Gardenia Plant Companions – Learn What To Plant With Gardenias
Gardenias are gorgeous plants, valued for their big, fragrant blooms and glossy, deep green foliage. They have a reputation for being slightly fussy, but the exquisite beauty and heavenly aroma are worth the extra effort. Choosing gardenia plant companions can be tricky as well. The best companion plants for gardenias are those that share the same growing conditions without detracting from showy gardenia plants that deserve to take center stage in the garden.
Choosing Suitable Gardenia Plant Companions
Gardenia thrives in partial shade, preferring morning sunlight with shade during sunny afternoons. The best gardenia plant companions are other plants that tolerate conditions that are less than sunny. Gardenias also prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soil, so select gardenia plant companions accordingly. Select plants that won’t compete with gardenia’s root zone and allow adequate spacing to prevent crowding. As a general rule, plants with relatively shallow roots are good gardenia plant companions. Avoid heavily scented plants that may compete or masque the intoxicating aroma of gardenias. Annuals are always good companion plants for gardenias but be careful that the colors don’t “fight” with their creamy white blooms. Also, bear in mind that most gardenia plants grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and 10, although some newer hybrid gardenias tolerate the cooler temperatures of zone 8. When considering companion plants for gardenias, select plants that are happy within those zones.
What to Plant with Gardenias
Here are a few suggestions for gardenia companion planting. Blooming annuals
Perennials for partial shade
- Hosta
- Ferns
- Strawberry begonia (Saxifraga)
Shrubs
- Rhododendrons and azalea (prefer acidic soil)
- Boxwood
- Camellia
- Summersweet (Clethra)
- Virginia sweetspire
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
5 Low-Maintenance Plants & Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning To Look Their Best
By Teo Spengler
-
6 Fall Lawn Care Tasks To Prioritize Before Winter – Plus When To Make The Last Cut
Use our guide to prepare your lawn for its winter slumber, and it will awaken in spring with lush, verdant grass you can be proud of.
By Mary Ellen Ellis