When designing a naturalistic garden, light and airy flowers—fondly referred to as “bobbers”—play an essential role in adding elegance and charm. These flowers, often characterized by tall, slender stems, create a floating effect above other plants, making them perfect for adding both visual interest and a sense of lightness to the garden. They blend seamlessly into densely planted gardens, a hallmark of naturalistic design, and help in filling gaps while maintaining an effortlessly wild yet carefully curated appearance.

Selecting the Right ‘Floating’ Flowers

One of the first things to consider when choosing flowers with a “floating” quality is their foliar base—how much space do they take up? Plants with a compact foliar footprint are ideal, as they can be planted closely together without overwhelming each other. In a naturalistic garden, it’s all about balance between chaos and control—creating a space that feels wild but is thoughtfully designed.

As my design inspiration, Piet Oudolf once said, “I try to create nature as you would wish to see it.” This philosophy resonates in gardens that embrace controlled chaos, where each plant serves a purpose in the overall visual experience.

1. Craspedia Globosa (Billy Buttons)
A favorite of mine, Craspedia—commonly known as Billy Buttons—offers cheerful yellow spheres on long, slender stems. These plants thrive in low-water environments and bloom for months, making them perfect for adding color and height to your garden. Their small foliar footprint allows them to blend in seamlessly with surrounding plants, creating the perfect “floating” effect.

2. Cenolophium Denudatum (Baltic Parsley)
Another perennial that excels in a naturalistic setting is Baltic Parsley. Known for its large white umbels, this plant grows on tall, thin stems and brings an airiness to the garden. It thrives in both wet and dry conditions, making it highly adaptable. The flowers last for months, creating a soft, floating appearance above neighboring plants.

3. Echinacea Pallida (Native Coneflower)
The Native Coneflower is a resilient and beautiful addition to any garden. With its pale-pink petals that gently droop from 4-foot stems, it adds an elegant, wildflower look. This plant’s long taproots allow it to withstand harsh conditions, making it a fantastic addition for dry gardens. Its seed heads also provide winter interest and feed birds, making it a year-round favorite.

4. Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’
This beautiful perennial is perfect for part-shade gardens, with pure white flowers that float above the foliage on tall stems. Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ adds a delicate touch of elegance, especially in shady areas. While it’s a vigorous grower, it’s ideal for creating a soft, flowing effect in garden beds, but it’s best planted in spaces where it can roam freely.

5. Abutilon ‘Nabob’ (Flowering Maple)
Abutilons are known for their beautiful, bell-shaped flowers, and the ‘Nabob’ variety with its deep maroon blooms is a standout. These plants add vibrant color and texture, and their naturally spindly stems are kept in check when planted among other plants. The flowers of this variety create a wonderful visual effect as they bob above the surrounding foliage.

6. Achillea Filipendulina ‘Gold Plate’ (Tall Yarrow)
With its mustard-colored flowers that can reach up to 6 inches across, the Tall Yarrow stands out in any garden. This plant’s tall, thin stems float above lush green foliage, making it a great choice for adding both height and color. It’s a butterfly magnet and works wonderfully in a sunny, low-water garden.

7. Angelica Stricta Purpurea
Angelica is a striking biennial with dark purple stems and large, globular clusters of mauve flowers. It thrives in full sun and adds a bold, architectural element to the garden. This plant’s long stems and unique color make it a perfect contrast against grasses or shorter plants, adding texture and drama to the garden.

8. Tithonia Rotundifolia ‘Goldfinger’ (Mexican Sunflower)
This fast-growing annual blooms in bright orange flowers that float above tall, open stems. The Mexican Sunflower is a favorite of butterflies and adds a splash of color in late summer. Its open branching habit allows other plants to grow through, creating a full and vibrant effect in the garden.

9. Guara Lindheimeri (Whirling Butterflies)
Guara is a perennial with airy white flowers that flutter above thin, 3-foot stems. The delicate flowers resemble whirling butterflies, making this plant a whimsical addition to any garden. It’s particularly lovely when grown in groups, adding movement and a light, fluttering feel to the space.

10. Trachelium Caeruleum ‘Hamer Pandora’ (Blue Lace Flower)
The Blue Lace Flower is a striking addition to the garden, with deep purple, fluffy blooms that float atop slender stems. It’s a wonderful nectar-rich plant that attracts pollinators and adds a touch of elegance to garden beds. These flowers create a soft, airy effect while offering a beautiful contrast to other plant textures.

11. Knautia Macedonia (Pincushion)
Knautia’s deep crimson flowers are adored by butterflies and have a delicate, airy quality. With its slender stems and small blooms, it adds a touch of charm and elegance to any garden. This hardy perennial is deer-resistant and thrives in full sun with moderate water.

12. Aquilegia Formosa (Western Columbine)
The Western Columbine is a beautiful native plant with profuse red and yellow flowers that dangle gracefully from long, slender stems. It adds a touch of whimsy and is perfect for part-shade gardens. Its small foliar footprint makes it easy to integrate with other plants, creating a harmonious garden bed.

13. Allium ‘Lavender Bubbles’
This unique allium blooms with small purple balls on 2-foot stems. The ‘Lavender Bubbles’ variety blooms later than many other alliums, making it a great addition to fill in gaps in the garden. Its delicate flowers float above silver foliage, creating a lovely contrast in the garden.

Conclusion

In a naturalistic garden, light and airy flowers play an essential role in creating a space that feels both vibrant and effortless. These plants bring elegance, texture, and movement, allowing you to craft a garden that feels alive and dynamic. Whether you’re filling gaps, adding height, or simply enhancing your garden’s visual appeal, these flowers are sure to elevate your outdoor space.