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Companion Plants
Consider planting ‘Blue Disc’ alongside other heat-loving annuals and perennials:
Annual. These red-hot cherry double blooms will make any container a sizzling success. ‘Profusion’ are a completely new type of zinnia, featuring vivid, 2” flowers on compact, tidy plants. Their effect is stunning when mass planted, and plants are resistant to heat, humidity, drought, and powdery mildew. This is one series that has been certified “Flameproof”!
Zinnias will attract an abundance of butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden! Dwarf varieties are beautiful in the landscape or mixed containers, providing a flush of cheerful colour all season. Intermediate and tall varieties are outstanding cut flowers. Give the vegetable garden a boost by planting zinnias near tomatoes, potatoes and beans. Plants are very easy to grow, tolerating both heat and drought once established. For best performance, plant in rich, well-draining soil and water regularly.
Location: Front of border, Mixed container, Landscape planting
Bloom Period: June to September
Height: 12-18”
Plant Spacing: 12”
Annual. This Mexican marigold is smothered in petite, sunny flowers with a light citrus scent. Plants grow in neat mounds with lacy green foliage. Both leaves and flowers are edible - leaves as a flavourful salad green, and flowers to dress up salads or desserts.
The quintessential companion plant, marigolds are stars in the vegetable garden. They attract bees, butterflies and beneficial predatory insects. They are an excellent companion for tomatoes and potatoes, as they repel harmful insects and soil nematodes. Plant in average soil with even moisture and fertilize every few weeks.
Location: Vegetable garden, Front of border, Mixed container
Bloom Period: June to October
Height: 12”
Plant Spacing: 12”
Perennial. Low maintenance and long-blooming, this uncommon perennial is an ideal choice for poor, dry soils. A profusion of 1” magenta flowers float above fuzzy, silver-gray foliage, attracting bees, butterflies, and curious onlookers. In the garden, combine with annuals and perennials in pink, purple or blue shades, or contrast with bright yellow flowers. The best effect is seen when grouped in a mass planting. A border or landscape will naturally fill in when plants are allowed to self-seed; Don’t mulch around the base and leave the ground undisturbed in fall to see volunteers pop up in the spring. As a perennial, expect sparse first year blooms, and an explosion of colour in the second. Plants are drought tolerant, and prefer fairly dry, well-draining soil. However, they will also tolerate clay soil, alkalinity, and moist conditions.
Location: Sunny border, Landscape planting, Rock garden, Cottage garden
Bloom Period: June to July
Height: 2.5’
Plant Spacing: 12-15'“
Perennial. An aromatic herb best known for the earthy flavour it lends to savoury dishes. It is an excellent option for salt-free cooking. In the garden, it is a highly ornamental plant, with broad, silvery foliage and gorgeous purple-blue blooms. Plants will begin to flower in their third year, attracting an abundance of bees and butterflies. Their intense aroma repels cabbage moth, making them an excellent companion for Brassicas. Plants prefer loamy, sandy, well-drained soil. They are not heavy feeders and can tolerate some drought. Note: Harvest sparingly in the first year so plants can get established.
Harvest: All season. Pick individual leaves or short sprigs (always leaving 1/3 intact). Best flavour before flowering begins.
Plant Height: 2’, spreading to 2’
Plant Spacing: 18-24”