Companion Plants for Hydrangeas: Enhancing Your Garden's Beauty

Oleh Anonymous July 01, 2022 Post a Comment

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The Importance of Companion Planting with Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are popular plants that add beauty and elegance to any garden. Their beautiful blooms, attractive foliage, and easy-to-grow nature make them a favorite among gardeners. However, it's important to note that these plants thrive better when they have the right companions around them. Companion planting is an age-old technique that involves planting different plants together in a way that benefits both of them. In this case, planting companion plants alongside hydrangeas can help enhance their beauty and boost their growth.

In this article, we'll explore a few of the best companion plants for hydrangeas, and how they can help improve your garden's overall appearance.

Best Companion Plants for Hydrangeas

1. Ferns

Ferns are an excellent choice for companion planting with hydrangeas. They thrive well in partial shade, which makes them perfect for planting under or around hydrangeas. Their delicate, feathery foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the hydrangeas' large leaves and showy blooms. Ferns also help create a lush, tropical feel in your garden, making it more inviting.

How to Plant Ferns with Hydrangeas

When planting ferns with hydrangeas, ensure that they are planted in well-draining soil that has plenty of organic matter. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. If you're planting ferns in pots, ensure that they have good drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating around the roots. Ferns need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months.

2. Hostas

Hostas are another great option for companion planting with hydrangeas. These plants have attractive foliage in varying shades of green, blue, and yellow. They provide a beautiful contrast to the hydrangeas' blooms and create a stunning backdrop. Hostas are also shade-tolerant, which makes them perfect for planting under the canopy of hydrangeas.

How to Plant Hostas with Hydrangeas

When planting hostas with hydrangeas, ensure that they are planted in well-draining soil. Hostas prefer moist soil, but they don't like standing water. Ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Hostas need regular watering, especially during hot weather.

3. Daylilies

Daylilies are an excellent choice for companion planting with hydrangeas. These plants have attractive grass-like foliage and showy blooms that come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. They provide a stunning color contrast to the hydrangeas' blooms and help create a vibrant, colorful garden.

How to Plant Daylilies with Hydrangeas

When planting daylilies with hydrangeas, ensure that they are planted in well-draining soil that has plenty of organic matter. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Daylilies need regular watering, especially during hot weather. Ensure that the soil doesn't dry out completely, as this can damage the plant.

4. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are a stunning choice for companion planting with hydrangeas. These plants have delicate, heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. They provide a beautiful contrast to the hydrangeas' bold blooms and create a romantic, whimsical feel in your garden.

How to Plant Bleeding Hearts with Hydrangeas

When planting bleeding hearts with hydrangeas, ensure that they are planted in well-draining soil that has plenty of organic matter. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Bleeding hearts need regular watering, especially during hot weather. Ensure that the soil doesn't dry out completely, as this can damage the plant.

5. Astilbes

Astilbes are another great option for companion planting with hydrangeas. These plants have attractive feathery plumes in shades of pink, red, and white. They provide a stunning color contrast to the hydrangeas' blooms and help create a lush, tropical feel in your garden.

How to Plant Astilbes with Hydrangeas

When planting astilbes with hydrangeas, ensure that they are planted in well-draining soil that has plenty of organic matter. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Astilbes need regular watering, especially during hot weather. Ensure that the soil doesn't dry out completely, as this can damage the plant.

Other Companion Plants for Hydrangeas

Apart from the above-listed plants, there are other companion plants that you can plant alongside your hydrangeas. These include:

Lungwort
Heuchera
Japanese Forest Grass
Sweet Woodruff
Coral Bells
Japanese Painted Ferns

How to Choose the Right Companion Plants for Your Hydrangeas

When choosing companion plants for your hydrangeas, it's important to consider a few factors. These include:

Light requirements: Ensure that the companion plants have similar light requirements as the hydrangeas.
Soil requirements: Make sure that the companion plants have similar soil requirements as the hydrangeas.
Water requirements: Choose companion plants that have similar water requirements as the hydrangeas.
Blooming season: Plant companion plants that bloom around the same time as the hydrangeas. This will ensure that your garden always has something in bloom.
Growth habit: Choose companion plants that have a similar growth habit as the hydrangeas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I plant roses with hydrangeas?

Yes, you can plant roses with hydrangeas. Roses provide a stunning contrast to the hydrangeas' blooms and help create a romantic, cottage garden feel.

2. Do hydrangeas need full sun or shade?

Hydrangeas prefer partial shade to full shade. They don't do well in direct sunlight, especially during hot weather.

3. Can I plant vegetables with hydrangeas?

No, it's not advisable to plant vegetables with hydrangeas. Vegetables require a lot of nutrients, which may compete with the hydrangeas for resources.

4. How often should I water my hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas need regular watering, especially during hot weather. Ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged.

5. Can I plant hydrangeas in pots?

Yes, you can plant hydrangeas in pots. Ensure that the pot has good drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating around the roots.

Companion planting with hydrangeas is a great way to enhance your garden's beauty and boost its growth. By selecting the right companion plants and following the right planting techniques, you can create a stunning garden that will be the envy of your neighbors. Remember to choose companion plants that have similar light, soil, and water requirements as the hydrangeas. With a little bit of effort, you can create a beautiful, thriving garden that you'll enjoy for years to come.