Zinnia Companion Flowers: How to Choose the Best Plants for Your Garden

Oleh Anonymous November 13, 2022 Post a Comment

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Zinnias are a popular flower among gardeners because of their bright, colorful blooms and easy-to-grow nature. They are also great companion plants, as they attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden. In this article, we will discuss the best companion plants to grow alongside zinnias.

Zinnia Companion Flowers

Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic companion plant for zinnias. They have similar growing requirements and help to repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies. Marigolds come in a variety of colors, from bright orange to deep red, which complement the vibrant hues of zinnias.

The Benefits of Growing Marigolds with Zinnias

In addition to repelling pests, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which eat aphids and other harmful pests. They also produce a strong scent that can mask the smells of other plants, making it harder for pests to find them.

How to Grow Marigolds with Zinnias

When planting marigolds with zinnias, make sure to choose varieties that have similar soil and water requirements. For best results, plant marigolds around the edges of your zinnia beds or in between rows.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for zinnias. They have beautiful, edible flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red, which add color and flavor to salads and other dishes. Nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

The Benefits of Growing Nasturtiums with Zinnias

In addition to their edible flowers, nasturtiums have a strong scent that can repel pests like whiteflies and aphids. They also have a sprawling growth habit that can help to cover bare spots in your garden.

How to Grow Nasturtiums with Zinnias

Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil and full sun, so make sure to plant them in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also do well in containers, so consider planting them in pots alongside your zinnias.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that makes a great companion plant for zinnias. It has beautiful purple flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects. Lavender also has a calming effect on humans and can help to repel mosquitoes and other pests.

The Benefits of Growing Lavender with Zinnias

In addition to its insect-repelling properties, lavender can help to improve the health of your zinnias by attracting pollinators to your garden. It also has a long blooming period, which means you'll be able to enjoy its beautiful flowers all season long.

How to Grow Lavender with Zinnias

Lavender prefers well-draining soil and full sun, so make sure to plant it in a spot that gets plenty of light. It also needs to be pruned regularly to prevent it from becoming too woody.

Other Companion Plants for Zinnias

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a great companion plant for zinnias because they have similar growing requirements and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. They also have large, showy flowers that complement the bright colors of zinnias.

Salvia

Salvia is a beautiful herb that attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds to your garden. It has long spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers that add height and texture to your zinnia beds.

Cosmos

Cosmos are a popular garden flower that come in a variety of colors, from pink to orange to white. They have a long blooming period and attract beneficial insects like butterflies and moths to your garden.

Alyssum

Alyssum is a low-growing flowering plant that makes a great border for your zinnia beds. It has small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white that attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

Zinnias are a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower that make a great addition to any garden. By planting them alongside companion plants like marigolds, nasturtiums, and lavender, you can improve the health of your zinnias and attract beneficial insects to your garden. Other great companion plants for zinnias include sunflowers, salvia, cosmos, and alyssum.

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of growing zinnias with marigolds?

Marigolds repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies, attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, and produce a strong scent that can mask the smells of other plants.

2. How do I grow nasturtiums with zinnias?

3. What are the benefits of growing lavender with zinnias?

Lavender attracts pollinators to your garden, has a calming effect on humans, and can help to repel mosquitoes and other pests.

4. What are some other companion plants for zinnias?

Other great companion plants for zinnias include sunflowers, salvia, cosmos, and alyssum.

5. How do I care for my zinnia companion plants?

Make sure to choose companion plants that have similar soil and water requirements to your zinnias. Water regularly and fertilize as needed to keep your plants healthy and thriving.