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 |
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 |