Alyssum is a real delight. It has lovely clusters of flowers that are delicate and beautiful. And on top of that they have a wonderful scent and are great at attracting insects to your garden that help keep it healthy.
But what should you plant alongside 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 the bright colors go really well with the whites and purples of alyssum.
Growing Marigolds
Soil: Marigolds prefer soil that drains well 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 as it will promote more flowers.
- Avoid overhead watering as it can result in fungal diseases.
2. Lavender
Why Lavender?
As well as having a wonderful scent that every garden should enjoy Lavender works well with alyssum as they have the same soil needs.
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.
Location: Good for borders and herb gardens.
Care Tips
- Prune in the early spring as it encourages bushy growth.
- Mulch with gravel to make the drainage better.
3. Petunias
Why Petunias?
Petunias and alyssum together create a fantastic display. Petunias are easy to grow and have such a range or colors that go beautiful with alyssum.
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 the spent flowers as it will encourage petunias to flower continuously.
4. Zinnias
Why Zinnias?
Zinnias are tall and come in striking colors. They make alyssum stand out even more. They also attract pollinators which is great for a healthy garden.
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 leaves and flowers dry.
Location: Good for borders and cutting gardens.
Care Tips
- Thin seedlings so you don’t get overcrowding.
- Water deeply but not too often. Doing so will encourage the roots to grow deep.
5. Nasturtiums
Why Nasturtiums?
Nasturtiums are great companions for alyssum because they keep away aphids and other pests. Plus they make a really good ground cover.
Growing Nasturtiums
Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile soil.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Water little; too much water will reduce how much they bloom.
Location: Great for borders, containers and as ground cover.
Care Tips
- After the last frost sow the seeds.
- Deadhead regularly as it will help with the new blooms.
6. Snapdragons
Why Snapdragons?
Snapdragons complement alyssum and because they grow tall add some extra interest to your garden. They will also bring bees and other pollinators to your garden.
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: Good for borders and containers.
Care Tips
- Pinch back young plants as it will help to bushier growth.
- Deadhead to make the blooming period last longer.
7. Lobelia
Why Lobelia?
Lobelia is a striking blue flower that goes well with 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 the soil consistently moist.
Location: Excellent for borders, containers and hanging baskets.
Care Tips
- Trim it back after the first bloom and you will be encouraging a second burst of growth.
- Fertilize lightly every month.
8. Salvia
Why Salvia?
Salvia is a good contrast to alyssum as it has lots of color and tall spikes. 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 the soil to dry out between waterings.
Location: Perfect for borders and pollinator gardens.
Care Tips
- Cut back after flowering to help with new growth.
- Divide every few years to keep plants healthy and strong.
9. Sweet Peas
Why Sweet Peas?
They’re a great companion for alyssum as they offer a brilliant fragrance and some height. They can climb up trellises too which creates a bit more interest in 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 up things like trellises and fences.
Care Tips
- Sow the seeds directly in to the ground after the last frost.
- Give support to the varieties that climb.
10. Cosmos
Why Cosmos?
Cosmos are tall and come in a many different colors that make for a beautiful backdrop to alyssum. They are also very easy to grow (which is always a plus!) and attract some of the best 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.
Location: Good for wildflower gardens and borders.
Care Tips
- Thin seedlings so they don’t get overcrowded.
- Deadhead regularly so they bloom for longer.
Final Thoughts
Pairing alyssum with these companion plants will give you a beautiful and thriving garden. It will be one that is full of color, some of the best fragrances and lots of life. Each plant brings its own benefits, from attracting pollinators to keeping away pests.
All you have to do is think of their individual needs and characteristics and you’ll have a healthy and happy garden.
