As a florist, you know that choosing the right flower and plant combinations isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating harmony between colors, textures, and even growing conditions. But did you know that some plants can actually help each other grow, resist pests, and even enhance fragrance?

Some plants love company and can be put together very nicely in a pot. It looks nice, they reinforce each other and keep diseases and pests at bay. We call this companion planting, or combination planting. But which plants are good to combine? What should you pay attention to?

What is companion planting?

Companion planting is the art of strategically pairing plants to maximize their beauty and growth potential. This method is widely used in gardening, but florists and wholesalers can also benefit from these techniques to create arrangements that last longer, look more vibrant, and remain healthy over time.

For example, some plants naturally deter pests, while others provide essential nutrients to their neighbors. Certain flowers even have complementary fragrances that enhance each other’s scent, making them perfect for bouquets and displays.

Why should you care about companion planting?

As a florist or flower wholesaler, companion planting is a game-changer. It allows you to:

  • Create visually harmonious displays by pairing complementary plants.

  • Extend the life of cut flowers and plants by ensuring they thrive together.

  • Offer sustainable, eco-friendly arrangements that require fewer chemicals and preservatives.

  • Boost fragrance and freshness by selecting the right plant partners.

Perfect companion planting combinations

The fragrant duo

Lavender & Roses
Lavender isn’t just a beautiful accent plant—it actually repels aphids, which can damage delicate roses. Plus, the combination of their fragrances creates a fresh, calming effect that enhances floral arrangements.

The pollinator’s paradise

Marigolds & Sunflowers
Sunflowers are bold and striking, but did you know marigolds can keep pests away from them? These bright blooms not only complement each other visually but also attract beneficial pollinators, ensuring healthy, vibrant flowers.

The romantic blend

Peonies & Salvia
Peonies bring lush, full-bodied beauty to any arrangement, while salvia helps deter pests. The rich purples of salvia also beautifully contrast with the soft pastels of peonies, creating dreamy, romantic displays.

The lush green duo

Ferns & Orchids
For florists specializing in exotic or indoor plants, ferns and orchids make an excellent pair. Ferns help retain moisture, creating the perfect humid environment for orchids to thrive in.

The timeless classic

Hydrangeas & Hostas
Hydrangeas need moisture and shade, and hostas help provide ground cover to maintain cool, damp soil conditions. The large leaves of hostas also create an elegant contrast to the delicate hydrangea blooms.

Companion planting

In a herb garden
In a herb garden, different types of herbs are often planted together. This looks nice, but is also very handy to keep the plants healthy. The different plants each have a nice function. Sage, for instance, helps to keep critters away from rosemary. Lavender attracts bees and butterflies because of its scent, but it also scares off hungry insects. Chives repel fungi on roses, aphids do so on tomatoes and there are many more examples.

Indian summer

Sunset on a sunny day
A warm combination like a sunset on a sunny autumn day. Dwarf medlar, sky bamboo, grape heather and rock heather. These evergreen plants prefer a spot out of the wind, in semi-shade or sun. They like acidic soil and can withstand moist soil, but not prolonged wetness. The soil should therefore be sufficiently permeable.

Oasis of calm

Peace and light
If your client could use some peace and light in a garden or on a balcony, choose grey-green and white plants that help relax. If these are placed in a white pot, it gives an extra calming effect. In this example, bush heather, creeper and Brachyglottis have been used. These plants like to be in a sunny, bright spot where there is plenty of fresh air.
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