11 Amazing Blue Spruce Companion Plants (+4 Bad Ones)

In this guide, we’ll explore 8 amazing blue spruce companion plants that thrive alongside blue spruce, enhancing its majestic presence, and 4 plants to avoid to maintain your garden’s health and aesthetics. Let’s dive into the art of companion planting with blue spruce, ensuring your garden remains a vibrant oasis of tranquility.

Good Companion Plants for Blue Spruce

Blue spruce, with its stunning silvery-blue needles, acts as a focal point in any landscape. Choosing the right companion plants not only complements its beauty but also supports a thriving garden ecosystem. Here are the top picks for blue spruce companions:

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are vibrant and easy to grow, making them excellent companions for blue spruce. Their bright flowers offer a striking contrast against the blue spruce’s cool tones, while their ability to repel certain pests naturally protects the tree.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Select a site with full sun to partial shade near your blue spruce.
  2. Sow nasturtium seeds directly in the soil, about 1/2 inch deep, in late spring.
  3. Space seeds or seedlings about 10 to 12 inches apart.
  4. Water gently and keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within 7 to 10 days.
  5. Once established, nasturtiums require minimal care, thriving in poorer soils without the need for fertilizer.

Explore further into the world of gardening by reading our detailed post on nasturtium companion plants.

Marjoram

Marjoram is a fragrant herb that thrives alongside blue spruce. It attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, enhancing biodiversity and garden health. Its delicate flowers and aromatic leaves provide sensory pleasure, enriching the garden experience.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Choose a sunny spot near your blue spruce with well-draining soil.
  2. Plant marjoram seeds or seedlings in spring, spacing them about 8 inches apart.
  3. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil slightly moist.
  4. Marjoram benefits from occasional trimming to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess.

Don’t miss out on our comprehensive guide to marjoram companion plants, for more insights into creating a flourishing garden.

Lavender

Lavender, with its serene beauty and soothing fragrance, is a perfect match for the blue spruce. This drought-tolerant plant adds a splash of color and is known for its ability to thrive in similar conditions as the spruce, requiring minimal watering and full sun.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Select a location with full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
  2. Plant lavender in the early spring, spacing plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation.
  3. Water young plants regularly until they are fully established.
  4. Mulch with gravel or sand to reflect light and ensure the soil remains well-drained.

For gardeners interested in enhancing their lavender planting, our article on lavender companion plants offers valuable tips and advice.

Catnip

Catnip is not only loved by cats but also serves as an excellent companion for blue spruce. This hardy herb deters certain pests and attracts beneficial insects, providing a natural defense system for the garden.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil near your blue spruce.
  2. Sow catnip seeds directly into the ground or plant seedlings in spring.
  3. Space plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for growth and air circulation.
  4. Water regularly until established, then water sparingly as catnip is drought-tolerant.

Enhance your garden’s allure by exploring our insights on catnip companion plants.

Sage

Sage, with its aromatic leaves and attractive flowers, complements the majestic blue spruce. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, similar to the spruce, making it an ideal gardening partner for both culinary and ornamental purposes.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Select a location with full sun and well-drained soil near your blue spruce.
  2. Plant sage seeds or seedlings in early spring, spacing them about 24 inches apart.
  3. Water the plants regularly during their first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
  4. Prune sage plants in spring to encourage new growth and prevent woodiness.

Dive deeper into the world of sage by checking out our article on sage companion plants.

Thyme

Thyme is a versatile, low-growing herb that pairs beautifully with blue spruce. Its ground-covering habit suppresses weeds, while its flowers attract beneficial pollinators, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Find a sunny spot with well-draining soil near your blue spruce.
  2. Plant thyme seeds or seedlings in the spring, spacing them about 9 inches apart.
  3. Water regularly until the plants are established, then only during prolonged dry spells as thyme is drought-resistant.
  4. Trim thyme after flowering to maintain its shape and promote dense growth.

For gardeners looking to expand their herb garden, our guide on thyme companion plants is a must-read.

Bergamot

Bergamot, or bee balm, is a colorful perennial that thrives in the same environmental conditions as blue spruce. Its vibrant flowers attract pollinators, enhancing the garden’s biodiversity and the health of neighboring plants.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil.
  2. Plant bergamot in the spring, spacing plants about 18 inches apart.
  3. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry periods.
  4. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

Unlock the full potential of bergamot in your garden by exploring our detailed article on bergamot companion plants.

Daffodils

Daffodils are a cheerful addition to the blue spruce garden, with their bright blooms heralding the arrival of spring. These hardy bulbs deter rodents and other pests, offering a protective ring around the base of your spruce.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Choose a location around your blue spruce where the daffodils will receive full sun to partial shade.
  2. Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall, about 2 to 4 inches apart and 6 inches deep, with the pointed end facing upward.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting, and apply a layer of mulch to keep the soil moist and protect the bulbs during the winter.
  4. In spring, as daffodils start to bloom, minimize watering as they prefer slightly drier conditions post-bloom.

Enhance your gardening skills by diving into our guide on daffodil companion plants.

Coral Bells

Coral Bells offer a stunning contrast to the blue spruce with their vibrant foliage and delicate blooms. They thrive in similar conditions, preferring partial shade and well-draining soil, making them a harmonious companion.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Select a partially shaded area near your blue spruce with rich, well-draining soil.
  2. Plant coral bells in the spring or fall, spacing them about 16 inches apart.
  3. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot, dry periods.
  4. Apply a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Discover more about creating a vibrant garden by reading our article on coral bells companion plants.

Astilbe

Astilbe adds a feathery texture and a splash of color to the area around your blue spruce, thriving in the dappled shade the tree provides. This perennial prefers moist conditions, making it a great option for adding variety to the garden floor.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Find a spot with partial to full shade near your blue spruce, with rich, moist soil.
  2. Plant astilbe in the spring or fall, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches apart.
  3. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in dry conditions.
  4. Mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and add organic matter to the soil.

For those interested in adding astilbe to their garden, our comprehensive guide on astilbe companion plants offers more insights and tips.

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart is an enchanting addition to any garden, with its heart-shaped flowers creating a stunning visual beneath the blue spruce. It prefers the cool, moist conditions found under the spruce canopy, making it an ideal companion.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Choose a location with partial to full shade under or near your blue spruce.
  2. Plant bleeding heart in the fall or early spring, spacing plants about 12 to 18 inches apart.
  3. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season.
  4. Apply a layer of organic mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature.

Learn how to incorporate bleeding heart into your garden effectively by exploring our detailed post on bleeding heart companion plants.

Creating a garden that includes blue spruce and its companion plants not only enhances the beauty and diversity of your outdoor space but also promotes a healthy, thriving ecosystem.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Blue Spruce

While blue spruce stands majestic in many gardens, not all plants make good neighbors for it. Understanding which plants to avoid is crucial for the health and beauty of your garden.

Tulips

Tulips, though beautiful, are not ideal companions for the blue spruce. Their need for well-drained, fertile soil and a different watering regimen can lead to complications. Planting tulips near blue spruce may result in water competition, where the tulip’s need for more frequent watering could lead to over-watering of the spruce, potentially causing root rot in the tree.

Tulips also attract certain pests that could harm the blue spruce. Their bright colors can lure in rodents and insects that, once done with the tulips, might turn their attention to the spruce.

Irises

Irises are another plant to think twice about before planting near your blue spruce. They require significantly more sunlight and moisture than what is ideal for blue spruce, leading to a mismatch in garden harmony. The dense shade provided by a mature blue spruce can hinder the irises’ ability to thrive, as they bloom best in full sun.

Moreover, the moist soil conditions favored by irises can contribute to fungal diseases that may spread to the blue spruce. Such conditions are not conducive to the health of either plant, creating a problematic environment for both.

For a flourishing garden, consider planting irises in a different location. Dive into our article on iris companion plants for more insights on creating a vibrant iris garden.

Ferns

Ferns, with their preference for damp, shaded environments, might initially seem like a good fit for the under-canopy of a blue spruce. However, their extensive root systems can compete aggressively with the blue spruce for water and nutrients, potentially stunting the tree’s growth.

Additionally, the high moisture requirement of ferns can encourage a too-moist environment for the blue spruce’s roots, increasing the risk of root rot and fungal diseases.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are known for their stunning blooms but require acidic soil to thrive, which contrasts with the neutral to slightly acidic soil preference of the blue spruce. This difference in soil pH requirements can make it challenging to maintain a balanced environment for both plants.

Moreover, hydrangeas’ large, water-loving roots can encroach on the blue spruce’s root system, leading to competition for moisture and nutrients. This competition can stress both plants, potentially leading to poorer health and less vigorous growth.

For gardeners keen on hydrangeas, consider planting them away from your blue spruce to allow both plants to flourish. Gain more insights on hydrangea companion planting by reading our dedicated article on hydrangea companion plants.