Introduction
Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different plants close to each other in the garden. This practice helps reduce pest problems, improves soil fertility, and increases crop productivity. When it comes to crab apple trees, selecting good companion plants is essential to enhance the tree's beauty and improve its growth. In this article, we discuss the top companion plants for crab apple trees.
Lavender
Lavender is an attractive herb that not only adds beauty to the garden but also offers numerous benefits to crab apple trees. The plant's fragrant flowers attract pollinators like bees, which in turn helps increase the tree's fruit yield. Lavender also repels pests like slugs and snails that may cause harm to the crab apple tree.
Daffodils
Daffodils are part of the narcissus family of flowering plants traditionally associated with the arrival of spring. These beautiful and bright-yellow flowers are an excellent addition to any garden, and they also make great companion plants for crab apple trees. One of the reasons why daffodils are good companions to crab apple trees is because they deter burrowing animals like squirrels and moles that can damage the roots of the tree.
Chives
Chives are a type of herb that belongs to the onion family. These plants are an excellent companion to crab apple trees thanks to their pest-repellent properties. Chives contain compounds that naturally repel pests like aphids and mites, which can damage the tree's leaves and fruits. Additionally, chives are also known to improve soil fertility by adding much-needed nutrients to the soil.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs that make a great addition to any garden. These plants thrive in conditions similar to those of crab apple trees, and they offer numerous benefits when planted together. Hydrangeas are natural soil acidifiers, and they help create the ideal soil conditions for crab apple trees to grow. The plants' large leaves also offer shade, which helps keep the soil moist and reduces water stress in the tree.
Roses
Roses are another beautiful flowering shrub that makes an excellent companion plant for crab apple trees. These plants add a burst of color to the garden and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs that help control harmful insects. Additionally, roses are also known to improve soil fertility and add much-needed nutrients to the soil, which helps the crab apple tree grow better.
Conclusion
Selecting good companion plants for crab apple trees is essential to enhance their beauty and improve their growth. The plants discussed in this article offer numerous benefits, including repelling pests, improving soil fertility, and attracting beneficial insects. Planting these plants close to crab apple trees will not only make your garden more beautiful but also help the tree grow better.