Best Blanket Flower Companion Plants To Brighten Up Your Garden

Oleh Anonymous November 15, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Blanket Flower: A Brief

Blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella), also known as Indian blanket or firewheel, is a perennial plant that belongs to the sunflower family. It is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. The plant produces stunning daisy-like flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and bi-colors from late spring to fall. Blanket flowers are popular among gardeners because of their easy-to-grow nature and attractive blooms.

Why Choose Companion Plants?

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefits. It can be a great way to enhance the beauty and productivity of your garden. In addition, companion planting can help to deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health. Choosing the right companion plants for your blanket flowers can create a vibrant and healthy ecosystem in your garden.

15 Best Blanket Flower Companion Plants

Here are 15 of the best companion plants to grow with your blanket flowers:

1. Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)

Coneflowers are tough and reliable perennials that produce tall stems topped with large, daisy-like flowers. They come in several colors, including pink, purple, white, and yellow. Coneflowers are excellent companion plants for blanket flowers because they share similar growing conditions and bloom times.

2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are another sun-loving perennial that produces bright yellow flowers with dark centers. They bloom from mid-summer to fall and are known for their long-lasting blooms. Blanket flowers and black-eyed Susans make a stunning combination in the garden.

3. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)

Coreopsis is a low-maintenance perennial that produces bright yellow or red flowers. It is a great companion plant for blanket flowers because it shares similar growing conditions and blooms at the same time.

4. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvias are a diverse group of plants that offer a range of colors, sizes, and textures. They produce spikes of blue, purple, pink, or red flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Blanket flowers and salvia make a great pairing because they have similar cultural requirements and bloom times.

5. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian sage is a tall, airy perennial that produces lavender-blue flowers from mid-summer to fall. It is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Russian sage is an excellent companion plant for blanket flowers because it adds height and texture to the garden.

6. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)

Shasta daisies are classic perennials that produce white or yellow flowers with yellow centers. They bloom in early to mid-summer and are easy to grow. Shasta daisies and blanket flowers make a great combination because they both prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

7. Yarrow (Achillea spp.)

Yarrow is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that produces flat-topped clusters of flowers in shades of pink, yellow, white, or red. It blooms from late spring to fall and is a great companion plant for blanket flowers because it attracts beneficial insects and adds color to the garden.

8. Liatris (Liatris spp.)

Liatris, also known as blazing star, is a tall, spiky perennial that produces purple or white flower spikes in mid-summer. It is an excellent companion plant for blanket flowers because it blooms at the same time and attracts pollinators to the garden.

9. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly weed is a native perennial that produces bright orange or yellow flowers from mid-summer to fall. It is a host plant for monarch butterflies and attracts a wide variety of pollinators to the garden. Butterfly weed and blanket flowers make a stunning combination in the garden.

10. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

Bee balm, also known as bergamot, is a clump-forming perennial that produces clusters of pink, purple, or red flowers in mid-summer. It is a great companion plant for blanket flowers because it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden.

11. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

Catmint is a low-maintenance perennial that produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers from late spring to fall. It is a great companion plant for blanket flowers because it adds texture and color to the garden.

12. Ornamental Grasses (Miscanthus spp.)

Ornamental grasses are a great way to add height, texture, and movement to your garden. They come in a range of sizes and colors and can be used as a backdrop for your blanket flowers.

13. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Sedum is a low-maintenance perennial that produces fleshy green leaves and clusters of pink, white, or red flowers in late summer or fall. It is a great companion plant for blanket flowers because it adds color and texture to the garden.

14. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

Penstemon is a versatile perennial that produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, or red. It blooms from late spring to fall and attracts bees and hummingbirds to the garden.

15. Verbena (Verbena spp.)

Verbena is a low-growing perennial that produces clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. It blooms from late spring to fall and is a great companion plant for blanket flowers because it adds color and texture to the garden.

FAQs

Q1. Can I grow blanket flowers in containers?

Yes, you can grow blanket flowers in containers as long as they have good drainage and are planted in well-drained soil.

Q2. How often should I water my blanket flowers?

Blanket flowers are drought-tolerant plants that don't require frequent watering. Water them deeply once a week during hot and dry weather.

Q3. Do blanket flowers attract pollinators?

Yes, blanket flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Q4. How do I deadhead blanket flowers?

To deadhead blanket flowers, simply remove the spent flowers using sharp scissors or pruning shears. This will encourage the plant to produce more blooms.

Q5. Do I need to fertilize my blanket flowers?

Blanket flowers don't require heavy fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can help to promote healthy growth and blooming.

Blanket flowers are beautiful and easy-to-grow plants that can add color and texture to any garden. Pairing them with the right companion plants can enhance their beauty and productivity, while creating a vibrant ecosystem in your garden. Whether you choose coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, or ornamental grasses, there are plenty of great options for blanket flower companion plants.