Great Ferns 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.
Shade-loving plants, Ferns are wonderful companion plants to Rhododendrons and Azaleas. They are both desirable and suitable additions to the splendid flowers of Azaleas or Rhododendron and give an extra dimension to the garden. If planted thickly, they make a charming groundcover and, thanks to their light rooting, do not take away the required moisture from their shrub companions. Their form and texture also tend to reduce the legginess of your Azalea shrubs and handsome effects can be created by choosing the perfect leaf shapes that complement and contrast beautifully to the growth habit for your Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
Here is a list of favorite Ferns as companion plants for your for Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
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 | Ferns, 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 |
hannamariah / 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 | Ferns, 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 |