Companion Plants
Use ‘Fiesta Gitana Superior’ to ground a cheerful combination in a mixed container or ornamental bed:
Perennial. A pollinator magnet, once ‘Salvatore Blue’ springs into bloom, you’ll be amazed at the number of bees and butterflies hovering around these spectacular, violet-blue blossoms. They are also highly attractive to hummingbirds, and make excellent cut flowers. Compact, low-branching plants are long-blooming, easy to grow, and both heat and drought tolerant. Plant in rich, moist, well-draining soil.
Location: Landscape planting, Sunny border, Cottage garden
Bloom Period: June to August
Height: 12-16”
Plant Spacing: 12-16"
Annual. Rose coloured flowers with large white eyes provide bold colour to any mixed arrangement.
Lobelia are vigorous plants that flower heavily all season. ‘Regatta’ is a superb trailing variety with great heat tolerance. Their delicate blooms cascade beautifully over the edge of hanging baskets and containers, attracting butterflies and pollinators. Self-cleaning, and low maintenance, lobelia are very easy to grow. Plant in rich, well-draining soil. Water regularly and fertilize containers every two weeks.
Location: Mixed container, Hanging basket
Bloom Period: June to September
Height: 5”, spreading to 15”
Plant Spacing: 6”
Annual. Hands-down one of the most outstanding late season performers. With a colour that gradually deepens from apricot to creamy pink, you will fall in love with these huge, fluffy blooms! The flowers are long-lasting, providing a burst of delicate beauty deep into the fall. If you can bring yourself to snip off a few stems, they are also a sensational cut flower. Plant in average to rich soil, and fertilize monthly for largest blooms.
Location: Mid-border, Mixed container, Cut flower garden
Bloom Period: August to October
Height: 35”
Plant Spacing: 6-12”
Annual. A classic variety of this popular annual - and one of my personal favourites. A true workhorse, ‘Carpet of Snow’ is one of the most versatile plants in the garden. As an ornamental, it can be tucked into the corners of raised beds, blanket the edge of a border bed, or drape gracefully over the sides of a mixed container. As a vegetable companion, its lovely, sweet fragrance attracts an abundance of pollinators and repels harmful insects. A low growth habit allows it to act as a living mulch. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, with a light peppery taste. Plants prefer moist, loamy soil, and providing a monthly dose of balanced fertilizer will be heartily rewarded.
Location: Front of border, Hanging basket, Mixed container, Vegetable garden
Bloom Period: June to October
Height: 6”, spreading to 12”
Plant Spacing: 5-8”