The Marriage of Metal and Majesty: Pairing Vibrant Plants with Your Copper Fountain

Is Your Garden Lacking Luster? Does your backyard feel like it's missing that special something? A beautiful copper fountain can be the missing piece, adding a touch of elegance and the soothing sound of trickling water.

But what if you could heighten and improve your fountain display even further?

The secret lies in pairing the right plants with your copper fountain, creating a dynamic and visually stunning focal point.

Let's explore how to choose the perfect plant companions to transform your backyard into the perfect garden getaway.

Considering Your Copper Fountain

Before diving into your selection of plants, it's important to consider your copper fountain itself. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

1. Creeping Japanese Maple Tree (30" high x 60" long):

• Grand Scale: This handcrafted masterpiece boasts a sprawling design, making it the perfect centerpiece for a large patio or garden. When choosing plants, consider their mature size. Opt for bold options like hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, or even dwarf shrubs to hold their own against the impressive scale of the fountain.
• Water Flow: The Creeping Japanese Maple Tree features a gentle cascade that trickles down the leaves and into the basin below. This creates a more forgiving environment for plants with delicate foliage, allowing you to explore options like ferns or hostas that might struggle with a powerful spray.

                  

2. Extra Tall Oak Tree (70" high):

• Towering Presence: This magnificent copper sculpture commands attention with its impressive height. Plants that are too short or lack volume will be dwarfed by the fountain's stature. Look for options that can reach a similar height at maturity, like holly bushes, ornamental trees, or tall flowering perennials.
• Moderate Flow: The Extra Tall Oak Tree has a moderate water flow that creates a soothing ambiance. Plants with medium-sized leaves, such as ornamental grasses or flowering shrubs, can withstand this water flow without being overwhelmed.

                      

3. Red Iris Flower (approximately 50" high):

• Delicate Charm: This elegant fountain captivates with its handcrafted details and vibrant flower. Because of its smaller size and more delicate nature, it's best paired with plants that echo its refinement. Consider trailing vines like creeping jenny, colorful coleus for a pop of color, or low-growing ferns for a touch of texture.
• Subtle Trickle: The Red Iris Flower features a gentle trickle that flows from the center of the bloom. This makes it ideal for plants that prefer moist but not soggy conditions. Look for shade-loving options like impatiens or small varieties of hostas that will thrive in this microclimate.

Plant Selection Tips: Creating Harmony with Your Copper Fountain

Now, let's explore some key considerations when choosing plants for your copper fountain:

• Light Requirements: Consider the amount of sunlight your fountain area receives. Choose plants that thrive in similar light conditions. Shade-loving plants like ferns won't do well in a full sun location.
• Moisture Needs: Plants that enjoy consistently moist soil are ideal companions for fountains. If your copper fountain creates a constantly moist environment, ferns or water lilies will thrive. Plants that prefer drier soil, like lavender or ornamental grasses, can be positioned further away from the water's edge. Lastly, avoid plants that require standing water, as this can lead to mosquito breeding.
• Height and Spread: Think about the mature size of your chosen plants. You don't want them to obstruct the view of the fountain or block water flow. For large copper fountains like the Creeping Japanese Maple Tree, consider planting shrubs like hydrangeas or ornamental grasses. Smaller fountains can be complemented by trailing plants like creeping jenny or colorful coleus.
• Color and Texture: Play with contrasting textures and colors to create visual interest. The smooth, warm tones of copper pair beautifully with the soft textures and cool greens of ferns or hostas. For a bolder statement, introduce plants with vibrant flowers like red cannas or purple irises.

Plant Inspiration: Bringing Your Copper Fountain to Life

Here are some specific plant recommendations to create a stunning display around your copper fountain:

For a Cascading Effect:

• Spilling Flowers: Cascading petunias, verbena, or lobelia tumbling over the edge of the fountain basin add a touch of whimsy and vibrant color.

For Lush Greenery:

• Ferns: These shade-loving plants thrive in moist environments, making them perfect for shady areas around your fountain. Look for varieties with interesting textures, like maidenhair ferns or Japanese painted ferns.
• Hostas: These shade-tolerant perennials come in a variety of colors and sizes, offering a beautiful backdrop to your copper fountain.

For a Touch of Elegance:

• Japanese Iris: This stunning flower boasts delicate blooms and sword-like foliage, creating a touch of Asian-inspired elegance. The Blue Thumb Red Iris Flower Fountain is a beautiful pre-made option.
• Ornamental Grasses: These provide a graceful and textural element. Opt for varieties with interesting seed heads, like maiden grass or fountain grass.

For a Cottage Garden Vibe:

• Foxgloves: These towering plants with bell-shaped flowers add a touch of whimsy and English charm to your fountain area.
• Catmint: This low-maintenance perennial thrives in sunny locations and boasts fragrant purple blooms that attract butterflies.

Planting Paradise: Bringing Your Vision to Life

Once you've selected your plant companions, it's time to create your masterpiece:

• Container Selection: Choose containers that complement the style of your copper fountain. Terracotta pots offer a classic look, while sleek black containers provide a modern touch. Ensure the containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
• Planting Magic: Use a high-quality potting mix suitable for your chosen plants. Arrange the plants strategically, considering height, texture, and color.
• Mulch Mania: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and add a finishing touch.

How to Further Enhance Your Fountain Display

• Lighting Magic: Strategically placed outdoor lights can illuminate your copper fountain and surrounding plants at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Welcome Wildlife: Plants that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds can add another layer of life and movement to your fountain display.

Create an Enduring Garden with the Right Flora and Fountain

By marrying the timeless elegance of a copper fountain with the vibrant energy of plants, you've created a masterpiece for your senses. The soothing sounds of trickling water, the captivating play of light and shadow on the copper surface, and the colorful tapestry of plants all come together to create a space for relaxation, reflection, and connection with nature.

Looking to add the perfect finishing touch to your garden oasis?

From the exquisite craftsmanship of our handcrafted Copper Fountain Trees like the Creeping Japanese Maple to the vibrant charm of the Red Iris Flower, we offer a wide variety of copper fountains to suit your style and space.

Browse through our other available copper fountain kits here at Blue Thumb and unlock the magic of your garden.