Container plant besties

Just like people, plants have friends they thrive with. Companion planting is the practice of grouping plants that complement each other - either because they have similar care needs or because one helps the other grow better. The key is to consider each plant’s light, water, and space requirements, and to pair plants that won’t overshadow or outcompete each other.

October 23, 2024

Lavender and Swan River daisy

Both love the sun, and their contrasting purple hues will turn any container into a vibrant mini garden.

Marigolds, salvia, and Dusty Miller (silver ragwort)

This sunny trio is perfect for containers in full sun. Marigolds bring vibrant yellow and orange blooms, which contrast nicely with the spiky red flowers of salvia and the silvery foliage of Dusty Miller.

Coreopsis, dwarf lavender, and creeping thyme

Coreopsis with its cheerful yellow flowers pairs well with the purple hues of dwarf lavender and the ground-hugging creeping thyme, which can drape over the edges of the container.

Portulaca, gazania, and alyssum

Portulaca’s vivid blooms, combined with gazania's daisy-like flowers and alyssum's delicate white cascades, create a drought-resistant display full of texture and colour.

Ferns, coleus, and impatiens

For those shady nooks, a mix of ferns with their lush greenery, brightly coloured coleus, and the subtle charm of impatiens make for a refreshing container garden.

Begonias, fuchsia, and English ivy

Begonias and fuchsia provide beautiful blooms in shades of pink and purple, while english ivy adds a trailing element with its deep green leaves.

Sedum, echeveria, and sempervivum

These succulents offer a variety of textures and colours, from sedum’s star-shaped flowers to echeveria’s rosettes and sempervivum's pointy leaves. They’re perfect for those who forget to water now and then!

Agave, aeonium, and jade plant

Strong structural elements come into play with agave, and when paired with the contrasting forms of aeonium and the robust jade plant, this combo is as tough as it is striking.

Agapanthus and African iris

Both are hardy, drought-resistant, and bloom beautifully, making them ideal for sunny spots. The tall, elegant flowers of agapanthus paired with the striking foliage of African iris create a dynamic visual.

Here’s a fun rule to remember when planning your container: always include a thriller, a filler, and a spiller!

  • Thriller: The star of the show, the tallest or most striking plant. Think kangaroo paw or geranium.

  • Filler: The middle-of-the-pack team player, like coleus or lobelia, that fills out the arrangement.

  • Spiller: A plant that flows over the edge, adding depth and movement - like bacopa or ivy.

Tips for container gardening success:

  • Choose the right container and make sure it has good drainage holes! Standing water is the enemy of happy roots.

  • Match sun-loving plants with each other and keep shade-lovers together.

  • Skip garden soil - it’s too dense for container gardening. Opt for a well-draining potting mix that helps manage moisture without turning into a soggy mess.

  • Containers dry out faster than garden beds. Check your plants daily, especially in hot weather.

Container gardening benefits

  • Accessible: Perfect for those with limited space or mobility. You can garden on balconies, patios, or even windowsills.

  • Portable: If your plants aren’t thriving, just move them! Need more sun? No problem. Too windy? Relocate.

  • Easy to maintain: Fewer weeds, better soil control, and no back-breaking digging.

Whether you’re drawn to a succulent sanctuary, a riot of colourful blooms, or a fragrant herb garden, container gardening is all about having fun and experimenting.


 

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