7 Top Angelonia Companion Plants & 3 to Avoid

Today’s focus is on angelonia companion plants, a topic that combines beauty with functionality, creating lush, vibrant gardens. Let’s dive into the best companions for your angelonia, as well as those to steer clear of, to ensure your garden is not only a feast for the eyes but a haven for beneficial interactions.

Good Companion Plants for Angelonia

Marigolds

Marigolds are not just a burst of sunshine in the garden; they are formidable allies for angelonias. Their bright, cheerful flowers not only add contrast but also deter pests that might otherwise bother angelonias. Marigolds are known for their ability to repel nematodes in the soil, offering a protective barrier for your angelonias.

To plant marigolds with angelonias:

1. Choose a sunny spot, as both plants thrive in full light.
2. Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend with organic matter if necessary.
3. Plant marigolds around the base of angelonias, spacing them about 8-12 inches apart.
4. Water consistently until established, then as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

For more insights on marigold companions, check out this comprehensive guide.

Lavender

Lavender, with its soothing fragrance and elegant appearance, complements angelonias beautifully. This pairing not only creates a visually appealing contrast but also promotes a healthy garden ecosystem. Lavender’s strong scent is known to repel deer and rabbits, offering natural protection to your angelonias.

To successfully pair lavender with angelonias:

1. Select a location that receives plenty of sunlight.
2. Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot in both plants.
3. Space lavender plants approximately 18 inches apart from angelonias to allow ample growth room.
4. Water moderately, as lavender prefers drier conditions compared to angelonias.

Explore the benefits of lavender as a companion plant in our detailed article.

Zinnias

Zinnias and angelonias together create a stunning display of color and form. Zinnias bring height and a pop of color that contrasts well with the more subdued tones of angelonias. This combination not only enhances visual appeal but also attracts pollinators, benefiting the entire garden.

For a successful zinnia and angelonia pairing:

1. Choose a sunny location with rich, well-draining soil.
2. Space zinnia seeds or seedlings about 12 inches apart from angelonias.
3. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
4. Deadhead zinnias to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

Discover the allure of zinnias in companion planting by reading this post.

Salvia

Salvia, with its spiky blooms and aromatic foliage, is a perfect match for angelonia. This duo not only adds depth and texture to your garden but also supports pollinator activity. Salvia’s drought tolerance complements angelonia’s similar water needs, making them a low-maintenance pair for busy gardeners.

To plant salvia with angelonias:

1. Find a sunny spot where both plants can bask in at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
2. Plant in well-drained soil, spacing salvia plants about 18 inches from angelonias.
3. Water consistently during the first few weeks; once established, both plants are quite drought tolerant.
4. Trim back salvia after the first bloom to encourage a second flowering period.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons add height and a dramatic flair to any garden setting, making them fantastic companions for the more mounded growth habit of angelonias. Their varied colors and the ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies create a lively garden atmosphere. Additionally, snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures, which can complement the seasonality of angelonia blooms in spring and fall.

To plant snapdragons with angelonias:

1. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
2. Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
3. Space snapdragon plants about 12 inches apart from angelonias to ensure both have room to flourish.
4. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.

Petunias

Petunias are a no-fail companion for angelonias, offering a cascade of colors that blend seamlessly with the vertical spikes of angelonia flowers. Both plants are heat tolerant and share similar watering and sunlight preferences, making them ideal partners in both garden beds and containers.

For a vibrant display of petunias and angelonias:

1. Select a sunny spot, as both plants thrive in full sun.
2. Plant in well-drained soil, enriching with compost if necessary.
3. Space petunias approximately 10 inches from angelonias to allow for spreading.
4. Maintain consistent moisture, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Coleus

Coleus, with its striking foliage, offers a beautiful contrast to the delicate blooms of angelonias. This combination brings depth and texture to your garden, with the added benefit of coleus thriving in both sun and shade, making it versatile for various garden locations.

To incorporate coleus into your angelonia garden:

1. Choose a location that suits the light requirements of your specific coleus variety.
2. Ensure the soil is rich and well-draining.
3. Space coleus plants about 14 inches from angelonias to accommodate their bushy growth.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in full sun, to support the lush foliage of coleus.

Plants to Avoid as Angelonia Companions

Mint

While mint is a fantastic herb, its aggressive growth can overwhelm angelonias, competing for space, nutrients, and water. Mint’s tendency to spread quickly makes it a less-than-ideal companion for the more refined growth habit of angelonias.

Fennel

Fennel, although attractive and beneficial for attracting pollinators, can inhibit the growth of nearby plants through allelopathy, including angelonias. Its strong root system and tall stature can also shade out angelonias, reducing their vitality and bloom production.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers, being heavy feeders and requiring a lot of water, can deplete the resources available for angelonias. Their sprawling growth can also overshadow and crowd out angelonias, leading to reduced airflow and increased humidity, which might not be ideal for angelonia health.

Companion Planting Chart

To sum up, here’s a quick reference chart for the best companion plants for angelonias and those to avoid:

Good Companions	Why They’re Great
Marigolds	Pest deterrent, adds color contrast
Lavender	Repels deer/rabbits, aromatic presence
Zinnias	Attracts pollinators, adds height/color
Salvia	Supports pollinators, drought tolerant
Snapdragons	Adds height, attracts pollinators
Petunias	Colorful, heat tolerant
Coleus	Striking foliage, texture contrast

Plants to Avoid	Why to Avoid Them
Mint	Invasive, competes for resources
Fennel	Allelopathic, inhibits growth
Cucumbers	Heavy feeder, overshadows angelonias