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Companion Plants
Use ‘Cramer’s Rose’ as a focal point in the middle of a stunning summer border:
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”
Annual. Bushy plants are smothered in large, double white blooms. ‘Zahara’ are continuously covered in vibrant, 2.5” blooms. They are tough plants, with high disease resistance and a “Flameproof” distinction that makes them ideal for hot, sunny dry areas in which other plants have failed.
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: Mid-border, Mixed container, Landscape planting
Bloom Period: June to September
Height: 16-20”
Plant Spacing: 12”
Perennial. Unusual, dramatic, and an absolute pollinator magnet! Large, 3” blooms attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Long, straight silver stems provide a splendid contrast to any perennial bed, but the glowing blue orbs create a particularly ethereal effect over white and green hues. They are long-living perennials, living 10 years or more, and are not invasive. They make beautiful, unique additions to fresh cut or dried arrangements. Globe Thistles are an extremely low maintenance addition to the garden. They thrive in poor, sandy, dry soil. Average water will bring the most flowers.
Location: Sunny border, Perennial bed, Cut flower garden
Bloom Period: July/August
Height: 3-4’
Plant Spacing: 18-24”
Perennial. Warm, sky-blue flowers with white bees. ‘Magic Fountains’ is an ideal series for smaller gardens, especially in windy areas where taller varieties would struggle. Plants do not require staking and provide plenty of cutflowers.
Delphiniums are a star in the early summer border. They attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and make an excellent companion for lilies, daylilies, irises and roses. Plants will grow best in rich, well-draining soil that maintains even moisture. Provide regular fertilization and cut stalks back after blooming.
Location: Rear border, Cottage garden, Cut flower garden
Bloom Period: June/July
Height: 30-36”
Plant Spacing: 12-14”