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 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
Genus	Rhododendron
Exposure	Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics	Showy
Tolerance	Rabbit
Attracts	Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas	Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Banks And Slopes, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Favorite Shrub Companion Plants for Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Berberis koreana (Korean Barberry)

With exceptional hardiness, Berberis koreana (Korean Barberry) is a captivating plant that offers year-round appeal. In mid-spring, this small semi-evergreen shrub showcases beautiful hanging clusters of golden-yellow flowers. These blooms are followed by an abundance of bright red berries that often persist through winter. The foliage transitions from medium green in summer to stunning maroon and deep purple hues in the fall, adding to its allure.

Hardiness	3 - 7
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea (Purple Japanese Barberry)

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea (Purple Japanese Barberry) is a stunning choice for adding vibrant color to any landscape. This deciduous shrub boasts broad oval leaves in a striking reddish-purple hue that transitions to brilliant red or red-orange tones in autumn. In mid to late spring, it produces delicate scented pale yellow flowers, followed by a bountiful display of bright red berries in the fall.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Spread	1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)

Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’ (Summersweet)

Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’ (Summersweet) is a compact, fragrant shrub that blooms in mid to late summer with white bottlebrush spikes. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The dark brown fruits and golden-yellow foliage provide interest in fall. It thrives in shady locations and produces abundant blooms.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ (Summersweet)

This compact and beautiful shrub features bright pink, fragrant flower spikes that last for up to six weeks in mid-late summer. With lustrous dark green leaves that turn a glowing yellow in fall, it provides great fall color. Plant it near a patio to fully enjoy its extremely fragrant blooms, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Enkianthus campanulatus (Redvein Enkianthus)

Enkianthus campanulatus (Redvein Enkianthus) is a stunning upright shrub that offers a beautiful display throughout the seasons. From late spring to mid-summer, it showcases clusters of nodding bell-shaped flowers with red veins in shades of creamy-yellow to whitish-pink. The elliptic blue-green leaves cluster at the branch tips and transform into magnificent hues of orange and red in the fall. This shrub is generally resilient against pests and diseases.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid), Fall
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ (Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ is the ultimate red-flowered Witch Hazel, a sizable deciduous shrub with a spreading form. It thrives in winter, boasting clusters of fragrant, red to copper-red flowers. Each flower exhibits 4 crinkled, ribbon-like petals with claret bases and a purple-red calyx. The broad, oval green leaves transition to stunning shades of yellow, orange, and red come fall.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Seasons	Fall, Winter
Height	8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)
Spread	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ (Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ is a highly regarded Witch Hazel known for its profuse blooms, exceptional foliage, and stunning autumn colors. This hardy, medium to large shrub boasts dense clusters of intensely fragrant, bright sulfur-yellow flowers in late winter. The distinct flowers feature 4 curled, strap-shaped petals and red-purple calyces. The ascending branches are adorned with broad oval green leaves that transform into striking shades of yellow during fall.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Seasons	Fall, Winter
Height	9' - 12' (270cm - 3.7m)
Spread	9' - 12' (270cm - 3.7m)

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel), the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its year-round appeal. In late spring to early summer, it bursts into bloom with abundant clusters of pale pink, bell-shaped flowers emerging from deep pink buds. Its glossy, oval leaves transition beautifully from light green to dark green and purple. Native to Eastern North America, this captivating shrub is a popular choice for ornamental gardens. However, all parts are highly toxic.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	5' - 15' (150cm - 4.6m)
Spread	5' - 15' (150cm - 4.6m)

Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape Holly)

Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape Holly) is a captivating evergreen shrub that adds color and interest to shaded gardens. Its cheerful yellow flowers in spring attract pollinators, followed by clusters of edible dark blue-purple berries in late summer. The lustrous holly-like leaves emerge bronze-red, mature to glossy dark green, and turn deep burgundy in fall. This small ornamental shrub is the State Flower of Oregon.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm)

Mahonia repens (Creeping Mahonia)

Mahonia repens (Creeping Mahonia) forms an attractive and dense ground cover, providing year-round interest. In spring, it produces cheerful racemes of bright golden-yellow flowers, followed by clusters of dark blue-purple, edible berries in late summer. The glossy, leathery, blue-green leaves add texture, turning vibrant hues of mauve, rose, and rust during winter.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Late), Fall, Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

Pieris ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’ (Japanese Andromeda)

Pieris ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’ is a superb selection for any landscape. This dense and compact evergreen shrub offers desirable winter interest, abundant spring blooms, and delightful foliage that maintains its color year-round. With deep purplish-red flower buds in winter, it beautifully contrasts the shiny, dark green leaves. In spring, it produces an abundance of urn-shaped, pendulous, creamy white flowers held in horizontal trusses at the branch tips.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Winter
Height	5' - 7' (150cm - 210cm)
Spread	5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)

Vaccinium angustifolium (Lowbush Blueberry)

Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is a captivating native plant that offers long-lasting beauty. It features clusters of waxy, white, pink-tinged flowers in spring, followed by abundant edible blueberries in summer. The glossy foliage transitions from reddish-green to bluish-green in summer, and in fall, it dazzles with shades of bronze, scarlet, and crimson. Even in winter, its twiggy branches add charm to the landscape.

Hardiness	2 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Viburnum carlesii (Koreanspice Viburnum)

Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) is a stunning deciduous shrub that offers beauty throughout the seasons. It showcases fragrant, blushing pink snowball flowers in spring, followed by oval, bright red fruits in summer. The foliage transitions from copper-colored to dark green and turns either wine-red or burgundy in the fall.

Hardiness	4 - 7
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spread	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)

Viburnum lentago (Nannyberry)

Viburnum lentago, or Nannyberry, is a remarkable deciduous shrub or small tree known for its showy flowers, glossy foliage, and vibrant fall colors. Its creamy-white flower clusters in spring give way to pendulous clusters of bluish-black berries in fall, providing food for wildlife. The ovate, glossy dark green leaves turn attractive shades of yellow, red, and purple in autumn.

Hardiness	2 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)
Spread	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)

Viburnum opulus (European Cranberrybush)

Viburnum opulus (European Cranberrybush) is highly valued for its colorful foliage, attractive fruits, and vibrant fall display. In late spring, this deciduous shrub blooms with beautiful, lace-like white flowers arranged in flat clusters. The blooms transform into pendulous clusters of translucent, bright red berries that persist into mid-fall. The foliage, resembling maple leaves, turns striking shades of yellow-red or reddish-purple in autumn.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Shasta’ (Doublefile Viburnum)

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Shasta’ (Doublefile Viburnum) is a remarkable shrub that offers beauty throughout multiple seasons. In late spring, it showcases stunning, snow-white flowers in flat-topped clusters along its branches. These give way to abundant red fruits that turn black and provide a feast for birds. The dark green foliage turns burgundy red in fall. With its compact habit, ‘Shasta’ is an excellent choice for small gardens. Introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum in 1979.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	9' - 12' (270cm - 3.7m)

Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw)

Viburnum prunifolium, or Blackhaw, is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree. Spring brings creamy-white flower clusters, drawing butterflies and pollinators. These flowers develop into pink-rose berries, ripening to blue-black in fall. Its plum-like leaves change to rich bronze and vibrant red, adding autumnal beauty. Blackhaw is not only visually appealing but also pest-resistant, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)
Spread	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)

Viburnum trilobum Redwing™ (American Cranberrybush)

Viburnum trilobum Redwing (American Cranberrybush) offers year-round appeal in the garden. In spring, this deciduous shrub showcases showy white flowers in flat cymes, held above red-blushed leaves. In late summer, drooping clusters of bright red berries appear, persisting through early winter. The three-lobed, dark green foliage turns a brilliant red in fall.

Hardiness	2 - 7
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea)

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea), native to the United States, is a stunning and adaptable deciduous shrub that offers year-round beauty. Its distinctive leaves lend it its name, and in late spring and early summer, it produces abundant clusters of creamy-white flowers, up to 12 inches long (30 cm). As fall approaches, the flower clusters gradually transform into a lovely pink hue.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm)
Spread	2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm)

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) Read More

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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.