Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the garden where plants thrive together in perfect harmony! When these combinations of perennials and shrubs are planted together, it’s a match made in heaven. Not only do these plants look fabulous next to each other in the garden, but they also bloom simultaneously, require the same soil types, and thrive under the same levels of sunlight. From strong winds and high temperatures to tough soils, nothing can break these garden pairings down. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing our five favorite companion plants and what makes them a perfect match.
Salvia & Yarrow
For Sun
Add rich color to sunny landscapes by planting salvia and yarrow (Achillea) together! One of the key factors that these two plants share is their durability; both perennials are adaptable to nearly any soil, withstand strong winds and rain without drooping, and require minimal pruning. These summer bloomers are highly fragrant, with salvia’s foliage offering an earthy sage scent, while yarrow flowers emit a sweet and aromatic fragrance. Once planted together, you’ll find hummingbirds and butterflies flocking to your garden, enhancing its charm and biodiversity.
Siberian Bugloss & Bleeding Heart
For Shade
Dainty blue flowers of Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera) complement the lovely pink heart-shaped blooms of Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) during the springtime. These plants are ideally suited for a cool, shaded garden with rich soil; however, ensure that Siberian Bugloss receives consistent moisture to keep the soil moist. This pairing is particularly enchanting in cottage and woodland gardens. No need to worry about deer or rabbits damaging these plants—they are both deer and rabbit-resistant. The charming heart-shaped flowers that emerge each spring will captivate you for years to come.
Hydrangea & Roses
For Sun
Is there anything more romantic than the vivid colors and fresh fragrance of rose (Rosa) flowers enjoyed next to hydrangeas? These sunny shrubs bring flower power to any garden, with the layered rose petals contrasting beautifully with large hydrangea flower clusters. Both shrubs prefer full sun, but benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent them from wilting under intense heat. For more insights on what to plant with hydrangeas or roses, check out our blog section here:
Hosta & Astilbe
For Shade
Pairing hosta with astilbe creates a lush, textured look in your shade garden. The colorful, fluffy flowers of astilbe add a striking contrast to the thick, corrugated leaves and mounded habit of hosta. Both plants thrive best in organically rich, evenly moist, well-draining soil. This pairing not only enhances the garden’s aesthetic but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies during summer when astilbe and hosta flowers bloom together, boosting the garden’s biodiversity.
Coneflower & Bluebeard
For Sun
If you want to make your garden a pollinator’s paradise, consider planting coneflower (Echinacea) and bluebeard (Caryopteris) together. This enduring perennial and shrub duo keeps the garden vibrant throughout the summer, with their colorful blooms attracting bees, butterflies, and birds that feed on coneflower seed heads after they bloom. Both coneflowers and bluebeard thrive in full sun and can handle high temperatures without fading their vibrant flower colors. To nurture their relationship, plant them in an area with at least 6 hours of sunlight and well-drained soil. This combination ensures a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that benefits pollinators all summer long.
