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Hydrangea Companion Plants: Perfect Pairings for Vibrant Blooms

Choosing the right companion plants can enhance the beauty and health of your hydrangeas while creating a vibrant and cohesive garden space.

Limelight Hydrangea, Panicle Hydrangea, Hydrangra Paniculata, Hydrangea, Hydrangea flowers, White Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are beloved garden staples, known for their stunning blooms and ability to thrive in various conditions. When planning your landscape, choosing the right companion plants can enhance the beauty and health of your hydrangeas while creating a vibrant and cohesive garden space.

Benefits of Planting Companion Plants with Hydrangeas

Improved Aesthetics

Color Coordination: By selecting companion plants that harmonize with your hydrangea color, you can create a visually striking display. For example, pairing blue hydrangeas with yellow or orange perennials, such as Coreopsis or Rudbeckia, creates a captivating contrast.

Layered Textures: Combining hydrangeas with plants that have different leaf shapes and sizes adds depth and interest to your garden. The large, lush foliage of hydrangeas can be complemented by the fine textures of ornamental grasses like Calamagrostis or the broad leaves of Hostas.

Seasonal Interest and Blooms

Extended Bloom Time: By planting perennials with staggered blooming times alongside hydrangeas, you can ensure that your garden remains vibrant throughout the growing season. For instance, pairing hydrangeas with Daylilies or Coneflowers provides continuous color from late spring through early fall.

Foliage Variety: Different companion plants offer unique foliage colors and textures, ensuring year-round interest even when hydrangeas are not in bloom. Heuchera (Coral Bells) has colorful leaves that add richness to the landscape and complement the lush green of hydrangeas.

Soil and Water Management

Companion plants that thrive in soil conditions similar to those of hydrangeas can help maintain consistent moisture levels. Astilbe enjoys similar moist, well-drained soil conditions as hydrangea shrubs.

By carefully selecting companion plants that meet these criteria, you can create a thriving and harmonious garden environment that enhances the beauty and health of your hydrangeas.

Limelight Hydrangea, Panicle Hydrangea, Hydrangra Paniculata, Hydrangea, Hydrangea flowers, White Hydrangea

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Hydrangeaceae
Genus Hydrangea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders

30 Hydrangea Companion Plants - The Best Partners for Thriving Blooms

Discover Beautiful Garden Design Ideas with Hydrangea Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best plant to go with hydrangeas?

Astilbe is often considered one of the best companions for hydrangeas. It thrives in similar soil and moisture conditions and provides beautiful feathery blooms that complement the hydrangea’s rounded flowers. Other excellent companions include Hostas, and Daylilies, which all share similar light and water requirements.

What not to plant near hydrangeas?

Avoid planting Lavender, Sage, and other drought-tolerant plants near hydrangeas, as they prefer drier conditions and may compete for moisture. Additionally, avoid invasive plants like Mint and Bamboo, which can overshadow and overtake hydrangeas, hindering their growth.

What is the best landscaping with hydrangeas?

The best landscaping with hydrangeas involves creating layers and using companion plants that enhance their beauty. Grouping hydrangeas with perennials like Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, and Sedum can create a stunning visual display. Using mulch around hydrangeas helps retain soil moisture and improve aesthetics.

Where should you not plant hydrangeas?

Avoid planting hydrangeas in areas with full, harsh sunlight, as many species prefer partial shade. Additionally, steer clear of locations with poorly draining soil or high winds, which can damage the blooms and roots. Avoid placing them too close to large trees or shrubs that may compete for nutrients and water.

What is the best ground cover for hydrangeas?

Creeping Jenny is a popular ground cover for hydrangeas, offering vibrant green foliage that can turn golden-yellow in fall. Sweet Woodruff is another excellent option that thrives in shaded areas, providing a lush carpet beneath hydrangeas. Liriope (Monkey Grass) is also a great choice, as it tolerates similar conditions and adds texture to the garden.

Garden Examples

A Lovely Contemporary Garden Idea
A Majestic Walkway
An Elegant Shady Corner
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Hydrangea
Guides with
Hydrangea
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 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Hydrangeaceae
Genus Hydrangea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders
Compare All Hydrangea
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hydrangea
Guides with
Hydrangea

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