Mass plantings of succulents are impressive. Like when you take 100s of sempervivum and plant a sea that rolls through your landscaping, swallowing plant beds in waves of red and green. However, succulents are also impressive for their stunning look when you only use a few plants.

In containers with only a few succulents, companion plants (non-succulent plants that work well with succulents) are ideal for highlighting the unique forms and colors of the succulents. The varieties of companion plants that you use really depends on your personal preferences.

Annuals and Perennials
Annuals flower for one year before they die. These are plants like Straw Flowers, Gazanias, Lobelia, and Licorice plant. Perennials flower year after year. These are plants like Lavender plants, sun loving Heuchera, and Ajuga. Flowers are the primary attraction of both annuals and perennials. The flowers of these plants can add an extra sparkle to a container of succulents, turning it into a jaw-dropping arrangement.

Ground Covers
These are plants that form a low mat of growth. They give you a background that contrasts with taller succulents. Plants like Irish Moss, Creeping Jenny and Verbena are great ground covers and some have the additional benefit of being trailing plants in containers.

Grasses
Black, blue, green, red, yellow. Grasses have almost as much color variation as succulents. The form and coloring of ornamental grasses can both contrast and repeat the look of your succulents.

Shrubs
This is another huge group of plants where the choice is really up to your taste and the required planting conditions. Small shrubs like junipers, Hinoki Cypress and Barberry bushes creating a subtle backdrop that enhances the look of your succulents.

When using any companion plants you will want to monitor how they grow together. Make sure that larger, or more aggressive varieties don't leave your succulents with too much shade, or choke them out entirely.

Using companion plants will help you accentuate the other-world look of your succulents and create an impressive arrangement. Whether you use 3 or 300 plants, you're sure to make a masterpiece with succulents.