11 Companion Plants You Should Always Grow Next to Succulents,

Succulent plants — Credit:
Karl Tapales / Getty Images

Succulents are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants beloved for their fuss-free reputation. These plants are especially hands-off when they're grown alongside companion plants. Companion planting is the practice of growing plants together that will benefit both species. Because succulents require minimal watering and well-draining soil, they don't work well when grown with plants that need consistently moist soil. To ensure your succulents flourish, we're sharing companion plants experts say you should always grow next to your succulents.

Roger Davis, outdoor landscape manager at Longwood Gardens
Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, founder of the Houseplant Guru and author of Houseplants

01 of 11

Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa) has similar growing conditions to succulents, making them great companion plants. These plants generally prefer plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and minimal watering. "It may be surprising to hear, but there are prickly pear cacti that are very cold-tolerant, and there are certain selections that are almost thornless," says Roger Davis, outdoor landscape manager at Longwood Gardens. "When they bloom during the summer, they will certainly be a conversation piece."

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 5 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 15 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy or rocky soil

02 of 11

Yarrow

Like succulents, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) can grow in dry climates, making them suitable companion plants. "Yarrow is a garden mainstay that comes in a diverse array of colors," says Davis. "These beautiful flat-topped flowers are pollinator magnets that thrive in the dry garden. Moonshine and Terracotta are two of my favorite varieties."

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; dry, well-drained soil

03 of 11

Beaked Yucca

Grow beaked yucca (Yucca rostrata) alongside your succulents, and both plants will thrive. "This yucca is a beautiful architectural statement that deserves a prominent location in a dry garden," says Davis. "Over time, this plant will develop a trunk and start reaching to the sky."

Zones: 5 to 10
Size: 5 to 12 feet tall x 3 to 8 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

04 of 11

Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) grows well in dry climates, making it a suitable companion for succulents. "Mexican feather grass has a welcoming soft texture that you can't help but want to touch," says Davis. "This self-seeding grass begins the season with spring green foliage and then dries to an amazing tawny brown that lasts all winter."

Zones: 7 to 10
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; dry, well-drained soil

05 of 11

Foxtail Fern

Foxtail ferns (Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyers') have large rhizomatous root systems that make them drought-tolerant. "Thus, they are perfect for planting with succulents, and they add a soft touch to spiky succulents," says Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, founder of the Houseplant Guru. "I especially like the Meyers form with its fox tail appearance." These plants are hardy in zone 9, so they should be treated as annuals or brought in during winter as a houseplant.

Zones: 9
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil

06 of 11

Purpletop Vervain

A tall perennial Verbena with rich purple flowers on wiry stems. — Photos by R A Kearton / Getty Images

Purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis) looks beautiful in the center of a container surrounded by succulents. "They work well with succulents as they are drought-tolerant annuals," says Steinkopf. "The purple flowers look good with succulents that have a purple cast on their leaves."

Zones: 7
Size: 5 inches tall x 1 to 36 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

07 of 11

Annual Geraniums

Pink geranium flowers in garden — YONCA60 / Getty Images

Annual geraniums (Pelargonium) are drought-tolerant, more so than people realize. "They are native to South Africa," says Steinkopf. "The shape of their leaves and flowers adds great texture to a succulent container." They can be grown as an annual or brought inside as a houseplant during winter.

Zones: 9 to 11
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

08 of 11

Kangaroo Paw

The kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos) is native to Western Australia. It is drought-tolerant and grows from a rhizome, which stores water, says Steinkopf. Its need for minimal watering makes it an idea companion for succulents. It flowers in shades of red, yellow, pink, and white.

Zones: 9 to 11
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

09 of 11

Red Fountain Grass

Red fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') is a popular plant that's often used as a "thriller" in containers, says Steinkopf. It's a great companion for succulents due to its drought tolerance and its ability to handle full sun.

Zones: 9 to 10
Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 3 to 5 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

10 of 11

Sea Thrift

Sea thrift (Armeria maritima) is a perennial that blooms in spring. It's drought-tolerant, and its small tufts of silver grassy foliage look beautiful when planted next to succulents, says Steinkopf.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

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Annual Statice

Annual statice (Limonium sinuatum) is a drought-tolerant annual that's usually grown from seed, says Steinkopf. Because it prefers to dry out slightly, it is a good option for pairing with succulents. "It has purple, white, or yellow flowers," says Steinkopf. "The actual colored parts of the flower head are calyces, and the tiny flowers are white. The calyces are papery, and many people dry them for arrangements."