Dazzling Dahlia Companion Plants for Your Potted Garden

Table of Contents

The Importance of Companion Planting with Dahlias

If you are looking to create an impressive and vibrant potted garden, dahlias are the perfect addition. These colorful flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be grown easily in pots. But did you know that companion planting can further enhance their beauty and help them thrive?

Companion planting refers to growing different plants together in a way that benefits each other. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best dahlia companion plants that you can grow in pots to create a stunning display.

1. Marigolds

Benefits of Growing Marigolds with Dahlias

Marigolds are a popular choice for companion planting with dahlias because they have a strong scent that repels pests like aphids and nematodes. They also add a pop of color to your garden, with their bright yellow, orange, and red blooms.

How to Grow Marigolds with Dahlias in Pots

To grow marigolds with dahlias in pots, choose a pot size that is appropriate for the size of the plant. Marigolds prefer well-drained soil, so mix some sand or perlite into the potting mix. Water regularly and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

2. Salvia

Benefits of Growing Salvia with Dahlias

Salvia is another excellent companion plant for dahlias. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the growth and health of your garden. It also has a beautiful blue or purple hue that contrasts well with the bright colors of dahlias.

How to Grow Salvia with Dahlias in Pots

Salvia prefers well-drained soil and full sun, so make sure your pot is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

3. Lobelia

Benefits of Growing Lobelia with Dahlias

Lobelia is a lovely companion plant for dahlias because it adds a delicate touch to the garden. Its small blue flowers complement the larger blooms of dahlias, creating a beautiful contrast. Lobelia is also a great attractant for pollinators.

How to Grow Lobelia with Dahlias in Pots

Lobelia thrives in moist soil and partial shade, so choose a potting mix that retains moisture. Water frequently and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

4. Petunias

Benefits of Growing Petunias with Dahlias

Petunias are a popular choice for companion planting with dahlias because they come in a wide range of colors that can complement and contrast with the colors of dahlias. They also have a long blooming season, which means you can enjoy their beauty for a longer time.

How to Grow Petunias with Dahlias in Pots

Petunias prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so make sure your pot is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

5. Zinnias

Benefits of Growing Zinnias with Dahlias

Zinnias are another great companion plant for dahlias because they have a similar growth habit and complement each other's colors. Zinnias are also easy to grow and maintain, making them a great choice for beginners.

How to Grow Zinnias with Dahlias in Pots

Zinnias prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so make sure your pot is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

6. Calendula

Benefits of Growing Calendula with Dahlias

Calendula is a versatile companion plant that has many benefits for dahlias. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pests in your garden. It also has medicinal properties and can be used in salves and teas.

How to Grow Calendula with Dahlias in Pots

Calendula prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, so choose a potting mix that retains moisture. Water frequently and fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

7. Coleus

Benefits of Growing Coleus with Dahlias

Coleus is a foliage plant that adds texture and interest to your garden. Its colorful leaves come in a variety of patterns and shapes, and can complement or contrast with the colors of dahlias.

How to Grow Coleus with Dahlias in Pots

Coleus prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, so place your pot in an area that receives some sunlight but not too much. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

8. Nasturtiums

Benefits of Growing Nasturtiums with Dahlias

Nasturtiums are a beautiful and edible companion plant for dahlias. Their bright orange and yellow flowers add a pop of color to your garden, and their leaves and flowers can be eaten in salads.

How to Grow Nasturtiums with Dahlias in Pots

Nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so make sure your pot is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

9. Cosmos

Benefits of Growing Cosmos with Dahlias

Cosmos is a low-maintenance companion plant that adds a delicate touch to your garden. Its dainty pink, white, or purple flowers complement the larger blooms of dahlias, creating a beautiful contrast.

How to Grow Cosmos with Dahlias in Pots

Cosmos prefers well-drained soil and full sun, so make sure your pot is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

10. Alyssum

Benefits of Growing Alyssum with Dahlias

Alyssum is a fragrant and attractive companion plant for dahlias. Its delicate white or pink flowers attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which help control pests in your garden.

How to Grow Alyssum with Dahlias in Pots

Alyssum prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, so place your pot in an area that receives some sunlight but not too much. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

11. Verbena

Benefits of Growing Verbena with Dahlias

Verbena is a hardy and drought-tolerant companion plant that adds a pop of color to your garden. Its bright pink or purple flowers attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, which help your garden thrive.

How to Grow Verbena with Dahlias in Pots

Verbena prefers well-drained soil and full sun, so make sure your pot is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

12. Snapdragons

Benefits of Growing Snapdragons with Dahlias

Snapdragons are a tall and vibrant companion plant for dahlias. Their colorful blooms come in a variety of shades and can add height and texture to your garden.

How to Grow Snapdragons with Dahlias in Pots

Snapdragons prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so make sure your pot is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

13. Dusty Miller

Benefits of Growing Dusty Miller with Dahlias

Dusty Miller is a silver-leaved plant that adds contrast and texture to your garden. Its soft, velvety leaves complement the bold colors of dahlias and can create a striking visual effect.

How to Grow Dusty Miller with Dahlias in Pots

Dusty Miller prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, so place your pot in an area that receives some sunlight but not too much. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

14. Nicotiana

Benefits of Growing Nicotiana with Dahlias

Nicotiana is a fragrant and attractive companion plant for dahlias. Its delicate white, pink, or purple flowers attract beneficial insects like moths and bees, which help control pests in your garden.

How to Grow Nicotiana with Dahlias in Pots

Nicotiana prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, so place your pot in an area that receives some sunlight but not too much. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.

15. Lantana

Benefits of Growing Lantana with Dahlias

Lantana is a hardy and drought-tolerant companion plant that adds a tropical touch to your garden. Its colorful blooms come in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red, and can attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.

How to Grow Lantana with Dahlias in Pots

Lantana prefers well-drained soil and full sun, so make sure your pot is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.


Companion planting with dahlias can enhance the beauty and health of your potted garden. By growing plants like marigolds, salvia, lobelia, petunias, zinnias, calendula, coleus, nasturtiums, cosmos, alyssum, verbena, snapdragons, dusty miller, nicotiana, and lantana alongside your dahlias, you can create a stunning display that attracts pollinators and repels pests.

FAQs

1. What are the best companion plants for dahlias?

Some of the best companion plants for dahlias include marigolds, salvia, lobelia, petunias, zinnias, calendula, coleus, nasturtiums, cosmos, alyssum, verbena, snapdragons, dusty miller, nicotiana, and lantana.

2. Can dahlias be grown with vegetables in the same pot?

Yes, dahlias can be grown with vegetables in the same pot as long as they have similar growing requirements and do not compete for nutrients.

3. How often should I water my dahlia companion plants in pots?

The frequency of watering your dahlia companion plants depends on the type of plant and the weather conditions. Generally, most plants prefer moist soil, so water them whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

4. What kind of fertilizer should I use for my dahlia companion plants?

A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is suitable for most dahlia companion plants. You can apply it once a month during the growing season.

5. Can I grow dahlias and their companion plants indoors?

Yes, dahlias and their companion plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive enough sunlight and proper care. However, make sure you choose a pot size that is appropriate for the size of the plant and provide adequate drainage.

Image dahlia companion plants in pots

Learn How to Grow Gorgeous Dahlias in Pots Growing dahlias Planting

Companion Plants to Complement a Dahlia gardenscom Plants Trees

Dahlia Flower pots Dahlia

dahlia garden Garden tours Dahlias garden Annual garden

Growing and Caring for Dahlia Flowers The Definitive Guide 2021

Container Gardening Sarah Ravens 7 Tips for Perfect Flower Pots

Learn How to Grow Gorgeous Dahlias in Pots Planting dahlias Dahlias

Dahlia in a pot Dahlia Container flowers Plants Dahlia

Pin by Michelle Briscoe on 2014 Dahlia Orders Flowers photography

Dahlias and companion plants Flower Gardens Pinterest