Ice plants, primarily species from the Delosperma and Lampranthus genera, are succulent groundcovers known for their vibrant, daisy-like flowers and remarkable drought tolerance. These low-growing perennials often form dense mats of fleshy foliage, providing continuous color from late spring through summer. Companion planting involves strategically placing different plant species near each other to foster mutual benefits, enhancing the overall health and aesthetics of a garden. This practice extends beyond just vegetables, offering numerous advantages when applied to ornamental plants like ice plants.
Why Choose Companion Plants for Ice Plants
Companion planting with ice plants offers several advantages, creating a more dynamic garden. Pairing ice plants with other species can enhance the visual appeal of your garden through complementary colors and textures, creating a richer tapestry of greenery and blooms. Fine foliage of some companion plants offers pleasing contrast to succulent ice plant leaves.
Beyond aesthetics, companion plants contribute to improved soil health by diversifying root systems, alleviating compaction and improving nutrient access. Certain groundcovers, planted alongside ice plants, suppress weed growth by shading the soil, reducing manual weeding. Companion plants also attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators and predatory insects, contributing to a healthier garden ecosystem and supporting plant vigor.
Understanding Ice Plant Growing Conditions
Selecting companion plants requires understanding ice plant needs. Ice plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced bloom production.
Well-draining soil is a key factor for ice plants, as their succulent nature makes them susceptible to root rot in consistently wet conditions. They perform best in sandy, gravelly, or poor to average soils, and tolerate lean conditions. Ice plants are drought-tolerant once established, preferring dry conditions and minimal watering. They also exhibit heat tolerance, making them suitable for hot, arid climates.
Ideal Companion Plants for Ice Plants
Selecting companion plants that share the ice plant’s preference for full sun, well-drained soil, and drought tolerance is key for success. Many plants with similar needs complement ice plants functionally and aesthetically.
Other Drought-Tolerant Succulents
Succulents are natural companions for ice plants due to their shared need for dry, well-draining conditions. Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a good choice, with upright varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’ providing vertical contrast to the spreading habit of ice plants. Creeping sedums fill in spaces, offering varied textures. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum) are another suitable option, creating a classic, resilient rock garden combination alongside ice plants. Agave adds architectural interest in an ice plant bed.
Low-Growing Perennials
Several low-growing perennials thrive alongside ice plants while adding diverse forms and colors. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces flat-topped flower clusters in various colors, attracting pollinators and complementing ice plant blooms. Lavender (Lavandula) offers upright, silvery foliage and fragrant purple flower spikes, providing beautiful contrast in texture and color. African Daisies (Osteospermum) are also suitable, offering vibrant, daisy-like blooms that extend the flowering season. Creeping phlox fills gaps and provides additional color, especially in containers.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses introduce texture, movement, and year-round interest to a garden, making them effective companions for ice plants. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) with its fine, silvery-blue foliage, creates textural contrast against the bright flowers of ice plants. Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) offers an airy, delicate appearance that softens succulent forms, swaying gently in the breeze. Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) adds bold burgundy foliage and arching plumes, providing a visual element that complements low-growing ice plants.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting
Successful companion planting with ice plants involves planning and maintenance for thriving plants. When designing your layout, provide adequate spacing for each plant to reach its mature size, typically 15 to 18 inches apart for ice plants. This spacing prevents overcrowding and allows for good air circulation, beneficial for drought-tolerant plants.
Initial watering is important for establishing new companion plants; water lightly until settled, then adjust to a sparing schedule similar to established ice plants. Once established, minimal fertilization is required for ice plants and their drought-tolerant companions, as rich soil can promote excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. Monitor plant health, and prune winter-killed ice plant stems in spring to maintain tidiness.