10 Best Companion Plants for Hydrangeas in the Shade

Oleh Anonymous May 02, 2023 Post a Comment

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Hydrangea Companion Plants for Shade

If you're a fan of hydrangeas and have a shady garden or yard, then you might be wondering what other plants can grow well alongside them. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for hydrangeas in the shade.

1. Ferns

Ferns are a great choice for planting alongside hydrangeas in the shade. They're low-maintenance, add texture and depth to your garden, and thrive in the same growing conditions as hydrangeas. Some popular types of ferns include:

Maidenhair ferns
Japanese painted ferns
Ostrich ferns

How to Plant Ferns with Hydrangeas

To plant ferns with hydrangeas, choose a spot that receives partial to full shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your fern, and plant it at the same depth as it was in its container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant.

2. Hostas

Another great companion plant for hydrangeas in the shade is hostas. These leafy perennials come in a variety of sizes and colors, and they're easy to care for. Plus, they help to fill in any empty spaces in your garden bed.

How to Plant Hostas with Hydrangeas

To plant hostas with hydrangeas, choose a spot that receives partial to full shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your hosta, and plant it at the same depth as it was in its container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant.

3. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are a beautiful option for planting alongside hydrangeas in the shade. Their pink or white heart-shaped flowers add a pop of color to your garden bed, and they're low-maintenance.

How to Plant Bleeding Hearts with Hydrangeas

To plant bleeding hearts with hydrangeas, choose a spot that receives partial to full shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your bleeding heart, and plant it at the same depth as it was in its container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant.

4. Astilbes

Astilbes are another great choice for planting alongside hydrangeas in the shade. They have fluffy plumes of pink, red, or white flowers that bloom in the summer, and their foliage adds texture to your garden bed.

How to Plant Astilbes with Hydrangeas

To plant astilbes with hydrangeas, choose a spot that receives partial to full shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your astilbe, and plant it at the same depth as it was in its container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant.

5. Solomon's Seal

Solomon's seal is a unique plant that can grow well alongside hydrangeas in the shade. It has arching stems with small white or green flowers, and its leaves turn a beautiful yellow in the fall.

How to Plant Solomon's Seal with Hydrangeas

To plant Solomon's seal with hydrangeas, choose a spot that receives partial to full shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your Solomon's seal, and plant it at the same depth as it was in its container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant.

6. Coral Bells

Coral bells are a great choice for adding some color to your garden bed. They come in a variety of hues, including pink, red, and purple, and their foliage is often variegated.

How to Plant Coral Bells with Hydrangeas

To plant coral bells with hydrangeas, choose a spot that receives partial to full shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your coral bell, and plant it at the same depth as it was in its container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant.

7. Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass is a beautiful ornamental grass that can grow well alongside hydrangeas in the shade. It has delicate, arching blades that add texture and movement to your garden bed.

How to Plant Japanese Forest Grass with Hydrangeas

To plant Japanese forest grass with hydrangeas, choose a spot that receives partial to full shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your Japanese forest grass, and plant it at the same depth as it was in its container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant.

8. Lenten Rose

Lenten rose is a beautiful perennial that can add some color to your garden bed in the early spring. Its blooms come in shades of pink, purple, and white, and its foliage stays green throughout the year.

How to Plant Lenten Rose with Hydrangeas

To plant lenten rose with hydrangeas, choose a spot that receives partial to full shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your lenten rose, and plant it at the same depth as it was in its container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant.

9. Lungwort

Lungwort is a low-growing perennial that can grow well alongside hydrangeas in the shade. It has spotted leaves and pink or blue flowers that bloom in the spring.

How to Plant Lungwort with Hydrangeas

To plant lungwort with hydrangeas, choose a spot that receives partial to full shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your lungwort, and plant it at the same depth as it was in its container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant.

10. Foamflower

Foamflower is a delicate-looking perennial that can grow well alongside hydrangeas in the shade. It has clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.

How to Plant Foamflower with Hydrangeas

To plant foamflower with hydrangeas, choose a spot that receives partial to full shade and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your foamflower, and plant it at the same depth as it was in its container. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base of the plant.

FAQs

1. Can I plant hydrangeas and hostas together?

Yes, hydrangeas and hostas can be planted together in the shade.

2. What other plants can grow well with hydrangeas in the shade?

Other plants that can grow well alongside hydrangeas in the shade include ferns, bleeding hearts, astilbes, Solomon's seal, coral bells, Japanese forest grass, lenten rose, lungwort, and foamflower.

3. How do I care for hydrangeas and their companion plants?

Most hydrangea companion plants require similar growing conditions to hydrangeas, including partial to full shade and well-draining soil. Water them regularly and mulch around their base to help retain moisture.

4. Can I use these companion plants with other types of hydrangeas?

Yes, these companion plants can be used with most types of hydrangeas, including bigleaf, panicle, and smooth hydrangeas.

5. When is the best time to plant hydrangea companion plants?

The best time to plant hydrangea companion plants is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is more abundant.

Great! In that case, here are a few suggestions for hydrangea companion plants that can thrive in shade:

Hostas: These leafy plants come in various shades of green and can add texture and depth to your garden bed. They are also easy to maintain and can tolerate shade.
Ferns: There are many types of ferns that do well in partial to full shade. They can add a lush, feathery look to your garden and serve as a great backdrop for your hydrangeas.
Bleeding Hearts: These charming heart-shaped flowers bloom in early spring and can add a pop of color to your garden bed. They also prefer shade or partial sun.
Astilbes: These fluffy, plume-like flowers come in various shades of pink, red, and white and can complement the round blooms of your hydrangeas. They also thrive in moist, shady conditions.
Japanese Forest Grass: This ornamental grass has golden-yellow foliage and can add a bright accent to your garden bed. It prefers partial shade and can tolerate a range of moisture levels.

I hope these suggestions help you create a beautiful and thriving garden bed with your hydrangeas! Hello there! How can I assist you today?