The Best Photinia Companion Plants for Your Garden

Why Companion Planting Matters

When it comes to gardening, there are few things more satisfying than seeing your plants thrive. But did you know that certain plants actually do better when grown together? This is known as companion planting, and it can have a huge impact on the health and productivity of your garden. In this post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for photinia, a popular evergreen shrub that's prized for its bright red foliage.

Choosing the Right Companion Plants

Before we dive into specific plant recommendations, it's important to understand what makes a good companion plant for photinia. Some factors to consider include:

Soil Needs

Photinia prefers well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. Look for companion plants that have similar soil requirements to ensure they'll thrive together.

Light Requirements

Most photinia varieties prefer full sun or partial shade. Choose companion plants that have similar light needs for optimal growth.

Growth Habits

Consider the size and growth habits of both the photinia and the companion plant when selecting pairings. You don't want one plant to outgrow or overshadow the other.

Pest and Disease Resistance

Some plants are naturally resistant to pests and diseases, which can benefit nearby plants as well. Look for companion plants that have these qualities.

Companion Plants for Photinia

Now that you know what to look for, let's dive into some of the best companion plants for photinia.

1. Boxwood

Boxwood is a great choice for companion planting with photinia. Both plants prefer well-draining soil and partial shade, making them a perfect match. Plus, the dark green foliage of boxwood provides a nice contrast to the bright red leaves of photinia.

How to Plant:

Plant boxwood around the base of your photinia shrub, leaving plenty of space for both plants to grow. Water regularly and fertilize as needed to keep both plants healthy.

2. Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is another great companion plant for photinia. This perennial plant has vibrant foliage in shades of purple, pink, and green, which pairs beautifully with the red leaves of photinia.

How to Plant:

Plant heuchera in a cluster around your photinia shrub, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Be sure to choose a variety that's well-suited to your climate and soil conditions.

3. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that makes a lovely companion plant for photinia. Not only does it look beautiful when planted alongside photinia, but it's also a natural pest repellent.

How to Plant:

Plant lavender in a sunny spot near your photinia shrub, making sure to leave plenty of space for both plants to grow. Water regularly and prune as needed to keep both plants healthy.

4. Salvia

Salvia is a hardy perennial that's easy to grow and care for. It has lovely blue-purple flowers that pair beautifully with the bright red leaves of photinia.

How to Plant:

Plant salvia around the base of your photinia shrub, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Water regularly and fertilize as needed to keep both plants healthy.

5. Yarrow

Yarrow is a tough perennial that can withstand a wide range of growing conditions. It has delicate white or yellow flowers that look stunning when paired with photinia.

How to Plant:

Plant yarrow in a sunny spot near your photinia shrub, making sure to leave plenty of space for both plants to grow. Water regularly and prune as needed to keep both plants healthy.


Companion planting is a great way to boost the health and productivity of your garden, and photinia is no exception. By choosing the right companion plants based on factors like soil needs, light requirements, and growth habits, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that's sure to impress.

FAQs

1. Can I plant grass around my photinia shrub?

While grass can technically be planted around photinia, it's not the best choice for companion planting. Grass requires more water and nutrients than photinia, which can impact the health of both plants. Instead, opt for low-maintenance ground covers like moss or creeping thyme.

2. What other shrubs pair well with photinia?

In addition to the companion plants mentioned above, many other shrubs pair well with photinia. Some good options include boxwood, holly, viburnum, and Japanese maple.

3. Should I add fertilizer when planting companion plants with photinia?

It depends on the specific needs of the plants you're pairing with photinia. Some plants may benefit from additional fertilizer, while others may not require any at all. Be sure to research the individual requirements of each plant before planting.

4. Can I plant vegetables near my photinia shrub?

While it's possible to plant vegetables near photinia, it's not recommended. Vegetables require more water and nutrients than most companion plants, which can compete with the photinia for resources. Instead, opt for a dedicated vegetable garden in a separate area of your yard.

5. How do I know if a companion plant is right for my photinia shrub?

When selecting companion plants for photinia, be sure to consider factors like soil needs, light requirements, growth habits, and pest resistance. Choose plants that have similar needs and complement the aesthetic of your photinia shrub.