Companion Plants for Marigolds in Containers: Best Combinations

Overview

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are perhaps the most popular annual flower, with varieties from 6 inches to 4 feet tall. Flowers come in singles or doubles, bicolors or solids across yellow, gold, orange, and rust shades. Shorter varieties excel in containers, blooming from early season until hard frost. They tolerate light frosts and self-seed prolifically.

Recommended Container Companions

Ageratum (Flossflower) — Ageratum houstonianum

Tiny purplish-blue flowers create striking contrast with yellow/gold marigolds (complementary colors on the color wheel). Blooms late spring to frost. Plant near container edges to trail softly over the rim.

Annual Baby's Breath — Gypsophila elegans

Lesser-known annual with larger, single-petaled flowers than perennial florist's types. Early bloomer continuing all summer. Prefers full sun and adapts to various soils. Plant among marigolds in container centers for a bouquet-like effect.

Dusty Miller — Senecio cineraria

Grown for silvery, downy foliage (palmate leaves resembling tiny fuzzy hands). Reaches 6-12 inches. Some varieties have finely laced foliage. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Excellent container and window box plant.