Stonecrops (Sedum) are diverse, appreciated plants, celebrated for resilience and beauty. These succulents withstand dry conditions, popular for many landscapes. Companion planting, growing different species together, enhances garden health and visual appeal when paired with stonecrops.
Stonecrop Growing Requirements
Stonecrops thrive in environments mimicking arid or semi-arid conditions. Most varieties prefer full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and blooming. While some types tolerate partial shade, too little light may cause stems to become weak and leggy.
Excellent drainage is crucial for stonecrops. They flourish in sandy, gritty, or loamy soils; heavy, wet conditions can lead to root rot. Once established, these plants are highly drought-tolerant, storing water in their fleshy leaves. Infrequent, deep watering is preferred, as overwatering is detrimental. Stonecrops are hardy, with many varieties thriving across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10.
Why Companion Plant with Stonecrops
Companion planting with stonecrops offers numerous advantages. A key benefit is aesthetic enhancement, creating visual interest through contrasting textures, colors, and forms. Tall stonecrop varieties provide a structural backdrop, while creeping types offer lush groundcover.
When planted densely, groundcover stonecrops and their companions suppress weeds. Many stonecrop varieties, particularly spreading types, stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion. Incorporating diverse plants alongside stonecrops enhances biodiversity, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators.
Selecting Compatible Companion Plants
Choosing companion plants for stonecrops requires matching their environmental needs. Select species that prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid plants needing consistently moist or rich soil, as these conditions harm stonecrops.
Considering growth habits is important to prevent overcrowding and competition. Select plants whose mature size and spread won’t overshadow or outcompete stonecrops. Aesthetically, complementary forms and textures, such as ornamental grasses alongside succulent stonecrop leaves, create a visually appealing garden design.
Top Companion Plant Recommendations
Several plant species complement stonecrops, sharing similar growing needs and enhancing visual appeal. Ornamental grasses are a good fit, offering contrasting textures and movement. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) provides a fine-textured, blue-grey accent. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) offers upright structure and seasonal color. Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) pairs well, adding a rich burgundy hue.
Drought-tolerant perennials are good choices, providing continuous color and form. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) with its fragrant, silvery foliage and purple blooms, thrives in sunny, dry conditions. Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) offer vibrant daisy-like flowers and are drought-tolerant, attracting pollinators. Yarrow (Achillea) adds fern-like foliage and flat-topped flower clusters, providing textural contrast. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) adds airy blue-purple spires that complement stonecrops.
Other succulents, such as Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum), are good companions with similar care requirements. Low-growing evergreens and shrubs also work well. Dwarf conifers offer year-round structure, and some low-growing junipers provide evergreen groundcover. Boxwood (Buxus spp.) and Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) create a formal backdrop contrasting with stonecrops.
Plants Not Suitable for Stonecrops
Avoid planting species with conflicting needs. Plants requiring consistently moist soil, such as hostas, astilbes, or many ferns, are incompatible, leading to root rot. Shade-loving plants will not thrive alongside sun-loving stonecrops and may cause them to become leggy.
Heavy feeders demanding rich soil or frequent fertilization are poor companions. Stonecrops prefer lean conditions; excessive nutrients can result in weak, floppy growth. Overly aggressive spreaders that quickly overtake stonecrops should be avoided to prevent competition.
Maintaining Your Stonecrop Companion Garden
Maintaining a stonecrop companion garden is low-effort due to the plants’ resilient nature. Watering should be infrequent and deep, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Young stonecrops require more regular watering until established. Once mature, they only need supplemental water during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat.
Fertilization is rarely necessary for stonecrops and their drought-tolerant companions. A thin layer of compost applied in early spring provides sufficient nutrients. Over-fertilizing can lead to leggy growth and reduced vigor. Light pruning maintains shape and encourages bushier growth. Manage weeding, especially around young plantings, and monitor for pests or diseases, though stonecrops are robust.