Complete Gardening
In the world of gardening, trends evolve just as rapidly as in fashion or technology. Recently, master gardeners have been shifting away from traditional nasturtium pairings in favor of more innovative companions. This change is driven by a desire to enhance both aesthetics and garden health. In this article, we explore 15 unique plants that are becoming the new favorites to pair with nasturtiums, providing fresh textures, colors, and benefits. From boosting pollinator attraction to improving soil quality, these plants offer exciting possibilities for gardeners looking to refresh their landscapes.
1. Borage
Borage, with its enchanting blue star-shaped flowers, is capturing the hearts of gardeners seeking a fresh twist. Known for attracting pollinators, this herb encourages a healthy ecosystem. Borage also serves as a natural pest deterrent, keeping harmful insects at bay. Moreover, it enriches the soil with trace minerals, promoting a thriving garden environment.
With its adaptability, borage complements nasturtiums beautifully, crafting a visually stunning display. Often used in companion planting, its benefits extend beyond mere aesthetics. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice, borage adds both beauty and utility to any garden.
2. Calendula
Calendula, often known as pot marigold, brings a burst of sunshine with its golden blooms. This plant not only adds vibrant color but also acts as a natural insect repellent, shielding nasturtiums from aphids and other pests.
Its healing properties are well-regarded, making it a top choice for those who appreciate both beauty and function in their gardens. The cheerful flowers attract beneficial insects, enhancing pollination. By integrating calendula with nasturtiums, gardens become a harmonious blend of color and health, creating a lively sanctuary for nature enthusiasts.
3. Chives
Chives, with their delicate onion flavor, have found a new role beyond the kitchen. Gardeners cherish their purple pom-pom flowers, which add a whimsical touch to any plot. Chives are notable for their pest-repelling abilities, particularly against aphids.
When planted with nasturtiums, they offer a dual-purpose appeal: culinary use and garden beauty. Their clumping habit helps define garden borders, making them a favorite for organized garden designs. For those who adore edible landscaping, chives offer a charming and practical pairing with nasturtiums, merging utility with visual appeal.
4. Cilantro
Cilantro, with its fresh aroma and feathery leaves, is gaining favor as a companion for nasturtiums. Known for deterring harmful insects, cilantro aids in maintaining a healthy garden environment. Its delicate foliage contrasts beautifully with the bold nasturtium blooms, creating a visually appealing mix.
In addition to its pest-repelling traits, cilantro offers culinary versatility. Gardeners appreciate its dual function, adding both flavor to dishes and vitality to garden beds. This herbaceous companion enhances the overall garden ecosystem, offering a delightful sensory experience for gardening enthusiasts.
5. Lavender
With its calming fragrance and striking purple flowers, lavender is becoming a popular companion for nasturtiums. This pairing is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as lavender deters common pests and attracts pollinators.
Lavender’s drought-tolerant nature makes it ideal for low-maintenance gardens, allowing nasturtiums to thrive alongside without competing for resources. The contrast between lavender’s cool hues and the warmth of nasturtium flowers creates a serene yet vibrant garden space. For those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, this combination offers a delightful retreat.
6. Mint
Mint, with its refreshing scent and vibrant green leaves, pairs exceptionally well with nasturtiums. This herb is renowned for its ability to deter pests, making it a protective ally in the garden. Mint’s vigorous growth contrasts beautifully with the colorful nasturtium blooms.
Gardeners appreciate mint’s culinary versatility as well as its ornamental value. When contained, it becomes a delightful companion, adding freshness and vitality to any garden space. The aromatic presence of mint, combined with the visual appeal of nasturtiums, offers a sensory feast for both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.
7. Oregano
Oregano, cherished for its aromatic and culinary qualities, is finding its place beside nasturtiums in the garden. This herb is not only useful in the kitchen but also beneficial in attracting pollinators and deterring pests.
Its compact growth habit complements the sprawling nature of nasturtiums, creating a balanced and visually appealing arrangement. Gardeners who enjoy Mediterranean flavors will find oregano an invaluable addition, offering both taste and beauty. When planted together, oregano and nasturtiums form a harmonious blend, enhancing the sensory experience and functionality of any garden.
8. Parsley
Parsley, often considered a culinary staple, is gaining recognition for its role as a garden companion. Its lush green foliage provides a striking contrast to the vivid nasturtium flowers. Parsley is known for attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies, which aid in pollination and pest control.
Gardeners appreciate its versatility, both as an edible herb and as a vibrant addition to ornamental beds. By pairing parsley with nasturtiums, gardens achieve a dynamic balance of color and function. This combination not only enhances the garden’s visual appeal but also supports a thriving ecosystem.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary, with its aromatic needle-like leaves, offers more than just culinary delight. In gardens, it serves as a natural pest repellent, making it a valuable companion for nasturtiums. Its woody structure provides a beautiful backdrop to the vibrant nasturtium blooms.
Gardeners appreciate rosemary’s drought tolerance and ability to thrive in rocky soils, making it ideal for Mediterranean-themed gardens. This pairing not only enhances garden aesthetics but also supports a healthy garden ecosystem. For those seeking both beauty and practicality, rosemary and nasturtiums offer a perfect match.
10. Sage
Sage, with its soft, gray-green leaves, adds a touch of elegance when paired with nasturtiums. This herb is valued for its pest-repelling qualities, making it a protective companion in the garden. Sage’s subtle hues complement the vibrant colors of nasturtium flowers beautifully.
Known for its culinary uses, sage also provides structure and texture to garden beds. Gardeners drawn to its earthy aroma will find sage an essential addition. This pairing creates a captivating visual contrast while supporting the garden’s health, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits to garden enthusiasts.
11. Sunflowers
Sunflowers, with their towering presence and cheerful faces, bring a new dynamic to nasturtium pairings. Their height offers natural shade, helping to protect delicate nasturtium leaves from intense sun. Sunflowers are known for attracting pollinators, enhancing the garden’s biodiversity.
The striking contrast between the tall sunflowers and trailing nasturtiums creates a visually stunning display. Gardeners value sunflowers for their ability to enrich soil with nutrients, promoting overall garden health. This combination offers a radiant and lively environment, appealing to anyone who loves vibrant, thriving gardens.
12. Thyme
Thyme, with its low-growing habit and aromatic leaves, is an excellent ground cover that complements nasturtiums. This herb is favored for its pest-repelling properties and its ability to attract beneficial insects. Thyme’s subtle fragrance adds an extra layer of sensory pleasure to the garden.
Gardeners appreciate its resilience and versatility in various garden settings. When paired with nasturtiums, thyme provides a lush carpet of greenery that enhances the overall garden aesthetic. This combination offers a harmonious blend of function and beauty, delighting those who enjoy fragrant, colorful gardens.
13. Zinnias
Zinnias, with their vibrant, daisy-like flowers, offer a cheerful addition to nasturtium pairings. These blooms come in a wide array of colors, providing endless options for creative garden designs. Zinnias attract pollinators, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.
Their upright growth habit contrasts with the trailing nature of nasturtiums, creating a dynamic visual texture. Gardeners appreciate zinnias for their resilience and long blooming season, ensuring continuous color throughout the growing period. This combination fosters a lively and engaging garden space, perfect for those who love vibrant floral displays.
14. Coneflowers
Coneflowers, celebrated for their unique shape and vibrant hues, make an appealing partner for nasturtiums. Their conical centers and daisy-like petals draw in pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity. Coneflowers’ robust nature ensures they thrive in various conditions.
When combined with nasturtiums, they create a striking visual contrast, adding depth and interest to garden landscapes. Gardeners treasure coneflowers for their ability to bloom throughout the summer, offering sustained visual interest. This pairing provides a resilient and eye-catching garden arrangement, ideal for those who appreciate natural beauty and ecological balance.
15. Yarrow
Yarrow, with its feathery foliage and flat-topped clusters, is making waves as a nasturtium companion. Known for its hardiness and ability to attract beneficial insects, yarrow supports a rich garden ecosystem. Its flowers come in a variety of colors, adding a splash of vibrancy.
Gardeners value yarrow for its drought tolerance and soil-enhancing properties. When paired with nasturtiums, it creates a textured, layered garden look that is both beautiful and functional. This combination appeals to those who cherish wild, untamed garden aesthetics, offering a sanctuary for both plants and pollinators.