Top 10 Companion Plants for Aloes in Dry Gardens

Aloes are stunning plants that are perfect for dry gardens. They add a touch of the exotic to any outdoor space and are low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for gardeners. While Aloes can thrive on their own, they can also be enhanced by companion plants that complement their beauty with differing plant forms and textures.

Here are 10 companion plants for Aloes in the dry garden:

• Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’ - Pictured just above a low stone wall, this mature Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’ adds upright structure and vibrant color to the mid-tier of the planting bed. Its bronze-red bracts are just beginning to show, creating a warm contrast to the soft greens and silvers nearby.

   

  

• Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa) - A standout in dry gardens for its soft, felted foliage and showy yellow blooms that appear in stacked whorls along upright stems. It softens the architectural feel of Agaves and pairs well with yellow-flowered aloes such as Aloe ‘Moonglow’. Once established, it thrives on minimal water and brings a Mediterranean softness to xeric planting schemes.

   

  

• Euphorbia ammak - Though often mistaken for a cactus, Euphorbia ammak is a succulent with low water needs and stunning architectural form. Its upright, leafless growth means it won’t shed into nearby agaves or aloes—a real bonus in a spiky garden. Here, it’s paired with the fine-textured Leucadendron linifolium, which brings movement and creates visual relief in a bold-textured planting scheme. Both plants are slow-growing, low-maintenance, and thrive in well-drained soils with full sun exposure.

   

  

• Lavender - this mid-ground plant brings soft texture and seasonal color to the low-water landscape, breaking up the rigid lines and bold forms of Aloes and Agaves. With its fine, gray-green foliage and purple blooms, it spreads readily by seed and thrives in full sun with little water. Here, it pairs naturally with the vivid tones of Leucadendron ‘Wilson’s Wonder’ (seen in the background), adding movement and harmony to a planting scheme.

   

  

• Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) - Tucked into the foreground of this sloped bed, a mounding scented geranium softens the sharp silhouette of Agave franzosinii with airy foliage and sprays of delicate white flowers. While the exact cultivar is uncertain, many Pelargonium species with finely divided, aromatic leaves offer similar benefits—low water use, seasonal bloom, and a lush, cottage-garden texture that contrasts beautifully with bolder succulents. Look for varieties labeled as scented or old-fashioned types when shopping.

   

  

• Leucospermum sp. - Among the many Leucospermum species, Leucospermum pattersonii 'Brothers' adds a burst of drama to the dry garden with its vivid pincushion blooms and dense, leathery foliage. While not quite as drought-tolerant as agave or aloes, it’s a fantastic match in look and feel. With adequate irrigation in its first year—or occasional supplemental water beyond—it rewards with months of standout blooms that contrast beautifully with spiky or architectural companions. Best placed in slightly amended, well-draining soil and full sun.

   

  

• California Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum) - Offers fine texture and low mounding structure that complements the bold, upright forms of succulents. It thrives in full sun, needs very little water once established, and serves as a key pollinator plant. Its small scale makes it a great choice for foreground placement near Aloes and Agaves.

   

  

Tips for Combining Textures

When pairing Aloes with companions, think about leaf contrast: use soft or lacy forms next to rigid rosettes. Play with color echo—from Aloe blooms to foliage tones in shrubs or perennials. Even plants with modest flowers can elevate a dry garden when placed thoughtfully.

• Grevillea "Moonlight" - This large plant offers an airy, almost translucent structure that brings height (as much as 10ft - 15ft) without heaviness to the low-water landscape. Pictured in the background (and partially in the foreground), its feathery foliage gently filters views while still letting in light. Growing into a small tree form, it’s best placed along the garden’s outer edge—where its graceful height can provide privacy or screen out less desirable views without feeling imposing.

   

  

• Leucadendron "Jubilee Crown" - adds a vertical, fine-textured contrast to bold succulents like Aloe and Agave. Its upright habit and red-tipped bracts offer winter interest without overwhelming nearby structural plants.

   

  

• Salvia africana-lutea (Beach Salvia) - This South African native offers unusual coppery-orange flowers and can handle tough conditions once established—but it benefits from occasional deep watering, especially in the first year. While not as drought-tolerant as some California native sages, it holds up better than many ornamental salvias. Consider pairing with tougher native Salvia species if you're building a garden with extremely low water use.

   

  

• Bonus! - read our blog post about using Yucca in the Dry Garden - also an excellent plant to pair with Aloes and Agave.

These 10 companion plants are perfect for Aloes in the Mediterranean-style garden, offering a range of unique forms, colors, and textures. Whether you’re looking for a background plant, a focal point, or a cheerful touch, there’s a companion plant that’s sure to fit the bill.

Ready to bring your dry garden to life?
Explore our curated selection of drought-tolerant companion plants and Aloe varieties—or contact us for personalized garden advice tailored to your space.