Discover 9 Good and 4 Bad Agastache Companion Plants

Today, I’m excited to share my insights on agastache, a plant that’s as beneficial as it is beautiful, focusing on 9 fantastic Agastache companion plants and 4 plants to steer stay away.

Good Agastache Companion Plants

Agastache, with its vibrant flowers and aromatic leaves, serves as a beacon for pollinators while deterring pests. Let’s explore the plants that live harmoniously with agastache.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are not only bold and beautiful; they’re also agastache’s best buddies. These plants create a pest-deterring barrier with their spicy leaves, protecting agastache from unwanted guests.

• Why they’re great together:
  • Nasturtiums attract beneficial insects that prey on pests threatening agastache.
  • Their ground-covering habit helps maintain soil moisture and temperature, benefiting agastache’s root environment.
• Planting guide:
  1. Choose a sunny spot where both plants can thrive.
  2. Plant nasturtium seeds directly into the soil about 10 inches apart, ensuring agastache has been planted or will be planted nearby.
  3. Water regularly while the nasturtium seeds germinate and establish.

Discover more about these vibrant protectors in our detailed post on nasturtium companion plants.

Lavender

Lavender, with its soothing scent and stunning purple blooms, is another excellent companion for agastache. Both plants share similar growing requirements, making them a perfect pair.

• Why lavender is a match:
  • Their similar water and sunlight needs simplify garden care.
  • Lavender’s strong scent repels deer and rabbits, which might otherwise snack on agastache.
• How to plant together:
  1. Ensure well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun.
  2. Space lavender plants about 18 inches apart from agastache to allow ample growth room.
  3. Water sparingly, as both plants prefer drier conditions.

Explore the serene beauty of lavender in our lavender companion plants article for more insights.

Marigold

Marigolds are not just a burst of sunshine in the garden; they are a fortress against nematodes and other soil pests that could harm agastache.

• Benefits of pairing with marigolds:
  • Their roots secrete a substance that deters soil-dwelling pests.
  • The bright flowers attract pollinators, enhancing the pollination of agastache.
• Planting steps:
  1. Position marigolds around the base of agastache plants, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
  2. Water the soil well after planting, ensuring it’s moist but not waterlogged.
  3. Enjoy the dual benefits of pest control and increased pollinator visits.

For an in-depth look at marigold companions, check out our guide on marigold companion plants.

Basil

Basil offers more than culinary delights; it’s a fantastic companion for agastache, repelling pests while attracting pollinators.

• Why basil and agastache work well together:
  • The strong scent of basil deters mosquitoes and aphids.
  • Both plants enjoy full sun and regular watering, making them garden mates.
• How to plant:
  1. Plant basil alongside or in close proximity to agastache.
  2. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot, dry periods.
  3. Harvest basil regularly to encourage a bushier growth that benefits both plants.

Learn more about basil’s companionship benefits in our post on basil companion plants.

Oregano

Oregano is a robust herb that shares many of agastache’s growing conditions, making it an ideal companion. Its ground-covering habit suppresses weeds and its scent deters pests.

• Benefits of oregano and agastache pairing:
  • Similar sunlight and water requirements.
  • Oregano’s aroma repels many pests that could harm agastache.
• Planting guide:
  1. Space oregano plants about 10 inches apart from agastache.
  2. Water regularly, ensuring both plants receive adequate moisture without being waterlogged.
  3. Prune oregano to prevent it from overtaking agastache.

Dive into the world of oregano companions with our guide on oregano companion plants.

Bee Balm

Bee balm is a magnet for pollinators and a fantastic companion for agastache, sharing its love for sun and well-draining soil.

• Why they’re beneficial together:
  • Both plants attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing pollination.
  • Bee balm’s tall, striking flowers complement agastache’s appearance.
• Planting alongside agastache:
  1. Ensure plenty of space between plants to promote air circulation.
  2. Water the plants adequately, as both prefer moist but well-drained soil.
  3. Deadhead bee balm to encourage continuous blooming.

Yarrow

Yarrow is not only visually appealing with its umbrella-shaped flower clusters but also attracts beneficial insects that help keep pests away from agastache.

• Advantages of yarrow as a companion:
  • Attracts ladybugs and other predatory insects.
  • Tolerates drought, reducing competition for water.
• Co-planting with agastache:
  1. Plant yarrow in an area that receives full sun, like agastache.
  2. Space plants about 18-24 inches apart to give each enough room to flourish.
  3. Water sparingly, as both plants are drought-tolerant once established.

Hyssop

Hyssop, another herbaceous perennial, is a perfect match for agastache, sharing its love for well-drained soil and full sun.

• Why hyssop is a good companion:
  • Both plants are part of the mint family, requiring similar care.
  • Hyssop’s strong scent can deter pests from agastache.
• Planting hyssop with agastache:
  1. Space hyssop plants around 15 inches from agastache.
  2. Provide regular watering until plants are well-established.
  3. Prune both plants to keep them bushy and healthy.

Mint

While mint can be invasive, it’s an excellent companion for agastache in controlled conditions, repelling pests with its strong scent.

• Companion benefits:
  • Mint deters ants and aphids.
  • Can be grown in containers to prevent it from spreading too much.
• How to incorporate mint:
  1. Plant mint in containers near agastache to keep it contained.
  2. Water both plants regularly, ensuring they don’t dry out.
  3. Harvest mint frequently to prevent it from overtaking the garden.

Plants to Avoid Near Agastache

Fennel

Fennel is known to be allelopathic, meaning it can inhibit the growth of nearby plants like agastache through chemical warfare.

• Why to avoid:
  • Fennel’s allelochemicals may stunt agastache growth.
  • It can attract pests that might also target agastache.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers require more water than agastache, which could lead to overwatering and root rot for the latter.

• Risks of planting with cucumbers:
  • Different watering needs can compromise agastache’s health.
  • Cucumbers might shade out agastache, reducing its sun exposure.

Zucchini

Like cucumbers, zucchini also demands more water and can overshadow smaller agastache plants, potentially leading to poor growth or disease.

• Why zucchini isn’t compatible:
  • Risk of overwatering.
  • Large leaves might block sunlight from reaching agastache.

Potatoes

Potatoes can harbor blight and other diseases that could easily spread to agastache, making them poor companions.

• Downsides to planting with potatoes:
  • Disease risk is high.
  • Potatoes’ extensive root systems could outcompete agastache for nutrients.

Companion Planting Chart for Agastache

To wrap up, here’s a quick reference chart for agastache companion planting:

Good Companions	Why They’re Great Together
Nasturtium	Pest deterrent, attracts beneficial insects
Lavender	Similar growing needs, deer and rabbit deterrent
Marigold	Nematode control, attracts pollinators
Basil	Pest repellent, similar water and sun needs
Oregano	Weed suppression, pest deterrent
Bee Balm	Attracts pollinators, aesthetic complement
Yarrow	Attracts beneficial insects, drought-tolerant
Hyssop	Similar care requirements, pest deterrent
Mint	Pest deterrent, can be controlled in containers

Remember, the key to successful companion planting is understanding the needs and benefits of each plant. By choosing the right companions, you can create a thriving, healthy garden that’s both beautiful and productive. For more details on each companion plant and those to avoid, make sure to read the full posts linked throughout this guide.