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.
Growing up surrounded by greenery, I’ve developed a deep fascination with companion planting, especially its impact on my chrysanthemum garden. Companion planting is not just about beautifying the space but also about enhancing plant health and productivity. In this article, I’ll share with you 6 remarkable plants that thrive alongside chrysanthemums and 4 plants to avoid as chrysanthemum companion plants, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and healthy.
Good Chrysanthemums Companion Plants
Marigolds
Marigolds are not only vibrant and cheerful, but they also act as a powerful ally for chrysanthemums. They deter pests like nematodes, which can harm chrysanthemums, thanks to their strong scent. Marigolds are easy to grow and can significantly enhance the overall health and appearance of your garden.
- Why Marigolds? They repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
- Characteristics: Bright orange, yellow flowers, and a pungent scent.
Planting Steps:
- Choose a sunny spot as both marigolds and chrysanthemums thrive in full sun.
- Ensure the soil is well-draining; amend with compost if necessary.
- Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your chrysanthemums to create a natural pest barrier.
- Water regularly, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Mulch lightly around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Discover more about marigold companions in my post on Marigold Companion Plants: Definition of Beauty.
Lavender
Lavender, with its soothing fragrance and beautiful blooms, is another excellent companion for chrysanthemums. It helps repel common pests and attracts pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity in your garden.
- Why Lavender? It’s a natural pest repellent and pollinator attractor.
- Characteristics: Fragrant, purple flowers, and gray-green foliage.
Planting Guide:
- Select a location that receives full sun, mirroring the needs of chrysanthemums.
- Plant in well-drained soil, as lavender prefers drier conditions.
- Space lavender plants around your chrysanthemums to create a protective and aromatic environment.
- Water sparingly, as lavender is drought-tolerant once established.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Learn more about pairing lavender in my detailed guide on 11 Lavender Companion Plants.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums offer both aesthetic and practical benefits as companions to chrysanthemums. Their bright flowers attract beneficial insects and can also serve as a trap crop for pests.
- Why Nasturtiums? They attract beneficial insects and deter pests.
- Characteristics: Vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
How to Plant Together:
- Choose a site with full sun to partial shade, suitable for both plants.
- Plant nasturtium seeds directly in the ground around your chrysanthemums to act as a living mulch.
- Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Pinch back nasturtiums to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
For further insights on nasturtium companions, check out my article on Nasturtium Companion Plants.
Alliums
Alliums, with their striking spherical blooms, not only add a dramatic height contrast to your chrysanthemum garden but also deter a variety of pests with their strong scent. These plants are ideal for adding both beauty and functionality to your garden layout.
- Why Alliums? They naturally deter pests and diseases.
- Characteristics: Tall stems, bold spherical flowers, and a distinctive onion-like scent.
Planting Instructions:
- Select a spot that receives full sunlight, which is ideal for both alliums and chrysanthemums.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained; incorporate sand or organic matter if needed.
- Plant allium bulbs in the autumn, interspersing them among your chrysanthemums for a layered effect.
- Water thoroughly after planting, then moderately once the shoots appear.
- Apply a light mulch layer to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth.
Expand your knowledge on allium companions by reading my article on Allium Companion Plants.
Basil
Basil not only complements chrysanthemums in the garden but also offers aromatic benefits and pest repellent properties. Its strong scent can help ward off thrips, whiteflies, and other pests, making it a perfect herbaceous companion.
- Why Basil? It enhances growth and repels pests.
- Characteristics: Fragrant leaves, small white flowers, and a bushy growth habit.
Growing Together:
- Choose a sunny location where both plants will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Plant basil seedlings or seeds around chrysanthemums to create a protective circle.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry periods.
- Harvest basil leaves regularly to encourage a fuller plant and prevent flowering.
Dive deeper into basil pairing with my post on Basil Companion Plants: Choosing the Right Companions.
Geraniums
Geraniums, with their bright blooms and easy-care nature, are excellent companions for chrysanthemums. They help repel leafhoppers and other pests, adding color and diversity to your garden.
- Why Geraniums? They’re pest deterrents and visually appealing.
- Characteristics: Colorful flowers and a variety of foliage types.
Companion Planting Steps:
- Find a location that offers full sun to part shade, suitable for both plants.
- Plant geraniums in pots or directly in the ground near your chrysanthemums to maximize their pest-repelling effects.
- Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Deadhead spent geranium blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
For more on geranium companions, explore my guide on Geranium Companion Plants.
Plants to Avoid Near Chrysanthemums
Roses
While roses are undoubtedly stunning, they share common pests and diseases with chrysanthemums, such as aphids and powdery mildew, which can easily spread between the two.
Why Avoid? Shared pests and diseases can lead to garden problems.
Mint
Mint, though beneficial for many garden plants, can become invasive and compete with chrysanthemums for resources, potentially overwhelming them.
Why Avoid? Its invasive nature can outcompete chrysanthemums.
Fennel
Fennel is known to inhibit the growth of many plants, including chrysanthemums, due to its allelopathic properties.
Why Avoid? It can stunt the growth of surrounding plants.
Potatoes
Potatoes can attract blight, which might then spread to chrysanthemums, besides competing for nutrients and space.
Why Avoid? Risk of disease spread and competition for resources.
Companion Planting Chart for Chrysanthemums
| Good Companions | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Marigolds | Pest repellent, beautifies garden |
| Lavender | Attracts pollinators, deters pests |
| Nasturtiums | Lures beneficial insects, vibrant colors |
| Alliums | Pest deterrent, adds height contrast |
| Basil | Enhances growth, repels pests |
| Geraniums | Adds color, repels pests |
Incorporating these companion plants can significantly enhance the health, beauty, and productivity of your chrysanthemum garden. Each plant brings its unique benefits, creating a vibrant and harmonious ecosystem. Remember to consider the specific needs and characteristics of each plant to ensure they can coexist happily.
