Alyssum is a gardener’s delight. It has delicate clusters of flowers and a sweet fragrance, but on top of that it’s also great at attracting beneficial insects that can help keep your garden healthy.
But what should you plant alongside these your alyssum? Well I’ve found some fantastic companions for alyssum that can make your garden thrive.
So let’s take a look at the best plants to pair with alyssum and how to care for them.
1. Marigolds
Why Marigolds?
Marigolds are excellent companions for alyssum. They keep away pests like nematodes and aphids and their bright colors complement the white and purple hues of alyssum.
Growing Marigolds
Soil: Marigolds prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight: Full sun is ideal.
Watering: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Location: Plant them in garden beds or containers.
Care Tips
- Deadhead regularly to promote more blooms.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
2. Lavender
Why Lavender?
Lavender not only shares alyssum’s love for well drained soil and full sun but also brings a lovely fragrance to any garden space.
Growing Lavender
Soil: Well drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
Sunlight: Needs full sun.
Watering: Water sparingly; lavender is drought-tolerant.
Location: Ideal for borders and herb gardens.
Care Tips
- Prune in early spring to encourage bushy growth.
- Mulch with gravel to improve drainage.
3. Petunias
Why Petunias?
Petunias and alyssum together can create a stunning display. Petunias are easy to grow and their wide range of colors complement alyssum beautifully.
Growing Petunias
Soil: Rich, well drained soil.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Location: Perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and borders.
Care Tips
- Feed every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
4. Zinnias
Why Zinnias?
Zinnias add height and vibrant colors that can make alyssum stand out even more. They also attract pollinators which is great for a healthy garden ecosystem.
Growing Zinnias
Soil: Well draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Watering: Water at the base to keep the foliage dry.
Location: Ideal for borders and cutting gardens.
Care Tips
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
5. Nasturtiums
Why Nasturtiums?
Nasturtiums are wonderful companions for alyssum because they can repel aphids and other pests. Plus their trailing habit makes them perfect for ground cover.
Growing Nasturtiums
Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile soil.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Water sparingly; too much water will reduce blooming.
Location: Great for borders, containers, and as ground cover.
Care Tips
- Direct sow seeds after the last frost.
- Deadhead regularly to promote new blooms.
6. Snapdragons
Why Snapdragons?
Snapdragons add vertical interest and come in various colors that can complement your alyssum. They also attract bees and other pollinators.
Growing Snapdragons
Soil: Rich, well drained soil with a pH of 6.2 to 7.0.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Location: Ideal for borders and containers.
Care Tips
- Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth.
- Deadhead to extend the blooming period.
7. Lobelia
Why Lobelia?
Lobelia’s trailing habit and vibrant blue flowers make it a perfect match for alyssum. It works well in hanging baskets and as an edging plant.
Growing Lobelia
Soil: Moist, well drained soil.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
Location: Excellent for borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
Care Tips
- Trim back after the first bloom to encourage a second flush.
- Fertilize lightly every month.
8. Salvia
Why Salvia?
Salvia’s tall spikes and various colors can add an interesting contrast to the low growing alyssum. It’s also excellent at attracting hummingbirds and bees.
Growing Salvia
Soil: Well draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly allowing soil to dry out between waterings.
Location: Ideal for borders and pollinator gardens.
Care Tips
- Cut back after flowering to encourage new growth.
- Divide every few years to keep plants vigorous.
9. Sweet Peas
Why Sweet Peas?
Sweet peas provide height and a lovely fragrance, making them a great companion for alyssum. They can climb up trellises too which adds some vertical interest to your garden.
Growing Sweet Peas
Soil: Rich, well drained soil.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
Location: Perfect for climbing structures like trellises and fences.
Care Tips
- Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost.
- Provide support for climbing varieties.
10. Cosmos
Why Cosmos?
Cosmos are tall, airy and come in a variety of colors that can provide a beautiful backdrop for alyssum. They are also very easy to grow (which is always a plus!) and attract beneficial insects.
Growing Cosmos
Soil: Well drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Watering: Water moderately; cosmos are drought tolerant once established.
Location: Ideal for wildflower gardens and borders.
Care Tips
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
- Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming.
Final Thoughts
Pairing alyssum with these companion plants will create a beautiful and thriving garden that’s full of color, amazing fragrance and life. Each plant brings its own benefits, from attracting pollinators to deterring pests.
All you have to do is think of their individual needs and characteristics and you’ll have a healthy and happy garden.
