Catmint, also known as Nepeta, is an easy-to-grow perennial that has been a staple of gardens for centuries. Not only is it attractive, but it is also a great companion plant that can help your garden thrive. In this article, we will explore the best companion plants for catmint and how they can work together to create a thriving and attractive garden.
The best companion plants for catmint
Catmint benefits greatly from being planted in the general vicinity of certain flowers and plants. Some plants enhance the natural beauty of catmint, others protect it from pests or enrich the soil around it. If you’re looking for good plants to plant near catmint, you can’t go wrong with these:
Coneflower
Coneflowers and catmint make a beautiful, complementary combination in the garden. Not only do their colors and textures enhance one another, but they also provide a great match in terms of their growing habits. Coneflowers are heat and drought-tolerant, making them well-suited for drier summer conditions, while catmint is more tolerant of cooler temperatures and thrives in moist soil. This makes them a great companion pair for gardens in both warm and cooler climates. In addition to their environmental compatibility, coneflowers are also great for attracting pollinators to the garden, and the aromatic foliage of catmint helps to deter garden pests. Together, they create a stunning display and provide a great habitat for beneficial wildlife.
Daylilies
Daylilies make a great companion for catmint in any garden. The deep green foliage of the catmint provides a beautiful contrast to the brightly-colored blooms of the daylilies. The two plants have similar growth habits and need similar soil and water requirements, so they are a perfect fit. Plus, the daylilies provide an ongoing source of nectar, which helps attract pollinators to the garden. Catmint is known to be a great companion for vegetables and herbs, and together, the daylilies and catmint create a vibrant and beautiful landscape.
Dahlias
Dahlias’ bold, eye-catching colors provide a beautiful contrast to the greenery of the catmint. Additionally, the dahlias act as a natural pest deterrent, as they are known to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and syrphid fly larvae, which feed on the pests that can harm catmint. Dahlias also provide a great food source for pollinators, such as bees, which ultimately benefit the catmint. Finally, their long-blooming nature ensures that the garden will have color throughout the growing season. Therefore, dahlias make an ideal companion plant for catmint.
Sneezeweed
Sneezeweed makes a great companion plant for catmint. Both of these perennials have a long blooming season and are attractive to beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, so planting them together helps to create a vibrant, inviting garden. Sneezeweed is a hardy plant with deep green foliage and bright yellow blooms that can add a cheerful pop of color to any garden. It also helps to protect catmint from drought and provides extra shelter from strong winds. Additionally, the strong scent of sneezeweed helps to repel pests like aphids, making it the perfect companion for catmint.
Phlox
Phlox’s colorful, fragrant flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help keep catmint healthy and vigorous. Additionally, phlox can help reduce the spread of fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, that can affect catmint. The dense foliage of phlox also provides shade and protection for catmint in hot, sunny locations. Phlox is also a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance garden; it requires minimal care and is drought-tolerant. All in all, phlox makes an ideal companion plant for catmint and is an excellent addition to any garden.
Allium
Allium helps to repel pests such as aphids and other insects. The strong onion-like smell of allium helps to ward off pests that may otherwise attack the catmint. Also, the bright, colorful allium blooms contrast beautifully with the blue-green foliage of catmint, making for a stunning garden display. Furthermore, the allium’s deep roots help to aerate the soil, allowing the catmint to take in more nutrients. With its pest-deterrent properties and attractive blooms, allium is a great choice to plant alongside catmint.
Yarrow
Yarrow’s bright white, yellow, and pink flowers attract many beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds to the garden. Yarrow is also an excellent pest repellent, making it a great companion plant for catmint, which is susceptible to aphid infestation. Yarrow also helps to suppress weeds and can provide shade and protection from the elements for the more delicate catmint. Lastly, the yarrow’s deep taproot helps to loosen and aerate the soil, improving water drainage and air circulation to the catmint’s roots. In summary, yarrow makes a great companion plant for catmint, providing protection and beneficial influences to the soil and plants in the garden.
Irises
Irises are a great companion plant for catmint. The tall stalks of the irises will provide a perfect backdrop for the smaller, more delicate leaves of the catmint. Irises are also known for their bright, colorful flowers, which will add a splash of color to the garden in the spring and summer months. The two plants also share similar growing conditions, so they will both thrive in moist, well-drained soil and full sun. Irises are also resistant to a variety of pests, so they will help protect the catmint from any unwanted visitors. The combination of the two plants will create a beautiful and inviting garden that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Roses
Roses provide a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant blue flowers of catmint, while the latter’s low-growing foliage helps to keep weeds away from the taller roses. Catmint also repels certain pests that may otherwise damage the roses, while the roses’ strong fragrance can help keep other pests away from the catmint. Additionally, both plants enjoy similar growing requirements and can easily be planted in the same bed or garden area. When planted together, roses and catmint create a stunning display of color and texture that will bring beauty to any garden.
