The Ultimate Guide to Iris Companion Plants

Table of Contents

What are Iris Companion Plants?

If you are looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to your garden, then planting iris companion plants is a great option. These plants are perfect for adding color, texture, and interest to your garden beds, while also providing a number of benefits to the irises themselves.

Why Plant Iris Companion Plants?

Iris companion plants provide many benefits, including:

• Attracting beneficial insects and pollinators
• Providing shade and shelter for the irises
• Improving soil health and reducing erosion
• Adding visual interest and contrast to the garden

15 Great Iris Companion Plants

Here are some of the best iris companion plants that you can plant in your garden:

1. Daylilies

Daylilies are one of the most popular iris companion plants. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them easy to mix and match with different iris varieties. Daylilies bloom early in the season, providing a burst of color before the irises begin to bloom.

2. Geraniums

Geraniums are another great choice for iris companion plants. They are low-growing and have delicate leaves, which provide a nice contrast to the tall and sturdy iris stalks. Geraniums also attract a variety of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings.

3. Hostas

Hostas are a popular shade-loving plant that work well as iris companion plants. They have large, textured leaves that provide a nice backdrop for the irises, and they also help to retain moisture in the soil.

4. Russian Sage

Russian sage is a low-maintenance perennial that has silver-gray foliage and delicate purple flowers. It blooms in mid-summer, which provides a nice contrast to the early-season blooming irises.

5. Coneflowers

Coneflowers are a great choice for attracting pollinators to your garden. They bloom in late summer and come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white.

6. Salvia

Salvia is a great option for adding vertical interest to your garden. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes, and its spiky flowers attract hummingbirds and bees.

7. Sedum

Sedum is a low-growing succulent that works well as a groundcover around irises. It has thick, fleshy leaves that retain moisture, making it a good choice for dry or rocky soils.

8. Black-eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans are a bright and cheerful addition to any garden. They bloom in mid-summer and attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees.

9. Baptisia

Baptisia is a tall, sturdy plant that provides a nice backdrop for irises. It has blue-green foliage and spikes of blue, purple, or yellow flowers in late spring.

10. Agastache

Agastache, also known as hyssop or anise hyssop, is a fragrant herb that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its spikes of purple or pink flowers bloom in mid-summer.

11. Phlox

Phlox is a low-growing plant that has delicate, star-shaped flowers in a variety of colors. It blooms in mid-summer and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

12. Alliums

Alliums are a member of the onion family and have round, globe-like flowers in shades of purple and white. They bloom in early summer and attract bees and other pollinators.

13. Astilbe

Astilbe is a shade-loving plant that has feathery plumes of pink, red, or white flowers. It blooms in mid-summer and is perfect for adding texture and interest to your garden.

14. Yarrow

Yarrow is a drought-tolerant plant that has clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, pink, or white. It blooms in late spring or early summer and attracts a variety of beneficial insects.

15. Liatris

Liatris, also known as blazing star, has tall spikes of purple or white flowers that bloom in mid-summer. It attracts bees and butterflies and adds vertical interest to your garden.

How to Plant Iris Companion Plants

When planting iris companion plants, it is important to choose plants that have similar growing conditions to the irises. Make sure to plant them at the appropriate depth and spacing, and water them regularly until they become established.

Planting Tips:

• Choose plants with similar sun and moisture requirements as the irises.
• Plant bulbs and perennials at the appropriate depth and spacing.
• Water regularly until the plants become established.
• Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Why Iris Companion Plants are a Great Choice for Your Garden

Iris companion plants are a great way to add color, texture, and interest to your garden while also providing a number of benefits to the irises themselves. By choosing plants with similar growing conditions and planting them at the appropriate depth and spacing, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance garden that is sure to impress.

FAQs

1. What are some other benefits of iris companion plants?

In addition to attracting beneficial insects and improving soil health, iris companion plants can also help to reduce erosion and provide shade and shelter for the irises.

2. Can I plant vegetables as iris companion plants?

Yes, many vegetables make great iris companion plants, including beans, peas, and tomatoes.

3. How do I choose the best iris companion plants for my garden?

Choose plants that have similar growing conditions and complement the color and texture of your irises.

4. When should I plant iris companion plants?

Plant bulbs and perennials in the fall or early spring, depending on the plant's specific requirements.

5. How often should I water my iris companion plants?

Water regularly until the plants become established, and then water as needed based on the plant's specific requirements.

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