Planting various companions with dahlias can create a vibrant garden display, enhancing the charm of your borders and containers. However, not all plants pair well with these seasonal favorites.
Selecting neighbors that share similar growing needs is crucial for their success. Aesthetic considerations matter too; choose companions with harmonious colors, diverse textures, and varying heights. Certain plants can even help deter pests, making dahlia care simpler.
Here are some top recommendations for planting alongside dahlias, as suggested by gardening experts. Remember to provide ample space for each plant; even compatible companions need room to grow. It's also wise to verify if any suggested plants are considered invasive in your area.
1. Purpletop vervain
This plant attracts butterflies and adds elegance.
Known as Verbena bonariensis, purpletop vervain is a wonderful companion for dahlias. Its slender stems weave gracefully among dahlia foliage, providing soft purple-pink accents that complement pink, purple, and white dahlias.
Both plants attract pollinators, making them a fantastic choice for environmentally-friendly gardens. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooms throughout the season. Full sun and well-drained soil are essential for both.
You can find purpletop vervain seeds at Burpee.
2. Ornamental grasses
These grasses bring movement and texture to your garden.
Planting ornamental grasses with dahlias can be beneficial as they bloom later in summer, coinciding perfectly with dahlia flowering. Their feathery plumes contrast beautifully with the bold shapes of dahlia blooms. This combination adds dynamic interest to any garden space.
Many ornamental grasses feature reddish or bronze foliage, enhancing the warm tones of dahlias. Both thrive in full sun and prefer moist, well-drained soil.
3. Holy basil
This herb produces lovely small flowers.
Holy basil can help manage common pests affecting dahlias. It attracts beneficial insects and pollinators while its strong scent deters pests like aphids and whiteflies. 'This beautiful herb is not only aromatic but also functional,' says a gardening expert.
Also called tulsi, holy basil can be grown as a perennial in warmer zones and as an annual elsewhere. It's suggested to let it go to seed and practice succession planting every few weeks. It thrives in full sun with moderate watering.
4. Sweet alyssum
This fragrant flower makes an excellent border plant.
If you need a plant that fills space without overshadowing dahlias, sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a great choice. Its delightful honey scent attracts pollinators, while its small white or pale pink flowers serve as a lovely backdrop for vibrant dahlias.
Sweet alyssum prefers neutral, well-drained, moist soil, similar to dahlias. Its low growth means it won't compete for space and it can handle some partial shade.
Consider 'Carpet Of Snow' seeds from Burpee for white blooms.
5. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums provide vibrant colors in the garden.
For a colorful ground cover that complements dahlias, nasturtiums (Tropaeolum) are perfect. These easy-care plants require minimal fertilizer, ensuring they won't compete with dahlias for nutrients.
They thrive in full sun, tolerate poor soil, and need only weekly watering. Nasturtiums also attract helpful insects and pollinators, aiding in pest control. They'll bloom well into fall, adding bright colors to your garden.
Check out our guide for the best nasturtium varieties to grow.
Additional Tips
What other herbs pair well with dahlias?
In addition to holy basil, dill is another excellent companion for dahlias, attracting beneficial insects that prey on aphids and mites. Dill enjoys full sun and its yellow flowers create a delightful contrast with dahlias, but be cautious as it can grow quite tall.
Which small dahlias work well with others?
For front borders, dwarf dahlias reaching 18 to 20 inches are ideal. They bloom in vibrant hues, from fiery reds to soft pastels. Pair them with small, sun-loving annuals like cosmos and snapdragons.
Can shrubs be good companions for dahlias?
Avoid planting shrubs near dahlias, as they can compete for nutrients and block sunlight. However, eucalyptus can provide a structural backdrop behind your blooms if spaced correctly.
Interplanting eucalyptus can help repel pests while offering a fragrant addition to arrangements. It's simple to care for, requiring regular watering and balanced fertilizer. Eucalyptus thrives in hot climates, making it suitable for warmer regions.
Be mindful of the size of eucalyptus; compact varieties like Eucalyptus gunnii 'France Bleu' are preferable to avoid overshadowing your dahlias.
To maintain healthy dahlias, learn how to keep them blooming throughout the season. Don't forget to cut some stems for beautiful arrangements in your home. Our guides can assist you with flower arranging and selecting the perfect vase.
