Best Companion Plants For Cardinal Flowers

Best Companion Plants for Cardinal Flowers

Cardinal flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they can be even more stunning when paired with the right companion plants. Here are some of the best companion plants for cardinal flowers:

• Blue lobelia: Blue lobelia is a perfect companion plant for cardinal flowers because it provides a nice contrast of color. The blue flowers of the blue lobelia also attract hummingbirds, which will help to pollinate your cardinal flowers.
• Swamp milkweed: Swamp milkweed is another good companion plant for cardinal flowers because it provides a similar growing environment. Both plants prefer moist, shady areas. Swamp milkweed is also a host plant for monarch butterflies, which will add another layer of interest to your garden.
• Aster: Asters are a diverse group of plants that come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow. They make good companion plants for cardinal flowers because they bloom at the same time and attract similar pollinators.
• Vervain: Vervain is a tall, airy plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. It blooms in shades of blue, purple, and white, which makes it a good companion plant for cardinal flowers.
• Joe Pye weed: Joe Pye weed is a tall, showy plant that blooms in late summer. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Joe Pye weed is a good companion plant for cardinal flowers because it provides a vertical element in the garden.
• New York ironweed: New York ironweed is a tall, native wildflower that blooms in late summer. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. New York ironweed is a good companion plant for cardinal flowers because it provides a similar growing environment and blooms at the same time.
• Bristly buttercup: Bristly buttercup is a low-growing plant that blooms in early summer. It has bright yellow flowers that attract butterflies and bees. Bristly buttercup is a good companion plant for cardinal flowers because it provides a splash of color and helps to fill in the gaps in your garden.
• Wild iris: Wild iris is a native wildflower that blooms in late spring. It comes in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, and yellow. Wild iris is a good companion plant for cardinal flowers because it provides a similar growing environment and blooms at the same time.

Cardinal flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they can be even more stunning when planted with companion plants. The right companion plants can help to enhance the cardinal flower's color, bloom time, and overall health.

There are many different companion plants that can be paired with cardinal flowers. Some popular choices include:

• Swamp milkweed: This plant provides food for monarch butterfly larvae, and it also blooms at the same time as cardinal flowers.
• Liatris spicata: This plant has tall, purple spikes of flowers that contrast nicely with the cardinal flower's red blooms.
• White turtlehead: This plant has white, tubular flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a good choice for shady areas.
• Great blue lobelia: This plant has bright blue flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a good choice for sunny areas.

For more information about cardinal flower companion plants, please visit Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a comprehensive list of companion plants, as well as tips on how to choose the right plants for your garden.

FAQ of cardinal flower companion plants

Q: What are some good companion plants for cardinal flowers?

A: Cardinal flowers are tall, upright plants with bright red flowers. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Some good companion plants for cardinal flowers include:

• Blue lobelia: This plant has blue flowers that bloom at the same time as cardinal flowers. It is a good choice for adding contrast to the red flowers.
• Ageratum: This plant has blue, white, or pink flowers that bloom in summer. It is a good choice for adding height and texture to a garden.
• Vervain: This plant has blue, purple, or white flowers that bloom in summer. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Swamp milkweed: This plant has orange flowers that bloom in summer. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and providing food for monarch caterpillars.
• Monkey flower: This plant has orange, yellow, or red flowers that bloom in summer. It is a good choice for adding a splash of color to a garden.

Q: What are the benefits of planting companion plants with cardinal flowers?

A: There are several benefits to planting companion plants with cardinal flowers. Companion plants can help to:

• Improve the appearance of a garden by adding contrast, height, and texture.
• Attract beneficial insects, such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Provide food and shelter for wildlife.
• Help to suppress weeds.
• Improve the health of cardinal flowers by deterring pests and diseases.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when planting cardinal flower companion plants?

A: Some common mistakes people make when planting cardinal flower companion plants include:

• Planting companion plants that have different water requirements.
• Planting companion plants that have different light requirements.
• Planting companion plants that are susceptible to the same pests and diseases.
• Not considering the size of the mature plants when planting them together.

Q: How do I choose the right companion plants for my cardinal flowers?

A: When choosing companion plants for your cardinal flowers, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The size of the mature plants.
• The water and light requirements of the plants.
• The susceptibility of the plants to pests and diseases.
• The desired appearance of the garden.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices. There are many resources available to help you choose the right companion plants for your cardinal flowers.

Image of cardinal flower companion plants

• Black-eyed Susan: These bright yellow flowers complement the deep red of cardinal flowers. They also bloom at the same time, so you'll get a long season of color.
• Turtlehead: This pink flower has a similar growing requirement as cardinal flowers, so it's a good choice for companion planting. It also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Joe Pye Weed: This tall, purple flower blooms in late summer, so it's a good choice to extend the bloom time of your cardinal flowers. It also attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
• Astilbe: These delicate pink or white flowers add a touch of elegance to any garden. They also prefer moist soil, so they're a good choice for companion planting with cardinal flowers.
• Salvia: These blue or purple flowers bloom in summer and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. They also come in a variety of heights, so you can find one that will complement the height of your cardinal flowers.