5 Plant Pairings for the Early Spring Landscape
Published On: Feb 2, 2024
Updated On: Sep 24, 2026
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For many, the purpose of life is defined by the ability to find your ‘other half,’ the piece that makes you whole and the person who complements you like no other. This idea of a soulmate, or someone you share a deep connection with, has been romanticized since the early 19th century.
In the spirit of love, with Valentine’s Day approaching quickly, we decided to focus this blog on the idea of soulmates for plants, AKA Soilmates! In this blog, we will dive into five companion plant pairings for the early spring landscape. These plants are beautiful when planted alone, but when paired together, they create a living masterpiece. Keep reading to learn more about the trees, shrubs, and perennials that are simply plant matches made in heaven! Plant these duos in your yard this spring season, and get ready to fall in love with their harmonious beauty year after year!
Factors To Consider When Pairing Plants In The Landscape
Before we dive into the spring plant pairings of our dreams, we must first go over the main factors to consider when pairing plants in the landscape. Because plants are so particular when it comes to growing conditions, you cannot just pick any two plants at random and hope that they will thrive. It is essential that you first consider the following factors.
Growing Conditions
The first and most important factor to consider when selecting your plant pairs is each plant's required growing conditions. You will want to select plants suited to your specific grow zone and with similar needs for light levels, watering, and soil conditions! If you select a tree that requires a ton of water and pair it with a plant better suited to dry conditions, you are likely to be disappointed and end up with one or more dead plants.
Growth Patterns
The next thing you want to keep in mind is the growth pattern of your plants. Pairing a ground cover plant with a vertical growing shrub is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, whereas if you select two plants with vertical growth habits, they are likely to compete for the spotlight and ruin the harmony of your garden. It’s best to select a duo with opposite growth patterns so both can grow happily without interference.
Complimentary Colors
The last thing to consider when choosing soilmate-esque plants is the colors! While we are all for a garden filled with a rainbow of colors, there is something so special about intentionally selecting plants that complement one another best! Check out the complimentary color wheel for inspiration for your next garden pairing!
Perfect Companion Plant Pairings For Spring
Can’t think of any plants to pair in your garden? Don’t sweat it; we’ve got you covered! Below are five of our favorite spring plant pairs that bloom in early spring!
Amethyst Falls Wisteria Vine & Bloom-A-Thon® Pink Double Azalea
The first iconic plant duo that we simply adore in the early spring landscape is Amethyst Falls Wisteria Vine and the Bloom-a-thon Pink Double Azalea. The whimsical cascade of purple Wisteria blooms climbs effortlessly on trellises and arbors while the hot pink Bloom-a-Thon Azalea pops against the subtle greens of the landscape. We just fell in love...did you?
Pink Drift Rose & White Kousa Dogwood Tree
Next on the list of spring plant pairings we can't get enough of is the classic Pink Drift Rose Shrub planted in a neat row in front of the majestic White Kousa Dogwood Tree.
The way the white blooms tower over the vibrant sea of roses is a sight that cannot be beat. Not to mention, both plants thrive in well-drained soil and moderate sunshine!
Spring Glory Forsythia & Eastern Redbud
While we're on the topic of breathtaking blooms, we can't forget two of spring's most glorious early bloomers! Spring Glory Forsythia and Eastern Redbud Trees are two of the very first plants to explode in color in spring! If you are eager to get the blooms going in your landscape, then this is likely the duo for you. We'll admit, this pairing does go a bit against our policy of complementary colors, but there is something about the bold yellows and deep magenta blooms together that just makes our hearts flutter!
Natchez Crape Myrtle & Cats Pajamas Nepeta
Our next companion plant pairing we adore for landscapes in spring is the Natchez Crape Myrtle and Cat's Pajamas Nepeta. The cool-toned peeling bark and vibrant green leaves on the Natchez Crape Myrtle make for such a beautiful contrast with the sweet lilac blooms on the Nepeta. These plants are both known to be readily adaptable to their environments and are praised for their drought tolerance, so in addition to beauty, you also have the low-maintenance nature to fall in love with as well! It's important to note that the Crape Myrtle's main season of interest is not till the summer when it produces a mass of white blooms, but this just makes this duo that much more intriguing!
Petite Knock Out Rose Bush & Hosta Francee
Last but certainly not least on our list of soilmate plants made to grow side by side are the Petite Knock Out Rose Bush and the Hosta Francee. The low-growing nature of the Petite Knock Out Bush makes for the perfect backdrop for the shade-loving Hosta Francee. Not to mention, the vibrant reds alongside the neon greens and white stripes are just to die for! Do you love this duo as much as we do?
Shop Perfect Plant Pairs Online Today
No matter your style, we’re confident that here at Garden Goods Direct, you will find just what you need to make a landscape that’s absolutely breathtaking! Shop our wide selection of trees, shrubs, and perennial plants online today and have them shipped directly to your front door!