Hydrangea Companions: The Perfect Plants to Grow Together
Hydrangea Companion
When it comes to creating the perfect garden, choosing the right plants to grow together is essential. Not only do the right plant combinations look beautiful, but they can also help each other grow and thrive. One of the best companions for hydrangeas are other shade-loving plants that have similar soil and moisture requirements. In this article, we'll explore some of the best hydrangea companions to help you create a stunning garden.
1. Ferns
Why They Work So Well Together
Ferns and hydrangeas both prefer shady, moist environments. When planted together, ferns provide a beautiful contrast to the large, showy blooms of hydrangeas. Additionally, ferns have shallow roots that won't compete with hydrangeas for nutrients or water.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant ferns around the base of your hydrangeas, leaving enough space between them to allow for good air circulation. Add a layer of mulch over the top of the soil to help retain moisture.
2. Hostas
Why They Work So Well Together
Like ferns, hostas are shade-loving plants that require moist soil conditions. When paired with hydrangeas, hostas offer a lovely contrast in texture and color. Hostas also have large leaves that help to cover up any bare spots at the bottom of your hydrangeas.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant hostas around the base of your hydrangea bushes, taking care not to damage the roots or stems of either plant. Water regularly to ensure that both plants receive enough moisture.
3. Astilbes
Why They Work So Well Together
Astilbes are another shade-loving plant that pairs well with hydrangeas. Their feathery plumes of flowers add a delicate texture to the garden, and their bright colors complement the soft hues of hydrangea blooms.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant astilbes in groups around the base of your hydrangea bushes, spacing them out evenly for a natural look. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
4. Japanese Painted Ferns
Why They Work So Well Together
Japanese painted ferns have delicate fronds that add a graceful touch to any garden. When planted with hydrangeas, they offer a lovely contrast in color and texture. Additionally, Japanese painted ferns are low-maintenance plants that require little pruning or maintenance.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant Japanese painted ferns around the base of your hydrangeas, taking care not to disturb the roots or stems of either plant. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
5. Heucheras
Why They Work So Well Together
Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are a colorful companion for hydrangeas. Their vibrant foliage comes in a range of shades from deep red to lime green, adding a pop of color to your garden. Heucheras also prefer similar soil conditions to hydrangeas, making them an ideal partner.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant heucheras in groups around the base of your hydrangea bushes, spacing them out evenly for a natural look. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
6. Bleeding Hearts
Why They Work So Well Together
Bleeding hearts are another shade-loving plant that pairs well with hydrangeas. Their delicate pink or white flowers add a touch of romance to the garden, and their fern-like foliage complements the broad, lush leaves of hydrangeas.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant bleeding hearts in groups around the base of your hydrangea bushes, spacing them out evenly for a natural look. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
7. Vinca
Why They Work So Well Together
Vinca, also known as periwinkle, is a low-growing ground cover that pairs well with hydrangeas. Their glossy green foliage provides a nice contrast to the large blooms of hydrangeas, and their purple or blue flowers add a pop of color to the garden.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant vinca around the base of your hydrangea bushes, taking care not to damage the roots or stems of either plant. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
8. Bee Balm
Why They Work So Well Together
Bee balm, also known as monarda, is a fragrant plant that attracts pollinators to your garden. When planted with hydrangeas, bee balm adds a burst of color and texture to the garden, and its aromatic foliage is a delight to the senses.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant bee balm in groups around the base of your hydrangea bushes, spacing them out evenly for a natural look. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
9. Coral Bells
Why They Work So Well Together
Coral bells, also known as heuchera, are a colorful companion for hydrangeas. Their vibrant foliage comes in a range of shades from deep red to lime green, adding a pop of color to your garden. Coral bells also prefer similar soil conditions to hydrangeas, making them an ideal partner.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant coral bells in groups around the base of your hydrangea bushes, spacing them out evenly for a natural look. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
10. Lady's Mantle
Why They Work So Well Together
Lady's mantle is a hardy plant that pairs well with hydrangeas. Its soft, pale green foliage complements the lush leaves of hydrangeas, and its delicate flowers add a nice touch of texture to the garden.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant lady's mantle around the base of your hydrangea bushes, taking care not to damage the roots or stems of either plant. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
11. Lily of the Valley
Why They Work So Well Together
Lily of the valley is a fragrant, shade-loving plant that pairs well with hydrangeas. Its dainty white flowers add a touch of elegance to the garden, and its low-growing habit provides a nice contrast to the tall stems of hydrangeas.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant lily of the valley around the base of your hydrangea bushes, spacing them out evenly for a natural look. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
12. Lungwort
Why They Work So Well Together
Lungwort is a low-maintenance plant that pairs well with hydrangeas. Its spotted foliage adds a unique touch to the garden, and its delicate blue or pink flowers provide a nice pop of color.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant lungwort around the base of your hydrangea bushes, taking care not to damage the roots or stems of either plant. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
13. Solomon's Seal
Why They Work So Well Together
Solomon's seal is a graceful plant that pairs well with hydrangeas. Its arching stems and delicate white flowers add a nice touch of texture and elegance to the garden.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant Solomon's seal around the base of your hydrangea bushes, spacing them out evenly for a natural look. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
14. Tiarella
Why They Work So Well Together
Tiarella, also known as foamflower, is a shade-loving plant that pairs well with hydrangeas. Its delicate pink or white flowers add a touch of romance to the garden, and its attractive foliage provides a nice contrast to the broad leaves of hydrangeas.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant tiarella around the base of your hydrangea bushes, taking care not to damage the roots or stems of either plant. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
15. Wild Ginger
Why They Work So Well Together
Wild ginger is a low-growing ground cover that pairs well with hydrangeas. Its glossy green leaves provide a nice contrast to the large blooms of hydrangeas, and its fragrant flowers add a delightful scent to the garden.
How to Plant Them Together
Plant wild ginger around the base of your hydrangea bushes, spacing them out evenly for a natural look. Water regularly and mulch around the base of each plant to help retain moisture.
FAQs
1. Can all hydrangea varieties be paired with these companion plants?
Yes, most hydrangea varieties can be paired with these companion plants. However, it's always a good idea to check the specific growing requirements of each plant before planting them together.
2. Do these companion plants require the same amount of water as hydrangeas?
Most of the companion plants listed here do require similar soil and moisture conditions as hydrangeas. However, it's important to monitor each plant's individual needs and adjust watering accordingly.
3. Will these companion plants compete with hydrangeas for nutrients?
No, most of these companion plants have shallow roots that won't compete with hydrangeas for nutrients or water.
4. Can I mix and match these companion plants in my garden?
Absolutely! Mixing and matching different companion plants can create a beautiful and diverse garden. Just make sure to choose plants that have similar growing requirements and won't compete with each other for resources.
5. Are there any companion plants that should be avoided when planting with hydrangeas?
While most shade-loving plants can be paired with hydrangeas, it's generally best to avoid planting anything with invasive roots that could damage or compete with your hydrangea bushes. Some plants to avoid include bamboo, mint, and horsetail.
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