Companion planting is a way to make your garden healthier by pairing plants that help each other grow. It makes your garden more productive, attracts good bugs, and keeps pests away. St. John’s Wort is a special herb with yellow flowers and medicine properties.
When you plant it with the right friends, it gets better protection from pests, absorbs nutrients easier, and grows stronger. Companion planting also brings in helpful insects that pollinate plants and keep your garden balanced.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a fantastic companion plant for St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Yarrow attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and hoverflies, which can help control common garden pests like aphids and caterpillars. Additionally, yarrow’s deep root system helps improve soil structure and nutrient availability, making it easier for St. John’s Wort to thrive.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is another excellent companion.
It attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while also having antifungal properties that can help protect St. John’s Wort from diseases. Chamomile’s presence can enhance the essential oil content in its companions, which may contribute to better growth and overall health.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) works well with St. John’s Wort. Both plants prefer similar growing conditions—full sun and well-drained soil.
Lavender’s strong scent repels pests like moths, fleas, and mosquitoes. Moreover, its flowers attract pollinators, which can boost the overall health of your garden.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is a valuable addition to a companion planting scheme with St. John’s Wort. Echinacea draws pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden’s biodiversity.
Additionally, echinacea’s deep roots help improve soil structure and nutrient cycling, promoting better growth for surrounding plants.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a great soil conditioner. Its deep taproot mines nutrients from deep in the soil, making them available to shallower-rooted plants like St. John’s Wort. Comfrey’s leaves can be used as a mulch to improve soil health and moisture retention.
Borage (Borago officinalis) is an excellent companion due to its ability to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
Borage also has a unique feature of accumulating trace minerals, particularly potassium, which can be beneficial for the growth of neighboring plants like St. John’s Wort. Its leaves can be used as a natural mulch, adding organic matter to the soil.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) pairs well with St. John’s Wort. Thyme’s aromatic qualities help repel pests like cabbage worms and whiteflies.
Additionally, thyme provides ground cover, reducing weed competition and helping to retain soil moisture, which can benefit St. John’s Wort.
By planting these companions alongside St. John’s Wort, you can create a thriving, healthy garden ecosystem that supports plant growth, repels pests, and improves soil health.
St. John’s Wort is a special herb that can benefit from companion planting, which involves pairing it with other plants that help each other grow. By planting St. John’s Wort with the right companions, you can create a healthier and more productive garden ecosystem.
By trying these companion planting strategies in your own garden, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports plant growth, repels pests, and improves soil health. So why not give it a try? Plant some of these companions alongside St. John’s Wort and see the benefits for yourself!