What to Plant in Front of Hydrangeas?

Jul 4, 2024

Hydrangeas are the first pick for a gardener to play around. I love them for their lush blooms and ability to thrive in various garden settings. But many of us do not know what to plant with hydrangea and whether it is good to plant together. So, I will discuss the top 10 hydrangea companions you can pick in this guide.

Like mine, striking Hydrangea flowers and rich foliage make them a staple. To create a truly stunning landscape, it’s essential to consider companion planting. You just have to keep some factors in mind so that your garden finds a balance between beauty and productivity.

What to Plant with Hydrangea in Your Garden?

Hydrangeas generally prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Therefore, ideal companion plants should share these preferences and provide a contrasting or complementary texture, color, or height.

You have to seed a plant that will:

Grow in the same earth conditions
Enhance the visual appeal of your garden
Never cause problems for the hydrangea

Top 10 Companion Plants for Hydrangea in 2024

The right companions can also help fill bare spots and extend the blooming season. Follow the 10 best hydrangea companion plants below.

1. Astilbe

Astilbes are familiar for their feathery plumes of flowers. They vary in shades of pink, white, and red. They grow in the same partially shaded, moist environments as hydrangeas. So, the similarities make them a perfect companion. Especially, their delicate, airy flowers contrast beautifully with the dense blooms of hydrangeas.

About Astilbe

Family: Saxifragaceae
Origin: Mountain ravines of China and Japan
Total Species: 28

How to Grow Astilbe:

Select a site with partial to full shade.
Amend well-drained, rich, and acidic soil with compost.
Plant in spring or fall.
Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
Dig holes deep enough to cover the roots without burying the crown.
Keep soil continuously moist, especially during dry seasons.
Apply mulch to keep moisture and monitor the soil temperature.
Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Remove spent flower spikes to make space for new growth.
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

2. Azalea

Azaleas are vibrant, colorful flowers that provide a striking contrast to hydrangeas. They prefer similar growing conditions and can help create a layered garden. From my experience, the bright blooms of azaleas can enhance the colors of hydrangeas, especially when they flower at different times.

About Azalea

Family: Ericaceae

Origin: Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan

Total Species: 10,000+ (varieties)

How to Grow Azalea

Select a spot with partial shade while avoiding deep shade.
Select well-drained, acidic soil with pH 4.5-6.0 and amend with organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball; place the plant at the same depth it was in the pot.
Water deeply after planting and keep the soil heavily moist.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to keep moisture and monitor soil warmth.
Use a balanced fertilizer designed for plants for acid soils in early spring.
Prune and remove dead branches after having flowers to maintain shape.

3. Fern

Ferns add a lush, green backdrop to hydrangeas with their delicate fronds. They thrive in shade and moist soil. Ferns create a natural, woodland garden feel. The texture of fern leaves provides a lovely contrast to the large, smooth leaves of hydrangeas.

About Fern

Family: Xylem and Phloem

Origin: 360 million years ago, Late Devonian period

Total Species: 10,500 (varieties)

How to Grow Fern

Select a partially shaded area with indirect sunlight.
Make the organic soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5).
Dig a sized hole to accommodate the fern’s roots, then place the plant and cover it with soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Ferns grow better in humid conditions.
Apply a layer of mulch to keep moisture and soil temperature steady.
Feed with a water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Prune dead or yellowing fronds to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.

4. Campanula

Campanulas are called bellflowers. You can get charming, bell-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, and white. These low-growing plants can fill in the gaps around hydrangeas, adding color and interest at a lower height. They prefer similar conditions and bloom in early summer by complementing hydrangeas’ flowering season.

About Campanula

Family: Campanulaceae

Origin: Native to Eastern Europe, Mediterranean

Total Species: 448

How to Grow Campanula

Select a spot with partial to full sun exposure and well-drained soil.
Keep the soil immersed in organic matter with good drainage options.
Plant Campanula in early spring or late autumn.
Keep the space of the plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for growth.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during dry periods.
Apply a layer of mulch to restore soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Feed with a well-estimated fertilizer during the growing season.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Watch for slugs and snails, and use organic methods to manage them.
In colder weather, provide a layer of mulch for protection from ice.

5. Hosta

We love hosta for their large, decorative leaves in various shades of green, blue, and even variegated patterns. They grow in shade and moist soil, just like hydrangeas twins! Hostas’ bold foliage provides a perfect foil for hydrangeas’ blooms, and their low height can help cover the base of hydrangea shrubs.

About Hosta

Family: Asparagaceae

Origin: China, Korea and Japan

Total Species: 45

How to Grow Hosta

Plant somewhere so that the morning sun is beneficial.
Keep dry, rich, and slightly acidic soil. Add compost to improve soil quality.
Wait for spring or fall to plant hostas more effectively.
Plant the hostas so the crown is level with the soil surface.
Keep the soil moderately moist, especially during dry months.
Apply mulch to save moisture and suppress weeds.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Remove dead foliage and divide clumps every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding.

6. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-Eyed Susans bring a burst of bright yellow to the garden. It contrasts beautifully with the pastel hues of hydrangeas. They prefer sunny spots but can tolerate partial shade, making them a versatile Hydrangea companion. Their cheerful flowers can add a pop of color and extend the garden’s blooming season.

About Black-Eyed Susan

Family: Asteraceae

Origin: northeastern United States

Total Species: 24

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan

Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Mix the soil with compost; ensure it’s not too heavy clay.
Plant seedlings in spring after the last frost in cold countries.
Put the plants 18-24 inches apart to allow safe growth.
Water regularly to keep the soil wet, but avoid overwatering.
Apply mulch to keep moisture and suppress branches.
Use a balanced fertilizer once in the growing season.
Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Monitor for pests and treat them as needed.
Cut back plants after the first frost and mulch for protection.

7. Lamb’s Ear

Lamb’s Ear is known for its soft, silvery leaves that uniquely texture the garden. The low-growing plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. It makes a good ground cover around hydrangeas. The silvery foliage of Lamb’s Ear can highlight the colors of hydrangea flowers.

About Lamb’s Ear

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin: Rocky hills of Turkey, Iran, and Armenia

Total Species: Around 29

How to Grow Lamb’s Ear

Select a spot with full sun to partial shade.
Prepare well-draining soil and amend it with compost.
Plant in spring or early fall; plant each seed 12-18 inches apart.
Water thoroughly after planting; keep the soil moist until established.
Apply a light mulch to store moisture and suppress weeds.
Trim spent flower stalks and remove any damaged leaves.
Fertilize a little bit in spring with a balanced and organic fertilizer.
Divide plants every few years to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.

8. Nepeta

Nepeta is also known as catmint. It produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers and aromatic foliage. It grows on well-drained soil and can handle some shade, although it prefers full sun. Nepeta’s loose, flowing habit contrasts nicely with the more structured form of hydrangeas.

About Nepeta

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin: Southern and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China

Total Species: 295

How to Grow Nepeta

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Plant Nepeta seeds in spring after the last frost.
Space plants are about 18 to 24 inches apart.
Water on a small amount regularly, especially during dry spells.
Apply a normal fertilizer in early spring to help growth.
Prune Nepeta after the first flush of flowers to encourage reblooming.
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years to maintain plant vigor.
Save from pests like aphids and caterpillars through proper care.
Enjoy the spikes of lavender-blue flowers throughout the summer.

9. Veronica

Veronica is known as Speedwell in some areas. It offers spiky flowers in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. These perennials bloom in late spring to summer, complementing the hydrangea’s blooming period. Veronica’s upright flower spikes provide a vertical contrast to the round blooms of hydrangeas.

About Veronica

Family: Plantaginaceae

Origin: Europe and Western Asia

Total Species: 460

How to Grow Veronica

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Mature the soil by adding compost or other organic fertilizer.
Plant Veronica seedlings in early spring or late summer.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Water decently after planting and keep the soil moist without mud.
Mulch around plants to keep moisture and suppress parasites.
Fertilize in small amounts with a balanced fertilizer in spring.
Prune Veronica after flowering to promote bushiness and prevent self-seeding.
Divide overcrowded plants every few years to maintain vigor.
Protect plants from pests and diseases with proper care.

10. Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are similar to azaleas. They offer bold and vibrant flowers that can complement hydrangeas. They grow in similar conditions. The flowering plant can provide structure and height to the garden. If you plant together, rhododendrons and hydrangeas can create a colorful display.

About Rhododendron

Family: Ericaceae

Origin: Mountain of Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea

Total Species: Around 1200

How to Grow Rhododendron

Choose a suitable location with partial shade.
Prepare acidic soil rich in organic matter.
Plant rhododendrons in early spring or fall by digging a hole.
Mulch with pine needles or shredded leaves to retain moisture and maintain soil acidity.
Water regularly to keep the soil wet without liquifying mud.
Fertilize with a balanced acidic fertilizer in spring after flowering.
Prune selectively to maintain shape and remove diseased branches.
Protect from harsh winter winds and frost.

Why Do Hydrangeas Look Good in Front of Specific Plants?

Hydrangeas look fantastic with these specific plants because of the complementary factors at play. According to my observation, the colours, textures, and heights of these companion plants create visual interest and a 3D depth in the garden. It presents a scenic realm full of heavenly beauty inside your garden.

For Example: Hostas contrast the hydrangeas’ airy blooms with their broad foliage, while ferns add a touch of whimsy with their feathery fronds. Likewise, bright flowers like Black-Eyed Susans and azaleas can create striking contrasts, making the garden more dynamic.

Moreover, companion plants that share similar growing conditions ensure a healthy and thriving garden. The roots can unite and make strong bonds to transfer nutrition like a network.

Final Suggestions

So, that was all my recommendations about creating a harmonious garden with Hydrangea and its friends! If you follow the planting tips we included with the flower names, you can get better results quickly.

You can mail me if you have any more confusion or questions. I am answering some of the most asked questions, hoping it will help you.

FAQs

What is the best place to plant a hydrangea companion?

Plant hydrangea companions in partially shaded areas with moist and well-drained soil. These plants grow in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade. During the midnoon, the plants need filtered light. In addition, when you provide enough space to grow, the plants will help hydrangea without competing for resources.

Do companion plants create bad smells in the hydrangea garden?

I observed that companion plants typically do not create bad smells in a hydrangea garden. Anyway, it’s up to you to check and choose plants with neutral odors to keep hydrangeas the hero of the garden. So, avoid strongly scented plants that may overpower or clash with the natural scent of hydrangeas.

Why rhododendron are most popular for planting with hydrangea?

Rhododendrons are popular companions for hydrangeas due to their vibrant blooms. Also, it has a similar growing condition as hydrangea. Both plants grow in partial shade with acidic soil. Regarding color, Rhododendrons’ bold flowers and structural presence contrast the soft, billowy blooms of hydrangeas.