Growing Companions for Dahlias: 5 Suggestions for a Vibrant and Thriving Garden, Featuring Aromatic Herbs and Flowers That Attract Bees
In the world of gardening, finding the perfect companion plants for your blooms can make all the difference. Nastya, a professional botany expert specializing in plant morphology, phytopathology, and plant physiology, shares her insights on the ideal plants to grow alongside dahlias.
Dahlias, with their vibrant and varied colours, are a popular choice for many gardeners. To ensure these stunning flowers thrive, Nastya recommends planting them with a selection of plants that complement their size and growing habits, share similar light and soil requirements, attract pollinators, and help control pests naturally.
One such plant is dill, which attracts parasitic wasps and other beneficials that prey on aphids and mites. Its umbels of small yellow flowers provide a pleasing contrast in form and texture to dahlias.
Cosmos and marigolds, small sun-loving annuals like snapdragons, and sweet alyssum are also excellent companions for dahlias. These plants coexist well in the garden, provided spacing requirements are met. Nasturtiums, with their fiery hues, add colour to borders or container gardens and will flower well into the fall.
However, it's essential to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper spacing for all plants involved. For instance, zinnias and cosmos (non-'whopper' varieties) are good companions but should be avoided next to large "whopper" dahlia varieties as they can be overwhelmed.
Bold, strong growers like grains, amaranths, and sunflowers offer aesthetic contrast and support garden health by attracting birds that help control pests. Gladioli, with their vertical spikes, add structural contrast to the rounded shapes of dahlias.
For those seeking a structural backdrop behind dahlias, compact varieties of eucalyptus are suggested. These plants, such as Eucalyptus gunnii 'France Bleu', ensure they don't grow too large and block out sunlight from dahlias. Eucalyptus thrives in hot climates and requires regular watering and a balanced fertilizer. Its fragrant foliage offers natural pest resistance and is a versatile addition to floral arrangements.
Dwarf dahlias, which top out at around 18 to 20 inches, are suggested for the front of borders. These compact varieties bloom in lively shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, as well as soft, creamy pastels.
By carefully selecting the right companions for your dahlias, you can create a thriving, vibrant garden that not only delights the eyes but also supports the health of your plants. Happy gardening!
In the realm of home-and-garden lifestyle, raised beds can be an ideal location for growing dahlias, a popular flower in gardening. To optimize their growth and ensure a vibrant garden, consider planting dahlias alongside cosmos, marigolds, dill, and other companion plants that share similar light and soil requirements, attract pollinators, and help control pests naturally.
