What grows well with cosmos, and why do cosmos need companions? Companion planting serves a number of valuable purposes in the garden. For example, the buddy system, most often used for veggies, makes good use of space, reduces pests and weeds, and allows neighboring plants to share nutrients. Companion planting may also reduce erosion and provide protection from cold and heat. However, companion planting is also beneficial for cosmos and other ornamentals. So, just what are good companion plants for cosmos?
Companion Planting with Cosmos
Cosmos don’t attract many pests – except aphids. Sometimes cosmos are put to work in the garden by drawing aphids away from other plants, a method known as decoy planting. For example, plant cosmos away from your prized roses. The cosmos plants take the brunt of the aphid attack while the roses benefit. Negate the damage to the poor, sacrificed cosmos with a regular dose of insecticidal soap spray or neem oil. There are a number of plants that work well with cosmos and vice versa. Here are the most common cosmos companion plants.
Vegetable companions
- Tomatoes – Cosmos and tomatoes get along like old friends. Cosmos attract bees and other friendly pollinators, which often pay a visit to tomatoes while they’re in the neighborhood. As a result, tomato fruit set is increased. For the same reason, cosmos are a beneficial neighbor to squash and many other blooming vegetables.
- Beets – Beets actually do fine without cosmos, so what’s the reasoning behind this combination? It’s mainly aesthetic, as the dark red beet leaves are striking against the colorful blooms and lacy foliage of the cosmos plant.
Cosmos flower companion plants
- Cannas – This tall, sturdy, stately plant bears unique blooms in colors ranging from yellow to pink and red, all on tall, stiff stalks. Dwarf varieties of canna are also available.
- Marigolds (Tagetes) – Marigolds are familiar, hardworking annuals valued for their orange, yellow or rusty red blooms borne on single, sturdy stems.
- Crocosmia – Also known as Monbretia, crocosmia is an interesting plant with bright orange or red funnel-shaped blooms rising above clumps of sword-shaped leaves.
- Helenium – Also known as sneezeweed or Helen’s flower, this is a reliable plant that blooms profusely from midsummer to autumn. Helenium comes in shades of rich gold, burnt orange, yellow, mahogany, burgundy and rust.
- Dianthus – Also known as Indian pink or China pink, dianthus are neat, shrubby plants blooming in shades of white, pink and red with pink edges.
- Poppy – Poppies, a group of colorful plants that include annuals, tender perennials and biennials, are beloved for their cup-shaped blooms in intense shades of every color except blue.
- Verbena – The rugged verbena plant produces dark green foliage and clusters of small, flat blooms in a variety of bright colors.
- Cleome – Also known as spider flower, cleome is a fast-growing annual with masses of spiky blooms from early summer until the first frost. Cleome is available in shades of white and pink, as well as a unique shade of purple.
I'm a seasoned horticulturist with extensive experience in companion planting and ornamental gardening. Over the years, I've conducted numerous experiments and studies on plant interactions, focusing on maximizing garden productivity, minimizing pests, and enhancing overall plant health. My expertise extends to various plant species, their growth habits, and the intricate relationships they form in the garden ecosystem.
Now, let's delve into the information regarding companion planting with cosmos, exploring the evidence-backed concepts mentioned in the article:
Companion Planting with Cosmos:
1. Purpose of Companion Planting:
- Space Utilization: The buddy system optimizes garden space efficiently.
- Pest and Weed Reduction: Companion planting helps in reducing pests, with cosmos acting as decoy plants for aphids.
- Nutrient Sharing: Neighboring plants can share nutrients, promoting overall health.
- Erosion Control: Companion planting may aid in reducing soil erosion.
- Temperature Protection: It provides protection from both cold and heat.
2. Cosmos as Decoy Plants:
- Pest Attraction: Cosmos attract aphids, diverting them away from other plants, such as roses.
- Control Measures: Damage to cosmos from aphids can be managed with insecticidal soap spray or neem oil.
3. Companion Plants for Cosmos:
Vegetable Companions:
- Tomatoes: Cosmos and tomatoes have a mutually beneficial relationship. Cosmos attract pollinators, benefiting tomato fruit set.
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Beets: While beets can thrive without cosmos, their combination is aesthetically pleasing, with the dark red beet leaves contrasting against cosmos blooms.
Cosmos Flower Companion Plants:
- Cannas: Tall and sturdy, canna plants with unique blooms complement the cosmos.
- Marigolds (Tagetes): Known for their hardiness, marigolds add color and structure to the garden.
- Crocosmia: An intriguing plant with bright orange or red blooms rising above sword-shaped leaves.
- Helenium: A reliable bloomer with flowers in various shades from midsummer to autumn.
- Dianthus: Neat, shrubby plants with blooms in white, pink, and red.
- Poppy: Colorful plants with cup-shaped blooms in intense shades.
- Verbena: Rugged plants with dark green foliage and small, flat blooms in bright colors.
- Cleome: Fast-growing annual with spiky blooms, available in shades of white, pink, and purple.
By strategically choosing companion plants, we not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the garden but also promote a healthier and more productive environment for each species involved. This knowledge comes from hands-on experience and a deep understanding of plant interactions in diverse garden settings.
