Companion planting is not challenging but requires thinking about your plants’ soil, sun, and moisture requirements. Indeed, while some people consider it a magic trick to healthy gardens, you’ll still have to take good care of your companions. The key for a successful beneficial relationship is to pair plants with similar needs that will thrive without competing with one another. Let’s look at Mexican heather companion plants!
What is Mexican Heather?
Mexican Heather is a versatile and hardy shrub that can attract plenty of pollinators to your garden. You can use it as an attractive hedge if you live in warm regions because this plant has a high tolerance to drought and can thrive even in rock gardens.
This shrub is native to Mexico, and other Latin American countries, so it does well when it receives plenty of sun during the day. If you live between USDA hardiness zones 9 and 11, you can grow Mexican Heather as a stunning perennial.
Mexican Heather Companion Plants
While this plant will perform well on its own, you may want to consider adding Mexican Heather companion plants to improve the conditions in which it grows. These plants do well with most moist-loving species, especially those that thrive in acidic soils. Plus, don’t forget to consider aesthetics when selecting companions for your plants. You can grow Mexican Heather erect or as a ground cover: select plants that pair with your heather accordingly for best results.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas
Rhododendrons and azaleas make for ideal Mexican heather companion plants. They both thrive in acidic soil and need consistent moisture to survive. Plus, your heather can feed on the same fertilizer you’ll use on rhododendron for excellent results. These blooming shrubs pair stunningly with Mexican Heaters as hedge plants. Consider adding some plants for the cover ground to ensure proper moisture and water retention for both to thrive even during the hotter months of the year.
Hibiscus
You can pair hibiscus and Mexican heather in your garden for a tropical vibe. They both have similar growing requirements and will look stunning together. Indeed, both plants love sunlight and need moisture to thrive.
Keep in mind that hibiscus won’t survive harsh winters. If you want to keep them as perennials, do so only in regions where winters are mild. Together, these two plants will attract plenty of pollinators in your garden, which can come in handy if you are growing vegetables as well.
Salvia
Alternatively, choose salvia as a companion to your Mexican Heather plant. This herb, part of the mint family, can deter harmful pests from attacking your garden. Plus, its long-lasting blooms attract butterflies and plenty of other pollinators, some of which will prey on insects that might damage your plants.
Salvia is relatively easy to grow in warm regions. Plus, you can select from blue, purple, or pink varieties which combine perfectly with your Mexican Heather and enhance its beauty. Because some species have a shrub-like appearance, you can also consider pairing salvia and Heathers as hedge plants. The good thing about species such as rose sage is that their foliage remains attractive for most of the year.
Fountain Grass
Fountain grass is an ornamental plant that can give character to your garden. Its cascading leaves have a fountain-like appearance that provides its name to the plant. The plant blooms hairy-looking flowers through the fall that create a nice contrast with Mexican Heather’s delicate blooming.
Also, if you live between USDA hardiness zones 8 and 11, you can grow Fountain grass as a perennial. While the plant will stop flowering during the winter, it will display dense and attractive foliage throughout the year, which will further improve your yard’s looks.
Blueberries
Mixing food plants with your Mexican Heather can increase harvest and the quality of your fruits. Blueberries are ideal companion plants because they thrive in acidic soils and have similar moisture and lighting requirements as heather. Plus, heather will attract pollinators that will make your blueberry plants give you juicier and richer harvests.
Mexican Heather Companion Plants: The Bottom Line
Finding companion plants for Mexican Heathers is not complicated if you live in regions where winters rarely come with frosts. Depending on your garden conditions, you may want to choose plants that help you create an attractive hedge or that will look good when paired with your Heathers. Luckily, heathers do well with most plants. All you have to do is ensure the species you select have similar soil, lighting, and watering requirements.