7 Top Abelia Companion Plants & 3 to Avoid

Good Abelia Companion Plants

Lavender

Lavender is a fantastic companion for abelia, with its aromatic foliage and beautiful purple flowers that contrast nicely with abelia’s glossy leaves. This pairing attracts pollinators and adds a sensory delight to any garden space.

• How to Plant Together:
  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, as both plants thrive in similar conditions.
  2. Space the plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature growth.
  3. Water moderately; both abelia and lavender are relatively drought-tolerant once established.
  4. Mulch lightly around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds without overcrowding the stem.

Explore more about lavender companion planting and its benefits in our detailed post here.

Catmint

Catmint offers a sea of blue that beautifully complements abelia’s pink and white blooms. This herbaceous perennial is not only easy to care for but also attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.

• Planting Guide:
  1. Plant in full sun to partial shade where both plants can get at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend with organic matter if necessary.
  3. Space catmint plants approximately 18 inches from abelia to give each plant enough room to flourish.
  4. Water regularly until established; both plants are fairly drought-resistant afterward.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas, with their large, lush blooms, create a stunning backdrop for the delicate flowers of abelia. This combination offers a contrast in textures and colors, making your garden a visual masterpiece.

• How to Co-Plant:
  1. Choose a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, suitable for both plants.
  2. Space hydrangeas about 3-4 feet away from abelias to prevent overcrowding.
  3. Maintain consistent moisture for both, especially in the heat of summer.
  4. Apply a layer of organic mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.

Delve deeper into hydrangea companion planting by visiting our guide here.

Russian Sage

Russian Sage pairs well with abelia, offering a contrasting height and a splash of soft blue against the green foliage of abelia. This plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, mirroring abelia’s care requirements.

• Steps to Plant Together:
  1. Ensure the planting site has full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
  2. Plant Russian sage approximately 2 feet apart from abelia to allow for spread and air circulation.
  3. Water the plants deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development.
  4. Cut back Russian sage in early spring to promote vigorous new growth and flowering.

Interested in Russian sage companions? Find out more in our post here.

Sedum

Sedum, or stonecrop, brings a succulent texture to the garden and pairs well with the soft foliage of abelia. Its drought tolerance and late summer to fall blooms offer a prolonged display of color and interest.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Choose a location with full sun to light shade and well-draining soil.
  2. Space sedum plants about 18 inches from abelia to accommodate growth.
  3. Water sparingly, as both sedum and abelia are drought-tolerant once established.
  4. Apply a thin layer of gravel mulch to complement sedum’s succulent leaves and prevent rot.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses add texture and movement to the garden when paired with abelia. Their varied heights and colors can complement abelia’s form and flower, creating a dynamic landscape.

• How to Integrate with Abelia:
  1. Select grass varieties that match the sun and water requirements of abelia.
  2. Plant grasses at least 2 feet away to give each plant space to spread.
  3. Water until established; most ornamental grasses are drought-tolerant, similar to abelia.
  4. Cut back grasses in late winter to early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Geranium

Geraniums offer a burst of color at ground level, contrasting with abelia’s height and creating a layered effect in the garden. Their easy-going nature and vibrant blooms make them an ideal companion.

• Planting Next to Abelia:
  1. Choose a spot with similar sunlight and water requirements.
  2. Space geraniums about 12-18 inches from abelias, depending on the variety.
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the first growing season.
  4. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Abelia

Walnut Trees

Walnut trees produce juglone, a substance toxic to many plants, including abelia. The chemical can stunt growth or even kill susceptible plants, making walnut trees poor neighbors for abelia.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees, with their towering presence and aromatic leaves, are not just iconic to the landscapes they inhabit but also bear a significant ecological impact on surrounding flora. Renowned for their voracious appetite for water and nutrients, these trees can dominate the local water table and soil nutrient profile. This intense competition for resources often results in a challenging environment for nearby plants, such as abelia, which may struggle to secure the necessary sustenance for growth and survival.

Beyond their physical demands, eucalyptus trees exhibit allelopathic properties, releasing biochemicals into the soil that can suppress the germination and growth of other plant species. This chemical warfare adds another layer of complexity for gardeners and landscape architects aiming to maintain a diverse plant community. When eucalyptus trees are in proximity to delicate shrubs like abelia, careful planning and management are required to mitigate these effects, possibly involving the use of barriers to limit root spread or the strategic placement of plants to minimize competitive interactions.

Bamboo

Bamboo, with its elegant canes and lush foliage, is a popular choice for many gardens and landscapes. However, beneath its serene appearance lies an incredibly invasive growth habit that can quickly turn a well-intentioned planting into a landscaping nightmare. Bamboo spreads primarily through its rhizomes, underground stems that can travel far from the original plant, sprouting new shoots as they go. This method of growth allows bamboo to rapidly expand its territory, often at the expense of neighboring plants like abelia. The relentless spread of bamboo can quickly overwhelm and outcompete such plants for vital resources such as light, water, and nutrients.

Managing bamboo’s invasive tendencies requires vigilance and strategic planning. Physical barriers, such as rhizome barriers installed at a sufficient depth and width around the bamboo, can help contain its spread. Regular maintenance, including the cutting back of unwanted shoots and rhizomes, is essential to prevent bamboo from encroaching on the space of less aggressive plants like abelia. For gardeners wishing to grow bamboo and abelia together, careful consideration of the bamboo species, as well as proactive containment measures, are crucial to ensure both plants can coexist without detriment to one another.

Companion Planting Chart for Abelia

Here’s a quick guide to the best companion plants for abelia and those to avoid:

Good Companions	Why They’re Good
Lavender	Aromatic, attracts pollinators, drought-tolerant.
Catmint	Attracts bees/butterflies, easy care.
Hydrangea	Stunning backdrop, contrast in textures.
Russian Sage	Drought-tolerant, adds height/color contrast.
Sedum	Succulent texture, drought-tolerant, fall blooms.
Ornamental Grasses	Adds texture/movement, drought-tolerant.
Geranium	Ground-level color, easy-going.

Plants to Avoid	Why to Avoid
Walnut Trees	Produces juglone, toxic to abelia.
Eucalyptus	Aggressive water/nutrient uptake.
Bamboo	Invasive growth pattern.

Companion planting can dramatically enhance the beauty and health of your garden. By choosing the right companions for your abelia, you’ll create a harmonious and thriving garden ecosystem. Interested in exploring more about companion planting? Dive into our extensive collection of guides and unlock the secrets to a more vibrant garden today!