If you have ever wanted your gardenias to be in a thriving environment, look no further than companion plants! A well-chosen selection of companion plants can not only help beautify your gardenias but also nourish them and provide necessary nutrients for their health. In this guide, we’ll look at the best possible companion plants for your gardenias and give you helpful tips to ensure their long-term success.
How to Choose What To Plant With Gardenias
Choosing the right companion plants for gardenias is essential.
- Consider the amount of light and water needed by each plant. Gardenias prefer partial sun, so it’s important to select companion plants that will not outgrow or overshadow the gardenia. Additionally, depending on the variety of gardenia you have, it may need more or less water than other plants in order to thrive. Choose companion plants accordingly.
- Select plants with similar soil needs. Gardenias prefer slightly acidic soil, so choose companion plants that are also suited to acidic soil conditions.
- Select flowering and foliage plants that will complement the gardenia’s white blooms. Plants such as roses, begonias, and impatiens all look beautiful when planted with gardenias and can help create a visually pleasing display in the garden.
- Choose companion plants that are easy to care for: Gardenias need frequent pruning and deadheading to stay healthy. Look for companion plants that don’t require too much maintenance or you’ll end up spending more time caring for them than your gardenia!
Choosing the right companion plants for your gardenia is essential if you want it to thrive and look its best.
The Best Companion Plants For Gardenias
Gardenias are a classic and fragrant addition to any garden. Their white blooms and glossy green leaves add a touch of beauty and grace to the landscape. But, did you know that there are certain companion plants that can accentuate your Gardenia blooms even more? Here’s a look at some of the best companion plants for these stunning flowers.
Sweet marjoram
Sweet marjoram is an easy-to-grow herb that adds a spicy, fragrant aroma to your garden. This perennial grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and when paired with Gardenias, it can also help repel certain pests. For an especially attractive pairing, consider planting both plants together in a raised bed or container.
Signet marigold
Signet marigolds are an attractive and low-maintenance addition to any garden. These cheerful, yellow blooms will bring a pop of color when planted near Gardenias, and they make a great companion plant due to their resistance to pests and diseases. Since both plants love full sun, be sure to give them plenty of it for maximum growth.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them an excellent choice for accentuating Gardenias. Plant them together for a beautiful display of color and texture, or use hydrangeas to create a border around your Gardenia bed. No matter how you decide to incorporate them into your garden design, these lovely shrubs will look stunning when paired with Gardenias.
Camellias
Camellias are a classic companion plant for Gardenias. These evergreen shrubs produce beautiful, fragrant blooms that perfectly complement Gardenias’s white flowers. Plant them in full sun to partial shade, and make sure they’re well-watered throughout the growing season. With proper care, these plants will bloom for months on end!
Salvia
Salvia is an aromatic herb that adds a pop of purple to your garden. Often used in cooking, this versatile plant can be planted near Gardenias for both its fragrant leaves and striking flowers. This low-maintenance perennial will thrive in full sun or dappled shade, making it the perfect companion for Gardenias.
Heuchera
Heucheras are low-growing perennials that feature gorgeous foliage in shades of green, purple, and red. Plant them near Gardenias for added texture and interest in your landscape; their vibrant colors will make the white blooms of Gardenias stand out even more. Be sure to give Heucheras plenty of sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are beautiful evergreen shrubs that come in various colors and sizes. They make an excellent companion plant for Gardenias due to their tolerance of shade and acidic soil – both of which are ideal conditions for Gardenias. Plant them near each other in a shady area for a stunning display, or use them as part of your garden’s border!
Snapdragon
Snapdragon is a well-suited companion for gardenias, as it performs best in full sun or light shade. It can thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 11 and adds an interesting texture to any garden setting. Plant snapdragons about 18 inches away from your gardenia bush and enjoy the colorful blooms that this flower produces. In addition, snapdragons are known to repel certain pests that may otherwise harm your gardenia bush. Remember that snapdragons require frequent deadheading to keep them blooming throughout the season!
Dahlia
Dahlia is a popular companion plant for gardenias. It blooms in late summer and autumn in various colors, including pink, yellow, orange, white and red. Dahlia’s tall flower stalks provide visual interest to your garden and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Water them deeply once a week during dry spells to get the best results from dahlias. They also prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure throughout the day.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Cornflowers are the perfect companion for gardenias, as their contrasting colors will enhance the beauty of your garden. Cornflowers come in a variety of colors, including blue, white and pink. They can grow up to two feet tall and have striking petals that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. To encourage more blooms, be sure to deadhead spent flowers regularly. Plant cornflowers in sunny spots with well-drained soil and they’ll reward you with an abundance of cheerful blooms all season long!
Ferns
Ferns make excellent companion plants for gardenias, as their foliage adds texture and color to the garden. They also provide a home for beneficial insects such as predatory wasps and ladybugs. Ferns can tolerate shade better than other plants and require only occasional pruning. To keep your ferns healthy, provide them with plenty of air circulation and moist soil.
More ideas for plants that compliment gardenias
Once you’ve checked out the basic companion plants for gardenias, why not take it a step further and add even more options to your garden? A few other choices that work well with gardenias include.
Blooming annuals
Annuals are a great way to add color and texture to the garden. Some of the best blooming annuals for gardenias include lantana, vinca, impatiens, marigolds, and zinnias. These plants come in a variety of colors that will contrast nicely with the white flowers of your gardenia plants.
Wax begonia
Wax begonias are the perfect companion plants for gardenias. Not only do they have a beautiful, bright flower color that will really stand out when planted next to gardenias, but they also require minimal care and have great resistance to disease. These plants can tolerate both full sun and partial shade and thrive in moist, well-drained soil. When planting your wax begonia, be sure to place it at least two feet away from gardenias as their roots may compete for resources such as water and nutrients. Additionally, keep an eye on their foliage as it could be damaged by nearby gardenia flowers or foliage if not monitored regularly. With proper care, wax begonias can be a wonderful addition to any gardenia patch!
Impatiens
These flowering plants add a splash of bright colors to your garden, while also providing some much needed shade and protection from the sun. Impatiens come in shades of pink, white, purple and red and can really bring an area of your garden alive with color. They are relatively low-maintenance plants that require regular watering but not a lot else in terms of care. Be sure to space them out properly when planting so they have plenty of room to grow! Planting impatiens near Gardenias will provide both plants with some extra protection from the sun’s intense rays in the hot summer months. Plus the vibrant colors make them a great addition to any garden.
Primrose
Primrose is an ideal companion plant for Gardenias, adding vibrant color and texture to your garden. Primroses come in a variety of colors including pink, orange, yellow, and white. They are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. If you have never grown primroses before, they are a great way to start! Plant them around the base of your Gardenia bush as they will help retain moisture in the soil while also providing extra nutrients. Because Primroses prefer partial shade, planting them near the edges of larger trees can be beneficial. Be sure to water them regularly for the best results! With proper care, these beautiful flowers can last throughout the season and provide a stunning contrast with the deep green foliage of Gardenias.
Perennials for partial shade
Many gardeners prefer to plant perennials in the shade for their gardenias, as they are able to withstand the harsher conditions. Some popular options to include in your gardenia bed are hostas, ferns, and coral bells. Hostas add a splash of color with their leaves that come in shades of white, yellow, green, and blue-gray. Ferns help anchor other plants with their light feathery foliage. Coral bells give off an airy feel and bring bold colors to the bed with their deep purple or pink flowers. All three of these plants will bring life and texture to your gardenia bed while still allowing it enough shade for optimal growth.
Hosta
Hostas are a great companion for gardenias, as they thrive in the partial shade and moist soil that gardenias prefer. Hostas come in many shapes and sizes, so you can choose the perfect variety to pair with your gardenia. They also provide a wonderful contrast to the bright white blooms of your gardenia plants! Plant hostas near or around the base of your gardenias to keep weeds from taking over your flower beds. Keep an eye out for slugs as they do like to munch on hosta leaves and check regularly for signs of disease. With regular care and attention, hostas will make a beautiful addition to any gardenia display!
Strawberry begonia (Saxifraga)
Strawberry begonia (Saxifraga) is a great companion plant for gardenias. Not only does this attractive ground cover add vibrant color and texture to the garden, but it also helps improve air circulation around your gardenia plants. Strawberry begonias are small and low-growing, making them perfect for growing in clusters or grouped together with other ground covers. They’re easy to care for and require minimal maintenance, which makes them an ideal choice for busy gardeners. When planting strawberry begonia near your gardenias, be sure to keep enough space between the two so that they don’t compete for resources like water or light. Additionally, you should regularly prune off any dead foliage from your strawberry begonia plants to prevent disease.
Shrubs
Shrubs are a great choice when it comes to companion plants for gardenias. They have the same needs as gardenias in terms of light and soil requirements, making them easy to maintain together in your garden. Some popular shrub companions that work well with gardenias include azaleas, camellia japonica, and viburnum tinus. These plants will provide additional color and texture to your landscaping design, while also offering a functional purpose by creating a natural windbreak or shelter for your gardenia. Additionally, many of these plants are evergreen so they’ll add year-round interest to your landscape. It’s important to note that most shrubs will require more space than other companion plants so plan accordingly for their mature size when choosing your companions.
Azalea (prefer acidic soil)
Azaleas are a great companions for gardenias, as they both require similar soil and fertilizer. Azaleas also enjoy the acidic soils that gardenias thrive in, so opting to plant them side-by-side can help ensure an optimal growing environment for both plants. Azaleas also provide color when in bloom, creating a vibrant contrast with gardenias’ white flowers. However, azaleas should be planted at least four feet away from gardenias to avoid overcrowding and give each plant plenty of room to grow. Additionally, it’s important to note that azaleas require frequent pruning and fertilizing throughout the year.
Boxwood Camellia Summersweet (Clethra)
These evergreen shrubs are ideal companions for Gardenias since they share similar light, water, and soil requirements. Boxwood Camellia Summersweet (Clethra) will provide a nice contrast in terms of foliage to your Gardenias as its leathery leaves are evergreen and oval in shape while the Gardenias have glossy dark green leaves that are lance-shaped. The formed white flowers of the Clethra bloom from late spring through early summer adding extra color to your garden beds. Additionally, this plant is tolerant to drought making it an ideal companion for Gardenias which require high humidity levels. Plant both together for a stunning effect!
Virginia sweetspire
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a low-maintenance shrub with white flowers and attractive foliage. It’s an ideal choice for companion planting with gardenias as it provides shade, texture, and color contrast to the evergreen plants. Virginia sweetspire prefers moist, acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. It can also be pruned back in late winter if desired for a more compact shape. Virginia sweetspire works well planted along pathways or near gardenia hedges to add interest visually. Planting this shrub will also attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to your garden! [2]
By combining different colors, shapes, and textures into your garden design with the right companion plants – like those listed here – you can create a stunning display of beauty and fragrance year-round. If you’re looking to add some extra sparkle to your Gardenia bed this growing season, give some of these companion plants a try!
FAQ
What grows well next to gardenia?
The best companion plants for gardenias are azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas and ferns. These all thrive in acidic and moist soil with the same sun/shade requirements as that of a gardenia. Additionally, ornamental grasses and low-growing ground covers such as liriope or vinca also make great companions for gardenias. When planting companion plants beside a gardenia, it is important to ensure they have adequate spacing so that air circulation occurs between them. This helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which can occur if the air around the plants is too damp.
Where do gardenias grow best?
Gardenias are tropical plants that enjoy warm and humid climates. They thrive best in sunny spots with partial shade, and they require well-drained soil. Gardenias prefer acidic soils; if your soil is neutral or alkaline, you can amend it by adding sulfur or other acidifying agents. Too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to yellow, so use a slow-release gardenia food for healthy growth throughout the season.
When it comes to companion planting for gardenias, the key is to choose plants with similar needs and plant them close together so their roots don’t compete for nutrients. Some good companions for gardenias include azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, heathers, and hydrangeas. These plants also enjoy acidic soil and partial shade, making them ideal companions for gardenias. [3]
When planting companion plants for gardenias, it’s important to keep in mind that their roots need space to grow. Plant the companions at least two feet away from your gardenia so they don’t rob it of vital nutrients or block out sunlight. Additionally, make sure that all of the companion plants get ample water; if you’re having trouble keeping up with watering duties, use a drip irrigation system or install a rain barrel to ensure everything is getting enough H2O!
Do gardenias like being in pots?
Yes, gardenias can do just fine in pots. If you’re looking to add some greenery to your patio or deck, a gardenia is an excellent choice. When planted in a pot, make sure to use one that is made of breathable material and has plenty of holes for drainage. Gardenias prefer slightly acidic soil and need regular watering; either every day or every other day depending on the weather conditions. Annual mulching will also help with moisture retention. [4]
When selecting companion plants for your potted gardenia, it’s important to choose those that don’t require too much water or fertilizer. Some good choices are ferns, azaleas, jasmine, camellias and lilies. These plants are all easy to care for and won’t overwhelm your gardenia with competition for resources. Just be sure not to overcrowd the container, as this can limit airflow and cause fungal diseases.
Do gardenias do better in pots or in the ground?
When choosing a spot for your gardenias, you have the choice between planting in the ground or placing them in a pot. Gardenias do well when planted in moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you live in an area with clay soils, it may be best to plant your gardenia in a container with potting mix specifically designed for acid-loving plants. This will help ensure they get the right amount of moisture and drainage.
When choosing a container size, keep in mind that larger containers allow more root growth and therefore are less likely to need repotting as frequently. Gardenias prefer temperatures above 60°F (16°C) and can survive cooler temperatures but should be kept out of the direct wind and cold drafts. [5]
No matter whether you choose to pot your gardenia or plant it in the ground, make sure that they’re getting enough water, especially during their flowering period. Also, remember to give them plenty of room so they can spread out and reach their full potential. With the right care and attention, you’ll have beautiful blooms for years to come!
Useful Video: How To Plant Gardenias | New Diamond Spire® Gardenia
Conclusion
When it comes to companion plants for gardenias, the best choices should provide a combination of beauty and practicality. When selecting companion plants for your gardenias, consider their respective light requirements and other growing conditions that must be balanced with those of the gardenia itself. Consider the size, shape, color, texture, and bloom time when selecting these companion plants as well. Many popular companion plants are easy-care evergreen shrubs to provide attractive foliage as well as colorful blooms throughout much of the year. With proper selection and care, you can create an exciting arrangement of complementing colors, shapes, textures, and sizes that will make every visitor to your garden feel like they’ve been transported into an oasis!
References:
- https://www.backyardgardenlover.com/companion-plants-for-gardenias/
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant-companions.htm
- https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/trees-and-shrubs/how-to-grow-and-care-for-gardenia-plants
- https://plantaddicts.com/growing-gardenias-in-pots/
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/gardenia/growing-guide