Best 6 Ageratum Companion Plants & 3 to Stay Away!

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the 6 best companions for ageratum, as well as 3 plants to keep at a distance, ensuring your garden thrives in harmony.

Best Ageratum Companion Plants

Marigolds

Marigolds are not just a vibrant addition to your garden; they are also excellent ageratum companion plants. Known for their pest-repellent properties, marigolds can help protect ageratum from harmful insects. The contrasting colors of marigold’s bright orange or yellow blooms against the soft blue of ageratum create a stunning visual effect.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Choose a sunny spot where both plants can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
  2. Prepare the soil by mixing in compost to improve drainage and fertility.
  3. Plant marigold seeds or seedlings around 8-12 inches apart to allow for growth, ensuring they’re in close proximity to ageratum to maximize their pest-repellent effects.
  4. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Explore more about marigold’s benefits in your garden by reading our detailed post on marigold companion plants.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums, with their unique ability to repel a wide range of pests, make fantastic neighbors for ageratum. Their bright and peppery blooms not only deter unwanted visitors but also add a layer of beauty and complexity to your garden design.

• How to Co-Plant:
  1. Ensure both ageratum and nasturtiums are planted in well-draining soil with full to partial sunlight.
  2. Sow nasturtium seeds directly into the ground, approximately 10-12 inches away from ageratum, to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Water consistently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.

Discover the versatility of nasturtiums in companion planting by visiting nasturtium companion plants.

Basil

Basil is not only a culinary delight but also an excellent companion for ageratum. This aromatic herb can help repel mosquitoes and flies, creating a more pleasant environment for both you and your plants.

• Steps for Planting Together:
  1. Plant basil and ageratum in locations that receive full sun to partial shade.
  2. Space basil plants about 12 inches apart from ageratum to ensure proper air circulation.
  3. Keep the soil moist and fertilize monthly to encourage healthy growth for both plants.

Learn more about basil’s companion planting benefits at basil companion plants.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass, with its tall, fragrant stalks, is a great companion for ageratum. It helps to deter pests while adding a tropical flair to your garden space.

• How to Grow Them Together:
  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for both plants.
  2. Plant lemongrass at least 24 inches apart from ageratum to accommodate its growth.
  3. Water regularly and apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to support their development.

For a deep dive into lemongrass and its gardening benefits, check out lemongrass companion plants.

Calendula

Calendula, known for its medicinal properties and vibrant flowers, is another great ally for ageratum in the garden. It can attract beneficial insects and improve soil health, benefiting ageratum significantly.

• Planting Guide:
  1. Both plants thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  2. Space calendula plants about 8 inches from ageratum to promote healthy growth.
  3. Water evenly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

Find out more about the synergistic effects of planting calendula with other garden favorites at calendula companion plants.

Catnip

Catnip not only entertains cats but also serves as a powerful insect repellent, making it a beneficial companion for ageratum. Its ability to deter aphids and Japanese beetles can help protect your ageratum and other garden plants.

• Co-Planting Steps:
  1. Plant catnip in a sunny to partially shaded area, ensuring it’s near your ageratum.
  2. Keep a distance of at least 18 inches between the plants to avoid competition.
  3. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep both plants happy.

To learn more about the protective qualities of catnip, visit catnip companion plants.

Plants to Avoid Near Ageratum

While ageratum makes a friendly neighbor to many, there are a few plants it’s best kept away from. Understanding these incompatibilities is key to maintaining a healthy and thriving garden.

Fennel

Fennel is a poor companion for ageratum and most other garden plants due to its allelopathic properties, which can inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. Its strong growth habit and tendency to attract certain pests can also negatively impact ageratum and its allies.

• Why Keep Them Apart:
  1. Fennel secretes substances from its roots that can impede the growth of ageratum.
  2. It can attract aphids and other pests that might then spread to ageratum.

For gardeners interested in fennel, it’s best planted in isolation. Learn more about where to plant fennel in your garden by reading fennel companion plants.

Cabbage

Cabbage and its relatives can be challenging companions for ageratum, primarily because they require a lot of nutrients, potentially depriving ageratum and other plants of essential resources.

• Reasons for Separation:
  1. Cabbage family plants have heavy nutrient demands, which can lead to competition with ageratum.
  2. The dense foliage of cabbage can overshadow smaller ageratum plants, limiting their sunlight exposure.

Understanding the nutritional needs and growth habits of cabbage is crucial for any gardener. For insights on cabbage companions, check out the best and worst cabbage companion plants.

Walnut Trees

Walnut trees produce juglone, a chemical harmful to many garden plants, including ageratum. The root system of a walnut tree can extend far beyond its canopy, impacting plants within a significant radius.

• Avoidance Strategy:
  1. Juglone can stunt the growth or even kill sensitive plants like ageratum.
  2. The extensive root system and shade cast by walnut trees can further inhibit ageratum’s development.

Walnut trees are best kept at a distance from your vegetable and flower gardens. For more information on juglone and compatible planting strategies, it’s advisable to conduct further research, as my knowledge base doesn’t include specific articles on walnut tree companions.

Companion Planting Chart for Ageratum

To encapsulate the essence of ageratum companion planting, here’s a quick reference chart:

Good Companions	Why They’re Great Together
Marigolds	Pest-repellent properties, vibrant contrast
Nasturtiums	Pest deterrence, aesthetic appeal
Basil	Mosquito and fly repellent, aromatic presence
Lemongrass	Pest deterrent, tropical flair
Calendula	Attracts beneficial insects, improves soil health
Catnip	Repels aphids and Japanese beetles

Companion planting with ageratum offers a beautiful and practical way to create a thriving garden ecosystem. Remember, each plant in your garden plays a unique role in this living, breathing system. By choosing companions wisely, you ensure not only the beauty but also the resilience and productivity of your garden.

For more detailed guides on each plant and their companion planting benefits, be sure to explore our extensive collection of articles. Dive into the world of gardening with us, and watch your garden transform into a vibrant tapestry of colors, textures, and life.