Create Stunning Container Meadows with Regional Plant Combos

You don't need acres of land to enjoy a meadow—container plantings can capture that wild, naturalistic beauty on a patio or balcony. The key is selecting plants suited to your region's climate. Below are three curated combinations for Northern California, plus regional mixes for the Southwest, Southern California, Northwest, and Rocky Mountains.

Northern California Meadow Combos

Combination A

• Grass: Sisyrinchium bellum 'Occidental'
• Flowers: Armeria 'Victor Reiter', Achillea tomentosa 'Maynard's Gold'
• Bulb: Oxalis brasiliensis
• Succulent: Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco'

Combination B

• Grass: Carex texensis
• Flowers: Fragaria vesca 'Yellow Wonder', Aquilegia hybrids (white), Achillea x kellereri

Combination C

• Grass: Festuca idahoensis 'Stony Creek'
• Flower: Achillea x kellereri
• Succulents: Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco', Sedum album 'Nigra'

Regional Meadow Mixes

Southwest / Southern California

• Grasses: Bouteloua gracilis, Piptochaetium fimbriatum, Carex texensis
• Flowers: Erigeron, Eschscholzia, Zinnia grandiflora
• Bulbs: Zephyranthes, Oxalis, Nerine

Northwest / Rocky Mountains

• Grasses: Carex texensis, Festuca idahoensis, Deschampsia flexuosa
• Flowers: Viola, dwarf Columbine, dwarf Heuchera
• Bulbs: Muscari, Erythronium, Iris reticulata

For more meadow inspiration, planting guidance, and a curated selection of grasses, visit Greenlee & Associates. Their plants are also available through California's Suncrest Nurseries at garden centers statewide.