The Ultimate Guide to Chrysanthemum Companion Plants
Chrysanthemum Companion Plants:
If you're a gardener who loves chrysanthemums, then you know how important it is to find the right companion plants to make your garden flourish. Chrysanthemums are a beautiful and versatile flower that can be grown in almost any garden setting. However, they need just the right companions to bring out their full potential.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for chrysanthemums, as well as tips and tricks for planting and caring for them.
Why Are Companion Plants Important?
Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique that involves planting different types of plants together for mutual benefit. For instance, some plants may help repel pests, while others may provide shade or nutrients to nearby plants. When correctly, companion planting can lead to healthier plants, higher yields, and a more beautiful garden overall.
15 Best Companion Plants for Chrysanthemums
Here are some of the best companion plants for chrysanthemums:
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the most popular companion plants for chrysanthemums. They help protect against nematodes and other harmful insects, and their bright colors complement the vibrant hues of chrysanthemums.
How to Plant:
Plant marigolds around the base of your chrysanthemums, leaving about 6 inches between each plant. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Tips:
Deadhead marigolds regularly to encourage more blooms. Water them once a week, but avoid overwatering.
2. Salvia
Salvia is a hardy perennial that provides a lovely contrast to chrysanthemums with its tall stalks and spiky flowers. It also attracts bees and other pollinators to your garden.
How to Plant:
Plant salvia in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Space plants about 12 inches apart.
Tips:
Water salvia regularly and fertilize it once a month during the growing season. Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth.
3. Daylilies
Daylilies are another great companion plant for chrysanthemums. They provide a beautiful contrast with their trumpet-shaped flowers, and they're easy to grow.
How to Plant:
Plant daylilies in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Space plants about 18 inches apart.
Tips:
Water daylilies regularly, especially during hot weather. Fertilize once a month during the growing season. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
4. Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan is a bright and cheerful flower that looks great alongside chrysanthemums. It's also a tough and resilient plant that can withstand a variety of growing conditions.
How to Plant:
Plant black-eyed Susan in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Space plants about 18 inches apart.
Tips:
Water black-eyed Susan regularly, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
5. Asters
Asters are a classic companion plant for chrysanthemums. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they attract butterflies and bees to your garden.
How to Plant:
Plant asters in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Space plants about 18 inches apart.
Tips:
Water asters regularly, especially during hot weather. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
6. Sedum
Sedum is a low-growing succulent that looks great in rock gardens and other dry areas. It also provides a nice contrast to chrysanthemums with its fleshy leaves and colorful flowers.
How to Plant:
Plant sedum in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Space plants about 12 inches apart.
Tips:
Water sedum sparingly, as it doesn't need much moisture. Fertilize once a month during the growing season. Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth.
7. Coneflowers
Coneflowers are a favorite of pollinators like bees and butterflies, and they look great alongside chrysanthemums with their bold colors and spiky centers.
How to Plant:
Plant coneflowers in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Space plants about 18 inches apart.
Tips:
Water coneflowers regularly, especially during hot weather. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
8. Liatris
Liatris, also known as blazing star, is a tall and stately plant that provides a striking contrast to chrysanthemums with its long flower spikes.
How to Plant:
Plant liatris in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun. Space plants about 12 inches apart.
Tips:
Water liatris regularly, especially during hot weather. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
9. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a hardy and resilient plant that adds a splash of bright yellow to your garden. It's also a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators.
How to Plant:
Plant goldenrod in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Space plants about 18 inches apart.
Tips:
Water goldenrod regularly, especially during hot weather. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
10. Russian Sage
Russian sage is a beautiful and fragrant plant that provides a lovely contrast to chrysanthemums with its silvery-gray leaves and delicate blue flowers.
How to Plant:
Plant Russian sage in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun. Space plants about 24 inches apart.
Tips:
Water Russian sage regularly, especially during hot weather. Fertilize once a month during the growing season. Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth.
11. Lamb's Ear
Lamb's ear is a low-growing perennial with soft, fuzzy leaves that provide a nice textural contrast to chrysanthemums.
How to Plant:
Plant lamb's ear in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Space plants about 12 inches apart.
Tips:
Water lamb's ear regularly, especially during hot weather. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
12. Coreopsis
Coreopsis is a hardy perennial that provides a long-lasting burst of color to your garden. It also attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
How to Plant:
Plant coreopsis in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Space plants about 18 inches apart.
Tips:
Water coreopsis regularly, especially during hot weather. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
13. Yarrow
Yarrow is a tough and resilient plant that can withstand a variety of growing conditions. It also comes in a variety of colors, making it a great companion for chrysanthemums.
How to Plant:
Plant yarrow in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Space plants about 18 inches apart.
Tips:
Water yarrow regularly, especially during hot weather. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
14. Verbena
Verbena is a beautiful and fragrant plant that attracts butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. It also provides a lovely contrast to chrysanthemums with its delicate flowers.
How to Plant:
Plant verbena in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun. Space plants about 12 inches apart.
Tips:
Water verbena regularly, especially during hot weather. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
15. Zinnias
Zinnias are a popular companion plant for chrysanthemums because they come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and they're easy to grow.
How to Plant:
Plant zinnias in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun. Space plants about 12 inches apart.
Tips:
Water zinnias regularly, especially during hot weather. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
Caring for Your Chrysanthemum Companion Plants
Now that you know which plants make great companions for chrysanthemums, let's take a look at how to care for them:
1. Water Regularly
All of these companion plants need regular watering to thrive. Make sure to water them deeply at least once a week, and more often during hot or dry weather.
2. Fertilize Monthly
Most of these companion plants benefit from monthly fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
3. Deadhead Spent Blooms
Deadheading spent blooms helps promote new growth and encourages your plants to produce more flowers throughout the growing season.
4. Prune Back After Flowering
Some of these companion plants, like salvia and Russian sage, benefit from pruning back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy.
5. Watch for Pests
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can damage your companion plants and spread to your chrysanthemums. Use organic pest control methods whenever possible.
FAQs
1. Can I plant chrysanthemums with other flowers?
Yes! Chrysanthemums can be planted with a variety of other flowers, including the ones listed in this guide.
2. Do chrysanthemum companion plants need full sun or partial shade?
Most of these companion plants prefer full sun or partial shade, but be sure to check the planting instructions for each individual plant.
3. When should I fertilize my chrysanthemum companion plants?
Most of these companion plants benefit from monthly fertilization during the growing season.
4. How often should I water my chrysanthemum companion plants?
Water your companion plants deeply at least once a week, and more often during hot or dry weather.
5. What should I do if my chrysanthemum companion plants get pests?
Use organic pest control methods whenever possible to avoid harming beneficial insects. Consult with a local gardening expert if you're unsure how to deal with a specific pest problem.
And that's it! With this guide, you'll be able to create a stunning garden filled with beautiful chrysanthemums and their perfect companions. Happy gardening!
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