Are you looking for the best companion plants for your hydrangeas? Over the years, I’ve experimented with many companion plants. I look for plants that look great next to hydrangeas and also have similar growing requirements.
When it comes to choosing the best companion plants, there are a few things to consider. First, you want plants that are happy in partial shade. You also want plants that look great with hydrangeas.
And as a lazy gardener, I’m always looking for plants that are easy to grow so I don’t have to do much gardening! Luckily there are several companion plants that are low maintenance and perennials, so they come back year after year! Below, I’ll share with you my favorite companion plants for hydrangeas that are easy to grow.
Best Companion Plants for Hydrangeas
1. Hostas
Hostas are my go-to companion plants for hydrangeas. I love their lush, beautiful leaves. They come in a wide variety colors, from vibrant greens to light green. They look amazing with hydrangeas, and the best part is that they are so easy to grow. Plus, I honestly think hostas keep deer away from my hydrangeas because they end up munching on my hostas rather than my hydrangeas!
Hostas Plant Care
Hostas prefer partial to full shade and well-draining soil. Once established, hostas are truly low-maintenance plants. You don’t even need to water them regularly; they will do just fine.
Hostas Compatibility with Hydrangeas
Hostas make excellent companions for hydrangeas because they thrive in similar growing conditions. Both hostas and hydrangeas prefer shady areas, making them an ideal combination for your low-maintenance garden.
2. Astilbe
If you’re looking for flowers to plant in front of your hydrangeas, astilbe is an excellent choice. Similar to hydrangeas, Astilbe are shade-loving flowers with beautiful fluffy plumes in shades of pink, purple, and white.
Astilbes are low-maintenance flowers that prefer partially shaded areas with moist soil. They are easy-to-grow plants that add a pop of color and texture to your garden.
I love the look of Astilbe- it’s not a structured flower, giving it a cottage garden vibe.
Astilbe Plant Care
Similar to hydrangeas, growing astilbe is easy. They also prefer partially shaded areas. Once established, astilbe can grow on their own with minimal care. Occasional watering and once-a-year fertilization are enough to keep them healthy and blooming beautifully.
Why Plant Astilbe with Hydrangeas
Astilbe is the perfect companion plant for hydrangeas because they have similar light requirements. One of the advantages of pairing astilbe with hydrangeas is the height difference. Since astilbes are shorter, they can be planted in front of the larger hydrangea bushes.
3. Ferns
Ferns are another great companion plant for hydrangeas. They are beautiful, shade-loving plants that will add texture to your garden and look great planted with hydrangeas!
Ferns Plant Care
Ferns are easy-to-grow plants. They are happy in shaded areas. I have a lot of ferns in my shaded woodland garden! The best part about growing ferns is you don’t need to do much. I don’t even water or fertilize my ferns, they grow on auto-pilot!
Ferns Compatibility with Hydrangeas
Ferns and hydrangeas look great planted together. I love the beautiful contrast of the fern-like foliage against the bold foliage of the hydrangeas. Plus, both ferns and hydrangeas are shade-loving, so they will happily grow next to each other.
4. Daylily
Daylilies are one of the best flowers to plant with hydrangeas. Like hydrangeas, they thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining soil. Their beautiful grass-like leaves will look beautiful against the hydrangea flowers!
Daylily Plant Care
Daylilies are easy to grow and hardy flowers. They can tolerate various soil conditions, perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
Once established, daylilies don’t need much attention. Just regular watering and occasional fertilization are all they need to be happy in your garden. Daylilies are also generally problem-free—they are usually pest—and disease-resistant.
5. Rhododendrons
Another excellent choice for companion planting with hydrangeas is the rhododendron. These easy-to-grow flowering shrubs grow well in shady locations and add a pop of color to your garden. Rhododendrons come in a variety of flower colors, so you can have fun planting them next to hydrangeas.
Rhododendron Plant Care
Similar to hydrangeas, rhododendrons are low-maintenance plants. Once established, they require little care beyond occasional watering and fertilizing.
Rhododendrons prefer acidic soil with good drainage and will grow well in areas with partial shade. They are perfect for woodland gardens or partially shaded areas.
6. Azaleas
If you’re looking for a smaller flowering shrub to plant with hydrangeas, try azaleas. Azaleas are great companion plants with hydrangeas because they do well in partial shade locations. Plus, azaleas have smaller, vibrant flowers- which look great against the large hydrangea blooms.
Azaleas are compact flowering shrubs that come in a wide range of flower colors, from pinks and purples to whites and reds. Pairing azaleas with blue hydrangeas will add a lot of color to your garden.
Azalea Plant Care
Like hydrangeas, azaleas are low-maintenance plants. Once established, they just need the occasional watering and fertilizing. Azaleas, like rhododendrons, prefer acidic soil with good drainage and will grow well in partial shade.
7. Foxglove
Foxglove is another good hydrangea companion plant. It’s a tall plant with bell-shaped flowers in white, lavender, and pink. The flowers are a nice contrast to the round hydrangea shrubs. It’s perfect if you want a country cottage garden look.
Foxglove Plant Care
Foxgloves can grow well in partial shade and prefer well-draining soil. They’re generally pest-free, and deer and rabbits don’t really like them. The only thing about foxgloves is that they’re biennial plants. It takes 2 years to flower and finish its life cycle fully. But do be careful with foxgloves because they’re a toxic plant—keep them away from children and pets. Don’t plant them near edible plants because they can be fatal when ingested.
8. Coneflower
Coneflowers are great companion plants for hydrangeas. They are perennials and will grow back year after year. They come in all sorts of colors—pinks, purples, yellows, and oranges. They’re perfect to plant next to hydrangeas.
Coneflower Plant Care
Coneflowers are easy to care for—you really don’t have to do much for them to flower beautifully. They are also heat—and drought-resistant, perfect for lazy gardeners.
9. Allium
Allium is another favorite companion plant for hydrangeas. They are tall perennials with beautiful round flowers.
Allium Plant Care
Alliums are low-maintenance plants. I have them in my garden, and can you believe it? I never watered them. The amazing thing is that they keep growing back year after year. They are so easy.
One of the best things about planting alliums is that it helps keep deer away from your hydrangeas. Alliums are part of the onion family and can have an oniony smell. Deer and rabbits don’t like the smell. So if you plant them next to your hydrangeas, it keeps the deer away.
Check out my article, how to grow Hydrangeas the Lazy Way.
You May Also be Interested in these Hydrangea Care Tips
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How to Deadhead Hydrangeas (video)
How to Make Hydrangeas Flower (video)
Beginner’s Guide: How to Care for your Hydrangea (video)
Can I Transplant Hydrangeas in the Summer?