Companion Plants for Phlox: Enhancing Your Garden's Beauty

Table of Contents

The Importance of Companion Plants for Phlox

Phlox is a popular perennial that produces vibrant, colorful blooms in the summer months. However, planting phlox alone can result in a garden that looks flat and monotonous. Thus, it's essential to incorporate companion plants to help enhance their beauty.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best companion plants for phlox that will not only add variety to your garden but also help improve its overall health and growth.

1. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are an excellent choice for companion planting with phlox. This plant produces colorful blooms that complement the hues of phlox flowers. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are crucial for the health of your garden.

To plant coneflowers alongside phlox, make sure they receive similar amounts of sunlight and moisture. These two plants are drought-tolerant, making them suitable for hot and dry climates.

How to Plant Coneflowers and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the coneflower next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

2. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

Black-eyed Susans are another great option for companion planting with phlox. They produce yellow flowers that complement the pink and purple hues of phlox blooms. Black-eyed Susans are also known for their disease resistance, which can help protect your phlox from harmful pests and pathogens.

To plant black-eyed Susans alongside phlox, make sure they receive full sun exposure and well-draining soil. These two plants require regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Black-Eyed Susans and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the black-eyed Susan next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

3. Salvia

Salvia is a low-maintenance plant that produces purple-blue flowers that complement the pink and white hues of phlox blooms. Salvia is also deer-resistant, making it an excellent option for gardens located in areas with high wildlife activity.

To plant salvia alongside phlox, choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Salvia and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the salvia next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

4. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies are a popular option for companion planting with phlox. They produce bright, colorful flowers that complement the hues of phlox blooms. Daylilies are also low-maintenance and can adapt to various soil types and light conditions.

To plant daylilies alongside phlox, choose a spot with full sun exposure or partial shade and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Daylilies and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the daylily next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

5. Hosta

Hostas are an excellent option for companion planting with phlox, especially when you want to add foliage contrast to your garden. Hostas produce large leaves that come in various shades of green and yellow, making them ideal for creating a visually appealing garden bed.

To plant hostas alongside phlox, choose a spot with partial shade exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Hostas and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a shady spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the hosta next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

6. Sedum

Sedum is a succulent plant that produces pink, purple, or white flowers that complement the hues of phlox blooms. Sedum is also drought-tolerant, making it ideal for hot and dry climates.

To plant sedum alongside phlox, choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Sedum and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the sedum next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

7. Russian Sage (Perovskia)

Russian sage is a low-maintenance plant that produces blue-purple flowers that complement the pink and white hues of phlox blooms. This plant is also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it an excellent option for gardens located in areas with high wildlife activity.

To plant Russian sage alongside phlox, choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Russian Sage and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the Russian sage next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

8. Liatris

Liatris is a plant that produces purple flowers that complement the pink and white hues of phlox blooms. This plant is also drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

To plant liatris alongside phlox, choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Liatris and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the liatris next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

9. Verbena

Verbena is a low-maintenance plant that produces bright, colorful flowers that complement the hues of phlox blooms. This plant is also drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

To plant verbena alongside phlox, choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Verbena and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the verbena next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

10. Coreopsis

Coreopsis is a plant that produces yellow flowers that complement the pink and white hues of phlox blooms. This plant is also drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

To plant coreopsis alongside phlox, choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Coreopsis and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the coreopsis next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

11. Baptisia

Baptisia is a perennial that produces purple-blue flowers that complement the pink and white hues of phlox blooms. This plant is also deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent option for gardens located in areas with high wildlife activity.

To plant baptisia alongside phlox, choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Baptisia and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the baptisia next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

12. Allium

Allium is a plant that produces purple flowers that complement the pink and white hues of phlox blooms. This plant is also drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

To plant allium alongside phlox, choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Allium and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the allium next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

13. Geraniums

Geraniums are an excellent option for companion planting with phlox. They produce vibrant blooms that complement the hues of phlox flowers. Geraniums are also low-maintenance and can adapt to various soil types and light conditions.

To plant geraniums alongside phlox, choose a spot with partial shade exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

How to Plant Geraniums and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a shady spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the geraniums next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

14. Astilbe

Astilbe is a plant that produces pink, red, or white flowers that complement the pink and white hues of phlox blooms. This plant is also deer-resistant and prefers moist soil conditions.

To plant astilbe alongside phlox, choose a spot with partial shade exposure and moist soil conditions. Water your plants regularly to keep the soil moist.

How to Plant Astilbe and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a shady spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the astilbe next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

15. Iris

Iris is a plant that produces blue-purple flowers that complement the pink and white hues of phlox blooms. This plant prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soil.

To plant iris alongside phlox, choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly to keep the soil moist.

How to Plant Iris and Phlox Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where both plants can thrive.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots.
4. Plant the phlox first and then the iris next to it.
5. Water well after planting.

Companion planting is an excellent way to enhance the beauty of your garden while also improving its overall health and growth. By incorporating companion plants for phlox, you can create a visually appealing garden bed filled with vibrant colors and textures.

Remember to choose plants that share similar light and moisture requirements with phlox to ensure they thrive together. Regular watering and soil preparation are also essential for successful companion planting.

FAQs

1. What is companion planting?

Companion planting is the practice of planting different plants in close proximity to enhance their growth and health.

2. Why is companion planting important for phlox?

Companion planting is important for phlox because it helps improve its overall health and growth while also enhancing its beauty by adding variety to your garden bed.

3. What are some good companion plants for phlox?

Some good companion plants for phlox include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, salvia, daylilies, hostas, sedum, Russian sage, liatris, verbena, coreopsis, baptisia, allium, geraniums, astilbe, and iris.

4. How do I plant companion plants for phlox?

To plant companion plants for phlox, choose a spot in your garden with similar light and moisture requirements as phlox. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and debris and adding compost or other organic matter. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both plants' roots, plant the phlox first, and then the companion plant next to it. Water well after planting.

5. How often should I water my companion plants for phlox?

Water your companion plants for phlox regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Check the soil moisture level regularly and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

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