From our perspective as plants, the question of companionship is not one of mere aesthetics for human enjoyment, but a fundamental matter of survival, health, and thriving. When a gardener asks what to plant with snapdragons (*Antirrhinum majus*), they are asking about building a community for us. We snapdragons, with our upright spikes of blossoms and preference for cooler weather, seek neighbors who understand our needs and offer mutual benefits. Here is what we would tell you.
Our stems are tall and sometimes susceptible to strong winds or heavy rain. We appreciate neighbors who can provide subtle structural support or create a beneficial microclimate. Ornamental grasses, like Fountain Grass (*Pennisetum alopecuroides*) or Blue Fescue (*Festuca glauca*), are excellent allies. Their dense, clumping form helps to break the force of the wind, preventing us from being battered. Furthermore, they shade the soil at their base, which helps to keep our root systems cool and moist during the warmer parts of the day, a condition we greatly appreciate. Their soft, flowing texture also provides a beautiful contrast to our bold, vertical flower spikes, pleasing the humans as well.
Like all living things, we face challenges from insects that wish to feed on our succulent leaves and stems. We have formed a powerful alliance with members of the *Lamiaceae* family, particularly herbs like Lavender (*Lavandula*) and Sage (*Salvia officinalis*). These companions emit strong aromatic oils through their foliage—a scent that is pleasant to humans but confusing and repellent to many common pests like aphids. By interplanting with them, we benefit from a natural protective barrier that reduces the need for human intervention. This is a classic example of companion planting where our different chemical profiles work in harmony for the health of the entire garden bed.
We snapdragons are often at our peak in the cool seasons of spring and fall. It is considerate to plant us alongside companions that understand this cycle. For instance, planting us over the dormant bulbs of Tulips or Daffodils is a wonderful strategy. We provide interest and ground cover after their spring display has faded, and our root systems occupy different soil layers, ensuring we are not competing fiercely for water and nutrients. Similarly, low-growing, mat-forming plants like Sweet Alyssum (*Lobularia maritima*) are ideal partners. They cover the bare soil around our base, suppressing weeds that would otherwise compete with us, and their shallow roots do not interfere with our own deeper system.
While survival is paramount, we also understand the human desire for beauty. We flourish when paired with plants that complement our form and color. The delicate, daisy-like flowers of Cape Daisies (*Osteospermum*) or the classic English Daisy (*Bellis perennis*) create a charming textural contrast at our feet. For a more dramatic effect, the large, velvety leaves of Dusty Miller (*Senecio cineraria*) provide a stunning silvery backdrop that makes our vibrant blooms truly stand out. Furthermore, by including a variety of nectar-rich flowers like Zinnias or Cosmos, the gardener creates a pollinator paradise. This increased pollinator traffic benefits the entire plant community, ensuring better seed set and a more vibrant, life-filled garden ecosystem.
