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Companion Planting 101 - Fernlea Flowers

Gardening Tips

Companion Planting 101: The Best Plants & Foliage to Pair with Dipladenia

Elevate your garden with stunning companion planting ideas! Add color, texture, and depth to your space with these easy, eye-catching combinations.

Dipladenia plants, including Rio, Calypso , and Samba are lush, tropical bloomers that thrive in warm, sunny conditions. With their continuous, low-maintenance blooms, they make a perfect focal point in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets. But to truly elevate your spring and summer garden, pairing Dipladenia with the right companion plants can enhance color, texture, and depth—all while ensuring a thriving, easy-care garden!

Ready to create a show-stopping garden display? Let’s explore the best Fernlea companion plants for your Dipladenia!



1. Rio Dipladenia + Awesome Accents® Sweet Potato Vine

Why They Work Together:

  • Sweet Potato Vine’s bold foliage in lime green, bronze, or deep purple contrasts beautifully with Rios bright red, pink, or white flowers.
  • Both plants love full sun and warm temperatures, making them a perfect, heat-loving pair.
  • The trailing habit of Sweet Potato Vine balances the upright growth of Dipladenia, filling out containers and hanging baskets.

Best Pairing Ideas:

  • Plant Rio Dipladenia in the center of a container, with Sweet Potato Vine (from our Awesome Accents) spilling over the edges.
  • Use in hanging baskets, letting both plants create a flowing, cascading look.





2. Samba Dipladenia + Awesome Accents® Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’

Why They Work Together:

  • Samba’s growth looks stunning paired with Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, which produces elegant, silver-gray cascading foliage.
  • Both plants thrive in hot, sunny conditions with minimal watering needs.
  • Silvery leaves provide a soft contrast to Samba’s deep pink and coral blooms.

Best Pairing Ideas:

  • Perfect for tall planters or hanging baskets, allowing both plants to spill over beautifully.
  • Pair with Cordyline from the Garden Tropic collection for a bold, tropical display.





3. Calypso Dipladenia + Awesome Accents® Purple Fountain Grass

Why They Work Together:

  • Calypso Dipladenia’s large, tropical blooms contrast beautifully with Purple Fountain Grass’s tall, feathery plumes.
  • This pairing adds height and movement to garden beds and planters.
  • Both plants thrive in full sun and require minimal maintenance.

Best Pairing Ideas:

  • Use in large garden beds, with Purple Fountain Grass (from our Awesome Accents collection) in the back and Calypso Dipladenia in the front.
  • Create a bold container arrangement, using Purple Fountain Grass as a dramatic center feature.





4. Dipladenia Trio (Rio, Calypso & Samba) + Garden Tropic Majesty Palm

Why They Work Together:

  • Majesty Palm’s towering height adds a lush, tropical backdrop to Dipladenia’s vibrant blooms.
  • Large, arching fronds create shade while maintaining an exotic feel.
  • Dipladenia’s compact, bushy form balances Majesty Palm’s vertical structure.

Best Pairing Ideas:

  • Layer in large patio planters, placing Majesty Palm (from our Garden Tropic collection) in the center and Dipladenia around the base.
  • Use in garden beds for a bold, tropical garden design.





5. Rio Dipladenia + Garden Tropic Cordyline

Why They Work Together:

  • Cordyline has dramatic, spiky foliage in rich red and burgundy hues, which complements Dipladenia’s soft, trumpet-like flowers.
  • Both plants are heat- and drought-tolerant, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
  • Adds a bold contrast of height and texture to any garden arrangement.

Best Pairing Ideas:

  • Use in tall, decorative planters with Cordyline (from our Garden Tropic collection)as the anchor and Dipladenia as the filling feature.
  • Plant in garden beds for a modern, structured tropical look.





6. Rio Dipladenia + Awesome Accents® Tradescantia

Why They Work Together:

  • Tradescantia’s purple, green, and silver foliage creates a stunning color contrast with the Rios vibrant red, pink, or white flowers.
  • Both plants are easy to grow and thrive in warm conditions.
  • The trailing habit of Tradescantia adds texture and depth to containers and garden beds.

Best Pairing Ideas:

  • Mix in patio containers with Dipladenia for a bold color contrast.
  • Use in hanging baskets, allowing both plants to spill over for an elegant, flowing effect.





Create a Stunning Dipladenia Companion Garden!

With the right Fernlea companion plants, your Rio, Calypso, and Samba Dipladenias will stand out even more! Whether you want a bold, tropical look with Majesty Palm and Cordyline, a cascading display with Dichondra and Sweet Potato Vine, or a dramatic pairing with Purple Fountain Grass, these combinations will ensure your garden is full of color, texture, and life all season long.

Want to be the first to get your hands on Dipladenia and its perfect plant partners? Sign up for Fresh Shipment Alerts to know when they arrive at a store near you!