Companion plants for hydrangeas
- Ornamental grasses: If you’re after some variety in your garden, ornamental grasses will add a great textural contrast to your hydrangeas. They will easily fill your border around your other plants with ease.
- Dogwood trees: Small trees like dogwood trees can offer the shade that hydrangea shrubs prefer. They’ll also bring with them added blooms and foliage.
Where to plant hydrangeas to give them the best start?
With time, the branch will form its own root system and may be transplanted to a new location.
- Dig a small trench near your hydrangea plant.
- Bend a branch down to the trench so it touches the soil in the middle of the branch (six to 12 inches of branch should extend past the trench).
- Make scratches in the bark where the branch touches the trench soil.
- Fill in the trench and place a paver, brick or stone on top.
What plants go well with Limelight Hydrangea?
What to plant with hydrangeas – 10 beautiful companion plants
- Hostas. ‘Hostas are a great companion plant for hydrangeas,’ says Julia Omelchenko, a botanist expert for the NatureID app .
- Daylilies. When considering what to plant with hydrangeas, think about classic color combinations. ...
- Gardenia. ...
- Echinacea purpurea. ...
- Pieris japonica. ...
- Conifers. ...
- Ornamental grasses. ...
- Camellias. ...
- Astilbe. ...
- Clematis viorna. ...
Where to plant Hydrangeas in your yard?
- Hydrangeas in Front of the House. Finding the right location for hydrangeas in your front-of-house landscaping requires looking for spots where hydrangeas can thrive.
- Plant Your Hydrangeas. After choosing the location for a hydrangea in front of the house or in another spot in the front yard, get ready for planting.
- Maintain Your Hydrangeas. The beautiful thing about hydrangeas is that once they are established, these plants are very low maintenance.
Can hydrangeas go in a potted plant in the shade?
Sites with morning sun and afternoon shade are also suitable. Avoid fungal diseases by ensuring there is adequate air circulation around the plant. You can accomplish this by cutting back any other plants that are growing too close to the site you choose for the potted hydrangea.
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What plants pair well with hydrangeas?
While hydrangeas typically look best when planted en masse on their own, there are a few plants that make great friends for your favorite cut flowers....Best Companion Plants For HydrangeasAzaleas. What is this? ... Heuchera. What is this? ... Sweet Potato Vine. What is this? ... Hostas. ... Swedish Ivy. ... Ferns. ... Boxwood. ... Ornamental grasses.More items...•
Where should you not plant hydrangeas?
Growing Conditions Hydrangeas need well-draining soil and are best planted in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Deep or constant shade is not suitable for hydrangeas, and neither is full sun. Pick a spot where your hydrangeas will be exposed to at least three to four hours of sun per day.
How do you landscape hydrangeas?
Use hydrangeas with vivid colors to brighten up dry or drab areas in your landscape. They need more water than most shrubs, so you may want to add an irrigation system to keep them happy—however, they don't like soggy soil and need good drainage.
What annuals go well with hydrangeas?
15 Hydrangea Companion Plants For Your Garden1 Astilbe.2 Azalea.3 Campanula.4 Dogwood.5 Fern.6 Heuchera.7 Hosta.8 Japanese Forest Grass.More items...•
Should I cut off Brown hydrangea blooms?
Are the blooms on your hydrangea shrubs fading or turning brown? No need to worry – this is simply a sign that it's time to remove the flowers, a process called deadheading. When you deadhead hydrangeas, you aren't harming the plants at all.
Can I plant a hydrangea close to a tree?
Technically, yes, you can plant a hydrangea underneath a tree. However, it's not recommended. Hydrangeas planted underneath a tree will struggle to grow to their full potential due to the fact they will compete for nutrients with the nearby tree.
Can you put gravel around hydrangeas?
Pebbles won't stop hydrangeas growing. They'll act as a mulch and help keep the soil moist. What you will find, though, is that lots of weeds love growing in them; the smaller the pebbles the worse this will be. You'd be better off mulching with a thick (six inches minimum depth) of bark chips or Strulch.
Are you supposed to cut back hydrangeas?
First, know hydrangeas do not have to be pruned — unless the shrub has grown too large for its space or unruly and needs a little shaping up. Otherwise, you can simply clean up the plant by removing dead branches and deadheading spent blooms.
What side of house do you plant hydrangeas?
These bushes do well in partial shade and can not tolerate either full sun or full shade. Hydrangeas also come in a climbing variety, H. anomala. This variety can be planted on a trellis on the north side of the home or be permitted to climb the side of a building.
Do hostas and hydrangeas go together?
With the right planning, hostas (Hosta spp.) and hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) are perfect partners. Both thrive in part shade, while hostas even tolerate the deeper shade cast by the taller shrubs.
Can I plant 2 hydrangeas together?
You have to plant Bigleaf hydrangeas and Panicle hydrangeas 6-12 feet apart. In the case of Oakleaf hydrangeas, they need to be planted 6-8 feet apart. In general, hydrangeas should be planted apart at a distance equal to the width of one adult plant (for plants of the same size).
Can you plant roses with hydrangeas?
Although the lush blues and purples of hydrangeas can complement roses, hydrangeas aren't necessarily the best flowers to plant next to roses. These papery flowers conflict with what roses need because they require moist soil and ample shade to thrive.
Is it OK to plant hydrangea close to house?
The main reason not to plant Hydrangeas too close to your house is for their own health. These shrubs do best with at least three feet of space from obstacles or other plants. Taller varieties may need close to ten feet.
Which side of the house should you plant hydrangeas?
Generally, hydrangeas prefer partial sun. Ideally, they will be given full sun in the morning, followed by some afternoon shade to protect from the hot midday sun. This is especially true for the Bigleaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla), whose large leaves are prone to wilting.
Can you plant a hydrangea anywhere?
You can plant hydrangeas anywhere in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. However, as real estate professionals like to say, it's all about location, location, location.
How far away from house should I plant hydrangea?
Plant hydrangeas at a distance of half its width (the width of an adult plant) from the house. For example, if your hydrangea reaches 5 feet wide in maturity, then you need to plant it at least 2.5 feet from the house or fence. What is this?
Quick Care Guide For Hydrangeas
Hydrangea macrophylla – also known as mophead, bigleaf hydrangeas, or the old-fashioned hortensia – are generally easy to grow and care for with a little knowledge and observation. They also grow well in containers.
Why Do Some Hydrangeas Change Flower Color?
It can be confusing to see your prized blue hydrangea change color to pink once you get them in the ground.
Best Companion Plants For Hydrangeas
Azaleas and rhododendrons are some of the best plants to grow next to hydrangeas as they like the same things – a bit of shade and a good organic mulch.
What Not To Plant With Hydrangeas
Due to the conditions hydrangeas prefer, sun-loving or deep shade plants will not cope. Many ornamental and edible plants fall under this list, making poor companions.
What kind of hydrangea should I plant?from purewow.com
There are five basic types including bigleaf, panicle, smooth, mountain and oakleaf. There’s also a climbing hydrangea , which will clamber up a wall or large trellis for an amazing display when it reaches maturity in a few years’ time. Each type has its own charms, with varying colors, bloom shapes and sizes. For easy care, it doesn’t get much better than panicle types. Oakleaf types offer crimson leaf color in the fall. Bigleaf and mountain need afternoon shade, or they may wilt. Read the plant tag or description before buying so you’ll know the plant’s needs.
Why do hydrangeas need companion planting?from purewow.com
It’s based on the theory that certain plants help others absorb nutrients better, attract beneficial pollinators, or like the same growing conditions so that they grow well together. In the case of hydrangeas, it’s mostly about choosing plants that like similar light and moisture levels.
How far from the house should you plant hydrangeas?from purewow.com
As above, plant it at least one plant’s width away from the house. But also make sure it will get some sun because hydrangeas in full shade (with no direct sunlight) will not bloom well.
How much sun does a hydrangea need?from purewow.com
This hardy, mounding perennial has pretty purple, pink or white spikes of flowers that need about 4 to 6 hours of sun a day, and pollinators love them. They’re ideal massed in front of dwarf-sized hydrangeas.
What color are hydrangeas?from thepracticalplanter.com
The first and most obvious thing is their color. In addition to pink and purple, hydrangeas come in blue, white, lavender, and similar hues. They’re also pretty easy to grow and as perennials, they bloom year after year from summer to fall, even after other flowers stop blooming.
How tall are hydrangeas?from purewow.com
Hydrangeas range in height from a few feet tall to 8 to 10 feet tall and wide, so they’re equally at home in a pot on a balcony garden or as part of beds in your flower garden. Once established, they thrive in almost any climate from USDA Hardiness zones 3 to zone 9 (find your hardiness zone here ). Make sure to choose one that is suited to your zone.
What is a typical hydrangea bloom?from thepracticalplanter.com
Finally, a typical hydrangea bloom is nice and round, rather than tall and thin.
What kind of hydrangea should I plant?
There are five basic types including bigleaf, panicle, smooth, mountain and oakleaf. There’s also a climbing hydrangea , which will clamber up a wall or large trellis for an amazing display when it reaches maturity in a few years’ time. Each type has its own charms, with varying colors, bloom shapes and sizes. For easy care, it doesn’t get much better than panicle types. Oakleaf types offer crimson leaf color in the fall. Bigleaf and mountain need afternoon shade, or they may wilt. Read the plant tag or description before buying so you’ll know the plant’s needs.
Why do hydrangeas need companion planting?
It’s based on the theory that certain plants help others absorb nutrients better, attract beneficial pollinators, or like the same growing conditions so that they grow well together. In the case of hydrangeas, it’s mostly about choosing plants that like similar light and moisture levels.
How far from the house should you plant hydrangeas?
As above, plant it at least one plant’s width away from the house. But also make sure it will get some sun because hydrangeas in full shade (with no direct sunlight) will not bloom well.
How much sun does a hydrangea need?
This hardy, mounding perennial has pretty purple, pink or white spikes of flowers that need about 4 to 6 hours of sun a day, and pollinators love them. They’re ideal massed in front of dwarf-sized hydrangeas.
How tall are hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas range in height from a few feet tall to 8 to 10 feet tall and wide, so they’re equally at home in a pot on a balcony garden or as part of beds in your flower garden. Once established, they thrive in almost any climate from USDA Hardiness zones 3 to zone 9 (find your hardiness zone here ). Make sure to choose one that is suited to your zone.
When do hydrangeas bloom?
Hydrangeas start to bloom in early to mid-summer, depending on the type, and the flowers remain through fall. In many parts of the country, the faded blooms will stay on the plant to provide winter interest in your otherwise bare garden. Hydrangeas also make great cut or dried flowers. Although many people think hydrangeas grow only in shade, most types need at least four hours of sun to bloom well. In warm climates, they prefer afternoon shade to protect them from searing heat. They like well-drained—never soggy—soils but will tolerate many different types from sandy to clay. To round out your garden, plant hydrangeas with companion plants that have similar needs.
Do hydrangeas bloom all season?
Not every flower has to be in bloom all season long. Plant spring-flowering bulbs under hydrangeas; they’ll bloom before the shrubs leaf out, while the hydrangeas will camouflage the fading bulb foliage.
What flowers grow in front of hydrangeas?
Mass a bed of the shade-tolerant flowers in front of the hydrangea. Foxgloves ( Digitalis purpurea) grow tall stalks lined with bell-shaped flowers. Pansies ( Viola wittrockiana) might also work well and come in myriad shades. Or go with heucherella. Its foliage works well with the green foliage of hydrangeas, especially dark, exotic cultivars like “Twilight.”
What is the best companion plant for hydrangeas?
Or consider the delicate evergreen ‘Soft Caress’ mahonia for hydrangea companion plants. The feathery texture of the foliage contrasts nicely with the wide hydrangea leaves.
What is a mophead hydrangea?
For example, the popular mophead hydrangea ( Hydrangea macrophylla) grows naturally as a rounded, mounding shrub with large, rounded leaves. You might choose other plants with rounded foliage as companions for hydrangea, like Hosta. Its teardrop leaves repeat the shape of mophead foliage, and you can find hosta with foliage in different colors.
Why are hydrangeas so popular?
It’s easy to understand why hydrangeas are so popular. Easy to grow and tolerant of sun and shade, hydrangeas bring stunning foliage and big blossoms to your garden. Increase the enchantment of these flowering bushes by carefully selecting hydrangea companion plants. If you are thoughtful about planting next to hydrangeas, you’ll find shrubs and flowers that complement these plants. Read on for some tips on what to plant with hydrangea.
Do hydrangeas need sun?
Hydrangeas will survive in full sun with adequate irrigation. They are much happier, however, in a location with shade during the hottest afternoon hours.
What plants can be used to line a flower bed around a hydrangea?
There are things like foxgloves that will grow very tall stalks and can be perfect for lining a flower bed around a hydrangea and you can find them in many different colors.
What is a good companion for hydrangeas?
Good hydrangea companion plants should be things that are similar but at the same time slightly different. Similarity should exist in terms of things like soil or water especially if you are planting everything in the same garden bed or soil. This is not necessarily a concern if you are using pots because you can alternate the soil structure and water content much more easily in pots.
What is the shape of a Hosta?
One example is the Hosta with its teardrop-shaped leaves and foliage very similar in shape to that of the mop head hydrangea. Moreover, you can find plenty of flower colors similar to the variety of colors you can get with the hydrangea.
Do hydrangeas need sun?
Hydrangeas need full sun and some shade in the afternoon with adequate irrigation so any plants that you put next to the hydrangea should be something that is either tall enough to provide afternoon shade for your hydrangea, or shaped such that its position doesn’t block morning sunlight access for the hydrangea.
Is hydrangea a reader supported plant?
Last updated on August 1st, 2019. Our site is reader supported, this means we may earn a small commission from Amazon and other affiliates when you buy through links on our site. Hydrangeas are an incredibly popular plant because they are easy to grow and very tolerant of both sun and shade.
Can you increase the enchantment of hydrangeas?
Of course, you can increase the overall enchantment that you are hydrangeas bring by finding the perfect companion plants.
Can you use pots for hydrangeas?
This is not necessarily a concern if you are using pots because you can alternate the soil structure and water content much more easily in pots. In terms of the appearance, it is always good to go with something slightly different, things that contrast the general features of the hydrangea blooms.
What is the best grass for hydrangeas?
If you want the focus of your garden to be mainly on hydrangeas, consider the understated elegance of ornamental grasses. Typically low-maintenance and easy to grow, these grasses subtly enhance the beauty of the flowers without calling attention to themselves. Anchor the corners of your garden with the tall and handsome, burgundy-colored, fountain grass; a sun-lover, its showy purple plumes will float in the breeze and provide a bit of shade for the hydrangeas. Blue fescue, which forms bluish-gray tufts, loves full or partial sun, just like hydrangeas. These tufts will grow anywhere from 4-11 inches and is an ideal choice for edging your garden.
How far can a hydrangea grow?
Reaching 5 to 6 feet, its arching, white-flowered branches also provide protection from the mid-day sun for the hydrangeas. If planting a hydrangea close to an existing tree, check with your local nursery as to how close to the tree you should dig a hole. You want to avoid nicking or destroying an existing root system.
Can hydrangeas be planted in shade?
Hydrangeas are beautiful on their own, but there are other plants that can enhance the visual appeal of these Southern garden favorites. Whether you want to provide additional color, ground cover, or shade, consider planting a companion plant.
Do hostas like sun?
Native to Asia and introduced to American gardeners in the mid-19th century, hosta plants share hydrangea's love of morning sun and afternoon shade. There is an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from. While many varieties of hostas can tolerate the sun, hostas generally prefer shade, which is why this plant works well growing under the canopy of hydrangea foliage. New selections of hostas enter the scene in droves, and names change periodically. To be sure you get the hosta you want, buy the plant in full lfeaf or deal with an expert.
What is the best hydrangea to grow in the summer?
There are four different types of hydrangeas grown in the United States: Oakleaf hydrangeas thrive in warmer zones. If you live in Zone 5 or warmer, oakleaf hydrangeas are a great choice, as they’re able to withstand the heat of summer. Bigleaf hydrangeas are the most common of all.
How to get rid of a hydrangea plant?
All you have to do is: Dig a small trench near your hydrangea plant. Bend a branch down to the trench so it touches the soil in the middle of the branch ( six to 12 inches of branch should extend past the trench). Make scratches in the bark where the branch touches the trench soil.
What Are Hydrangeas?
Blooming in spring and summer, the hydrangea is considered a shrub. But despite their ability to be rather large showstoppers in your yard, how to grow hydrangeas isn’t a question even the novice gardener will need to ask – these beauties all but grow themselves. Reaching up to 15 feet in height, the hydrangea grows quickly and often fills in a space in just one summer. You’ll find hydrangeas growing in hardiness Zones 3 to 7 as perennials. With flowers starting in spring and often last throughout summer into early fall, hydrangea flowers can be the foundation plant of your landscape.
Why are hydrangeas blue?
Blue hydrangea – Blue hydrangeas from the bigleaf family are only blue because of the soil they are grown in. You can purchase a blue hydrangea and find it blooms a different color next year.
How to keep hydrangeas from wilting?
Watering in the morning will help prevent hydrangeas from wilting during hot days. Add mulch underneath your hydrangeas to help keep the soil moist and cool. An organic mulch breaks down over time, adding nutrients and improving soil texture. Apply fertilizer based on your specific hydrangeas.
Why are hydrangeas called snowballs?
Smooth hydrangeas are also known as snowballs because of their large white clusters of blooms. They’re an excellent choice in cold climates.
How to make hydrangeas bloom pink?
You can also add additional aluminum sulfate to your soil throughout the growing season. Pink and red flowers shine when you add ground limestone to increase the pH. A soil pH test can help you accurately adjust your hydrangea color. Avoid pH levels above 7.5 to prevent damage to the plant.
1. Boxwoods
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub that can be pruned into interesting shapes or grown as hedging. It is happy to grow in most soils and enjoys full sun or shade.
2. Azaleas
Azaleas are flowering shrubs that enjoy moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. Cultivars range in color from orange to yellow and red to pink.
3. Hostas
Hostas prefer moist, shady growing conditions and produce stunning foliage in blue, yellow, and green.
4. Coleus
Coleus produces gorgeous velvet-type foliage in red, burgundy, bronze, brown, and yellow. Some varieties can also be pink or green. Tiny blue flowers appear towards the end of the growing season.
5. Nandina
The evergreen nandina is known for its green foliage in the summer that turns fiery red and bronze in the fall. It is slow-growing and compact; this shrub is perfect for smaller gardens.
6. Dwarf Japanese Maple
The dwarf Japanese maple is one of the most popular tree choices to plant alongside hydrangeas due to its compact size.
7. Impatiens
Impatiens are annuals that come in a kaleidoscope of colors, including white, red, violet, coral, purple, and many more. They prefer shady areas and love moist soil that drains well.
