Hydrangeas are one of the most beloved flowering shrubs for the summer garden. Their large, showy blossoms come in a range of colors like pink, blue, purple, white and green that brighten up any outdoor space. While hydrangeas make a big impact on their own, combining them with companion plants can really take your garden to the next level.
The key to pairing plants with hydrangeas is choosing ones that thrive in similar growing conditions Hydrangeas prefer morning sun with afternoon shade, rich moist soil, and abundant moisture They also need shelter from hot winds. With these preferences in mind, here are 10 of the best companion plants for hydrangeas.
1. Astilbe
With feathery, fern-like foliage and plumes of flowers in white, pink and red, astilbe makes a gorgeous companion for hydrangeas These shade-loving perennials enjoy the same dappled lighting and consistently moist soil as hydrangeas Plant astilbe alongside pink or white panicle hydrangeas for a mesmerizing effect. They bloom at the same time in early to mid-summer, extending the floral display in your garden.
2. Azaleas
Azaleas and hydrangeas are a match made in garden heaven. Both plants thrive in dappled or partial shade locations and acidic, richly organic soil. Without competition from tree roots, they will flourish together. Combine azaleas with blue and purple hydrangea varieties for a synergistic and soothing color scheme. Azaleas flower a bit earlier in late spring, so you get waves of color.
3. Hostas
Hostas are another classic companion for hydrangeas. Their broad, arching leaves provide great contrast to the rounded hydrangea foliage. Hostas come in a diverse range of leaf colors like blue, gold and variegated green and white that pop against hydrangea blooms. Both plants prefer the same partially shaded habitat and moist soil conditions. Use hostas as an edging plant or massed in front of hydrangeas.
4. Ferns
The lacy, delicate foliage of ferns makes a perfect counterpoint to the bold, showy flowers of hydrangeas. Many fern varieties also share a preference for shady sites and rich, moist soil. Japanese painted fern, lady fern and autumn fern are great choices. Use ferns as accent plants throughout a hydrangea border or mass them as a lush groundcover underneath the shrubs.
5. Coral Bells
Also known as heuchera, coral bells are an attractive companion for hydrangeas. Their flowers are dainty, but it’s mostly their stunning foliage that makes them garden standouts. The leaves come in a kaleidoscope of colors like purple, chartreuse, silver, peach and lime green. This provides an eye-catching contrast or complement to nearby hydrangeas. Plant coral bells along the front of a hydrangea border.
6. Bigleaf Magnolia
The spectacular blooms and large leaves of bigleaf magnolia make a stately companion for hydrangeas. Their similar foliar features and dappled light preference help them easily coexist. Grow magnolia as a backdrop shrub to highlight colorful hydrangea blossoms out front. The early spring magnolia flowers also extend the landscape interest before hydrangeas bloom.
7. Boxwood
Neatly trimmed boxwood hedges and borders provide excellent textural contrast to the loose, wildflowers of hydrangeas. They also share preferences for partially shady spots and consistently moist, rich soil. Use boxwood to edge hydrangea planting beds or as focal points throughout the landscape. Combine the round hedge forms with mound-shaped hydrangeas for visual harmony.
8. Japanese Forest Grass
This shade-loving ornamental grass has gracefully arching leaves in green and gold variegated shades. The fine texture and mounding habit complements the larger leaves and full form of hydrangeas. Use Japanese forest grass as an edging plant along hydrangea borders or mass them together in shady planting beds. Both plants thrive in organic-rich soil with ample moisture.
9. Virginia Sweetspire
Also known as Itea, Virginia sweetspire offers long summer blooming and attractive fall foliage when planted with hydrangeas. The sweetly fragrant white bottlebrush flowers look stunning against nearby hydrangea colors. Sweetspire’s arching branches and early spring flowers also help bridge the gap before hydrangeas bloom.
10. Cranesbill Geranium
This perennial groundcover has pretty purple-blue flowers and deeply cut, palmately lobed foliage. It spreads readily to form a dense green carpet that suppresses weeds and keeps soil moist around hydrangea roots. Cranesbill geranium thrives in dappled sunlight and moist, nutrient-rich soil just like hydrangeas. Use it as an attractive living mulch around the shrubs.
By combining hydrangeas with plants that suit their cultural needs, you can create captivating garden displays with depth, contrast and extended bloom periods. Be sure to provide all the plants with ample moisture through consistent watering and mulching. With the right companion plants, your hydrangeas will thrive and put on their best floral show yet.
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How to grow hydrangeas
From watering to sun exposure, here’s everything you need to know to get growing! Some things to consider when planting your hydrangea:
- Soil: Average, well-drained soils. A 2-3″ layer of shredded bark mulch is highly recommended.
- Light: Thrives in sun (6+ hours sun) to part sun (4-6 hours sun). Some hydrangeas do well in partial shade (<4 hours sun) or filtered sunlight. Morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal for nearly every hydrangea variety, especially in hotter climates.
- Water: Hydrangeas have average to high water needs, and once established. For the best growth, soils should never be dry or waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Little required. Apply a granular rose fertilizer in early spring if desired.
- Winterizing: Hydrangeas are cold tolerant and need little more than a 2-3″ layer of mulch to conserve moisture and prevent cold damage to the roots.
- Maintenance & pruning: This will differ depending on if your hydrangea blooms on old or new wood. If your hydrangea blooms on new wood (panicle & smooth) the plant creates its flower buds only once it has started leafing out in spring. This means it can be pruned in spring and still flower. We recommend cutting back by one-third of its total length in early spring. If your hydrangea blooms on old wood (bigleaf, oakleaf, mountain, & climbing), that means they have their flower buds for the following season all through winter, so they cannot be cut back without removing flower buds. It is best to avoid pruning or trimming them, though you may selectively remove branches to develop a nice shape and silhouette if desired.
What Would You like to Learn About Today?
Hydrangeas are a statement shrub adored by gardeners across the globe. They are adored for their extreme versatility, with giant flower heads and ever-changing color displays that look great in nearly any garden. When paired with other shrubs, perennials, and grasses, hydrangeas can provide the ultimate focal point for building a garden oasis!
Whether gardening in a sunny spot or trying to spruce up a shaded area, we’ll share our top picks for hydrangea companion plants for nearly any landscape.
Best Hydrangea Companion Plants | What to Plant with Hydrangeas | Hydrangea Care
FAQ
What plant pairs well with hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas pair beautifully with hostas for shade, roses for romance, and ornamental grasses for texture.
What is the best landscaping with hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas like companions too. Annuals, like zinnias and snapdragons, ornamental grasses, hostas, ferns, evergreens like camellias and purple loropetalum, and small-to-medium-sized trees, like dogwoods, make good companion plants for hydrangeas.
Where should you not plant hydrangeas?
Where should you not plant hydrangeas? Hydrangeas should not be planted in USDA hardiness zones 1 and 2 as they won’t be able to tolerate the colder climate. Hydrangeas also should not be planted under trees because there will be too much root competition and lack of sun for these plants to adequately thrive.
Should I plant 2 hydrangeas together?
It may be tempting to plant them close together, but make sure you’re not planting them too close. When they’re packed close together, airflow is reduced and disease is more prevalent. Leave adequate space between plants to allow airflow for happy plants (and happy gardeners).