Spicebush Companion Plants That Will Thrive Together

Spicebush Companion Plants That Will Thrive Together

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a native North American shrub or small tree that is known for its fragrant foliage and yellow flowers. It is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Spicebush is also a host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

When choosing companion plants for spicebush, it is important to consider the plant's growing conditions and the benefits that you are looking for. Some good companion plants for spicebush include:

• Other native plants: Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, so they are less likely to require as much care as non-native plants. They also provide food and shelter for wildlife, which can help to improve the overall health of your garden. Some good native companion plants for spicebush include:
  • Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
  • Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
  • Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
  • Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
  • Joe-pye weed (Eupatorium purpureum)
• Attract pollinators: Spicebush flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Planting companion plants that also attract pollinators can help to create a more diverse and beneficial ecosystem in your garden. Some good pollinator-attracting companion plants for spicebush include:
  • Bee balm (Monarda fistulosa)
  • Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa var. speciosa)
  • Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
  • Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
  • Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
• Provide ground cover: Spicebush can grow up to 10 feet tall, so it can provide some much-needed ground cover in your garden. Planting companion plants that can fill in the space underneath spicebush can help to create a more lush and attractive landscape. Some good ground cover companion plants for spicebush include:
  • Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
  • Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
  • Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)
  • Violets (Viola spp.)
  • Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)

When planting spicebush companion plants, it is important to consider the size and growth habit of each plant. Some plants, such as black-eyed Susan and coneflower, can grow quite large, so it is important to space them accordingly. Other plants, such as creeping phlox and sweet woodruff, are more compact and can be planted closer together.

It is also important to consider the soil conditions when planting spicebush companion plants. Spicebush prefers well-drained soil, so it is important to avoid planting it in areas that are prone to flooding. Other companion plants that prefer well-drained soil include butterfly weed, coneflower, goldenrod, and lavender.

With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and beneficial garden by planting spicebush with the right companion plants. By choosing plants that have similar growing conditions and that attract pollinators, you can create a thriving ecosystem that will provide beauty and enjoyment for years to come.

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a native North American shrub that is known for its fragrant leaves and flowers. It is a good choice for a woodland garden, as it prefers partial shade and moist soil. Spicebush is also a good host plant for butterflies, including the spicebush swallowtail.

If you are considering planting spicebush in your garden, you may be wondering what companion plants would work well with it. Here are a few suggestions:

• Mertensia virginica (Virginia bluebells): These spring-blooming wildflowers share spicebush's preference for partial shade and moist soil. They also attract butterflies and other pollinators. [LIST_ITEM_END]
• Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot): This early spring ephemeral is another good choice for a shady spot. It has white flowers that emerge before the leaves, and it is also a host plant for butterflies. [LIST_ITEM_END]
• Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern): This evergreen fern adds year-round interest to the garden. It is tolerant of shade and moist soil, and it can grow under spicebush. [LIST_ITEM_END]
• Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (late blue violet): This violet blooms in late summer and fall, when spicebush is starting to lose its leaves. It is a native wildflower that is attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. [LIST_ITEM_END]
• Callicarpa americana (beautyberry): This shrub blooms in late summer with clusters of showy purple berries. It is a good choice for a sunny spot, and it can tolerate dry soil. [LIST_ITEM_END]

For more information about spicebush companion plants, please visit Gardenia Inspiration.

FAQ of spicebush companion plants

• What are some good companion plants for spicebush?

Spicebush is a versatile plant that can be paired with a variety of other plants. Some good companion plants include:

* Oaks: Oaks provide shade and shelter for spicebush, and their fallen leaves help to enrich the soil.
* Ferns: Ferns add a touch of beauty and elegance to any garden, and they can help to suppress weeds around spicebush.
* Viburnums: Viburnums are another type of shrub that can be planted alongside spicebush. They attract pollinators and provide food for wildlife.
* Coneflowers: Coneflowers are a type of wildflower that blooms in the summer. They attract pollinators and add a splash of color to the garden.
* Blackberries: Blackberries are a delicious fruit that can be grown alongside spicebush. They provide food for wildlife and help to attract pollinators.

• What are the benefits of planting spicebush companion plants?

There are several benefits to planting spicebush companion plants. These plants can:

* Attract pollinators: Spicebush attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators are essential for the pollination of other plants in the garden.
* Suppress weeds: The fallen leaves of some companion plants, such as oaks and ferns, can help to suppress weeds around spicebush.
* Enrich the soil: The roots of some companion plants, such as viburnums, can help to enrich the soil around spicebush. This can make the soil more fertile and better able to support the growth of spicebush.
* Provide food for wildlife: Some companion plants, such as blackberries, provide food for wildlife such as birds and mammals. This can help to attract wildlife to the garden and improve biodiversity.
* Improve the appearance of the garden: Companion plants can add beauty and interest to the garden. They can also help to fill in empty spaces and create a more cohesive look.

• How far apart should spicebush companion plants be planted?

The distance between spicebush companion plants will depend on the size of the plants. Generally speaking, you should plant companion plants at least 3 feet apart. This will give them enough space to grow and thrive.

• What are some common pests and diseases that affect spicebush?

Spicebush is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to a few problems, such as:

* Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves of spicebush. It can be treated with a fungicide.
* Scale insects: Scale insects are small, sap-sucking insects that can infest spicebush. They can be treated with an insecticide.
* Webworms: Webworms are caterpillars that spin webs around the leaves of spicebush. They can be controlled by handpicking or with an insecticide.

• How do I care for spicebush companion plants?

The care requirements for spicebush companion plants will vary depending on the type of plant. However, most companion plants will need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. They may also need to be fertilized once or twice a year. In addition, you should deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

Image of spicebush companion plants

• Black Cohosh: Black cohosh is a native North American perennial that blooms in late summer with white or pink flowers. It is a good companion plant for spicebush because it attracts beneficial insects and deters pests.
• Solomon's Seal: Solomon's seal is another native North American perennial that blooms in early spring with white flowers. It is a good companion plant for spicebush because it prefers moist, shady conditions.
• Virginia Bluebells: Virginia bluebells are native North American spring ephemerals that bloom with blue flowers. They are a good companion plant for spicebush because they prefer moist, shady conditions.
• Coral Honeysuckle: Coral honeysuckle is a native North American vine that blooms in summer with orange-red flowers. It is a good companion plant for spicebush because it attracts pollinators and provides food for wildlife.
• Golden Ragwort: Golden ragwort is a native North American perennial that blooms in summer with yellow flowers. It is a good companion plant for spicebush because it attracts pollinators and provides food for wildlife.