What to Plant With Dahlias: A Guide to Companion Planting
What to Plant With Dahlias?
The following plants can be planted with dahlias: cosmos, nicotianas, verbena bonariensis, achilleas, pennisetum ‘Red Head’, agapanthus, allium, anise hyssop, asters, bee balm, black-eyed Susan, glitters like gold dahlia cultivar, blazing star, common switchgrass, coneflower, candystripe dahlia cultivar, crocosmia, floss flower, lantana, and pelargonium.
These plants can be paired and interplanted with dahlias for a beautiful and vibrant garden.
Key Points:
- Plants that can be planted with dahlias:
- Cosmos
- Nicotianas
- Verbena bonariensis
- Achilleas
- Pennisetum ‘Red Head’
- Agapanthus
- Allium
- Anise hyssop
- Asters
- Bee balm
- Black-eyed Susan
- Glitters like gold dahlia cultivar
- Blazing star
- Common switchgrass
- Coneflower
- Candystripe dahlia cultivar
- Crocosmia
- Floss flower
- Lantana
- Pelargonium
- These plants can be paired and interplanted with dahlias.
- Planting these with dahlias will result in a beautiful and vibrant garden.
Did You Know?
1. The dahlia plant earned its name in honor of Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, who was a key figure in popularizing the cultivation of this flower.
2. Dahlias were initially brought to Europe from their native Mexico in the late 18th century. However, due to their delicate nature, it wasn’t until over a century later that successful cultivation techniques were developed.
3. Unlike many other plants, dahlias do not produce seeds that can be easily collected and replanted. Instead, they propagate through tubers, which are underground, root-like structures.
4. Dahlias are known for their impressive variety of flower forms, ranging from single blooms to intricate cactus, pompon, or ball shapes. There are over 40 recognized dahlia flower forms, making this plant a true delight for floral enthusiasts.
5. While dahlias are commonly grown for their vibrant flowers, they are also edible. Their petals can be enjoyed in salads or used as a garnish, providing a unique and colorful addition to culinary creations.
Cosmos
Cosmos is an ideal companion plant with Dahlias due to their similar growth habit and exquisite beauty. This combination creates a stunning display in the garden. The dainty, brightly colored flowers of cosmos provide a beautiful contrast to the bold and showy blooms of dahlias.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, cosmos is known to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. This natural pollination helps promote overall garden health.
When planting cosmos with dahlias, it is important to give each plant enough space to grow and flourish. Both plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, so choose an appropriate location in your garden.
Remember to regularly deadhead the spent blossoms on both plants. This practice encourages continuous blooming throughout the season and maintains the garden’s visual appeal.
To summarize:
- Cosmos and Dahlias make a stunning combination in the garden
- Cosmos attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies
- Plant them in well-drained soil and full sun
- Give them enough space to grow and regularly deadhead spent blossoms for continuous blooming.
Nicotianas
Nicotianas, commonly known as flowering tobaccos, make an excellent companion to dahlias.
Their tall, elegant stems and trumpet-shaped flowers add vertical interest to the garden, while their fragrance fills the air with a delightful scent.
Planting nicotianas alongside dahlias creates a visually pleasing contrast, as the delicate flowers of the tobacco plant provide a soft backdrop to the flamboyant and vibrant dahlias.
Both plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them compatible companions in the garden.
Nicotianas are also known for attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and moths, which can further enhance the overall health and biodiversity of your garden.
Verbena Bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis is known for its tall, slender stems and clusters of small purple flowers. It is an excellent choice for companion planting with dahlias. The airy structure of Verbena bonariensis allows the bold and showy flowers of dahlias to take center stage while providing a graceful background.
This plant adds a sense of lightness and movement to the garden with its swaying stems and delicate blooms dancing in the breeze. Both Verbena bonariensis and dahlias prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal companions in terms of environmental requirements.
As an added bonus, the flowers of Verbena bonariensis attract various pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, contributing to a thriving ecosystem in your garden.
- Verbena bonariensis has tall, slender stems with clusters of small purple flowers
- It is an excellent companion plant for dahlias
- Verbena bonariensis allows dahlias to take center stage
- Both plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil
- Flowers of Verbena bonariensis attract pollinators, enhancing the ecosystem in the garden.
“The airy structure of Verbena bonariensis allows the bold and showy flowers of dahlias to take center stage while providing a graceful background.“
Achilleas
Achilleas, commonly known as yarrows, are tough perennials that make a great companion for dahlias. These plants offer a long flowering season, and their dainty flowers come in a variety of colors, including shades of yellow, pink, and red. When planted alongside dahlias, the feathery foliage of achilleas provides a beautiful contrast to the bold leaves of dahlias, creating visual interest and texture in the garden. Achilleas are also known for their ability to attract pollinators, making them a beneficial addition to any garden. Both dahlias and achilleas require full sun and well-drained soil, ensuring that they can thrive side by side in the same growing conditions.
Pennisetum ‘Red Head’
- Pennisetum ‘Red Head’ is a stunning ornamental grass that pairs exceptionally well with dahlias.
- Its fluffy, bottlebrush-like blooms add texture and movement to the garden.
- The reddish-brown color adds warmth and depth to the overall color scheme.
- When planted alongside dahlias, Pennisetum ‘Red Head’ provides a striking backdrop for the showy dahlia blooms, creating a visually captivating scene.
- Both plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them an ideal combination in terms of growing conditions.
- Additionally, Pennisetum ‘Red Head’ is known for its ability to attract birds to the garden, further enhancing the biodiversity and enjoyment of your outdoor space.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What plant goes well with dahlia?
Another plant that goes well with dahlias is Salvia nemorosa. It has compact growth and beautiful purple flowers that complement the vibrant colors of dahlias. Salvia nemorosa is also known for its ability to attract butterflies and bees, making it a great addition to any garden.
Where is the best place to plant dahlias?
The ideal location to plant dahlias would be a sheltered spot that receives ample sun, ideally in a south or west facing border. Dahlias are not particularly picky when it comes to soil, so any fertile, well-drained soil would do. However, enriching the soil with organic matter, such as well-rotted manure, can help ensure optimal growth and results.
Can you plant zinnias and dahlias together?
Yes, zinnias and dahlias can be planted together to create a stunning summer display. Both plants thrive in warm weather and provide a diverse range of colors and textures. Their combination with Chinese Aster and Ammi visnaga creates a vibrant border that will bring life and beauty to your garden from mid-summer to the first frost. With minimal effort, you can easily recreate this captivating planting idea and enjoy a kaleidoscope of colorful blooms all season long.
Do dahlias and roses go together?
Dahlias and roses are undoubtedly a perfect match when combined in bouquets. While they may appear distant from one another when kept apart, their true magic unveils when they are united. Witnessing these flowers embrace one another and effortlessly intertwine their beauty creates an extraordinary harmony, forming a winning combination that surpasses expectations.