The best plants to associate with CorTen Steel

Corten steel is a material that is highly prized in exterior design for its unique rusted appearance and durability. Its warm hue, ranging from orangey brown to coppery red, blends perfectly with modern, industrial or natural gardens. But to enhance its effect even further, the choice of plants plays a key role.

In this article, we reveal the best plants to combine with corten steel for a harmonious, elegant garden.

1. Grasses: lightness and movement

Grasses are the perfect allies for corten steel. Their fine foliage and airy habit contrast beautifully with the robustness of the metal.

Our recommendations:
✔ Stipa tenuissima (Mexican feathergrass): fine golden tufts waving in the wind.
✔ Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese silver grass): large, elegant stems, perfect as backdrops.
✔ Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain grass): silky feathers that create volume.

Desired effect: a light, natural atmosphere that softens the presence of corten steel.

2. Perennials with silver-grey foliage: elegance and contrast

Plants with silvery or bluish foliage create a magnificent contrast with the warm hue of the corten.

Our recommendations:
✔ Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender): for a fragrant Mediterranean effect.
✔ Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ (Common wormwood): finely cut foliage, very graphic.
✔ Festuca glauca (Blue fescue): small compact bluish tufts.

Desired effect: a sophisticated combination that brings out the intensity of corten.

3. Warm-coloured flowers: chromatic harmony

Create a range of warm tones to enhance the rusty effect of the corten by choosing flowers in shades of red, orange and yellow.

Our recommendations:
✔ Echinacea purpurea (Echinacea): purple flowers that attract butterflies.
✔ Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange coneflower): bright yellow petals for a sun-kissed effect.
✔ Helenium autumnale (Common sneezeweed): magnificent shades of orange and red.

Desired effect: a harmony of colours that builds on the natural colour of corten.

4. Wild and rustic plants: natural and ecological gardening

Corten steel blends in well with wild gardens. Robust, melliferous plants accentuate this natural effect.

Our recommendations:
✔ Achillea millefolium (Yarrow): aerial and nectariferous flowering.
✔ Salvia nemorosa (Woodland sage): purple buds, highly attractive to pollinators.
✔ Verbena bonariensis (Purpletop vervain): mauve flowers on slender stems.

Desired effect: a flowery meadow atmosphere that enhances the raw look of corten.

5. Structural shrubs: anchoring corten steel in the landscape

Combining well-chosen shrubs creates volume and gives structure to a space with evergreen elements.

Our recommendations:
✔ Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ (Red-barked dogwood): beautiful red bark in winter.
✔ Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’ (Common ninebark): contrasting dark foliage.
✔ Pittosporum tenuifolium (Black matipo): elegant, evergreen foliage.

Desired effect: structuring the garden and highlighting the depth of the corten.

Our advice for a successful association

Think about the seasons: Make sure you have interesting blooms and foliage all year round.
Play with textures: Combine fine and voluminous foliage for a dynamic effect.
Avoid overloading: Let the corten steel breathe by creating clear spaces around the planting.

Corten steel is a powerful aesthetic asset in the garden, and when paired with the right plants, it becomes a centrepiece of landscape design. Whether you want a modern, wild or Mediterranean style, there's a perfect combination to enhance your outdoor space.

Which plants do you associate with your corten steel fittings?
Contact us to discuss your projects and receive personalised support!