Some flowers are an essential addition to any vegetable garden, not only for their beauty but for the many benefits they bring. These blooms attract beneficial insects, repel pests, enhance pollination, and sometimes even improve soil health.
Some flowers are an essential addition to any vegetable garden, not only for their beauty but for the many benefits they bring. Here are three key ways these flowers improve vegetable gardens:
Flowers like marigolds and alyssum attract helpful insects such as hoverflies, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests like aphids and caterpillars. These natural predators reduce the need for chemical pesticides, creating a healthier garden ecosystem. Learn why you should attract beneficial insects to your garden
Flowers like borage, cosmos, and sunflowers are excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These insects are crucial for pollinating vegetable plants, leading to better fruit and vegetable yields and ensuring the health of your crops.
Certain flowers, such as nasturtium, lavender, and calendula, have strong scents that deter harmful insects like whiteflies, squash bugs, or mosquitoes. Planting these flowers alongside vegetables helps reduce the risk of pest damage without the need for chemical treatments.
The Plant: Native to the Mediterranean region, Borage is a spreading annual boasting a profusion of open racemes of beautiful, star-shaped, bright blue flowers from early summer to the first frost. The flowers are also edible with a fresh cucumber flavor.
Attracts / Repels: Borage deters cabbageworm and tomato hornworm. It also acts as a slug and snail trap, deterring these garden pests from your favorite vegetables. It also attracts a wide variety of beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps, hoverflies, and lacewings, which prey on garden pests. Borage is a magnet for bees, honeybees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Hardiness: Annual plant
Sun: Full sun or light shade
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil. However, it tolerates nutrient-poor soils.
Companions: Borage is an excellent companion plant in the garden, adding trace minerals to the soil and aiding any plants it is interplanted with by increasing their resistance to pests and disease. It does well with cabbage, strawberries, summer squash or winter squash, and tomatoes.
The Plant: Calendula officinalis, commonly known as pot marigold, is an annual flowering plant native to southwestern Asia, western Europe, and the Mediterranean. It features aromatic foliage and a profusion of pretty daisy-like flowers over a long season. Prized by gardeners, it has also been used for many centuries for a range of culinary and medicinal purposes.
Attracts / Repels: Calendula deters asparagus beetle, tomato hornworm. It is also mosquito repellent. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and beneficial insects are drawn to the flowers.
Hardiness: Short-lived tender perennial in USDA zones 9-11. Grown as an annual elsewhere.
Sun: Full sun. Some afternoon shade is tolerated in hot summer areas.
Soil: Light, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Companions: Calendula is a good companion plant for cucumber, tomatoes, peas, carrots, asparagus, beans, potatoes, pumpkin, or broccoli.
The Plant: Tropaeolum majus, commonly known as nasturtium, is a flowering plant native to South America. Nasturtium is a popular annual or short-lived perennial with creeping or sprawling stems that command attention in any landscape. The plant boasts a profusion of long-stalked, edible, funnel-shaped flowers that stand out against the pretty foliage of rounded, parasol-like leaves. The flowers are often used in salads and as a garnish due to their slightly peppery taste. Nasturtiums are a popular garden plant due to their attractive flowers and easy cultivation.
Attracts / Repels: Nasturtium deters aphids, asparagus beetle, cabbage looper, carrot fly, Colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetle, flea beetle, cabbageworm, Japanese beetle, Mexican bean beetle, squash bug, and whiteflies. Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the flowers. Nasturtium can be used as a trap crop, trapping pests such as aphids and giving a more appealing and delicious meal than nearby vegetable crops.
Hardiness: Tender perennial in USDA zones 9-11. Grown as an annual elsewhere.
Sun: Full sun. Some afternoon shade is tolerated in hot summer areas.
Soil: Poor, well-drained soil.
Companions: Nasturtium is a good companion plant for beans, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, pumpkin, and radishes.
The Plant: Marigolds are showy flowering plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to the Americas, but have been widely cultivated and naturalized in other parts of the world. These annuals or perennials produce a profusion of vibrant yellow, orange, or red blooms. Their aromatic foliage helps repel pests, making them popular companion plants in vegetable gardens. Marigolds are well-known for their ability to tolerate hot climates and bloom throughout summer until frost.
Attracts / Repels: Marigolds repel aphids, cabbage maggot, Colorado potato beetle, corn earworm, cucumber beetle, flea beetle, squash bug, mosquitoes, and even nematodes that can wreak havoc on plant roots. They also naturally repel pests such as deer and rabbits since they find their odor offensive.
Marigolds attract a variety of beneficial insects to the garden, including ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which feed on aphids and other common garden pests. They are also a good choice for gardeners who want to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies or create a butterfly garden.
Marigolds can be planted as part of a trap crop strategy to attract pests like aphids away from vegetables.
Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 2-11 as annuals. Some marigold species, like Tagetes lemmonii, are perennials in warmer climates (zones 9-11).
Sun: They are among the best annual flowers for full sun but can tolerate light shade.
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil is preferred.
Companions: Marigolds are terrific companion plants for vegetables, herbs, and other flowering plants.
The Plant: Helianthus annuus, commonly known as the sunflower, is an annual flowering plant native to North America. This fast-growing, annual plant is known for its towering height and iconic, large, yellow blooms. Helianthus annuus is popular in gardens for its sunny appearance and ability to attract pollinators. Sunflowers can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall, making them perfect for creating natural privacy screens or acting as a support for climbing plants like beans.
Attracts / Repels: Sunflowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in nearby vegetable crops. Birds are also attracted to their seeds, helping with pest control by reducing insect populations like grasshoppers. Sunflowers also attract beneficial insects to the garden such as hoverflies, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies. They have an interesting relationship with ants and aphids, as the ants will herd them onto the stalks, where they can do little damage because the stalks are so tough. Plant sunflowers wherever aphids are a problem to get rid of them.
Hardiness: Annual in all USDA zones.
Sun: Full sun is ideal for optimal growth and bloom production.
Soil: Sunflowers thrive in well-drained, moderately fertile soils, but they are adaptable to poor soils as well.
Companions: Sunflowers pair well with beans, corn, squash, and cucumbers. They serve as natural trellises and can help increase pollination rates in these crops.
The plant: Cosmos is an annual flowering plant native to Mexico and Central America. The plant produces showy, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple, with a central disk surrounded by ray petals. The flowers are produced on tall, slender stems that can grow up to 6 feet tall (180 cm). Cosmos has fern-like, finely divided leaves arranged alternately along the stem. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its ease of cultivation, tolerance to drought, and long-lasting blooms.
Attracts / Repels: Attracts / Repels: Cosmos flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It also attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies, damsel bugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies, which prey on aphids and other harmful pests.
Hardiness: Annual in all USDA zones.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained soil, adaptable to poor soils.
Companions: Cosmos are great companions for tomatoes, beets, pumpkins, cucumbers
The plant: Alyssum, or sweet alyssum, is a low-growing flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It is a popular annual plant widely grown for its delicate clusters of small, sweet-smelling flowers blooming in shades of white, pink, lavender, and purple. Sweet alyssum grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and it is often used as a border plant or in containers.
Attracts / Repels: Alyssum attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. It also attracts and shelters beneficial insects such as ground beetles and spiders. Gardeners also believe sweet alyssum can repel certain pests, such as aphids and spider mites.
Hardiness: Annual in all USDA zones.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained soil.
Companions: Alyssum is a valuable addition to the vegetable garden and an excellent companion plant for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, eggplant, and lettuce.
The plant: Centaurea cyanus, commonly known as cornflower or bachelor’s button, is an annual flowering plant native to Europe. It is known for its delicate blue, pink, white, or purple flowers, usually produced from late spring to summer. The plant itself typically grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall and has lance-shaped leaves that are typically gray-green in color. The petals of cornflowers are edible and have been used to flavor tea, soups, and salads.
Attracts / Repels: Bachelor’s button flowers offer early nectar for many beneficial insects in the garden, including bees, butterflies, and pollinators.
Hardiness: Annual in all USDA zones.
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil, tolerates poor soils
Companions: Pairs well with corn, tomatoes, and beans.
The plant: Coreopsis tinctoria, commonly known as plains coreopsis or golden tickseed, is an annual flowering plant native to North America. It is known for its bright yellow and red flowers that bloom from early summer to fall. The plant typically grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall and has bright green, lance-shaped leaves arranged alternately along the stem. The plant is easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it a favorite among gardeners who are looking to add a burst of color to their garden.
Attracts / Repels: Coreopsis is beneficial for attracting pollinators to the garden, including bees and butterflies. It also attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies, soldier beetles, and tachinid flies.
Hardiness: Annual in all USDA zones.
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and is tolerant of poor or sandy soils.
Companions: Tickseed is a great companion plant for beans, cucumbers, eggplant, and tomatoes.
The plant: Pelargoniums are native to southern Africa and Australia but grown worldwide as ornamental plants. Pelargoniums are known for their brightly colored flowers and aromatic leaves, which come in various shapes and sizes. The flowers can be single or double and come in shades of pink, red, orange, white, and purple, among others. The leaves are typically lobed or dissected and can be green, variegated, or marked with other colors. Pelargoniums are often grown as houseplants or in gardens as bedding plants, border plants, or container plants.
Attracts / Repels: Geranium repels cabbageworms and Japanese beetles and will deter beet leafhoppers.
Hardiness: Annual in all USDA zones.
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and is tolerant of poor or sandy soils.
Companions: Geraniums are great companions for beets, corn, and grape vine.
The plant: Tithonia rotundifolia, also known as Mexican sunflower or tree marigold, is a perennial plant native to Mexico and Central America. The plant is named for its large, showy flowers, which bloom in shades of orange, yellow, and red. The leaves are large, broad, and hairy, and the plant can grow up to 6 feet (180 cm) tall. Tithonia rotundifolia is a popular garden plant due to its long bloom time and easy cultivation.
Attracts / Repels: Mexican sunflowers attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and various beneficial insects, including beneficial wasps, flies, and the soldier beetle, and provide shelter for spiders.
Hardiness: Annual in all USDA zones.
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil, tolerates poor soil conditions.
Companions: These flowers make great companion plants with eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes.
The plant: Petunias are part of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and are related to tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Petunias produce trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors, including pink, red, purple, white, and yellow, and can be solid or variegated. They are popular garden plants due to their showy flowers and easy cultivation and are often used as bedding plants, container plants, and hanging baskets.
Attracts / Repels: Petunias attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. They are also known to repel certain pests, such as aphids, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, Mexican bean beetle, and many general garden pests – making them a great addition to an organic garden.
Hardiness: Annual in all USDA zones.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained soil with moderate fertility.
Companions: These flowers make great companion plants with asparagus, beans, fava beans, Lima beans, and chili peppers.
The plant: Zinnia is a genus of flowering plants native to North and South America. Zinnias produce single or double flowers in various colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and purple, and can range in size from 1 to 6 inches (2-15 cm) in diameter. They are popular garden plants due to their bright, showy flowers and easy cultivation, and they are often used as border plants, bedding plants, and cut flowers. They are known for their long blooming season and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Attracts / Repels: Zinnia flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as hummingbirds. They also attract ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and parasitic flies.
Hardiness: Annual in all USDA zones.
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil, tolerates poor soil.
Companions: Zinnia pairs well with beans, cabbage, lettuce, pomegranate, and zucchini.
The Plant: Lavender is a popular shrub native to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated in many other areas for its fragrant and attractive flowers and essential oils. It is known for its relaxing and soothing properties and is used in aromatherapy, skincare products, and as a natural remedy for various health conditions. Lavender is also famous as an ornamental plant and is widely used in gardens and as potted plants.
Attracts / Repels: Lavender repels mosquitoes, moths, and flies while attracting bees and butterflies.
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 5-9.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil.
Companions: Lavender is a good companion for tomatoes, lettuce, onion, cabbage, and brassicas, repelling pests and enhancing garden aesthetics.
The Plant: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a hardy perennial native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is known for red its clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in shades of white, pink, or yellow. Drought-tolerant and easy to grow, yarrow also improves soil fertility by adding organic matter as it decomposes.
Attracts / Repels: Yarrow attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies that prey on garden pests.
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3-9.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained soil.
Companions: Yarrow is a good companion plant for eggplants, beans, cabbage, tomatoes, and broccoli
The Plant: Chamomile is an annual herb native to Europe and western Asia, recognized for its small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers. Chamomile has been used for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs. It is often used in teas and medicinal remedies.
Attracts / Repels: Chamomile attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which help control aphids and other pests. It is also known to repel mosquitoes and improve the growth of nearby plants.
Hardiness: Annual in all USDA zones.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. Tolerates poor soils.
Companions: Works well alongside beans, cabbage, onion, cucumbers, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower.
The Plant: Chrysanthemums, or mums, are herbaceous perennials with large, showy blooms in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red. Native to Asia and northeastern Europe, they are a popular choice for fall gardens.
Attracts / Repels: Chrysanthemums are known for repelling aphids, ants, whiteflies, mosquitoes, spider mites, leafhoppers, thrips, and various beetles due to the natural insecticidal compound pyrethrum found in their flowers.
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 5-9.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Companions: Chrysanthemums pair well with peppers, beans, and tomatoes.
The Plant: Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are short-lived perennials often grown as annuals. They feature colorful, overlapping petals in vibrant shades of purple, blue, yellow, and white, often with distinctive face-like markings. Pansies are native to Europe and western Asia and are commonly used for their ornamental value in cool-season gardens.
Attracts / Repels: Pansies are not typically known for pest-repelling properties but are excellent for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 6-10, though often grown as an annual.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Companions: Pansies pair well with cabbage and kale in cooler-weather gardens.
The Plant: Bee Balm is a perennial herb native to North America, prized for its colorful, tubular blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. Its aromatic, mint-scented foliage is often used in teas and medicinal remedies. Bee Balm thrives in garden borders and wildflower gardens.
Attracts / Repels: Bee Balm is known for attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making it an essential plant to support local pollinator populations or create a butterfly garden. Its aromatic leaves can also repel pests like mosquitoes and deer.
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3-9.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture.
Companions: Bee balm is a good companion for tomatoes as it helps them improve their growth and flavor.
The Plant: Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), commonly known as Anise Hyssop, is a native perennial herb in North America, particularly found in the Great Plains and northern United States. It features aromatic, anise-scented foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom throughout summer. This drought-tolerant plant is ideal for pollinator-friendly and medicinal herb gardens. It’s also used for teas and culinary purposes.
Attracts / Repels: Hyssop repels cabbage looper and cabbageworm. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and beneficial insects.
Hardiness: USDA zones 4-9
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Average, well-drained soil. Tolerates almost any soil, including dry soil.
Companions: Hyssop is a good companion plant for beets, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, chives, and onions.
Flowers that complement vegetable gardens include:
Marigolds are one of the best flowers for repelling a variety of pests, including aphids, mosquitoes, nematodes, and squash bugs. They produce chemicals that deter harmful insects, making them a valuable addition to vegetable gardens.
Genus | Tagetes, Petunia, Pelargonium, Monarda, Lobularia, Lavandula, Tropaeolum, Helianthus, Zinnia, Centaurea, Achillea, Calendula, Chrysanthemum, Cosmos, Agastache |
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Genus | Tagetes, Petunia, Pelargonium, Monarda, Lobularia, Lavandula, Tropaeolum, Helianthus, Zinnia, Centaurea, Achillea, Calendula, Chrysanthemum, Cosmos, Agastache |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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