat inflorescences of Achillea millefolium. For a beautiful yet refined natural effect, plant Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Red Thunder’ with short, purplish spikes, Cirsium Atropurpureum, Lychnis, and Veronica longifolia. Scatter a few tall Leucanthemum superbum ‘Becky’ with a somewhat naïve flowering.

One cannot remain insensitive to the simple and wild beauty that emanates from such a scene!

Chasmanthium latifolium, Sanguisorba ‘Red Thunder’, pennisetum, Veronica longifolia, Lychnis flos cuculi ‘Petit Henry’, Stipa arundinacea ‘Sirocco’ and Achillea millefolium ‘Red Velvet’