Steve Yoder
I'm Steve, a 30-something urban gardener fascinated by companion planting research. Growing up surrounded by greenery sparked my passion for gardening early on. I enjoy transforming my small backyard, experimenting with companion planting techniques and eco-friendly practices. Sustainability matters—I advocate for native plants and composting.
Table of Contents
Species of coneflower are identified by their blossoms. They carry a brown flower basket that is completely adorned with yellow ray florets. They might droop down somewhat or stick out horizontally, depending on the species. The huge coneflower’s flower basket, which has a very imposing aspect in the entire bed, is very stunning. Depending on the species and variation, the blooms bloom between July and October and draw many insects. Besides insects, it also attracts neighbors to your garden. There are many coneflower companion plants we will look at in this article.
Best Coneflower Companion Plants
Allium
Alliums are the first member of the best coneflower companion plants. Similar to coneflowers, they are simple to cultivate and bloom at the same time. Therefore, you may enjoy both plants in your yard simultaneously. Alliums are especially helpful when grown in the spring or early summer when pests are most active since they also draw beneficial insects that help ward off pests like aphids and scales.
Although alliums have a long history of being considered deer-resistant plants, this does not mean there is no chance that deer may consume them. Only plant these types where there aren’t any nearby wild animals that could come seeking food since while most alliums won’t harm deer if they eat them (because they taste unpleasant), some will make them sick or even cause death if ingested in excessive numbers.
Artemisia
A perennial plant with a height of about 3 feet is artemisia. It is also member of the greatest coneflower companion plants. They bloom at the same time as this plant, and its leaves have a unique aroma.
Although it may be cultivated in most types of soil, artemisia favors fertile, well-drained soil.
Beans
Beans and coneflower make great companions too! They help each other grow by providing nitrogen fertilizer. Furthermore, they also help control insects that could damage your crop if they were planted alone.
Beans are amazing coneflower companion plants and also have a big list of other plants you can plant next to them. For more information have a look at: Beans Companion Plants – Which Ones Should be Chosen?
Cabbage
Cabbages draw in beneficial insects like ladybugs who will eat pests on both sides of this symbiotic relationship between cabbage and coneflower! So, if you want the best possible growth of both plants, plant them next to each other!
Cabbage, as a friendly plant, has also a big list of companion plants! Check them out: 7 Best & 3 Worst Cabbage Companion Plants
Blue Spire
The next member of the best coneflower companion plants is the blue spire. It is a perennial shrub with a height of up to 8 feet. The leaves have a grayish-green color and look like ivy. In the summer, it blooms with blue flowers.
These plants grow fast and provide your yard seclusion, making them suitable for use as a border or hedge. Since they don’t need much upkeep once planted, they may also be used as screens around patios or decks.
Catmint
Catmint is another good companion plant1 for coneflower! You may plant them near together because they both prefer shade. Your garden will flourish. Catmint enjoys the cold as well! Planting some nasturtiums next to your coneflower patches can keep them warm and snug as they wait out the cold if you live in a location with severe winters.
Chrysanthemums
Coneflowers benefit greatly from the presence of chrysanthemums. They are fantastic companion plants. You may take use of them all season long because they are simple to cultivate and require little maintenance. Unlike most of your other blooms, their flowers make excellent cut flowers and keep much longer.
Chrysanthemums are a special addition to any flower arrangement. They look lovely on their own or when combined with other kinds of flowers like roses or peonies.
Globe Thistle
Another coneflower companion plant, a perennial herb is globe thistle. It may be used as a companion plant with other flowers too! Some examples are oregano, rosemary, and thyme. In addition to that, it can thrive in full sun or light shade.
If you are interested in the other described companions:
Oregano: 10 Fantastic Oregano Companion Plants & 5 Companions to Avoid
Rosemary: 8 of the Greatest Rosemary Companion Plants (and 3 to Avoid)
Thyme: 5 Thyme Companion Plants Doing a Great Job Together
Penstemon
Another perennial, penstemon can reach heights of one to three feet. At the top of the plant, tubular blooms in blue and violet hues are arranged in clusters. Due to its capacity to generate seeds, this plant thrives when placed next to other plants that are in flower or bearing fruit.
As long as there isn’t too much water on the soil surface during the winter months, it will tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun. These facts make penstemon another fantastic coneflower companion plant.
Sunflowers
The last member of the best coneflower companion plants in our list is sunflower. Sunflowers provide pollen, nectar, and fresh leaves to pollinate your coneflower plants while also shading out weeds that might compete with them for nutrients in the soil. Plant sunflowers near your coneflower plants to profit and maximize growth!
Sunflower has much more companions! Here is the list: Best 13 Sunflower Companion Plants – Everyone’s Favourite
What Not to Plant With Coneflower
Coneflower does not only have good companion plants. There are also a few bad coneflower companion plants. There are a few reasons but the most important one is that wrong companion planting can kill your plants. Let’s have a look at the no-gos.
Black Locust
This tree produces poisonous sap that can harm the livers of both people and animals. It will take over your garden if you let it grow unchecked because it is also invasive2. Therefore, if you want to plant this tree, make sure it has adequate room in your yard for other members and stands by itself.
Buckthorn
Compounds found in buckthorn berries may also negatively impact human health! Buckthorn should not be planted next to your plants. It will limit their ability to develop!
References
- Rickert, E. A. (2019). Flourishing the Urban Environment: How Urban Gardens Affect Pollinators.
- Bouteiller, X. P., Moret, F., Ségura, R., Klisz, M., Martinik, A., Monty, A., … & Mariette, S. (2021). The seeds of invasion: enhanced germination in invasive European populations of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) compared to native American populations. Plant Biology, 23(6), 1006-1017.