Companion planting for alyssum is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of alyssum below.
| Companion plants for alyssum | Enemy plants of alyssum |
|---|---|
| Rose | Hostas |
| Lavender | |
| Rosemary | |
| Common sage | |
| Thyme | |
| Snapdragon |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of alyssum?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your alyssum. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your alyssum.
Rose
Roses, known for their majestic blooms and garden beauty, grow in various soil conditions. Flourishing in loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their luxurious flowers and lush foliage. Roses provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, enhancing garden aesthetics, and promoting a sense of tranquility in the landscape.
Roses are great for alyssum because their tall, bushy growth provides some needed shade for alyssum, especially in hot weather. This helps keep the alyssum cool and prevents it from drying out. Roses also help protect alyssum from strong winds that could damage it. So, by growing together, roses give alyssum a little extra care, allowing it to thrive!
Lavender
Lavender thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, alkaline soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. Full sunlight and good air circulation nurture its delicate flowers and aromatic foliage. Lavender provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and promoting relaxation and tranquility in the garden environment. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like rosemary and mint, lavender symbolizes the natural elegance and serene beauty found within the garden's sanctuary.
Lavender is a great companion for alyssum because its strong scent helps keep pests away from both plants. Lavender also attracts pollinators like bees, which can help alyssum bloom even more. Plus, lavender’s tall, sturdy stems provide a little shade for alyssum, especially during hot weather, helping it stay cool and healthy. Together, they make a perfect duo in the garden!
Rosemary
Rosemary flourishes in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and robust growth. Rosemary provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Rosemary is a great companion for alyssum because its strong scent helps keep pests away from both plants. Rosemary also attracts helpful insects like bees, which can benefit alyssum by encouraging more blooms.
Plus, rosemary’s tall, woody stems offer some shade to alyssum, keeping it cool during hot weather. Together, they work well to protect and support each other in the garden!
Common sage
Common Sage grows in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and sturdy growth. Common Sage provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and adding culinary richness to the garden.
Common sage is a good companion for alyssum because its strong scent helps keep pests away from both plants. Sage also attracts pollinators like bees, which can help alyssum produce more flowers. Additionally, sage’s tall growth can provide some shade to alyssum, keeping it cool during hot weather. With this teamwork, both plants thrive together!
Thyme
Thyme grows sandy or loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its flavorful foliage and compact growth. Thyme provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Thyme is a great companion for alyssum because its strong scent helps keep pests away from both plants. Thyme also attracts pollinators like bees, which can encourage alyssum to bloom more. Plus, thyme’s low-growing nature won’t compete for space with alyssum, allowing both to thrive in the same spot. Together, they create a beautiful and healthy garden partnership!
Snapdragon
Snapdragons thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.2 and 7.0, benefiting from regular watering to maintain soil moisture. They require moderate care, including deadheading spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Snapdragons are also beneficial for the garden due to their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Snapdragon is a great companion for alyssum because both plants love similar growing conditions, like plenty of sunlight. Snapdragon’s tall, colorful flowers help attract pollinators, like bees, which also benefit alyssum by boosting its blooms. Plus, snapdragons can provide a little extra shade for alyssum during hot weather. Together, they make a stunning and harmonious duo in the garden!
What are the enemy plants of alyssum?
Planting these plants next to alyssum has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your alyssum. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your alyssum.
Hostas
Hostas flourish in well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant leaves and elegant presence. Hostas offer invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by providing ground cover, suppressing weeds, and enhancing soil moisture retention.
Hostas are a bad companion for alyssum because they grow very large and spread out, which can overshadow and crowd out the smaller alyssum plants. Hostas also prefer shady spots, while alyssum thrives in more sunlight. This difference in light needs can make it hard for both plants to grow well together. To give alyssum the best chance to thrive, it’s better to plant it in a spot with plenty of sunlight and room to spread.
