Other Beneficial Companion Plants – Flowers
• Alyssum – Alyssum attracts hoverflies and bees.
• Chrysanthemum – Flowers in the chrysanthemum family have been used as natural insecticides for years. Growing close to vegetables, the living blooms repel moths.
• Clover – Another plant used as ground cover to keep weeds under control and to distract cabbage worms from reaching the cabbage when they lay eggs. The clover also provides a good environment for a predatory bug known as the ground beetle.
• Comfrey – Acts as a good trap crop for slugs.
• Four O’Clocks – See Larkspur and White Geraniums
• Hyssop – Hyssop is a favorite attractant for bees while deterring moths and beetles.
• Larkspur – The larkspur is in the same family as the White Geranium and has the same effect.
• Lavender – Beautiful purple flowers repel fleas, white flies and moths.
• Marigolds – As discussed previously, marigolds deter most pests, they also help deter nematodes in the soil.
• Morning Glories – The blooms are beautiful and attract hover flies.
• Nasturtium – Many professional gardeners consider the nasturtium the best natural remedy for pests acting as a trap crop for aphids and repelling cucumber beetles, whiteflies and more. The same scent that repels these insects also attracts the beneficial insects for your garden.
• Petunia – Petunias repel beetles, aphids, tomato worms as well as other harmful insects.
• Purslane – Although technically a weed, purslane leaves, stems and seeds are all edible. Some farmers use purslane as a ground cover to prevent weeds in corn fields.
• Rue – Rue is another multipurpose plant. It deters aphids, moths, onion maggots, slugs and snails and even small animals.
• Southernwood – The lemon scent of the southernwood plants makes for a delightful addition to your garden.
• Sunflowers – Sunflowers make great trap crops as the aphids that infest your garden love them. Since these flowers are very hearty, the damage that aphids can do to a sunflower is minimal. They also attract hummingbirds which feast on whiteflies.
• Tansy – The tansy plants repel certain kinds of ants, Japanese beetles, squash bugs and mice. These plants are also helpful in replacing the potassium that other vegetables and fruits take from the soil. The leaves of the tansy plant can be dried and used indoors to keep flies out of your home.
• White Geraniums – Japanese beetles love the scent of white geraniums and flock to it to feast on the leaves. Unfortunately for them, the white geranium is toxic and kills them.
• Wormwood – Although the wormwood plant has beautiful flowers, the poisonous nature of the leaves discourages many from using it in their gardens. Nevertheless, the wormwood plant repels cabbage moths, slugs and snails and small animals as well. Since the wormwood is highly poisonous to humans as well as animals, this plant needs to be kept well away from the fruit and veggies. Use as a hedge around gardens.
• Zinnia – The Zinnia is helpful in attracting hummingbirds that prey on white flies that feast on fruit and vegetables. These plants also serve as excellent trap crops for beetles as they are easily discarded once they are infested.