Companion Plants for Succulents: Creating Beautiful Arrangements

The Importance of Companion Plants for Succulents

If you're a fan of succulent gardening, you know that these versatile plants are perfect for almost any setting. They're hardy, they don't require much water or attention, and they come in a wide range of colors and shapes. But did you know that pairing your succulents with the right companion plants can take your garden to the next level? Here's why:

• Companion plants can provide contrast and texture. While succulents are beautiful on their own, adding companion plants with different foliage or flower types can make your garden even more visually interesting.
• Some companion plants can attract beneficial insects. This can help with pollination and pest control.
• Certain companion plants can help regulate soil moisture and temperature, which is important for succulent growth.

Now that we've established why companion plants are important, let's dive into some specific options.

15 Great Companion Plants for Succulents

1. Lavender

Lavender is a classic companion plant for succulents, and for good reason. Its fragrant blooms provide a lovely contrast to the muted tones of many succulents, and its ability to attract pollinators makes it a great addition to any garden. Plus, it's drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, just like most succulents.

How to pair lavender with succulents:

Consider planting lavender alongside succulents with gray or blue-green foliage, such as Echeveria or Sedum. The contrast between the soft purple of the lavender and the muted tones of the succulents is sure to be eye-catching.

2. Agave

Agave is a natural choice for companion planting with succulents, since it's in the same family. Its striking shape and foliage can add interest to any garden, and its drought-tolerance makes it a great match for many succulent species.

How to pair agave with succulents:

Consider planting agave alongside smaller succulent varieties, such as Haworthia or Gasteria. This will create a visually interesting contrast between the spiky agave leaves and the softer, more rounded shapes of the other plants.

3. Yarrow

Yarrow is a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of its ability to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. It also comes in a wide range of colors, so you can choose a variety that complements your succulent collection.

How to pair yarrow with succulents:

Consider planting yarrow alongside succulents with pink or red blooms, such as Aloe or Crassula. The bright color of the yarrow will provide a pop of contrast against the muted tones of the succulents.

4. Kangaroo Paw

Kangaroo Paw is a unique companion plant for succulents because of its unusual shape and texture. Its furry, tubular flowers are sure to be a conversation-er, and they come in a wide range of colors to suit any garden.

How to pair kangaroo paw with succulents:

Consider planting kangaroo paw alongside succulents with spiky foliage, such as Agave or Aloe. The contrast between the soft, furry flowers of the kangaroo paw and the sharp leaves of the succulents is sure to be striking.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of its fragrant, evergreen foliage. It's also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a natural fit for most succulent gardens.

How to pair rosemary with succulents:

Consider planting rosemary alongside succulents with gray or blue-green foliage, such as Echeveria or Sedum. The contrast between the soft, fragrant rosemary leaves and the muted tones of the succulents is sure to be lovely.

6. Marigold

Marigolds are a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of their ability to repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. They also come in a wide range of colors, so you can choose a variety that complements your succulent collection.

How to pair marigolds with succulents:

Consider planting marigolds alongside succulents with yellow or orange blooms, such as Kalanchoe or Euphorbia. The bright color of the marigolds will provide a pop of contrast against the muted tones of the succulents.

7. Sage

Sage is a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of its fragrant, evergreen foliage. It's also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a natural fit for most succulent gardens.

How to pair sage with succulents:

Consider planting sage alongside succulents with gray or blue-green foliage, such as Echeveria or Sedum. The contrast between the soft, fragrant sage leaves and the muted tones of the succulents is sure to be lovely.

8. Gaura

Gaura is a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of its delicate, butterfly-like blooms. It's also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a natural fit for most succulent gardens.

How to pair gaura with succulents:

Consider planting gaura alongside succulents with pink or red blooms, such as Aloe or Crassula. The soft, delicate blooms of the gaura will provide a lovely contrast against the spiky leaves of the succulents.

9. Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican Feather Grass is a unique companion plant for succulents because of its airy, feather-like foliage. Its movement in the wind can make for an interesting visual display, and its drought-tolerance makes it a great match for many succulent species.

How to pair Mexican feather grass with succulents:

Consider planting Mexican feather grass alongside smaller succulent varieties, such as Haworthia or Gasteria. The soft, feathery foliage of the grass will provide a nice contrast against the more rigid shapes of the succulents.

10. Butterfly Bush

Butterfly Bush is a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of its ability to attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees. It also comes in a wide range of colors, so you can choose a variety that complements your succulent collection.

How to pair butterfly bush with succulents:

Consider planting butterfly bush alongside succulents with purple or pink blooms, such as Echeveria or Sedum. The bright, colorful blooms of the butterfly bush will provide a nice contrast against the muted tones of the succulents.

11. Catmint

Catmint is a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of its ability to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. It also has lovely purple blooms that can add interest to any garden.

How to pair catmint with succulents:

Consider planting catmint alongside succulents with gray or blue-green foliage, such as Echeveria or Sedum. The soft, fragrant leaves of the catmint will provide a nice contrast against the muted tones of the succulents.

12. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-Eyed Susan is a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of its ability to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. It also has bright, cheerful blooms that can add a pop of color to any garden.

How to pair black-eyed susan with succulents:

Consider planting black-eyed susan alongside succulents with yellow or orange blooms, such as Kalanchoe or Euphorbia. The bright, sunny blooms of the black-eyed susan will provide a nice contrast against the muted tones of the succulents.

13. Coreopsis

Coreopsis is a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of its ability to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. It also has bright, cheerful blooms that can add a pop of color to any garden.

How to pair coreopsis with succulents:

Consider planting coreopsis alongside succulents with pink or red blooms, such as Aloe or Crassula. The bright, cheerful blooms of the coreopsis will provide a nice contrast against the spiky leaves of the succulents.

14. Lantana

Lantana is a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of its ability to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. It also comes in a wide range of colors, so you can choose a variety that complements your succulent collection.

How to pair lantana with succulents:

Consider planting lantana alongside succulents with purple or pink blooms, such as Echeveria or Sedum. The bright, colorful blooms of the lantana will provide a nice contrast against the muted tones of the succulents.

15. Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme is a great choice for companion planting with succulents because of its fragrant, evergreen foliage. It's also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a natural fit for most succulent gardens.

How to pair creeping thyme with succulents:

Consider planting creeping thyme alongside succulents with gray or blue-green foliage, such as Echeveria or Sedum. The soft, fragrant leaves of the creeping thyme will provide a nice contrast against the muted tones of the succulents.

Companion planting is an important part of creating a successful succulent garden. By pairing your succulents with the right companion plants, you can create a visually interesting and environmentally-friendly space that will thrive for years to come. Whether you choose lavender, agave, yarrow, or any of the other great options on this list, be sure to experiment and have fun with your garden!

FAQs

1. Are all companion plants suitable for succulents?

Not all companion plants are suitable for succulents, since succulents have different soil and water requirements than many other plant species. When choosing companion plants for your succulent garden, be sure to research the specific needs of each plant before planting.

2. Can I plant non-native plants alongside my succulents?

While it's technically possible to plant non-native plants alongside your succulents, it's generally not recommended. Native plants are better adapted to the local climate and will require less maintenance and resources to thrive.

3. How often should I water my companion plants?

The watering requirements of your companion plants will depend on their specific needs and the climate in your area. Be sure to research the watering needs of each plant before planting, and adjust your watering schedule as necessary based on weather conditions.

4. Can I grow vegetables or herbs alongside my succulents?

While it's possible to grow vegetables or herbs alongside your succulents, it's generally not recommended. Most vegetables and herbs have different soil and water requirements than succulents, and may require more attention and resources to thrive.

5. Can I use companion planting to control pests in my succulent garden?

Yes! Many companion plants, such as marigolds and catmint, can help repel pests like aphids and whiteflies from your garden. By incorporating these plants into your succulent garden, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and promote a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem.