Great Perennials as Companion Plants for Your Succulents

Prized by gardeners for their architectural shapes, fascinating textures, vibrant colors, drought resistance, and low maintenance, succulents are a joy to behold and a delight to design with. Well suited for climates with high temperatures and low rainfall, thanks to their ability to store water in their leaves or stems, most are easy to grow, with few disease or insect problems, and tolerant of heat and poor soils. Quite versatile, they add drama in most garden settings and work well in a variety of garden styles, including Mediterranean, desert, or xeriscape gardens and rock gardens.

You should not limit yourself to the succulent world when designing a succulent garden. A wide range of companion plants will bring out the best qualities of your succulents and share their space with a serene balance. These companion plants will provide contrast and add interest. Whether ornamental grasses, perennials, annuals, or shrubs, these companion plants should have the same cultural requirements.

Since the majority of cacti and succulents grow in desert and savannah situations, this means bright light (full sun or dappled shade), minimal water with excellent drainage, good air circulation, dry air, and high temperatures.

Below is a list of pretty perennial plants that share most of these growing requirements. They will bring out the best in both the succulents and their world.