Carnations (Dianthus) are stunning flowers that symbolize fascination and motherly love. These herbaceous perennials are available varied sorts and are recognized for his or her spicy, clove-like perfume. Though rising carnations is fairly straightforward, just a few well-chosen companion crops can actually assist. On this article, I’ll run by means of 24 of the most effective companion crops for carnations.
What Are Companion Vegetation?
Companion crops present a number of advantages to different crops in your backyard. Some companion crops are used to distract or deter pests. Different companion crops can enrich or stabilize the soil for different crops.
Companion crops can be used to enrich and emphasize the central crops in your backyard shows. I additionally like to make use of companion crops like borage to draw pollinators and different useful bugs into my backyard.
Recommendation for Selecting Companion Vegetation for Carnations
When selecting companion crops for carnations, there are just a few elements to contemplate. One of many primary issues I at all times take into consideration is what situations carnations like. Ideally, the companion crops we select also needs to thrive in these situations.
Most carnations thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10, though some species can survive in climates as chilly as Zone 4. Carnations additionally want roughly 4 to 6 hours of full solar day-after-day. These perennials develop finest in fertile, well-draining loamy, chalky, or sandy soils.
Selecting companion crops that received’t overshadow your carnations can also be necessary. Most carnations develop roughly 0.5 to 2 toes tall and about 10 to 14 inches broad. In order for you your carnations to be the celebrities of the present, select smaller companion crops.
I normally use companion crops to maintain pests away from my carnations. As such, I want to decide on companion crops that entice the sorts of pests that normally assault my carnations. Widespread carnation pests embrace aphids and scale bugs.
24 Finest Companion Vegetation For Carnations
1) Alyssum
Alyssum crops are herbaceous annuals or perennials from the Alyssum genus of the brassica household (Brassicaceae). These crops are native to components of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Alyssum crops have rectangular or oval-shaped leaves and clusters of small yellow, white, pink, or purple flowers.
Alyssum crops work properly as companion crops due to their leaves. Many caterpillars feed on alyssum leaves, protecting them away out of your carnations. Rabbits don’t like alyssum leaves, so use them as a barrier to guard your carnations.
2) Borage
Borage is a well known companion plant from the Boraginaceae household native to the Mediterranean. These herbaceous annuals have blue star-shaped flowers and furry stems. Borage flowers profusely throughout the summer season and thrives in full solar in Zones 2 to 11.
I like utilizing borage to draw legions of pollinators to my backyard. The blue flowers are notably standard with bees. Borage additionally attracts predatory bugs that can eat pests that would hurt your carnations. As such, borage is a implausible companion plant for carnations.
3) Calendula
Often known as pot marigolds, Calendula crops are herbaceous annuals or perennials from the daisy household (Asteraceae). Calendula crops are widespread companion crops as a result of they entice pollinators and assist repel varied pests.
Calendula officinalis is the commonest species of pot marigold used as a companion plant. This species has furry lance-shaped or rectangular leaves and enormous orange or yellow daisy-like flowers with darkish brown central florets. Pot marigolds thrive in Zones 2 to 11 and like full solar or partial shade.
4) Catnip
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herbaceous perennial from the mint or sage household (Lamiaceae). Though recognized for its results on cats, catnip can also be a superb companion plant. Catnip attracts pollinators whereas additionally repelling aphids, ants, and different pests as a consequence of its robust, minty scent.
These perennials develop finest in Zones 3 to 9 and require full solar. Catnip has triangular leaves with toothed edges. From spring till fall, catnip produces clusters of small pink or white flowers with purple spots.
5) Chives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are well-known herbs from the Amaryllis household (Amaryllidaceae). Native to Asia, Europe, and North America, chives have hole stems and dense, purple flower heads. The lengthy, tender stems are utilized in cooking.
Chives make nice companion crops for carnations as a result of they entice pollinators. Chives even have a powerful perfume that deters and repels pests like aphids, greenflies, and mosquitoes. These standard herbs are straightforward to develop in Zones 3 to 9 and thrive in full solar or partial shade.
6) Chrysanthemums
In addition to having stunning flowers, chrysanthemums are additionally glorious companion crops for carnations. Chrysanthemum and carnation flowers overlap within the fall, creating a ravishing show as each flowers complement one another. Chrysanthemums additionally assist repel pests due to the pyrethrin compounds of their flowers.
Chrysanthemums come from the daisy household. These herbaceous perennials produce dense pink, purple, yellow, white, or pink flower heads. Some have daisy-like flowers with central florets. Chrysanthemums even have delicate alternate leaves divided into feathery leaflets.
7) Columbines
Columbines are engaging herbaceous perennials from the Aquilegia genus of the buttercup household (Ranunculaceae). These colourful flowers thrive in shady habitats all through the Northern Hemisphere. Columbines have trumpet-shaped flowers with distinctive hooked spurs protruding from the again.
Columbines are good companion crops due to their compact measurement and vibrant flowers. A couple of well-placed columbines can actually improve your carnation show. On account of their measurement, columbines received’t distract out of your carnations. Columbines develop finest in partial shade in Zones 3 to eight.
8) Coreopsis
Generally generally known as tickseed, coreopsis flowers are standard wildflowers from the daisy household. Coreopsis flowers are native to prairies throughout the Americas. These herbaceous annuals or perennials develop in clumps of orange, yellow, or pink daisy-like flowers and lance-shaped leaves.
Coreopsis flowers are good companion crops for carnations as a result of they entice pollinators. These wildflowers additionally entice predatory bugs like hoverflies, which feed on widespread carnation pests like aphids. Coreopsis flowers are additionally straightforward to develop and thrive in full solar in Zones 3 to eight.
9) Cosmos
Cosmos flowers are beautiful annuals from the daisy household. These standard flowers are nice companion crops for carnations as a result of they entice pollinators like bees and butterflies. Cosmos flowers additionally encourage hoverflies and lacewings to go to your backyard and feed on aphids and different widespread carnation pests.
As well as, cosmos crops have giant, colorful daisy-like flowers with yellow central florets. Additionally they have engaging feathery leaves. These beautiful annuals are straightforward to develop in Zones 2 to 11 however want full solar.
10) Foxglove
Foxgloves are vibrant biennials recognized for his or her tall stalks of colourful bell-shaped flowers. Foxgloves come from the Digitalis genus of the plantain household (Plantaginaceae). These standard decorative crops usually have pink, purple, yellow, or white flowers.
Foxgloves are good companion crops for carnations as a result of they entice pollinators, particularly bees. Because of their tall, slim kind, foxgloves additionally complement carnations properly as a part of a summer season show. Foxgloves develop finest in full solar or partial shade in Zones 4 to 9.
11) Geraniums
Geraniums, often known as pelargoniums, are stunning companion crops that work properly alongside carnations. These crops have engaging cup-shaped flowers with 5 petals and noticeable veins. These geraniums are regularly grown as annuals and are solely hardy in Zones 9 to 12.
Geraniums and pelargoniums work properly as companion crops as a result of they deter pests like beetles and leafhoppers. These geraniums additionally repel spider mites as a consequence of their fragrances. The engaging flowers additionally completely complement carnation flowers to create a beautiful show.
12) Larkspur
Often known as delphiniums, larkspur flowers are herbaceous annuals or perennials from the buttercup household. Larkspur crops have slender stems coated in blue, pink, purple, pink, yellow, or white flowers. Larkspurs even have palmate leaves with three to seven lobes.
Larkspur flowers can develop as much as 6 toes excessive, making them supreme for the again of a border show. As such, larkspur flowers can complement your carnations properly. Plant larkspurs behind your carnations and use complementary colours for a ravishing summer season show.
13) Lavender
Lavender bushes are fabulous, aromatic, herbaceous perennials from the mint household. These fragrant crops have a pungent perfume that repels pests, making them supreme companion crops for carnations. Lavender bushes additionally entice pollinators reminiscent of bees and butterflies, serving to to pollinate your carnations.
In the course of the summer season, lavender bushes produce skinny upright stems topped with rectangular clusters of tiny blue, purple, or white flowers. Lavender crops are native to the Mediterranean however thrive in full solar in Zones 5 to 9.
14) Marigolds
To not be confused with pot marigolds, marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are herbaceous annuals or perennials native to Mexico. These marigolds come from the daisy household and have orange or yellow pom-pom-like flower heads. Marigolds even have engaging pinnate leaves.
What’s nice is that marigolds work properly as companion crops for a lot of crops, together with carnations. Marigolds entice pollinators and useful bugs like hoverflies and lacewings. These bugs then feed on widespread carnation pests reminiscent of aphids. Marigolds additionally repel rabbits which may in any other case munch in your carnations.
15) Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are showy annuals or perennials from the Tropaeolaceae household. These vibrant flowers are native to components of Central and South America. Nasturtiums have giant orange, pink, or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers and rounded leaves with white veins.
Apparently, Nasturtiums make good companion crops as a result of they maintain beetles, whiteflies, and different pests away out of your carnations. Nasturtiums entice pollinators and different useful bugs due to their giant flowers. I additionally prefer to develop nasturtiums as a result of each the leaves and flowers are edible.
16) Oregano
Oregano is a woody perennial from the mint household. This standard kitchen herb is native to the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, oregano can also be an amazing companion plant for carnations as a result of it attracts pollinators. Oregano additionally has a powerful, pungent scent that deters and repels pests.
Oregano crops have tall, skinny stems and spade-like leaves. In the course of the summer season, oregano is roofed in tiny pink, purple, or white flowers borne on reverse branches. Oregano grows finest in full solar and thrives in Zones 5 to 10.
17) Petunias
Petunias are colourful, engaging flowers from the nightshade household (Solanaceae). These tender perennials can be grown as annuals and are sometimes used as decorative flowers. Petunias have vibrant trumpet-shaped pink, purple, pink, white, and yellow flowers. They are often grown as perennials in Zones 9 to 11.
What’s extra, petunias make good companion crops for carnations as a result of they entice bees, butterflies, and different important pollinators. Petunia flowers might also assist deter infamous carnation pests reminiscent of aphids, beetles, and leafhoppers.
18) Salvia
Generally generally known as sage, salvias are standard herbs that additionally work properly as companion crops for carnations. Salvias belong to the mint or sage household and are discovered worldwide. Salvias have sq. stems and toothed leaves. In the course of the summer season, salvias produce dense racemes of distinctive claw-shaped flowers.
Salvias are good companion crops as a result of they entice necessary pollinators like bees and butterflies. These versatile flowers may also repel annoying pests or entice predatory bugs like hoverflies and lacewings.
19) Snapdragons
Snapdragons are stunning herbaceous perennials from the Antirrhinum genus of the plantain household. These engaging crops produce dense spikes of colourful flowers that appear like the snouts of dragons. Though technically perennials, snapdragons are short-lived, so they’re normally grown as annuals.
Snapdragons work properly in a show with carnations as a result of their tall flower spikes complement carnation flowers completely. Snapdragons may also entice pollinators that can then pollinate your carnations. Like carnations, snapdragons develop finest in full solar or partial shade.
20) Sunflowers
Though usually grown as tall, cheery ornamentals, sunflowers are additionally glorious companion crops for carnations. Sunflowers come from the Helianthus genus within the daisy household. These annuals or perennials have giant daisy-like flowers with dense central florets surrounded by ray petals. Sunflowers even have coarse, heart-shaped leaves and furry stems.
What’s extra, Sunflowers assist divert ants and aphids away from carnations, as these pests can’t do a lot harm to robust, wholesome sunflowers. Apparently, additionally they attract pollinators and useful bugs like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
21) Candy Alyssum
Candy alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a herbaceous annual from the brassica or cabbage household. This low-growing plant can also be companion plant for carnations as a result of it attracts pollinators and deters aphids. On account of its compact, mat-forming behavior, candy alyssum received’t impede your carnations whereas including to the show.
Candy alyssum produces dense clusters of tiny white or pink flowers. These engaging flowers give off a candy, honey-like perfume from spring till fall. Candy alyssum additionally has clumps of huge, furry, lance-shaped, or oval-shaped leaves.
22) Thyme
Thyme is one other standard backyard or kitchen herb that doubles as a companion plant for carnations. Its fragrant foliage and tiny purple, white, or yellow flowers assist entice pollinators like bees and butterflies. On account of its robust scent, Thyme additionally helps deter pests reminiscent of aphids and caterpillars.
Thyme is an evergreen herbaceous perennial from the mint or sage household. These fragrant herbs develop finest in Zones 5 to 9, which overlaps with the popular Zones 7 to 10 of carnations. Like carnations, thyme additionally requires loads of full solar.
23) Yarrow
Yarrow is an upright herbaceous perennial from the Achillea genus of the daisy household. These adaptable crops thrive within the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Zones 3 to 9. Yarrow crops have deeply-divided fern-like leaves and produce dense terminal umbels of tiny white or yellow flowers.
Yarrow is a wonderful companion plant for carnations as a result of it attracts useful predatory bugs like hoverflies or lacewings. To those bugs, the umbels of yarrow crops appear like touchdown pads. Hoverflies and lacewings each eat aphids and different annoying pests.
24) Zinnias
Zinnias are vivid, colourful flowers from the daisy household native to South America. Zinnia flowers are nice companion crops for carnations as a result of they lure in important pollinators like bees and hoverflies. These annuals additionally entice ladybirds and different bugs that devour widespread carnation pests like aphids.
Zinnias have giant, daisy-like flowers that may be single or semi-double. Relying on the species, zinnias have lance-shaped or oval-shaped leaves, and upright flower stems. Zinnias are compact, permitting them to enrich your carnations properly in a summer season show.
Carnations Companion Vegetation FAQs:
How Do You Make Carnations Look Their Finest?
To make carnation flowers look good, water them as soon as per week as extra moisture helps produce wholesome flowers. It’s also possible to use engaging companion crops like chrysanthemums to enrich and emphasize your carnations.
Do Carnation Vegetation Unfold?
Carnations are herbaceous perennials that may step by step unfold. As such, it’s important to present carnations roughly 6 to 12 inches of house when planting them.
What Compost is Finest for Carnations?
Carnations develop properly in most kinds of compost however choose backyard compost. These stunning perennials are heavy feeders that want plenty of vitamins, so give them loads of natural matter.
What are Companion Vegetation for Carnations?
Companion crops for carnations can embrace different flowering crops reminiscent of geraniums, pansies, roses, and snapdragons. Herbaceous crops like sage, lavender, and rosemary may also work properly. These companions might help deter pests, present shade, or simply improve the aesthetic attraction of your backyard.
Why are Companion Vegetation Essential for Carnations?
Companion crops can provide varied advantages to carnations. They’ll deter pests, assist enhance the soil, present shade, or entice useful bugs. Sure crops may also assist improve the general aesthetic of your backyard when paired with carnations.
What are the Finest Vegetation to Deter Pests from Carnations?
Marigolds are a superb selection to discourage pests from carnations. They’re recognized to repel nematodes and different backyard pests. Moreover, herbs reminiscent of sage and rosemary might help maintain some bugs at bay.
Can I Plant Carnations Subsequent to Greens or Herbs?
Carnations may be planted subsequent to sure greens and herbs. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to contemplate the particular wants of every plant. For instance, carnations choose well-drained soil and full solar, so they might do properly with herbs and greens which have comparable necessities.
Can Companion Planting Assist Enhance the Soil for Carnations?
Sure, companion planting might help enhance the soil for carnations. Some crops might help improve soil high quality by including natural matter or fixing nitrogen. Nevertheless, carnations don’t require nitrogen-rich soil, so keep away from companions that overly enrich the soil with nitrogen.
Are there any Vegetation that I Ought to Keep away from Planting Close to Carnations?
As a basic rule, I keep away from planting carnations close to crops that require heavy watering or people who choose extra acidic or alkaline soils than carnations. Additionally, steer clear from crops that are usually invasive and will overshadow or compete with the carnations.
Wrapping Up
As we will see, there are many companion crops which might be nice for rising alongside carnations. A number of the finest companion crops for carnations embrace borage, chrysanthemums, and nasturtiums. Use these companion crops to draw pollinators, deter pests, or just complement the colourful, aromatic flowers of the one you love carnations.
Edd is a budding content material author and gardener residing in the UK. He has a bachelor’s diploma in Inventive and Skilled Writing and has written for a number of gardening publications on-line. He’s enthusiastic about nature and sustainability with a give attention to gardening and wildlife.
