Alphabetical Plant Listing

Best Shrubs as Companion Plants for Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Deciduous Azaleas, Evergreen Azaleas, Lepidote Rhododendrons, Elepidote Rhododendrons


Azaleas and Rhododendrons, with their beautiful flowers, are one of the best-loved sights of spring. Producing a blaze of color, these popular ornamental shrubs are, however showy for only a relatively short season when in bloom. Their spectacular display can be extended by selecting species or cultivars with different blooming times or by planting companion plants for greater diversity.

Various charming shrubs work well when grown as companion plants to Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Among the most popular are Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) and Pieris japonica (Japanese andromeda) whose particularly attractive blooms overlap with those of Rhododendrons and Azaleas and create a spectacular floral display. However, since most Azaleas and Rhododendrons provide colorful interest in spring, choosing shrubs with fall and winter interest would enable you to enjoy appealing and long-lasting planting combinations. 

Here is a list of favorite companion plants for your for Azaleas and Rhododendrons. These evergreen or deciduous shrubs are famed for their showy fall color, persistent showy berries or provide attractive textural contrast. 

There are many other varieties suitable for companion planting with your Azaleas and Rhododendrons, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own successful plant combinations! These companion plants must however be able to thrive under the same growing conditions as Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 10
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Azaleas - Rhododendrons Compare All Rhododendron - Azalea Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons Guides with Rhododendron - Azalea

rbiedermann / 123RF Stock Photo

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 10
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Azaleas - Rhododendrons Compare All Rhododendron - Azalea Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons Guides with Rhododendron - Azalea

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