Candytuft is a low-growing subshrub. It is also known as Iberis sempervirens. Candytuft is evergreen in warmer climates but dies back in colder winters. This plant has small and long leathery green leaves and grows about 12 to 16 inches tall. The flowers are really beautiful. They start blooming in late spring and early summer and come in either white or pink.
In this article, you will find the best candytuft companion plants that go well together in your garden.
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Recommended read: Best Gomphrena Companion Plants
Angelina Stonecrop
Angelina Stonecrop is a perfect companion plant for candytuft. It is a perennial evergreen plant and has succulent-like leaves. This particular variety features golden needle-like foliage and the color changes from orange to rust in fall. This plant produces tiny yellow flowers in summer.
Angelina stonecrop is an easy-to-grow plant. It grows really well in rocky, sandy, and gravelly soil. Thus it has the name ‘stonecrop’. It needs full sun to thrive. The soil should be dry to moist, not wet. This plant grows quickly and forms a mat covering the ground.
Angelina stonecrop looks great when planted next to plants with dark foliage due to their bright yellow flowers.
Yellow Alyssum (Basket-of-Gold)
Yellow Alyssum or basket-of-gold is another great candytuft companion plant. This plant is a perennial spreader and it is known for its beautiful yellow flowers. The leaves have blueish-gray color.
Yellow alyssum grows 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 60 18 inches wide. It reseeds itself and forms a mat over time making it a good ground cover.
This plant prefers full sun. In extremely hot climates, provide them with some afternoon shade. Yellow alyssum also grows well in average, sandy, and rocky soil. The soil must be well draining. It does not like wet and clayish soil. Deer and other foraging animals don’t seem to eat this plant too. It makes it a great companion for candytuft since it is also a deer-resistant plant.
Watering, sun, and soil needs are pretty much the same as candytuft. It makes it easier to maintain these two if they are planted together.
The only downside of yellow alyssum (a.k.a basket-of-gold) is its smell. The flowers of this plant smell bad. It has the smell of aged cheese.
False Rock Cress (Aubrieta)
False rock cress which is also known as aubrieta is a plant that goes well with candytuft. This plant is one of the most colorful ground covers you can have in your garden. This is a perennial low-grower that has grayish-green foliage. Rock cress grows about 4 to 6 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide.
False rock cress like full sun. Do not plant them under shade. It will slow down their growth and make them leggy and woody. This plant grows well in average, rocky, or sandy soil but does really well in higher PH levels (6.5 to 7.5 PH levels). However, be careful increasing the PH levels because it can impact other plants that prefer neutral soil.
Recommended false rock cress varieties
- Aubrieta x cultorum Rokey’s Purple – Features bright colorful purple flowers. Works really well with candytuft.
- Aubrieta gracilis alba Snowdrift – All-white false rock cress variety.
- Aubrieta x cultorum Doctor Mules Variegated
Creeping Phlox (Moss Phlox)
Creeping phlox is one of the gardeners’ favorite ground covers of all time. Creeping phlox is also known as moss phlox and star rock phlox. This plant is also similar to others mentioned in this list. It is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial.
Creeping phlox comes in purple, pink, or white. So, you can choose a matching color to pair up with candytuft. This ground cover grows about 6 to 12 inches tall and 9 to 18 inches wide.
This plant prefers full sun, moist soil, and rich soil. However, creeping phlox grows well in rocky soil too. Add compost before planting to give it the extra boost it needs. Also, annual feeding will be required. Regular watering is required in hot climates. Just make sure not to overwater. The drainage of the soil is really important.
The only downside is that weeds can be a little problem to creeping phlox, especially in the early stages.
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How to choose the best candytuft companion plants
- Choose the perfect color combinations. Candytuft comes in white, pink, lilac, or red. So, choose something that works well together. White, pink, purple, and yellow are good combinations.
- Look for low-maintenance plants. There will be less work from your side.
- Look for plants that do well in full sun and average soil.
- Choose plants that have fewer or no pests or diseases.
