6 Amazing Amsonia Companion Plants & 4 to Avoid

Today, I’m excited to share insights on amsonia, also known as bluestar, a perennial favorite for its star-shaped blue flowers and vibrant fall foliage. Amsonia companion plants will elevate your garden’s aesthetics, improve pollination, and even help with pest control. Let’s dive into the best and worst companions for amsonia.

Good Companion Plants for Amsonia

Purslane

Purslane is another fantastic companion for amsonia. This low-growing, succulent plant thrives in similar conditions as amsonia, preferring full sun to partial shade. Purslane adds a ground-cover effect, suppressing weeds and maintaining soil moisture, which benefits amsonia during hot summers.

• Planting Instructions:
  • Step 1: Select a location with full sun to light shade.
  • Step 2: Plant purslane cuttings or seeds directly into the soil, spacing them about 12 inches apart from amsonia plants.
  • Step 3: Water thoroughly after planting, then allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.
• Why Plant Together?: The ground-cover nature of purslane helps to keep the soil moist and weed-free, creating an ideal environment for amsonia to flourish.
  Discover the full potential of purslane as a companion plant here: Explore Now.

Rutabaga

While not the first choice for many gardeners, rutabaga can be a beneficial companion to amsonia due to its ability to loosen the soil. This root vegetable grows beneath the soil surface, creating pathways that improve soil aeration and drainage, benefiting amsonia’s root system.

• Planting Instructions:
  • Step 1: Choose a well-drained spot in your garden that receives full sunlight.
  • Step 2: Sow rutabaga seeds directly into the soil, about half an inch deep, ensuring they are spaced at least 14 inches from amsonia plants.
  • Step 3: Water consistently, keeping the soil moist to encourage healthy root development.
• Why Plant Together?: Rutabaga’s soil-loosening properties encourage a healthier root environment for amsonia, promoting robust growth.
  Learn more about rutabaga and its companion planting benefits here: Read More.

Viburnum

Viburnum offers a stunning backdrop for amsonia with its lush foliage and clusters of fragrant flowers. This pairing not only enhances the visual appeal of your garden but also supports a diverse ecosystem, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.

• Planting Instructions:
  • Step 1: Select a location that receives full to partial sunlight, mirroring amsonia’s requirements.
  • Step 2: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the viburnum’s root ball, placing it at least 15 inches away from amsonia to give both plants ample space to expand.
  • Step 3: Backfill the hole, water deeply, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Why Plant Together?: The contrast between viburnum’s bold flowers and amsonia’s delicate blue blooms creates a layered, textured look in your garden.
  Interested in more pairings? Check out this detailed guide on viburnum companion plants: Learn More.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are not only vibrant and easy to grow, but they also serve as excellent companions for amsonia. These cheerful plants deter pests with their peppery leaves, providing a natural defense for your amsonia. Nasturtiums thrive in full to partial sun, similar to amsonia, making them ideal partners in your garden.

• Planting Instructions:
  • Step 1: Choose a sunny spot where both plants can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
  • Step 2: Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
  • Step 3: Plant nasturtium seeds directly into the soil about an inch deep, approximately 10 inches away from your amsonia to ensure room for growth.
  • Step 4: Water gently and keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate.
• Why Plant Together?: Nasturtiums’ ability to repel pests and their similar sunlight requirements make them ideal companions for amsonia, enhancing your garden’s health and beauty.
  For more details on nasturtium companion plants, check out this comprehensive guide: Discover More.

Quince

The quince tree is an unexpected yet delightful companion for amsonia. Its spring blossoms and fruit set a striking scene against the soft textures of amsonia, while its deep roots don’t compete for surface nutrients or water.

• Planting Instructions:
  • Step 1: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, ideal for both quince and amsonia.
  • Step 2: Plant quince trees at least 20 inches away from amsonia to avoid overcrowding and competition for resources.
  • Step 3: Water regularly until the quince tree is established, then water as needed, similar to amsonia’s requirements.
• Why Plant Together?: Quince trees provide vertical interest and shade in summer, benefiting the amsonia growing beneath.
  Explore the unique benefits of quince as a companion plant here: Discover More.

Quinoa

Quinoa serves as an excellent green mulch for amsonia, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients. This combination is perfect for gardeners looking to maximize space and improve soil health.

• Planting Instructions:
  • Step 1: Plant quinoa seeds in early spring, around the same time you plant amsonia, in a spot with full sun.
  • Step 2: Scatter quinoa seeds lightly around amsonia plants, ensuring they’re about 12 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
  • Step 3: Keep the soil moist until quinoa germinates and continue to water moderately as it grows.
• Why Plant Together?: Quinoa’s fast growth provides ground cover, reducing weeds and keeping the soil moist for amsonia.
  For a deeper dive into quinoa and its companion planting advantages, visit: Read More.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Amsonia

While many plants complement amsonia beautifully, some can be detrimental to its growth and overall garden harmony. Here are four plants to keep at a distance:

Black Walnut

The black walnut tree produces juglone, a substance harmful to many plants, including amsonia. Planting amsonia near black walnut can lead to stunted growth or even plant death.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees emit chemicals from their roots that can inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. Their large root systems also compete aggressively for water and nutrients, making them poor neighbors for amsonia.

Allelopathic Grasses

Certain grasses, such as tall fescue, release substances that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants. These grasses can create a challenging environment for amsonia to thrive.

Invasive Species

Invasive plant species, such as kudzu or Japanese knotweed, can quickly overrun amsonia and other garden plants, competing for light, water, and nutrients.

Companion Planting Chart for Amsonia

Good Companions	Benefits
Nasturtium	Repels pests, adds color
Purslane	Suppresses weeds, retains moisture
Rutabaga	Improves soil structure
Viburnum	Attracts pollinators, adds vertical interest
Quince Tree	Provides shade, adds visual interest
Quinoa	Acts as green mulch, enriches soil

By selecting the right companions for your amsonia, you can create a garden that is not only visually stunning but also ecologically balanced. Remember to consider the specific needs and characteristics of each plant to ensure they can coexist harmoniously.