Hardy annuals are great for the garden. They can tolerate the cooler and sometimes unpredictable temperatures of early spring while also providing color until the first frosts of fall. Alyssum is one of those hardy annuals that seem to make their way into every garden because they are hard-working plants. The lightly scented waves of flowers attract many beneficial pollinators and predators to the garden to help keep pests such as aphids under control. Pair alyssum with any plant that likes to grow in full sun and well-draining soil for a low-maintenance design.
Shrubs To Plant With Alyssum
Alyssum makes a pretty ground cover that not only blooms for months without fail but can also suppress weeds and repel aphids. Roses, camellias, and crepe myrtle shrubs are often attacked early and often by aphids and other sap-sucking pests. Alyssum will act as a catch crop when planted near these shrubs, diverting the pests away from your beloved specimen plants. Plant alyssum as ground cover in the herb garden with Mediterranean shrubs such as lavender, rosemary, sage, and thyme. The alyssum will suppress weeds and shade the soil as a living mulch to keep it a few degrees cooler.
Perennials To Plant With Alyssum
Pairing alyssum with herbaceous perennials in the garden is a great way to edge a border, add a weed-suppressing ground cover, or fill in spots where the plants have died back early in the summer. Iris, daylilies, and shasta daisies typically bloom early in the summer, and the nonstop blooming of alyssum can be used as an effective camouflage.
Waterwise gardens designed with drought-tolerant perennials such as guara, salvia, and penstemon are a great spot to add a border of low-growing alyssum to provide a hit of color all summer long. Alyssum will thrive in the well-drained soil of a xeric garden and will require little upkeep other than a trim once or twice to keep the plants blooming and growing densely.
Annuals To Plant With Alyssum
Alyssum is a brilliant companion for just about any annual plant. Other hardy annuals like lobelia, geraniums, snapdragons, pansies, and violas look fresh with the white flowers of alyssum in early spring plantings. Grow alyssum along the edge of a raised bed or in between rows to both attract pollinators and deter pests. Warm weather annuals such as petunias, calibrachoa, zinnias, and garden heliotrope thrive in well-draining soil and full sun like alyssum, providing a garden bed with constant blooms and contrasting texture.
Best Companion Plants For Alyssum in Containers
Container plantings can be made to look exceptionally full and vibrant by adding alyssum as the filler element. The upright, spreading form of alyssum can be left to grow naturally in a mixed seasonal planting of perennials and annuals for a colorful display on a patio, deck, or balcony. An elegant combination for a window box or large planter includes coral bells and alyssum in the same rose tones along with stunning dichondra as the spiller element. Plant this combination in a black or dark gray planter for a dramatic focal point that will look good for months.
Plants Not To Grow With Alyssum
Plants like brunnera, hosta, and astilbe that enjoy shaded locations and consistently moist soils are not great companions for alyssum. Alyssum requires at least 6 hours of direct sun exposure to bloom well and maintain a compact form. Wet soils stress alyssum and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Best Plants To Grow With Alyssum
The best plants to grow with alyssum enjoy full sun and well-draining soil. Many other annual plants make good companions and will look good from late spring to the fall. Plant a garden bed with a stunning combination of colorful annuals that can be changed when you feel the need to try a different look in the garden. The seemingly clashing colors of pale pink gaura, hot orange firecracker plant, scarlet red New Guinea impatiens, and hot pink globe amaranth are all tied together and softened with a border edging of frothy white alyssum.
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Author Robbin Small - Published 9-29-2023 |