When deciding things to plant with hydrangeas, consider not only varieties which will complement the plants visually, but individuals which will thrive within the same growing atmosphere.
Understanding how to effectively mix different plants is an integral part of finding out how to grow hydrangeas. And, obviously, companion planting, could be advantageous for each plant within the mix.
‘Hydrangeas come with an easy kind of elegance. Their bold yet simple blooms make sure they are the right companion to have an exciting selection of plants within the landscape,’ states Kip McConnell, director of Southern Living Plant Collection.
‘When selecting companion plants for hydrangeas, consider maximizing color and increasing blossom amount of time in a garden. With the proper pairings, hydrangeas will help you just do that – they are able to amplify one palette and supply several weeks of beauty before creating the “baton” for their companion plant.’
Things To PLANT WITH HYDRANGEAS – BEST VARIETIES
‘The best companion plants for hydrangeas rely on your kind of hydrangea, in which you fill it up (warm or cold zones), the way you site it (south facing, east facing, etc), and also the colour of the flowers,’ states Lorraine Ballato, author of Success With Hydrangeas.
Hydrangeas grow very best in moist, well-draining soil, and can thrive both in acidic or alkaline soil. It’s important to be aware what soil type you’ve, then when thinking about things to plant with hydrangeas, you may choose other varieties to match.
Interestingly, the flowers of some kinds of hydrangea can change with respect to the soil pH – blue for acidic and pink for alkaline.
It’s also wise to keep in mind that many hydrangeas prefer some shade, and may struggle entirely sun.
Understanding how to prune hydrangeas may also ensure you’ll be able to obtain the best from them.
1. HOSTAS
Hostas are a good companion plant for hydrangeas,’ states Julia Omelchenko, a botanist expert for that NatureID application.
‘These small shrubbery feature drop-formed leaves with vibrant margins that highlight the plain greenery and pastel-colored inflorescences of hydrangeas.’
Hostas thrive in nutrient-wealthy, moist – although not waterlogged – soils, preferring slightly acidic growing mediums. Like hydrangeas, they like partial shade
‘I recommend growing hostas in flower beds and taking advantage of them in multi-level garden compositions,’ adds Omelchenko.
2. DAYLILIES
When thinking about things to plant with hydrangeas, consider classic color combinations.
‘If you’ve got a big leaf hydrangea with big blue or pink flowers, try daylilies in contrasting colors like orange – it is a classic Van Gogh color plan,’ states Ballato.
Daylilies are striking perennials with exotic-searching lily-like flowers. Though they might appear delicate, they’re surprisingly sturdy and simple to develop, and can thrive in many soil types.
‘The trouble-free daylilies may take the part shade requirements of the hydrangea but still produce great flowers,’ adds Ballato.
In addition to orange, daylilies are available in other colors, varying from pure white-colored to greatest red.
3. GARDENIA
‘I love the cloud-like blooms of the white-colored hydrangea combined with the aromatic white-colored blossoms of gardenia,’ states McConnell.
‘The large, sculpted leaves of hydrangea meld seamlessly using the deep eco-friendly foliage of gardenia, allowing the perfect backdrop where the plants’ white-colored blossoms pop.’
McConnell particularly stands out on the ‘Diamond Spire’ gardenia, which produces aromatic, single white-colored blossoms late spring through fall by having an upright habit.
However, keep in mind gardenia is only going to thrive outdoors in warmer climes – you will find varieties appropriate for USDA zones 7a-10b – otherwise they are able to simply be grown inside.
‘Gardenias enjoy lots of moisture to maximise their glorious blossoms, feed them by making use of an acidic, slow-release fertilizer just like an azalea or camellia fertilizer,’ adds McConnell.
4. ECHINACEA PURPUREA
‘Echinacea purpurea blooms around the same time frame as hydrangeas and adds a pop of color. It’s a great plant to incorporate in the foreground of the hydrangeas,’ states Mike Hoadley, manager of horticultural research at Mt. Cuba Center botanical gardens.
Loving toward partial shade, echinacea purpurea grows well in moist fertile soils where hydrangeas thrive – as lengthy because it is well draining – and could be grown in acidic or alkaline soil.
‘As an additional benefit, this species is known to attract a lot of insect pollinators,’ adds Hoadley.
5. PIERIS JAPONICA
Flowering at the start of the growing season, pieris japonica is a superb companion plant for hydrangeas. ‘This spring-blooming shrub partners well inside a shrub border with hydrangeas I contemplate it the outlet act for that summertime hydrangea display, states Bob Polomski, horticulturist with Clemson College Cooperative Extension.
‘This evergreen prefers acidic soils and it is a appropriate companion for hydrangeas that leave blue flowers in a soil pH of 5.5 or fewer.’
Just like hydrangeas, pieris japonica requires a partly shaded, sheltered place.