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12 Must-Have Companion Plants For A Thriving Hibiscus 

12 Must-Have Companion Plants For A Thriving Hibiscus 

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What plant can take your garden to the next level? Hibiscus, of course! They’re renowned for their absolutely stunning blossoms that add a tropical vibe to any garden.

But did you know that adding companions can make your hibiscus even more beautiful and, more importantly, super healthy? 

Look, not every neighbor is a good neighbor, so you must be careful when selecting plants to grow next to your prized hibiscus. 

Don’t worry, I’ll show you exactly which plants are the perfect match for your hibiscus, making sure your garden thrives in both color and health!

1. Lavender Will Deter Pests And Attract Pollinators

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If you want to make your hibiscus garden even more stunning, adding lavender is a brilliant move. I have to admit that its striking purple flowers blend beautifully with hibiscus blooms.

But lavender does more than just look pretty! Its strong scent repels common garden pests like aphids and mosquitoes, so it’ll help you protect your hibiscus from unwanted visitors. 

Oh, and in the meantime? Lavender will attract beneficial pollinators such as butterflies and bees and will make sure your hibiscus gets the attention it needs to thrive year after year!

2. Marigolds And Hibiscus Are A Match Made In Heaven

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Have you been looking for a stunning and functional plant combo? Your quest is officially over because marigolds and hibiscus are the most perfect pairing ever!

The bright, sunny petals of marigolds harmonize beautifully with the bold colors of hibiscus, so your garden will look like a dream.

But the benefits don’t stop at their appearance. Marigolds are natural pest fighters which means they’ll easily keep aphids and other harmful insects away from your hibiscus.

With this dynamic duo in your garden, you’ll enjoy both stunning flowers and a healthier, pest-free hibiscus plant.

3. Daylilies Are A Perfect Low-Maintenance Companions

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If you don’t consider yourself a green thumb, daylilies are the ideal plants for you. Did I mention they pair perfectly with hibiscus?

Their stunning flowers provide a lovely backdrop to the hibiscus blooms and best of all, they last really long.

Daylilies tolerate drought and poor soil, which means they won’t compete with your hibiscus for nutrients. They don’t need a lot of space so your hibiscus will have enough room to spread. It’s a win-win situation!

4. Everyone Likes Bee Balm!

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We love bee balm, pollinators love bee balm, and guess who else loves it? Hibiscus!

Before I say anything else, I must warn you that some bee balm varieties are actually considered invasive. So, be careful! My vote definitely goes to the Petite Delight Bee Balm.

It’s not invasive, doesn’t exceed 12 inches, and thrives in similar conditions as your hibiscus. Plus, its blossoms look incredible so your garden won’t lack beauty!

5. Colorful Petunias For A Stunning Garden Display

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Nothing will bring more color and charm to your hibiscus garden than a mix of petunias. These versatile bloomers come in so many colors that beautifully contrast with hibiscus blooms.

Petunias’ low-maintenance nature makes them perfect for busy gardeners, and best of all, they thrive in the same soil and sunlight conditions as hibiscus.

As an added bonus, petunias attract pollinators and we all know that these little creatures are responsible for hibiscus blooms!

6. Heat-Tolerant Lantanas Thrive Alongside Hibiscus

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Do you need a plant that can handle the heat and complement your hibiscus? Lantana is the one you want. 

Lantanas and hibiscus are definitely a dynamic duo for sun-loving gardens. Their cheerful flowers pair perfectly with hibiscus, so you don’t need to worry about the beauty of your landscape.

The good news is that lantanas require minimal care and you’ll have a thriving garden with little effort.

7. Long-Lasting Zinnias Are Another Great Choice

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Who wants a garden that stays colorful and lively all season long? If your answer is yes, then you must plant zinnias next to your hibiscus.

Zinnias are known for their long-lasting blooms! These plants thrive in sunny conditions and will continue to produce vibrant flowers throughout the summer and long into the fall

They’re also heat-tolerant and low-maintenance, meaning they’ll thrive in the same sunny spots as your hibiscus.

8. Don’t Forget To Add Hardy Salvias!

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Don’t overlook the power of hardy salvias in your hibiscus garden. These tough, drought-resistant plants can handle the heat and dry conditions that hibiscus loves, making them the ideal companion.

They’re also natural pollinator magnets so you can expect bees and butterflies in no time!

Another great salvia feature is that it thrives even on neglect so you don’t need to have any special skills to keep it flourishing!

9. Black-Eyed Susans Bring Many Benefits

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When you add Black-eyed Susans to your hibiscus garden, you’re getting more than just a pop of color. 

These sturdy flowers thrive in the same sun-soaked, well-drained conditions that hibiscus loves, making them easy to grow alongside your tropical plants. 

Black-eyed Susans are also incredibly beneficial to the ecosystem! They’ll attract pollinators and help your hibiscus produce more blooms. 

The bright, golden-yellow petals provide a stunning contrast to the hibiscus’ bold flowers. A breathtaking garden display, here I come!

10. Snapdragons For Vertical Interest

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Snapdragons are a fantastic way to introduce vertical interest to your hibiscus garden. These elegant, upright flowers reach towards the sky and offer a beautiful counterpoint to the spreading nature of hibiscus.

They thrive in similar conditions (full sun and well-drained soil) so they’ll grow happily alongside your hibiscus and give your garden layers of beauty and texture.

11. Ladybugs Love Fennel!

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Ladybugs are a gardener’s best friend, and fennel is the perfect plant to invite them. Ladybugs enjoy munching on aphids and other pests and will protect your hibiscus from these nuisances. 

Fennel’s bright, sunny flowers add an additional splash of color and a touch of elegance to your garden.

Hibiscus and fennel really get along well so why don’t you give them an opportunity to hang out more?

12. Sweet Potato Vine Keeps Hibiscus Roots Safe!

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And now, my favorite hibiscus companion: sweet potato vine! 

Look, sweet potato vine is more than just a beautiful, trailing ground cover. It’s also a protective shield for your hibiscus roots. 

This hardy, fast-growing vine forms a dense mat that helps keep the soil around your hibiscus roots cool and moist, especially during the hot summer months

By planting sweet potato vine near your hibiscus, you’ll also help prevent soil erosion and reduce weed competition. And with its vibrant, heart-shaped leaves and cascading growth, it’s not just functional, it’s a gorgeous, low-maintenance addition to your garden.

With the right companions, your hibiscus can thrive like never before: vibrant, healthy, and ready to impress!