Vital Agave Companion Plants 7 Best & 5 Bad

I’m excited to share my insights on agave companion plants, highlighting 7 plants that synergize well with agave and 5 that should be avoided.

Good Agave Companion Plants

Lavender

Pairing lavender with agave is a match made in heaven due to their similar needs for sun and well-draining soil. Lavender, with its delightful fragrance and purple blooms, not only complements the striking appearance of agave but also helps repel pests that might otherwise be attracted to your garden.

• Step-by-Step Planting Guide:
  1. Choose a sunny spot where both plants can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-draining; amend with sand or gravel if necessary.
  3. Plant lavender about 18 inches away from agave to allow enough room for growth.
  4. Water moderately; these plants thrive in dry conditions.
  5. Mulch lightly around lavender to keep the root zone cool.

Explore all other lavender companion plants to create a harmonious and vibrant garden.

Rosemary

Rosemary and agave form a drought-tolerant duo, perfect for low-water gardens. Rosemary’s aromatic foliage and resilience to pests make it an excellent companion, promoting a healthy environment for agave.

• How to Co-Plant:
  1. Select a location that receives full sun and has good air circulation.
  2. Space rosemary at least 2 feet from agave to prevent overcrowding.
  3. Use sandy, well-drained soil to mimic their natural habitat.
  4. Water sparingly, as both plants prefer dry conditions.
  5. Prune rosemary regularly to encourage bushy growth and better air flow.

Dive deeper into rosemary companion planting for a robust and aromatic garden.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum, or stonecrop, offers a groundcover solution that meshes well with agave’s upright structure. Its succulent leaves and drought tolerance mirror agave’s care requirements, making them ideal partners.

• Planting Together:
  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
  2. Plant sedum around the base of agave as a living mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
  3. Keep a distance of at least 12 inches between sedum and agave to give each plant enough space.
  4. Water infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
  5. Enjoy the contrasting textures and forms of these plants together.

Yucca

Yucca and agave are desert natives, sharing many of the same preferences for growing conditions. Yucca’s tall spikes complement the rosette form of agave, creating an eye-catching vertical element in the garden.

• Growing Guide:
  1. Plant in a location with full sun exposure and excellent drainage.
  2. Space yucca at least 3 feet away from agave to accommodate their growth.
  3. Use a gravel mix in the planting hole to improve drainage.
  4. Water sparingly, as both plants are highly drought-tolerant.
  5. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring for optimal growth.

Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican feather grass brings a soft texture and movement to the garden, contrasting beautifully with agave’s rigid form. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements make it a hassle-free companion.

• How to Integrate:
  1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  2. Plant Mexican feather grass at least 24 inches from agave to prevent crowding.
  3. Water lightly until established, then only during prolonged dry periods.
  4. Trim back in late winter to encourage fresh, spring growth.
  5. Enjoy the dynamic contrast between the delicate grass and the bold agave.

Oregano

Oregano is a fantastic culinary herb that also serves as a great companion for agave, thanks to its ground-covering growth habit and drought tolerance. Its strong scent can deter pests, offering natural protection for your agave plants.

• Planting Steps:
  1. Find a sunny spot with well-draining soil, similar to the requirements of agave.
  2. Space oregano plants around 15 inches apart from agave to ensure adequate airflow.
  3. Plant in shallow holes, as oregano does not require deep planting.
  4. Water sparingly, mimicking the natural dry conditions both plants enjoy.
  5. Harvest oregano leaves regularly to encourage a dense, bushy plant that will cover the ground and suppress weeds.

Immerse yourself in the art of oregano companion planting for a fragrant and productive garden.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, with its succulent leaves and medicinal properties, is another ideal companion for agave. Both plants thrive under the same conditions, making them easy to care for together. Aloe vera can also benefit from the shade provided by larger agave species during peak sun hours.

• Companion Planting Guide:
  1. Choose a sunny location where both plants can thrive.
  2. Ensure the soil has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
  3. Space aloe vera plants about 18 inches from agave to give both plants room to spread.
  4. Water minimally, as overwatering can harm both succulents.
  5. Use aloe vera’s leaves to treat skin irritations or burns, adding a functional aspect to your garden.

Learn more about the advantages of aloe vera companion planting in your sustainable garden.

Plants to Avoid Near Agave

Cacti

While it might seem intuitive to plant cacti near agave due to similar environmental needs, it’s best to avoid this pairing in small gardens. Cacti can compete with agave for space and resources, leading to overcrowding and reduced growth for both plants.

Lush, Water-Loving Plants

Plants that require a lot of water, such as ferns or hostas, should not be planted near agave. The differing water needs can lead to overwatering of agave, potentially causing root rot and fungal diseases.

Large Trees or Shrubs

Large trees or shrubs can overshadow agave, depriving it of the full sun it needs to thrive. Additionally, the root systems of large plants can interfere with agave’s roots, stunting its growth.

Invasive Ground Covers

Invasive ground covers, such as ivy or mint, can quickly overtake the space around agave, competing for water, nutrients, and light. Their aggressive growth habits can also make it difficult to manage the garden.

Vegetables Requiring Rich Soil

Vegetables that need rich, constantly moist soil, like lettuce or cucumbers, are not suitable companions for agave. The soil condition and watering regime required by these vegetables do not align with the needs of agave, leading to poor growth for both.

Companion Planting Chart for Agave

Good Companions	Why Plant Together?
Lavender	Drought tolerance, pest repellent
Rosemary	Similar water needs, aromatic pest deterrent
Sedum (Stonecrop)	Groundcover, water-wise
Yucca	Complementary forms, shared environmental needs
Mexican Feather Grass	Texture contrast, low water requirement
Oregano	Ground cover, natural pest repellent
Aloe Vera	Similar care needs, medicinal benefits