The Ultimate Guide to Ruby Slipper Hydrangea Companion Plants

Oleh Anonymous August 28, 2023 Post a Comment

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Ruby Slipper Hydrangea: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the best companion plants for ruby slipper hydrangeas, let's take a closer look at this beautiful shrub. The ruby slipper hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers') is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae. It is a relatively small shrub, growing up to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. As the name suggests, the flowers of the ruby slipper hydrangea are a beautiful ruby red color. The foliage is also impressive, with large oak-shaped leaves that turn shades of red, orange, and bronze in the fall.

The ruby slipper hydrangea is an excellent choice for gardeners who want a shrub that offers year-round interest. It is also a great option for those who want to attract pollinators to their garden. However, as with any plant, it is important to choose the right companion plants to ensure that your garden looks its best.

Companion Plants for Ruby Slipper Hydrangeas

When selecting companion plants for ruby slipper hydrangeas, it is essential to consider factors such as soil type, sunlight, and moisture levels. Here are some of the best companion plants for ruby slipper hydrangeas:

1. Hostas

Hostas are an excellent choice for companion planting with ruby slipper hydrangeas. They are shade-loving plants that thrive in the same conditions as hydrangeas. Hostas are also available in a wide range of colors, from blue to green to yellow. They make an excellent ground cover and help to keep the soil moist.

Why Hostas are a Good Companion Plant for Ruby Slipper Hydrangeas

Hostas have large leaves that complement the oak-shaped leaves of the ruby slipper hydrangea. They also bloom later in the season, which means that they will add interest to your garden after the hydrangeas have finished blooming. Additionally, hostas attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden.

2. Astilbe

Astilbe is another shade-loving plant that makes an excellent companion plant for ruby slipper hydrangeas. It is a low-maintenance plant that produces beautiful feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white.

Why Astilbe is a Good Companion Plant for Ruby Slipper Hydrangeas

Astilbe is a great choice for a garden with ruby slipper hydrangeas because it requires similar growing conditions. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. The feathery flowers of astilbe contrast nicely with the large, bold blooms of the hydrangeas.

3. Ferns

Ferns are an excellent choice for companion planting with ruby slipper hydrangeas. They are low-maintenance plants that thrive in shady areas. Ferns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including delicate, lacy fronds and bold, sword-like leaves.

Why Ferns are a Good Companion Plant for Ruby Slipper Hydrangeas

Ferns are an excellent choice for a garden with ruby slipper hydrangeas because they add texture and interest to the landscape. They also help to keep the soil moist and provide a natural mulch that helps to prevent weeds.

4. Coral Bells

Coral bells (Heuchera) are a shade-loving perennial that produces small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They also have attractive foliage that comes in a variety of colors, including purple, green, and silver.

Why Coral Bells are a Good Companion Plant for Ruby Slipper Hydrangeas

Coral bells are a great choice for companion planting with ruby slipper hydrangeas because they add color and texture to the landscape. They also bloom later in the season, which means that they will add interest to your garden after the hydrangeas have finished blooming.

5. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) are a shade-loving plant that produces heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. They are a classic cottage garden plant that adds charm and whimsy to any garden.

Why Bleeding Hearts are a Good Companion Plant for Ruby Slipper Hydrangeas

Bleeding hearts make an excellent companion plant for ruby slipper hydrangeas because they bloom at the same time and require similar growing conditions. They also add a romantic touch to the landscape.

Planting Tips for Ruby Slipper Hydrangea Companion Plants

When planting companion plants with ruby slipper hydrangeas, it is important to choose plants that have similar growing requirements. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Choose Plants That Like Shade

Ruby slipper hydrangeas prefer partial shade, so it is essential to choose companion plants that thrive in the same conditions. Hostas, astilbe, ferns, coral bells, and bleeding hearts are all shade-loving plants that make excellent companions for hydrangeas.

2. Consider Soil Type

Ruby slipper hydrangeas prefer moist, well-draining soil. When selecting companion plants, choose plants that have similar soil requirements. Hostas, ferns, and bleeding hearts all prefer moist soil, while coral bells and astilbe prefer well-draining soil.

3. Group Plants Together

When planting companion plants with ruby slipper hydrangeas, it is essential to group plants together based on their growing requirements. This will help to ensure that each plant receives the proper amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can you plant roses with ruby slipper hydrangeas?

Yes, roses can be planted with ruby slipper hydrangeas. However, it is important to choose varieties that have similar growing requirements.

Q2. Can you plant vegetables with ruby slipper hydrangeas?

It is not recommended to plant vegetables with ruby slipper hydrangeas. Vegetables require full sun, which is not ideal for hydrangeas.

Q3. Do ruby slipper hydrangeas attract pollinators?

Yes, ruby slipper hydrangeas attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Q4. How often should I water my ruby slipper hydrangea and its companion plants?

Ruby slipper hydrangeas and their companion plants should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Q5. Can you plant bulbs with ruby slipper hydrangeas?

Yes, bulbs such as daffodils and tulips can be planted with ruby slipper hydrangeas. They will add color and interest to the landscape.

In choosing the right companion plants for ruby slipper hydrangeas is essential for creating a beautiful and cohesive garden. By selecting plants that have similar growing requirements, you can ensure that your garden looks its best year-round. Hostas, astilbe, ferns, coral bells, and bleeding hearts are all excellent choices for companion planting with ruby slipper hydrangeas. Remember to group plants together based on their growing requirements and to water them regularly. With these tips in mind, you can create a stunning garden that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Great! Let's get ed then. The Ruby Slipper Hydrangea is a beautiful plant that can be paired with several other plants to enhance its beauty and create an eye-catching garden design. Some great companion plants for the Ruby Slipper Hydrangea include:

Hostas: These shade-loving plants have large, lush leaves that complement the delicate flowers of the Ruby Slipper Hydrangea perfectly.
Astilbes: These perennials produce long-lasting plumes of colorful flowers that provide a beautiful contrast to the hydrangea blooms.
Japanese Forest Grass: This ornamental grass has a striking, golden color that adds an interesting texture to the garden when paired with hydrangeas.
Bleeding Heart: These heart-shaped flowers produce a lovely pink or white bloom that pairs well with the Ruby Slipper Hydrangea.
Heucheras: Also known as Coral Bells, these plants come in a variety of colors and add some extra visual interest to the garden.

When choosing companion plants for your Ruby Slipper Hydrangea, it's important to consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and water requirements. By selecting plants that thrive in similar conditions, you can ensure that your garden will look its best all season long. Sure, I'm here and ready to continue our conversation. What would you like to talk about?