Because of their unique floral flora, hydrangeas are one of the most popular flowering plants in our home gardens. But they are not just attractive solitary plants that beautify shady locations. Combined with the right companion plants, the hydrangea forms visually extremely attractive plant communities.
Which plants harmonize with hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas are suitable for leafy perennials such as bamboo and ornamental grasses as well as flowering plants such as anemones, hostas, astilbes or ferns. The combination with trees such as butterfly bush or lilac also creates attractive garden arrangements.
Planting suggestions for a hydrangea bed in partial shade
With its magnificent white, blue, red, pink or purple flower balls and extensive foliage, the hydrangea stands in interesting contrast to leafy perennials such as bamboo and ornamental grasses. The different shades of green of the leaves bring out the rich colors of the hydrangea wonderfully. The hydrangea also gets along well with perennials such as cherries or anemones.
The Shade Bed
Hydrangeas thrive even in shady locations and thus beautify garden corners that often appear a bit bare. For example, combine the hydrangea with hostas, whose differently colored leaves create a beautiful contrast. Ferns, astilbes, lady's mantles, yellow loosestrife or purple bells are also suitable as companion plants.
A flowering hedge
Hydrangeas fit well into natural gardens and enrich the flower hedges often planted here with their beautiful flower umbels, which are often visited by insects. Combine the hydrangea with, for example:
- Butterfly Bush
- Crabapple or pear
- Dogwood
- Lilac
- Cornelian cherry
These shrubs bloom at different times, so there is always some tree with cheerful splashes of color.
Planting large hydrangeas
Like many shrubs, hydrangea bushes can be planted under various companion plants. It looks wonderful when you combine the hydrangea with shade-loving lilies of the valley or cistus.
When it rains, the large hydrangea flowers soak up water like a sponge and the branches can break under this load. The barberry (sour thorn, vinegar berry) supports the hydrangea with its branches and is therefore ideal for underplanting.
Tip
The different types of hydrangeas can also be combined perfectly with each other. You can beautify shady areas under deciduous trees with several plants in different colors. The colorful flower balls make these a colorful feast for the eyes.
