Top 5 companion plants for hydrangeas

You’ve purchased a new hydrangea this year for your garden. Now, you’re wondering what plants will go best with it in your landscape. In today’s guide, we walk you through our top 5 companion plants for hydrangeas. By following the suggestions in today’s guide, you will be able to let the beauty of your hydrangeas shine. So, grab your gardening gloves and let’s dig in!

Boxwood

One of our all-time favourite companion plants for hydrangeas is boxwood. Boxwood is hardy in zones 4-9. It thrives best in full sun to shade. Boxwood is an evergreen shrub that will give your garden a regal feel. Boxwood adds a formal structure to contrast against the looser structure of hydrangeas. Use boxwood to frame your hydrangea. Or, use it in a mixed shrub border alongside your hydrangeas. 

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heuchera comes in a variety of different colours and leaf patterns. It is hardy in zones 4-9. Heurchera prefers part sun to part shade and is often found in woodland gardens. It prefers much the same conditions as hydrangeas which makes it the perfect companion plant. Try planting it around the base of your plants. Doing so will give you long lasting colour. 

Japanese Painted Fern

Ferns love many of the same conditions as hydrangeas. That’s what makes them an excellent companion plant. Japanese Painted Ferns are hardy in zones 3-9. They grow best in partial to full shade. Japanese Painted Ferns have unique silvery patterned leaves. This makes a great contrast to the bold green leaves of hydrangeas. Plant Japanese Painted Ferns underneath hydrangeas for a contrast in height. Or, use them to help frame a mixed garden border. 

Spirea

If you are looking to plant a mixed shrub border, spirea makes a great companion to hydrangeas. Spirea are virtually maintenance free and grow in a variety of different conditions. They are hardy in zones 4-8. They will also tolerate light shade. Some varieties are repeat bloomers for added colour in the landscape. Some varieties even have a golden tinge to the leaves. This makes them a great contrast to different coloured hydrangeas. 

Cranesbill (Hardy geranium)

If you’re looking to add a ground cover alongside your hydrangea, cranesbill is a great option. Cranesbill is hardy in zones 3-9. It also comes in a variety of different colour options. Use cranesbill as a border alongside hydrangeas. Or, to help keep the roots cool and slow down weeds, plant around the base of your hydrangeas. 

What not to plant with hydrangeas

Here is a list of the plants that do not pair well with hydrangeas: 

• Lavender: Lavender thrives best in full sun. It also enjoys dry soil. Hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. They also like moist and rich soil. Planting these two together should be avoided because they like opposite conditions.
• Roses: Roses perform best in sunny spots of the garden. The conditions that roses like will be too much light for hydrangeas. Hydrangeas prefer some shelter from hot afternoon sun. 
• Tall and large trees: Hydrangeas love soil that is rich in nutrients. Trees also thrive off of nutrients from the soil. Planting the two together will result in competition. Trees will suck most of the nutrients from the soil leaving little left for the hydrangeas. 
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers love sunny conditions and hot weather. Hydrangeas like the exact opposite and prefer some shade.

Final thoughts on companion plants for hydrangeas

When it comes to planning your landscape, let your hydrangea be the focal point of your garden. Use companion plants to help your hydrangea stand out. Who knows, you might just find the winning combination. Have a favourite companion plant for hydrangeas? Drop a comment below or join us on social media. Let’s inspire others to showcase the beauty of their own hydrangeas.