The Perfect Match: Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea Companion Plants

Oleh Anonymous September 23, 2021 Post a Comment

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Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea and its Companions

If you're looking for a versatile and stunning shrub to add to your garden, look no further than the vanilla strawberry hydrangea. This beautiful plant boasts show-stopping blooms that change color throughout the growing season, from creamy white to pink to deep red.

But what many gardeners don't realize is that the vanilla strawberry hydrangea also makes an excellent companion plant. By pairing it with the right plants, you can create a gorgeous, low-maintenance garden that will thrive for years to come.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for vanilla strawberry hydrangeas, as well as tips for planting and caring for these beauties.

Companion Planting Basics

Before we dive into specific companion plants, let's cover some basics of companion planting. Companion planting is the practice of planting different species of plants together in order to benefit each other. Some plants work well together because they repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others simply complement each other visually.

When choosing companion plants for your vanilla strawberry hydrangeas, it's important to consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and water needs. You'll want to choose plants that have similar growing requirements in order to ensure that they all thrive together.

Best Companion Plants for Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas

So, what are the best companion plants for vanilla strawberry hydrangeas? Here are some of our top picks:

1. Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) is a low-growing grass with delicate blades that add texture and movement to your garden. It's also shade tolerant, making it an ideal companion for vanilla strawberry hydrangeas planted in dappled sunlight.

Planting Tips:

Plant Japanese forest grass in moist, well-drained soil in part to full shade. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.

2. Heuchera

Heuchera, or coral bells, are known for their colorful foliage, which ranges from deep burgundy to lime green. They're also shade tolerant and make a great companion for vanilla strawberry hydrangeas.

Planting Tips:

Plant heuchera in well-drained soil in part to full shade. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

3. Hostas

Hostas are beloved by many gardeners for their lush foliage and low-maintenance care requirements. They're also shade tolerant, making them a great choice to plant alongside vanilla strawberry hydrangeas.

Planting Tips:

Plant hostas in moist, well-drained soil in part to full shade. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.

4. Astilbes

Astilbes are a stunning perennial with feathery plumes of flowers that come in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender. They thrive in partial shade and make a great companion for vanilla strawberry hydrangeas.

Planting Tips:

Plant astilbes in rich, moist soil in part to full shade. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.

5. Ferns

Ferns come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and many are shade tolerant, making them a great companion for vanilla strawberry hydrangeas. They also add an airy, delicate texture to your garden.

Planting Tips:

Plant ferns in well-drained soil in part to full shade. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

Planting and Care Tips

Now that you know which plants make great companions for vanilla strawberry hydrangeas, let's cover some planting and care tips to help your garden thrive.

1. Site Selection

Choose a site that receives dappled sunlight or partial shade. Vanilla strawberry hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil, so avoid planting them in areas with poor drainage.

2. Soil Preparation

Amend your soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients throughout the growing season.

3. Planting

Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your plant. Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, pressing down lightly to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.

4. Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, or more frequently during hot weather.

5. Pruning

Prune vanilla strawberry hydrangeas in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and cut back last year's growth by one-third to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I plant vanilla strawberry hydrangeas in full sun?

A: While vanilla strawberry hydrangeas can tolerate full sun, they prefer dappled sunlight or partial shade. Planting them in full sun may cause their blooms to fade more quickly.

Q: How often should I water my vanilla strawberry hydrangeas?

A: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, or more frequently during hot weather.

Q: Do vanilla strawberry hydrangeas attract pollinators?

A: Yes! Vanilla strawberry hydrangeas are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: Can I grow vanilla strawberry hydrangeas in containers?

A: Yes, as long as you choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and provides good drainage. Be sure to water regularly and fertilize throughout the growing season.

Q: How do I prune my vanilla strawberry hydrangeas?

A: Prune vanilla strawberry hydrangeas in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and cut back last year's growth by one-third to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Vanilla strawberry hydrangeas are a stunning addition to any garden, and by choosing the right companion plants, you can create a low-maintenance paradise that will thrive for years to come. Remember to consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and water needs when choosing companion plants, and follow our planting and care tips for best results. Happy gardening!