Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) is one of the most popular ornamental landscape plants for its large showy flower heads that provide late-season interest to the landscape. This hardy deciduous shrub has an elegant growth habit, attractive serrated foliage, and long-lasting blooms that lend structure and color to mixed borders, woodland landscapes, foundation plantings, and shrub borders.
This versatile landscape plant pairs well with many other shrubs, trees, and perennials. When choosing what to plant with hydrangeas, select companions that thrive in similar growing conditions. Hydrangeas grow best in partial shade with rich, well-draining soil and regular water. Here are some of the best companions to plant with hydrangeas, along with ideas on how to use them in your yard.
Zones: 3-9 Exposure: Full sun to shade; flowers best in partial sun Habit: Upright spreading habit Height/Spread: 1 to 4 feet tall and wide Bloom time: Summer
Astilbe is a popular garden plant with dissected fern-like foliage and showy flower plumes in colors of white, pink or red. This hardy herbaceous perennial prefers similar growing conditions to hydrangeas of dappled shade and rich, moist soil. Plant in a mixed border alongside a pink or white flowered panicle hydrangea or mass in the landscape. Learn more about growing astilbe.
Zones: 3-9 Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, with protection from hot afternoon sun Habit: Upright bushy, open, spreading or ground cover habit Height/Spread: 1 to 20 feet tall, 2 to 10 feet wide; average size of 4 to 6 feet tall and wide Bloom time: Early spring to summer; some varieties rebloom from summer to fall
This popular spring-blooming shrub has evergreen or deciduous foliage, with bell-shaped flowers in a range of colors. Azaleas enjoy the same growing conditions as hydrangeas of partial shade, rich, acidic soils, and regular moisture. Plant alongside hydrangeas in a woodland or shrub border. Learn more about growing azalea bushes.
Zones: Most begonias are hardy in Zones 8-11 and are grown as annuals. Hardy begonias survive to USDA Zone 6. Exposure: Partial sun to shade Habit: Mounding, bushy or upright habit Height/Spread: 6 to 36 inches tall, 6 to 12 inches wide Bloom time: Early summer to frost
Begonias are grown for their long bloom time, decorative foliage and versatility in the landscape. Commonly used in containers or as bedding plants, place this shade lover around the base of hydrangea plants for months of continuous color from late spring until frost. Learn more about growing begonias.
Little Lime hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’) are a gorgeous addition to any garden with their unique lime-green colored blooms and dark green foliage. These compact shrubs grow 3-5 feet tall and wide, making them ideal for flower beds and containers. While little lime hydrangeas can be grown solo, pairing them with the right companion plants enhances their beauty
When selecting companion plants choose ones with similar growing conditions as little lime hydrangeas. These flowers thrive in moist well-draining soil and partial sun, preferably morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid planting little lime hydrangeas with plants that need full sun and dry soil.
Here are some excellent companion plants to grow with little lime hydrangeas:
Perennials
Coneflowers (Echinacea) – Coneflowers produce colorful daisy-like blooms from early to late summer in shades of pink, purple, white, yellow, orange, and red. Their height ranges from 2-4 feet. The bold coneflower blossoms complement the soft green hues of little lime hydrangeas beautifully.
Coral Bells (Heuchera) – Coral bells are grown for their decorative ruffled foliage that comes in green, red, purple, and bronze. They reach 1-2 feet tall and wide. Plant coral bells around little lime hydrangeas for interesting texture and color contrast.
Astilbe – Feathery plumes of astilbe flowers in white, pink, red, or purple bloom in summer over fern-like foliage. Astilbe grows 1-4 feet tall depending on variety. It thrives in shady, moist areas, making it an ideal little lime hydrangea companion.
Lily of the Valley – Delicate, bell-shaped white flowers on arching stems give lily of the valley a romantic look. This shade-loving perennial grows 6-8 inches tall and spreads by underground rhizomes. It offers a nice textural contrast and sweet fragrance near little lime hydrangeas.
Grasses
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) – Graceful mounds of arching green leaves with white, pink, or red striping make Hakonechloa a beautiful backdrop for little lime hydrangeas. This grass grows slowly to form 1-3 foot tall clumps in part to full shade.
Dwarf Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) – A dwarf ornamental grass, fountain grass forms compact mounds of green leaves and fuzzy foxtail-like plumes that bloom from summer to fall. There are varieties that grow 1-3 feet tall and provide movement near little lime hydrangeas.
Shrubs
Azalea – Azaleas produce an abundance of colorful flowers in spring and thrive in the same growing conditions as hydrangeas – rich, acidic soil and partial shade. Plant an encore azalea near little lime hydrangeas for extended spring blooms.
Spirea – These spring-flowering shrubs bloom with dense clusters of white or pink flowers. Dwarf spirea varieties like ‘Little Princess’ grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. They complement little lime hydrangeas nicely in mixed beds and borders.
Viburnum – Often called snowball bushes, viburnums offer ornate white spring blooms and some have fall berries. They grow 4-8 feet tall depending on variety. Use as a backdrop for little lime hydrangeas in a shrub border.
Annuals & Tropicals
Begonias – For lots of color, plant wax begonias, dragon wing begonias, or other shade-loving varieties around little lime hydrangeas. Their red, pink, white, orange flowers will bloom continuously from spring until fall.
Coleus – The colorful foliage of coleus comes in shades of red, green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple. Use them as an edging plant or tuck between little lime hydrangeas to add pops of color. Keep pinched back to maintain bushiness.
Impatiens – For spots with deep shade, impatiens produce loads of flowers in red, pink, white, purple, and coral all season long. Their mounding form reaches 6-12 inches tall. Plant impatiens at the feet of little lime hydrangeas.
By pairing little lime hydrangeas with companion plants that thrive under the same growing conditions, you can create an attractive flower bed or border that looks cohesive. Use companion plants to provide visual interest during times when the hydrangeas are not in bloom. Mix heights, textures, and colors for maximum appeal!
JAPANESE MAPLE (Acer spp.)
Zones: 5-8 Exposure: Partial sun to partial shade Habit: Upright, spreading, or weeping habit Height/Spread: 8 to 30 feet tall and wide
This small to medium-sized tree is a popular choice for Asian-style and formal landscapes, with an elegant structure and dissected foliage that occurs in a range of colors. Burgundy or red-foliaged varieties lend a pop of contrast against green hydrangea foliage. Japanese maples enjoy similar growing conditions to hydrangeas of partial shade and rich, moist soil. Learn more about growing Japanese maple trees.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Hydrangeas MenuTypes, color, pruning and more
Lets Dance Lovable™ hydrangea. Photo by: Proven Winners
Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) is one of the most popular ornamental landscape plants for its large showy flower heads that provide late-season interest to the landscape. This hardy deciduous shrub has an elegant growth habit, attractive serrated foliage, and long-lasting blooms that lend structure and color to mixed borders, woodland landscapes, foundation plantings, and shrub borders.
This versatile landscape plant pairs well with many other shrubs, trees, and perennials. When choosing what to plant with hydrangeas, select companions that thrive in similar growing conditions. Hydrangeas grow best in partial shade with rich, well-draining soil and regular water. Here are some of the best companions to plant with hydrangeas, along with ideas on how to use them in your yard.
Dark Side of the Moon astilbe. Photo by: Proven Winners
Zones: 3-9 Exposure: Full sun to shade; flowers best in partial sun Habit: Upright spreading habit Height/Spread: 1 to 4 feet tall and wide Bloom time: Summer
Astilbe is a popular garden plant with dissected fern-like foliage and showy flower plumes in colors of white, pink or red. This hardy herbaceous perennial prefers similar growing conditions to hydrangeas of dappled shade and rich, moist soil. Plant in a mixed border alongside a pink or white flowered panicle hydrangea or mass in the landscape. Learn more about growing astilbe.
Perfecto Mundo® Double Pink azalea. Photo by: Proven Winners
Zones: 3-9 Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, with protection from hot afternoon sun Habit: Upright bushy, open, spreading or ground cover habit Height/Spread: 1 to 20 feet tall, 2 to 10 feet wide; average size of 4 to 6 feet tall and wide Bloom time: Early spring to summer; some varieties rebloom from summer to fall
This popular spring-blooming shrub has evergreen or deciduous foliage, with bell-shaped flowers in a range of colors. Azaleas enjoy the same growing conditions as hydrangeas of partial shade, rich, acidic soils, and regular moisture. Plant alongside hydrangeas in a woodland or shrub border. Learn more about growing azalea bushes.
Pictured: Perfecto Mundo® Double Pink azalea from Proven Winners.
Surefire® Rose begonia. Photo by: Proven Winners
Zones: Most begonias are hardy in Zones 8-11 and are grown as annuals. Hardy begonias survive to USDA Zone 6. Exposure: Partial sun to shade Habit: Mounding, bushy or upright habit Height/Spread: 6 to 36 inches tall, 6 to 12 inches wide Bloom time: Early summer to frost
Begonias are grown for their long bloom time, decorative foliage and versatility in the landscape. Commonly used in containers or as bedding plants, place this shade lover around the base of hydrangea plants for months of continuous color from late spring until frost. Learn more about growing begonias.
Pictured: Surefire® Rose begonia from Proven Winners.
Blue Whiskers blue fescue. Photo by: Proven Winners
Comparing 4 Different “Lime” Hydrangeas – Which is BEST for you?
FAQ
What not to plant next to hydrangeas?
When planting near hydrangeas, avoid sun-loving, drought-tolerant, or invasive plants. These can compete for resources or harm your hydrangeas.
What grows well next to a hydrangea?
Ferns are one of the best plants for low-light areas as they thrive in shaded areas. You can also use ferns as ground cover around your hydrangeas. Hostas are a great companion for hydrangeas because they thrive in the same soil conditions and share the same pest problems. They also have similar light requirements.
Can little lime hydrangeas take full sun?
Yes, “Little Lime” hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime’) can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates. However, in hotter climates, they may benefit from some afternoon shade.
Where is the best place to plant a limelight hydrangea?
It’s hardy to zone 3, drought tolerant, and prefers part sun to sun and good loamy soil. Soil pH does not affect its bloom color. Yet, it’s also the most adaptable of all hydrangeas to different soil types. Plant this hydrangea as a specimen or in groupings in perennial and shrub borders.