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Companion Plants
Consider a burst of spring colour that will transition to a warm summer palette:
Annual. Flamboyant pigments and vivid veins add a thrilling element to any border or container. Group multiple plants together and watch each open to reveal a unique kaleidoscope of colours.
An old-fashioned flower, Painted Tongues are one of modern gardening’s best-kept secrets. Underappreciated and overlooked for far too long in favour of their more popular cousin, the petunia, once you discover these mesmerizing blooms you’ll never be want to be without them again! A Chilean native, their upright growth habit and large, trumpet flowers makes them a striking feature in borders and containers. Low-growing annuals make excellent companions to both cool their roots and surround their rather untidy feet. Plants benefit from staking. Deadheading spent blooms will ensure highest flower production. They do not like hot, dry conditions, making them ideal for our cool summers on the maritime coast. Plant in fertile, well-draining soil and fertilize every two weeks.
Location: Mid-border, Mixed container, Cut flower garden
Bloom Period: June to September
Height: 2-3’
Plant Spacing: 12”
Annual. Charming, double, deep-salmon blooms. ‘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”
Perennial. Create a colourful blanket of rich orange, yellow and white blooms.
Viola are perennials in the pansy family of flowers, characterized by smaller blooms and a slight difference in petal orientation. They also tend to be more heat and cold tolerant. Like pansies, their blooms are edible, and serve as a delightful garnish or candied cake topping. Plants will self-seed, allowing them to easily naturalize into any garden space. Once established, they require little care, simply plant once and wait for their cheerful faces to delight you each spring!
Location: Front of border, Spring garden, Mixed container
Bloom Period: May/June, September
Height: 6-8”
Plant Spacing: 6“
Annual. Soft, feathery foliage forms in neat, silver mounds. Dusty Milller is favoured for its ability to blend effortlessly into any colour scheme, easily complementing warm, cool, or pastel toned annuals and perennials. The effect is particularly striking with purple and blue shades. Silver leaves also provide an interesting contrast to the green leaves of other bedding plants. They are easy to grow, being both heat and drought tolerant. Plant in average, well-draining soil, and feed occasionally throughout the summer.
Location: Front of border, Mixed container, Landscape planting
Height: 12”
Plant Spacing: 8-10”