Zinnias are a favorite of summer gardeners thanks to their easygoing nature, luscious blooms, and color that lasts all summer long. They don’t require much beyond full sun and nutrient-rich, well-draining soil to thrive, but there’s always a chance to give these low maintenance flowers an added boost.

By planting zinnias with companion plants, you’ll set them up for a season full of attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, while also repelling those that threaten a zinnia’s show-stopping season.

Because they’re so easy-to-grow, zinnias get along with most plants, but here are eleven of the best companion plants to pair with you summer zinnias.

What Is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is the practice of putting two plants next to each other that will benefit from something that the other offers. In some cases, a plant could repel one of the main predators of its companion plant. In other cases, the two plants take different nutrients from the soil, so it’s easy for them to grow next to each other.

For easygoing plants like zinnias, there are near endless options for companion plants. However, the best companion plants are those that thrive in the same growing conditions while also offering at least one benefit when it comes to either repelling or attracting insects.