I’ve spent years growing everything from hardy perennials to finicky exotics. Along the way I’ve learned that some plant pairings are just asking for trouble. And brunia definitely has its preferences about neighbors. So I’m going to help you with what actually works (and what absolutely doesn’t) when it comes to companion planting with brunia. …
Liatris is stunning. With purple spikes that are real showstoppers, you can’t miss them. But like so many plants they can be really picky about their neighbors. So I’m going to help you avoid the heartache of watching your carefully planned garden struggle. These are the plants that liatris hates and you should keep well …
Crocus flowers pop up just when you think winter might never end. I’ve loved these early bloomers since I was a kid – there’s something magical about their purple, yellow and white cups pushing through nearly-frozen ground. But not all plants make good neighbors for crocus. Some will outcompete them, shade them excessively or just …
So you’ve decided to add a beautiful butterfly bush (Buddleia) to your garden. It’s a great choice. They attract tons of butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators with their fragrant blooms. But sadly not all plants make good neighbors for your Buddleia. Some can seriously stunt its growth or even cause it to struggle. When I …
Larkspur is one of those flowers that makes you feel like a master gardener even when you’re not. Their tall spikes of blue, pink and purple blooms can transform an ordinary garden into something magazine-worthy. But whilst they’re wonderful to look at they aren’t always the friendliest neighbors in your garden. The reality is larkspur …
Coreopsis is one of those flowers that makes gardening feel like cheating. It’s tough, blooms forever & basically thrives on neglect. No surprise it’s become my go-to recommendation for friends who want a colorful garden without all the fuss. But though it’s easy to grow not all plants make good neighbors for coreopsis. Some will …
Catmint is one of those plants that you can’t help but fall in love with. The silvery greenish foliage, those lavender-blue flowers that seem to bloom forever and let’s not forget – the cats that roll around in ecstasy when they find it in your garden! I planted my first catmint (Nepeta) about five years …
Sedum is a great plant. It’s hardy, drought-resistant and makes for a beautiful low maintenance addition to any garden. So no surprise it’s become so popular with both beginning gardeners and the more seasoned. But not all plants make good neighbors for sedum. Some can compete for resources, create unfavorable growing conditions or just don’t …
Hollyhock is a gorgeous, towering flower that brings that classic cottage garden feel to any space. They can reach impressive heights and produce flowers in practically every color of the rainbow. But like that one friend who just doesn’t get along with everyone at the party, hollyhocks can be a bit particular about their garden …
There are few flowers that are as charming as violets. Their purple blossoms have been capturing hearts for centuries. I still remember my grandmother’s violet-lined garden path that looked like something out of a fairy tale. But not all plants make good neighbors for violets. Some can literally bully them out of existence while others …