Companion planting for iris 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 iris below.
| Companion plants for iris | Enemy plants of iris |
|---|---|
| Lupine | Strawberry |
| Peony | |
| Rose | |
| Tulips |
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 iris?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your iris. 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 iris.
Lupine
Lupine plants are thriving in various soil types but preferring well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. They flourish in full sunlight, showcasing vibrant blooms and adding a pop of color to gardens. Beyond their visual appeal, Lupine plants enrich soil health, attract pollinators, and contribute to the biodiversity of natural landscapes.
Lupin is a great companion for iris because both plants love similar growing conditions, like well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Lupins’ tall, vibrant flowers can add extra color and beauty next to iris, making your garden look even more stunning.
Plus, lupins can help attract pollinators like bees, which can benefit iris by boosting its blooms. Together, they create a gorgeous, colorful combination that thrives in the same space!
Peony
Peonies grow in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. Full sunlight and proper air circulation nurture their luxurious flowers and lush foliage. Peonies provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, enhancing garden aesthetics, and promoting a sense of serenity in the landscape.
Peonies are a great companion for iris because they both enjoy similar growing conditions, like full sun and well-drained soil. Peonies have large, beautiful blooms that complement the tall, elegant flowers of iris, making your garden even more eye-catching. Since both plants grow in a similar way, they won’t crowd each other out, and they help create a balanced, attractive display. Planting them together is a win for your garden’s beauty and health!
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 make a great companion for iris because they both thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their flowering seasons can also complement each other, with roses blooming in summer and irises in late spring, so your garden stays colorful for longer. Together, they create a beautiful, balanced garden display that’s both eye-catching and healthy!
Tulips
Tulips thrive in well-draining soil (pH 6.0 - 7.0), preferring it to be on the sandy side. As for care, they're pretty low-maintenance once planted – just give them some sun, well-drained soil, and they'll bloom beautifully. They don't like too much shade, so steer clear of planting them under trees.
Tulips are a great companion for iris because they bloom at the same time, creating a burst of color in your garden. Both flowers love sunny spots and well-drained soil, so they thrive together. Tulips’ shorter height allows iris to stand tall and show off its beautiful blooms, while the tulips add a lovely layer of color below. Planting them together helps fill up your garden with vibrant flowers and makes it look fuller and more lively!
What are the enemy plants of iris?
Planting these plants next to iris 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 iris. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your iris.
Strawberry
Strawberries grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their delicate fruits and lush foliage. Strawberries provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
Strawberries aren’t the best companions for irises because they can compete for space and nutrients. While strawberries are low-growing and like moist soil, their spreading runners can easily crowd out irises, which need enough space to grow and bloom. The dense foliage from strawberries may also block sunlight, which can prevent irises from getting the light they need.
So, even though both like moist soil, their growth habits can clash, making it harder for them to thrive together in the same spot. It’s usually better to plant them apart to give each plant the room and conditions it needs!
