Daisies are a favored flower in many gardens. Thoughtful plant pairing, known as companion planting, can elevate the visual appeal of a daisy display and contribute to the overall health of the garden ecosystem. By selecting the right companions, gardeners can create a harmonious and flourishing space.
Understanding Daisy’s Growing Needs
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum) and English daisies (Bellis perennis) are popular choices, each with specific requirements. Shasta daisies generally prefer full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though they can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hot climates. They thrive in well-draining, moderately fertile soil, and while adaptable, they favor a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Consistent moisture is beneficial, especially during establishment, but waterlogging should be avoided. Established Shasta daisies can tolerate short periods of drought.
English daisies prefer full sun to partial sun, benefiting from afternoon shade in warmer areas. These daisies perform best in cool, moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Unlike Shasta daisies, English daisies are not drought-tolerant and require consistent watering. They are typically hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Companion Plants for Visual Appeal
Pairing daisies with other plants that offer contrasting colors, textures, and heights can create a dynamic and appealing garden. For vibrant color contrast, consider plants like Salvia, with its rich blue or purple spikes, or Coneflowers (Echinacea) that come in shades of pink, purple, and yellow. Zinnias, available in various bright hues, also offer a strong visual statement alongside daisies. Lavender, with its purple blooms and silvery foliage, introduces both contrasting color and a different texture.
To add diverse textures and forms, ornamental grasses provide an airy, soft backdrop, while Lamb’s Ear offers fuzzy, silvery leaves. Lady’s Mantle contributes unique, scalloped foliage. Varying plant heights creates depth in a garden bed. Taller options like Delphiniums or Foxgloves can be planted behind daisies, providing vertical accents. For the foreground, shorter plants such as Alyssum or Lobelia can create a colorful border. Planning for continuous bloom means selecting companions that flower before or after daisies. Early-blooming perennials like Lupines can precede daisies, and later bloomers such as Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) can extend the display into late summer and fall.
Companion Plants for Garden Health
Beyond aesthetics, some companion plants offer functional benefits that support the overall health of a daisy garden. Many plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the entire garden ecosystem. Good choices for attracting these beneficial insects include Bee Balm (Monarda), Borage, Dill, and Cosmos. Marigolds are known to attract beneficial insects such as lacewings and hoverflies, which prey on garden pests.
Certain plants can also deter common pests that might affect daisies. Marigolds, for example, can help repel nematodes. Garlic and onions, when planted nearby, may deter aphids. Nasturtiums can serve as a “trap crop,” luring aphids away from daisies. Integrating these plants helps to create a more resilient garden environment, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Designing Your Daisy Display
When arranging your daisy display, planting in drifts or clusters rather than single rows creates a more natural and impactful visual effect. Adequate spacing is important to allow each plant to reach its mature size, promoting good air circulation and reducing disease risk. For a layered look, position taller companion plants at the back of the bed, medium-height plants in the middle alongside your daisies, and shorter plants or groundcovers at the front. This layering technique adds depth and ensures all plants are visible.
Consider the bloom times of your chosen companions to achieve continuous color throughout the growing season. By selecting plants that flower sequentially, your garden will maintain visual interest from spring through fall. General maintenance practices for a mixed bed include regular deadheading of spent daisy blooms to encourage further flowering. Occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer in spring can also support vigorous growth and abundant blooms for the entire planting.