6 Ideal Acanthus Mollis Companion Plants & 3 to Avoid

Good Acanthus Mollis Companion Plants

Salvia

Salvia, with its vibrant spikes of flowers, complements the architectural form of Acanthus mollis beautifully. It attracts pollinators and adds a burst of color to the understory of Acanthus. Plus, Salvia’s similar sun and water requirements make them low-maintenance companions.

• Planting Guide:
  1. Locate a sunny spot where both plants can thrive.
  2. Plant Salvia approximately 12 inches away from Acanthus mollis to allow for natural growth.
  3. Water the plants evenly during the initial growth phase, then reduce watering as they establish.
  4. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Rosemary

Rosemary not only adds a culinary twist to the garden but also serves as an excellent companion to Acanthus mollis. Its aromatic foliage and tolerance for dry conditions make it a perfect match for the Acanthus’s similar needs.

• How to Co-Plant:
  1. Ensure the planting site has full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
  2. Space rosemary plants about 2 feet from Acanthus mollis to accommodate their mature sizes.
  3. Water sparingly, as both plants are drought-tolerant once established.
  4. Prune rosemary regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from overshadowing Acanthus mollis.

Discover more about rosemary companion plants by visiting our guide here.

Lavender

Lavender is a superb companion for Acanthus mollis, offering contrasting textures and colors. Its silver foliage and purple blooms set against the dark green leaves of Acanthus create a striking visual. Lavender’s drought tolerance complements Acanthus’s water needs, making them garden allies.

• How to Plant Together:
  1. Choose a location that receives full sun, benefiting both plants.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
  3. Plant lavender around 18 inches from Acanthus mollis to give both plants enough space to spread.
  4. Water moderately, as Acanthus mollis and lavender both prefer drier conditions once established.

Explore lavender companion planting and its benefits in our detailed post here.

Foxglove

Foxglove brings vertical interest and a soft texture contrast to the bold leaves of Acanthus mollis. Their bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white add depth and dimension to the garden design.

• Steps to Plant Together:
  1. Choose a partially shaded area that accommodates the light needs of both plants.
  2. Plant foxgloves about 18 inches away from Acanthus mollis to give each sufficient space to flourish.
  3. Keep the soil moist, especially during the growing season, for optimal growth.
  4. Apply a layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature.

Ferns

Ferns offer a lush, green backdrop to the dramatic foliage of Acanthus mollis. Their delicate fronds contrast with the bold Acanthus leaves, creating a textural masterpiece in shaded garden spots.

• Planting Next to Acanthus Mollis:
  1. Select a shaded or partially shaded location where ferns can thrive without direct sunlight.
  2. Space ferns approximately 24 inches from Acanthus mollis to allow for their spread.
  3. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-draining to avoid root rot.
  4. Apply a layer of organic mulch to keep the roots cool and moist during hot summers.

Heuchera

Heuchera, with its colorful foliage ranging from silver to deep burgundy, provides a stunning contrast to the greenery of Acanthus mollis. Heucheras are shade-tolerant and add a pop of color to the garden year-round.

• How to Integrate with Acanthus Mollis:
  1. Find a location with partial shade to protect Heuchera from intense afternoon sun.
  2. Plant Heuchera about 15 inches away from Acanthus to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
  4. Mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Acanthus Mollis

Bamboo

Bamboo can be overly aggressive and compete with Acanthus mollis for nutrients and water. Its rapid growth can quickly overshadow and crowd out Acanthus, leading to poor growth or even plant death.

Walnut Trees

Walnut trees produce juglone, a compound toxic to many plants, including Acanthus mollis. The chemical can inhibit growth and lead to the wilting of Acanthus under the canopy of walnut trees.

Mint

Mint is known for its invasive growth habit, which can quickly take over garden spaces. Planting mint near Acanthus mollis can result in competition for space and nutrients, potentially stifling the growth of Acanthus.

Companion Planting Chart for Acanthus Mollis

Here’s a quick reference guide to the best companion plants for Acanthus mollis and those to avoid:

Good Companions	Why They’re Good
Lavender	Drought tolerance; contrasting colors.
Salvia	Attracts pollinators; color contrast.
Rosemary	Similar water needs; aromatic foliage.
Foxglove	Vertical interest; soft texture contrast.
Ferns	Lush backdrop; textural contrast.
Heuchera	Colorful foliage; shade tolerance.

Plants to Avoid	Why to Avoid
Bamboo	Invasive growth; competes for resources.
Walnut Trees	Juglone toxicity; inhibits Acanthus growth.
Mint	Invasive; competes for space and nutrients.

Companion planting with Acanthus mollis can transform your garden into a vibrant, healthy ecosystem. By choosing the right companions, you can enhance both the beauty and the biodiversity of your garden space.