Top Flowers That Make Great Companion Plants

‘The theory behind companion planting is that certain plants may help each other take up nutrients, improve pest management, or attract pollinators,’ says Tom Maloney, horticulture educator for Penn State Extension.

Mixing different kinds of annuals, shrubs, vines and perennials is an art. It goes beyond picking just the pretty colours. You need to consider when they bloom, whether they are in sync and how much care they would need. Certain flowers can benefit the plants around them, becoming true companions in the garden. Let's explore some of those superstars -

Basil/Cilantro + Tomatoes

According to some gardeners, basil makes tomatoes taste better. But mostly it's planted to keep bugs away with its strong smell. Also, if you let basil or cilantro grow flowers, it attracts pollinators.

Nasturtiums + Cucumbers

The powerhouse pairing, nasturtiums and cucumbers offer a delightful spectacle of colour and utility. Nasturtiums' vibrant blooms attract pollinators while acting as a natural obstacle for pests like aphids and cucumber beetles. Meanwhile, their reclining nature provides essential ground cover, protecting the soil and conserving moisture for cucumber plants.

Lavender + Roses

Lavender is great with roses flowers because it attracts bees, needs similar sun and soil and won't hog nutrients or water. It also keeps weeds away and hides the base of rose bushes. And don't forget, roses and lavender together make a beautiful bouquet.

Sunflowers + Beans

Standing tall and proud, sunflowers and beans forge an unlikely yet beneficial companionship in the garden. Sunflowers act as sturdy sentinels, supporting climbing bean vines while offering shade to the soil below, reducing moisture evaporation and suppressing weed growth. In return, beans, with their nitrogen-fixing abilities, enrich the soil, while nourishing sunflowers and enhancing their growth.