Hydrangeas are an exquisite addition to any garden. With their large, colorful blooms and versatile growing habits, these plants have earned a place in gardens around the world. But while hydrangeas are stunning on their own, pairing them with the right companions can elevate your garden to a whole new level of beauty. The key is to select plants that not only complement the hydrangea’s aesthetics but also thrive under similar growing conditions.
In this blog, we’ll explore 12 top plant companions for hydrangeas, each chosen for its ability to enhance the hydrangea’s beauty and share a similar care regimen. Whether you’re planting in a sunny or shaded area, there’s a perfect companion waiting for you.
12 top plant companions for hydrangeas
1. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
Astilbe, with its delicate, feathery flowers, is one of the best companions for hydrangeas. These plants thrive in similar conditions: a preference for moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Astilbe’s spiky blooms in shades of pink, white, and red provide a beautiful contrast to the rounded, often heavy blossoms of hydrangeas. The feathery texture of Astilbe flowers also pairs well with the smoothness of hydrangea petals.
Planting Tips:
Astilbes need consistently moist soil. Make sure to water them regularly, especially in dry spells.
They are well-suited for shady or partially shaded locations, making them perfect for planting under trees or near hydrangeas in similar light conditions.
2. Hostas (Hosta spp.)
Hostas are another fantastic companion for hydrangeas, especially in shaded areas. These plants offer lush foliage that contrasts beautifully with the bold blooms of hydrangeas. Hostas come in a wide variety of colors and textures, from deep green to variegated whites and blues. Their large leaves create a backdrop that enhances the beauty of hydrangea flowers.
Planting Tips:
Hostas are shade-loving plants, thriving under the same conditions as hydrangeas. They also prefer moist, well-draining soil.
To keep hostas healthy, ensure they get enough water, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
3. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies are a bright and vibrant option that pairs well with hydrangeas. These hardy perennials bloom in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to bold oranges and reds. Their long, slender leaves create a nice contrast to the broad leaves of
hydrangeas, while their flowers can add a pop of color when hydrangeas are not in bloom.
Planting Tips:
Daylilies prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Consider planting them near hydrangeas in slightly sunnier spots.
They are relatively low-maintenance and will thrive with moderate watering and well-drained soil.
4. Ferns (Various species)
Ferns are another excellent choice for hydrangea companions, especially in shady or woodland gardens. Ferns provide a lush, green contrast to the more structured form of hydrangeas. The soft, feathery texture of ferns creates a calming, natural atmosphere, while the muted greens of ferns pair beautifully with the vibrant hydrangea blooms.
Planting Tips:
Most ferns thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal for planting in areas where hydrangeas grow.
Keep the soil consistently moist, as ferns tend to prefer humidity and moisture.
5. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral bells offer striking foliage that can complement hydrangeas in a variety of ways. With their ruffled, colorful leaves in shades of red, purple, silver, and green, coral bells create an attractive groundcover that contrasts with the larger flowers of hydrangeas. Additionally, coral bells produce small flowers that can add texture and interest to the planting.
Planting Tips:
Coral bells do best in partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
They prefer slightly dry to average moisture conditions, so be mindful of not overwatering.
6. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
The graceful, heart-shaped flowers of bleeding heart create a stunning visual contrast with the rounded blooms of hydrangeas. These plants flourish in partial to full shade and have a unique, arching form that enhances the elegance of hydrangeas. With their soft, pastel-colored blooms, bleeding hearts add an element of refinement to the garden.
Planting Tips:
Bleeding hearts thrive in moist, well-drained soil and prefer shady locations.
After flowering, the foliage may die back, so consider placing them where they won’t be competing with hydrangea blooms.
7. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
If you’re looking to add fragrance to your garden, lavender is a perfect companion for hydrangeas. The soft purple hues of lavender provide a lovely contrast to the varied colors of hydrangea blooms. Lavender’s upright growth habit and aromatic foliage also add texture and interest to the garden.
Planting Tips:
Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s important to plant lavender in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight.
Lavender can tolerate dry conditions, so be sure to avoid overwatering.
8. Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.)
Solomon’s seal is a classic woodland plant with elegant arching stems and small, bell-shaped flowers. Its soft, arching form contrasts beautifully with the bold, upright blooms of hydrangeas. The subtle white or greenish flowers of Solomon’s seal can act as a delicate filler plant, complementing the larger hydrangea blooms without overpowering them.
Planting Tips:
Solomon’s seal thrives in shady to partially shaded areas and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
It’s a low-maintenance plant, requiring only occasional watering and care.
9. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
For a pop of color, purple coneflower is an excellent partner for hydrangeas. This native perennial blooms in vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers that add interest and texture. The sturdy, daisy-like flowers provide a natural contrast to the more refined shape of hydrangea flowers, creating a rustic, cottage garden feel.
Planting Tips:
Purple coneflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them easy to care for.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage additional flowering and keep the plant looking tidy.
10. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)
Shasta daisies are a timeless garden classic with white petals and yellow centers. Their crisp, clean look provides a fresh contrast to the lush, rounded blooms of hydrangeas. Shasta daisies bloom profusely throughout the summer, ensuring your garden stays vibrant even when the hydrangeas are not in bloom.
Planting Tips:
Shasta daisies do best in full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Water them consistently but avoid keeping the soil too soggy.
11. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
For a more unusual and elegant companion, Japanese forest grass offers a soft, flowing contrast to hydrangeas. Its arching, golden-green leaves move gracefully in the wind, adding texture and interest to shaded areas. This grass plant also grows well in moist, well-drained soil, making it a natural partner for hydrangeas.
Planting Tips:
Japanese forest grass prefers partial shade and is perfect for planting in moist, slightly acidic soils.
It’s low-maintenance and adds a unique textural element to gardens with hydrangeas.
12. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedum, or “autumn joy,” provides a beautiful, late-blooming contrast to hydrangeas. With its fleshy, succulent-like leaves and star-shaped flowers, sedum adds interest and texture to your garden. As an added benefit, sedum thrives in slightly drier conditions, so it can be planted in areas where other plants may struggle.
Planting Tips:
Sedum requires full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established.
Be sure to space sedum plants apart, as they spread and form attractive mounds.
Conclusion
Pairing plants with hydrangeas is a fantastic way to create a stunning garden that is full of color, texture, and seasonal interest. The 12 plants we’ve explored here—ranging from the delicate blooms of astilbe and bleeding heart to the sturdy flowers of coneflowers and daisies—are all excellent choices to enhance the beauty of your hydrangeas.
When selecting companion plants, consider the light and moisture requirements, as well as the texture and color contrasts. With these considerations in mind, you can create a harmonious garden that not only highlights your hydrangeas but also brings out the best in each of your plants. Happy gardening!
