The Ultimate Guide to Companion Plants for Kinnikinnick

Oleh Anonymous March 23, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Companion Plants for Kinnikinnick: An Overview

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a low-growing evergreen shrub that is native to North America. It has small, leathery leaves and produces clusters of pink or white bell-shaped flowers in the spring. Kinnikinnick is a popular plant for rock gardens, ground covers, and erosion control, but it can also be used as a companion plant to other plants in your garden.

Why Use Companion Plants?

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in order to benefit each other. Companion plants can help to deter pests, attract pollinators, improve soil health, and provide shade or support for other plants. By choosing the right companion plants for your kinnikinnick, you can create a healthy and thriving garden ecosystem.

Companion Plants for Kinnikinnick

Here are some of the best companion plants for kinnikinnick:

1. Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a low-growing herb that is perfect for planting alongside kinnikinnick. It has a similar growth habit and requires similar growing conditions, making it an ideal companion plant. Creeping thyme also attracts bees and other pollinators, which will help to increase the yield of your garden.

How to Plant Creeping Thyme

To plant creeping thyme, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. Add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Plant the creeping thyme seedlings in small holes, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Water the plants well and mulch around them to retain moisture.

2. Goldenrod

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is a tall, showy plant that makes an excellent companion for kinnikinnick. It attracts a variety of beneficial insects, including bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. Goldenrod also has deep roots that help to break up compacted soil and improve drainage.

How to Plant Goldenrod

To plant goldenrod, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and add compost or other organic matter to the soil. Plant the goldenrod at the same depth it was growing in its container, and water it well.

3. Blue Flax

Blue flax (Linum perenne) is a delicate-looking plant with beautiful blue flowers. It is an excellent companion plant for kinnikinnick because it attracts pollinators and provides a contrasting color and texture to the garden. Blue flax also has a deep taproot that helps to break up compacted soil.

How to Plant Blue Flax

To plant blue flax, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and adding compost or other organic matter. Plant the blue flax seedlings in small holes, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Water the plants well and mulch around them to retain moisture.

4. Sage

Sage (Salvia spp.) is a fragrant herb that makes an excellent companion for kinnikinnick. It has a similar growth habit and requires similar growing conditions, making it easy to grow alongside your kinnikinnick. Sage also attracts bees and other pollinators and has antimicrobial properties that help to deter pests.

How to Plant Sage

To plant sage, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and add compost or other organic matter to the soil. Plant the sage at the same depth it was growing in its container, and water it well.

5. Wild Strawberry

Wild strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is a low-growing ground cover that is perfect for planting alongside kinnikinnick. It has shallow roots that help to retain moisture in the soil and provides a tasty treat for humans and wildlife alike. Wild strawberry also attracts beneficial insects and helps to deter pests.

How to Plant Wild Strawberry

To plant wild strawberry, choose a shady location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and add compost or other organic matter to the soil. Plant the wild strawberry at the same depth it was growing in its container, and water it well.

Other Companion Plants for Kinnikinnick

In addition to the plants listed above, there are many other companion plants that can be grown alongside kinnikinnick. Some of these include:

Lavender
Yarrow
Sedum
Hens-and-chicks
Stonecrop

Companion planting is an excellent way to create a healthy and thriving garden ecosystem. By choosing the right companion plants for your kinnikinnick, you can benefit from increased pollination, improved soil health, and pest control. Experiment with different combinations of plants to find the ones that work best for your garden.

FAQs

1. What is kinnikinnick?

2. What are companion plants?

Companion plants are different plants that are grown together in order to benefit each other. Companion plants can help to deter pests, attract pollinators, improve soil health, and provide shade or support for other plants.

3. How do I plant companion plants with my kinnikinnick?

To plant companion plants with your kinnikinnick, choose plants that have similar growing conditions and complementary needs. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and adding compost or other organic matter. Plant the seedlings at the appropriate depth and water them well.

4. What are some other benefits of companion planting?

In addition to the benefits listed above, companion planting can also help to reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides, conserve water, and increase biodiversity in your garden.

5. Can I use companion plants with other types of plants?

Yes, companion planting can be used with a wide variety of plants. Experiment with different combinations to find the ones that work best for your garden.