What types of flowering plants should I avoid planting near fruit trees in my backyard?
There are some flowering plants that shouldn’t be planted near fruit trees because they can attract harmful pests, compete for nutrients, or hinder pollination. Following are the flower types you must avoid planting near fruit trees:
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Competitive Plants: Some highly competitive plants acquire resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, outcompeting other plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Like sunflowers are heavy feeders, Cannas aggressive root systems and hollyhocks can shade out light if planted too close.
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Pest-Attracting Flowers: By attracting insects and pest they harm fruit trees. Nasturtiums attract aphids and whiteflies. Marigolds in some humid regions attract spider mites or whiteflies in large numbers.
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Allelopathic Plants: Black walnut contain juglone, harmful to many fruit trees. Chrysanthemums with slight allelopathic effects affects growth.
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Plants that Trick Pollinators: Some flowers compete for pollinators or reduce fruit set. Roses or gardenia with their scent distract bees from visiting fruit blossom. Hybrid flowers with no nectar or pollen confuse bees and reduce their effectiveness.