Companion Planting Dahlias: The Ultimate Guide To Growing Beautiful Flowers

Companion Planting Dahlias: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Beautiful Flowers

Dahlias are some of the most beautiful flowers in the garden, and they can be a real showstopper when they're in bloom. But did you know that you can help your dahlias thrive by companion planting?

Companion planting is the practice of planting different types of plants together that benefit each other in some way. There are a number of benefits to companion planting, including:

• Improved plant health: Companion plants can help to deter pests and diseases, attract beneficial insects, and improve the overall health of your plants.
• Increased yields: Companion plants can help to increase the yield of your crops, by providing pollination, shade, or other benefits.
• Enhanced beauty: Companion plants can add visual interest to your garden, and create a more harmonious and balanced landscape.

When companion planting dahlias, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Dahlias need full sun: Choose companion plants that also need full sun, such as coneflowers, marigolds, and sunflowers.
• Dahlias are heavy feeders: Choose companion plants that don't compete for nutrients, such as yarrow, lavender, and catnip.
• Dahlias are susceptible to pests and diseases: Choose companion plants that can help to deter pests and diseases, such as nasturtiums, marigolds, and chives.

Here are some of the best companion plants for dahlias:

• Coneflowers: Coneflowers are tall, upright plants that provide structure and contrast to dahlias. They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are another great companion plant for dahlias. They help to deter pests, such as nematodes and aphids, and they also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are tall, showy plants that can add a touch of drama to your garden. They also attract pollinators, and they can help to shade the roots of your dahlias, which can help to prevent them from drying out.
• Yarrow: Yarrow is a low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. It also attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests.
• Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant herb that is both beautiful and useful. It can help to deter pests, such as mosquitoes and moths, and it can also be used to make essential oils.
• Catnip: Catnip is a member of the mint family, and it is known for its calming properties. It can also help to deter pests, such as mosquitoes and ants.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are edible flowers that are both beautiful and delicious. They also help to deter pests, such as aphids and Japanese beetles.

These are just a few of the many great companion plants for dahlias. With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and productive garden that is full of healthy, thriving plants.

Dahlias are beautiful flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. But did you know that companion planting dahlias can help to improve their health and longevity?

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together that benefit each other. For example, some plants attract beneficial insects that help to control pests, while others help to improve the soil quality.

There are a number of different plants that can be companion planted with dahlias. Some of the most popular choices include:

• Agastache: This herb attracts bees and butterflies, which help to pollinate the dahlias.
• Cosmos: This flower helps to deter pests such as aphids and Japanese beetles.
• Geranium: This herb helps to improve the drainage of the soil, which is important for dahlias.
• Lavender: This herb helps to repel pests and diseases.
• Marigold: This flower helps to attract beneficial insects and deter pests.

If you're interested in learning more about companion planting dahlias, I recommend visiting the Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a wealth of information on the topic, including a list of recommended companion plants, tips on how to plant them together, and information on the benefits of companion planting.

FAQ of companion planting dahlias

What are the benefits of companion planting dahlias?

There are many benefits to companion planting dahlias. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Attracting pollinators: Dahlias are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Companion planting with other flowers that attract pollinators can help to increase the number of pollinators in your garden, which is beneficial for both the plants and the environment.
• Distracting pests: Some companion plants can help to distract pests from dahlias. For example, planting nasturtiums near dahlias can help to attract aphids, which will then leave the dahlias alone.
• Improving soil health: Some companion plants can help to improve the soil health around dahlias. For example, planting legumes such as beans or peas can help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit the dahlias.
• Adding visual interest: Companion planting can help to add visual interest to your dahlia garden. By mixing and matching different types of flowers, you can create a more interesting and attractive display.

What are some good companion plants for dahlias?

Some good companion plants for dahlias include:

• Cosmos: Cosmos is a tall, airy flower that complements the shape of dahlias. It also attracts pollinators and helps to improve soil health.
• Aster: Asters are another tall flower that can be planted near dahlias. They come in a variety of colors, so you can choose ones that will complement the colors of your dahlias.
• Bee balm: Bee balm is a fragrant herb that attracts pollinators. It also helps to deter pests such as Japanese beetles.
• Lavender: Lavender is a silvery-leaved herb that can help to deter pests such as slugs and snails. It also has a calming fragrance that can be enjoyed by people and pets.
• Yarrow: Yarrow is a hardy perennial that can help to deter pests such as aphids and spider mites. It also helps to improve drainage around dahlias.

What should I avoid planting near dahlias?

There are a few plants that you should avoid planting near dahlias. These include:

• Potatoes: Potatoes are susceptible to a disease called potato blight, which can also infect dahlias.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and dahlias compete for the same nutrients, so planting them together can stunt the growth of both plants.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes and dahlias are both susceptible to a disease called verticillium wilt, so planting them together can increase the risk of infection.

How far apart should I plant dahlias?

Dahlias need plenty of space to grow, so you should plant them at least 2 feet apart. If you are planting taller varieties, you may need to space them even further apart.

Image of companion planting dahlias

• Dahlias and cosmos: These two flowers bloom at the same time and have similar color palettes, so they make a great combination. Cosmos are also short enough to not crowd out the taller dahlias.
• Dahlias and rudbeckia: These two flowers have similar heights and bloom at the same time, so they make a great complementary pair. Rudbeckia also attracts butterflies and other pollinators, which is a plus.
• Dahlias and asters: Asters come in a wide range of colors, so you can find some that will complement your dahlias perfectly. They also bloom for a long time, so you'll enjoy their beauty all season long.
• Dahlias and bee balm: Bee balm is a great companion plant for dahlias because it attracts pollinators, which helps to keep your dahlias healthy. It also has a long bloom time, so you'll enjoy its beauty all season long.
• Dahlias and lavender: Lavender is a classic companion plant for dahlias. It has a calming scent that deters pests, and it also helps to improve the drainage of the soil.