Alyssum is a great flower. It’s hardy, easy to grow and makes for a beautiful ground cover. So no surprise it’s so popular.
But not all plants make good neighbors for alyssum. Some can compete for resources, attract pests or just don’t play well together.
So you’ll want to avoid those plants if you’re growing alyssum. The following list will go through plants that you should keep away from your lovely alyssum and why.
Why Compatibility Matters in the Garden
In gardening it’s super important to think about plant compatibility. Why? Because some plants support each other, share their resources and ward off pests.
But others can do the opposite – hinder growth, steal nutrients or attract harmful insects.
That’s why it’s key to understand and know which plants go together and which don’t. It can make the difference between a flourishing garden and one that struggles.
So lets look at those that you should avoid planting with your alyssum.
1. Broccoli
Broccoli and alyssum might seem like a good match but they compete for the same nutrients, leading to poorer yields for both.
Why Broccoli is a Problem
Nutrient Competition: Both broccoli and alyssum are heavy feeders, particularly in nitrogen. Planting them together means they will compete for these essential nutrients and leave both plants struggling to get what they need.
Pest Attraction: Broccoli attracts pests like aphids and cabbage worms. These pests not only damage broccoli but can also spread to alyssum, causing additional problems.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties, but they can be too competitive for alyssum.
Why Marigolds are a Problem:
Nutrient Competition: Marigolds are heavy feeders and can compete with alyssum for essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen. This can leave alyssum struggling to get the nutrients it needs.
Dense Foliage: Marigolds have dense foliage that can overshadow alyssum, depriving it of sunlight and hindering its growth.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another plant that doesn’t get along well with alyssum. They need a lot of space and nutrients which can deprive alyssum of what it needs.
Why Tomatoes are a Problem
Nutrient Depletion: Tomatoes require a significant amount of nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium. This can leave the soil depleted making it hard for alyssum to thrive.
Pest Issues: Tomatoes attract pests such as aphids and whiteflies. These pests can easily spread to alyssum leading to widespread garden problems.
4. Petunias
Petunias, with their vibrant colors, may seem like a good companion, but they often compete with alyssum for space and nutrients.
Why Petunias are a Problem:
Nutrient Depletion: Petunias require a lot of nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium. This can deplete the soil, making it hard for alyssum to thrive.
Pest Issues: Petunias can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies. These pests can easily spread to alyssum, leading to widespread garden problems.
5. Fennel
Fennel is notorious for being a poor companion plant for many species and alyssum is no exception.
Why Fennel is a Problem:
Allelopathic Effects: Fennel releases compounds into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including alyssum. This can stunt the growth and health of your alyssum.
Space Competition: Fennel grows large and will overshadow smaller plants like alyssum which deprives them of sunlight and space.
6. Roses
Roses, though beautiful, can be demanding neighbors for alyssum due to their nutrient needs and susceptibility to pests.
Why Roses are a Problem:
Nutrient Requirements: Roses are heavy feeders, requiring a lot of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and potassium. This can leave the soil depleted, making it hard for alyssum to thrive.
Pest Attraction: Roses attract pests such as aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. These pests can spread to alyssum, causing additional problems.
7. Corn
Corn is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of nutrients and will leave alyssum struggling.
Why Corn is a Problem:
Nutrient Competition: Corn’s high nutrient needs, especially for nitrogen, mean it will compete aggressively with alyssum. It’s that competition that results in poor growth for alyssum.
Shade: Corn grows tall and can overshadow alyssum. This will limit the amount of sunlight it receives and affect its growth.
8. Geraniums
Geraniums, while hardy and easy to grow, may not be the best companions for alyssum.
Why Geraniums are a Problem:
Nutrient Competition: Geraniums can be heavy feeders, competing with alyssum for essential nutrients.
Allelopathic Effects: Some geraniums can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants, potentially stunting alyssum.
9. Potatoes
Potatoes and alyssum don’t make great companions due to their differing soil needs and pest problems.
Why Potatoes are a Problem:
Pest Attraction: Potatoes attract pests like aphids and Colorado potato beetles. These pests can also affect alyssum which will lead to increased pest problems in your garden.
Nutrient Competition: Potatoes are also heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients that alyssum needs to thrive.
10. Dahlias
Dahlias are stunning but demanding flowers that can overshadow and outcompete alyssum.
Why Dahlias are a Problem:
Nutrient Depletion: Dahlias have high nutrient requirements, particularly for phosphorus and potassium, which can deplete the soil and leave alyssum struggling.
Space Competition: Dahlias grow large and can overshadow alyssum, depriving it of sunlight and space.
11. Peppers
Peppers and alyssum may not be the best neighbors due to their high nutrient needs and susceptibility to similar pests.
Why Peppers are a Problem:
Nutrient Competition: Peppers require a lot of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and potassium, which can deplete the soil and leave alyssum struggling to get enough.
Pest Attraction: Peppers attract pests like aphids and spider mites which can also target alyssum.
12. Mint
Mint is a plant that tends to dominate its growing area. This makes it a poor companion for many plants, including alyssum.
Why Mint is a Problem:
Invasive Growth: Mint spreads aggressively and can quickly take over garden spaces crowding out alyssum and other plants.
Allelopathic Effects: Mint can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants and stunt alyssum.
Good Companions for Alyssum
A few examples of plants that are good comparisons for alyssum include:
Lettuce: Alyssum attracts beneficial insects that keep pests away from lettuce.
Carrots: They don’t compete for nutrients and the alyssum helps deter carrot flies.
Strawberries: Alyssum attracts pollinators that benefit strawberries.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting
Know Your Soil: Test your soil to understand its nutrient profile. This helps in choosing the right plants that can share the space harmoniously.
Watering Needs: Group plants with similar watering needs to avoid over or underwatering.
Pest Management: Choose plants that help each other by repelling pests or attracting beneficial insects.
Final Thoughts
Keep experimenting and observing how your plants interact. Every garden is unique and what works well in one may not work in another.