Every year in May, Rhododendron displays its breathtaking flowers. The summer floral fairytale of colorful hydrangeas immediately follows. This raises the question among hobby gardeners as to whether the two flowering bushes can be planted together. Read the answer with useful tips here.
Can you plant rhododendrons and hydrangeas together?
Rhododendron and hydrangeas can be planted together as they have similar location requirements and complement each other during flowering periods. Both prefer fresh, moist, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 5.5 in partial shade. Choose suitable rhododendron varieties and pay attention to the planting distance of 100-200 cm.
Can you plant rhododendrons and hydrangeas together?
Thanks to successive flowering times, rhododendrons and hydrangeas complement each other perfectly. When its remarkable flowers have withered at the end of May, rhododendron passes the floral baton to hydrangeas for a month-long flowering period until autumn. Evergreen rhododendron foliage harmonizes discreetly with hydrangea flowers and does not make the location appear bare even in winter. Beyond the aesthetic aspects, these arguments advocateco-planting of rhododendrons and hydrangeas:
- Corresponding location requirements: Sun to partial shade, fresh, moist garden soil with acidic pH value.
- Regular water and nutrient requirements, easy pruning care.
How do I plant rhododendrons and hydrangeas together correctly?
Rhododendrons and hydrangeas thrive asflat-rooted plants, have similar location preferences and are sensitive to late frost as young plants. For this reason, the two flowering bushes pull together in terms of planting time and planting technique. How to plant rhododendrons and hydrangeas correctly:
- Best planting time: end of April/beginning of May.
- Location: bright to partially shaded, fresh and moist, nutrient-rich, pH value 5.0 to 5.5.
- Planting distance: 100 cm to 200 cm.
- Mix the excavated material with rhododendron soil.
- Rhododendron root ball protrudes a few centimeters from the ground.
- Hydrangea root ball is flush with the ground.
- Care on the day of planting: water with rainwater, fertilize with horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon), mulch with bark mulch.
Which rhododendron varieties go well with hydrangeas?
It is beneficial for a harmonious appearance if rhododendrons and hydrangeas grow at eye level. Majestic classics, such as the rhododendron hybrid Cunninghams White, grow up to 4 meters tall, which causes problems for neighboring hydrangeas. Therefore, give preference to rhododendron varieties that remain at a height of 150 cm. Nursery bestsellers in this category are:
- 'Blewbury' boasts bright white flowers up to 10 cm in size.
- 'Enziana' bears a sea of gentian blue flowers up to 5 cm in size.
- ‘Progress’ impresses with light pink, ruffled flowers decorated with a red eye.
Tip
Rhododendrons and hydrangeas are poisonous
With a picturesque display of flowers, rhododendrons and hydrangeas belie their dark side. Both deciduous trees are slightly poisonous in all parts. Intentional or unintentional consumption can cause nausea, vomiting and even circulatory collapse. When planting and caring for plants without gloves, there is a risk of allergic reactions in the form of painful skin irritations. Rhododendrons and hydrangeas are not recommended for families with small children and pets.
