Are you looking for flowers to plant next to hydrangeas? As a gardener with over 20 years of experience growing hydrangeas, I’ve experimented with many companion flowers for hydrangeas.
I look for flowers that look visually appealing next to hydrangeas and also have similar growing conditions as hydrangeas.
When it comes to selecting companion flowers, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you want flowers that can thrive in similar growing conditions as hydrangeas, such as partial shade and well-drained soil.
And you want flowers that have a complementary color palette, adding visual interest to your garden.
Best Flowers to Plant with Hydrangeas
Daylily
Daylilies are one of the best flowers to plant with hydrangeas. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, just like hydrangeas, and prefer well-draining soil.
Daylilies have beautiful grass-like leaves and vibrant yellow and orange flowers will look beautiful against the blue and purple hydrangea flowers!
Daylily Plant Care
Daylilies are easy to grow, hardy flowers. They are known for their adaptability and ability to tolerate various soil conditions, making them a resilient choice for garden beds.
Once established, daylilies don’t need much attention. Just regular watering and occasional fertilization, that’s all it needs to be happy in your garden.
Daylilies are also generally problem free plants- they are usually pest and disease resistant.
Daylily Compatibility with Hydrangeas
When it comes to designing a flower bed or a border, daylilies and hydrangeas are great planted together. Both plants are similar because they will do well in partial shade.
By planting daylilies alongside hydrangeas, you create a visually appealing contrast in height and color.
Daylilies are shorter compared to hydrangeas, daylilies will look good planted in front of the larger hydrangea bushes. This creates an attractive layered effect in your garden.
You can plant hydrangeas and daylilies in a row with daylilies in front and hydrangeas at the back!
The broad, showy blooms of hydrangeas combined with the grass-like daylily foliage will make your garden look beautiful!
Plus both daylilies and hydrangeas have a long bloom period so you will have a continuous display of color throughout the growing season.
Astilbe
If you’re looking for smaller 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.
They are low maintenance flowers and prefer partially shaded areas with moist soil, astilbe is an easy-to-grow plant that adds a pop of color and texture to your garden.
I love the look of Astilbe because it is not a structured flower that can give a cottage garden vibe.
Astilbe Plant Care
Taking care of astilbe is a breeze, similar to hydrangeas. They also prefer partially shaded areas.
Once established, astilbe can grow on their own with minimal fuss.
Occasional watering and once-a-year fertilization are enough to keep them healthy and blooming beautifully.
Why Plant Astilbe with Hydrangeas
Astilbe is an excellent choice for companion planting with hydrangeas due to their shared love for shade. Planting them next to each other is effortless since 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.
This arrangement creates an appealing visual contrast, with the large, showy hydrangea blooms towering behind the delicate and feathery astilbe flowers. The combination adds instant interest and texture to your garden bed.
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 any 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 thrive in areas with partial shade, making them an excellent choice for woodland gardens or partially shaded areas.
Why Plant Rhododendrons with Hydrangeas
Rhododendrons and hydrangeas are compatible because they both prefer partial shade conditions. Plus, both plants can grow into large shrubs, creating an aesthetically pleasing combination.
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 also thrive in partial shade locations.
Plus azaleas have smaller, vibrant flowers- which look great against the large hydrangea blooms.
Azaleas are compact flowering shrubs that will add a splash of color to any garden with their wide range of flower colors, from pinks and purples to whites and reds.
Pairing azaleas with blue hydrangeas creates a visually striking contrast.
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 thrive in partial shade. However, they can also tolerate more sunny locations.
Why Plant Azaleas with Hydrangeas
Azaleas and hydrangeas are compatible plants because they both prefer partial shade conditions. The smaller and more compact size of azaleas creates visual interest when paired with larger hydrangeas.
The vibrant and petite azalea flowers complement the spherical hydrangea blooms, resulting in an eye-catching display.
You May Also be Interested in these Hydrangea Care Tips
Step by Step: How to Easily Propagate Hydrangeas (video)
How to Deadhead Hydrangeas (video)
How to Make Hydrangeas Flower (video)
Beginner’s Guide: How to Care for your Hydrangea (video)