A garden with a blooming rhododendron is a delight to the eye. However, it can be made even more beautiful if you add the right companion plants, and there are many of them. Not only will they bring color, but also other benefits such as repelling pests and attracting pollinators. In this article you will find out what suits rhododendrons and which are the most beautiful garden partners for you!
What goes with Rhododendron – The laurel rose
What you should know about rhododendrons: Rhododendron is one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs. In an ideal location and with the right care, the plant thrives. They love loose, moist, humus-rich soil, and partial shade is ideal for most species. But they also tolerate sunny locations if the soil is moist enough.
The flowering period of Rhodes is between April and the end of June and lasts four weeks. However, not all shrubs bloom at the same time. This directly depends on the variety you plant. So if you want to enjoy the flowers in your garden for as long as possible, combine different rhododendron varieties in addition to the plants in the following list.
The laurel rose(Kalmia latifolia) is a small ornamental shrub that combines well with rhododendrons because they have similar growth requirements and flowering times. Additionally, its white, cream or peach flowers contrast beautifully with the pink or purple flowers of rhododendrons.
In contrast to the rhododendron, which prefers to thrive in a sunny location, the laurel also thrives in partial shade. Consider these factors when planting the two plants together in your garden.
Benefits and advantages:
- Creates a contrast to your rhododendron plants
- Beautiful bloom
Care Requirements:
- Soil: well-drained, light
- Temperature: 4-24 degrees Celsius
- Light: Full to partial sun
Combine with witch hazel for a garden that blooms all year round
One of the reasons gardeners like to grow companion plants is that they can maintain the beauty of the garden when the main plant stops blooming. Rhododendrons bloom in the warmer months. So if you plant plants that bloom in the colder months next to it, your garden will be beautiful all year round. So, with that in mind, what goes with rhododendron? The witch hazel (witch hazel). These flowering shrubs bloom in winter and fall and produce yellow leaves that add a golden hue to your garden. They are very popular with gardeners because they are easy to grow and require little care. They are also very resistant to a range of pests, which is an added bonus for their neighbor who will also be protected by them.
Benefits and advantages:
- Beautiful in winter and autumn
- Resistant to many pests
- Easy care
Care Requirements:
- Soil: slightly acidic, well drained
- Temperature: 4-15 degrees Celsius
- Location: Full sun or partial shade
Ferns complete your garden design
Ferns are among the oldest plants in the world and are often the missing piece to aesthetically complete your garden look. They love loose, humus-rich soil and a shady location. Ferns are not fussy when it comes to their care because they are very robust and can continue to grow without your care. However, be sure to control their growth by pruning them occasionally so that they do not overgrow the rhododendrons.
Benefits and advantages:
- Easy care
- They make excellent background plants
Care Requirements:
- Soil: loose and rich in humus
- Temperature: 13-19 degrees Celsius
- Light: Indirect
What goes with rhododendron – Cinnamon alder is a beautiful hardy plant
If you are looking for a type of plant that suits your rhododendron, this is the one for you. The cinnamon alder shrub (Clethra alnifolia) is a beautiful, hardy plant with bright white, cream or pink flowers that provide a stunning contrast to the colors of the rhododendron.
Cinnamon alders thrive very well in the company of evergreen plants such as rhododendrons, which also prefer acidic and moist locations. They are free of plant diseases and almost insensitive to pests.
Benefits and advantages
- Easy care
- Creates a contrast to your rhododendron plants
Care Requirements:
- Soil: Acid, moist soil
- Temperature: hardy
- Location: copes with sun and shade
Hydrangeas and rhododendrons go perfectly together
Hydrangeas are just as bright and colorful as rhododendrons, making them a magnificent partner if you want to enjoy a lush garden in the summer months. Another similarity between the two plants is that they like a lime-free, very loose and humus-rich soil with a low pH value. So planting them next to each other is a very good choice.
Care Requirements:
- Location: sun and partial shade
- Soil: loose and rich in humus
- Temperature: hardy
Conclusion – What suits rhododendrons? There are many beautiful plants that you can combine wonderfully. However, when choosing the right one for your garden, you should consider the following factors:
Before adding a new plant to your garden, make sure you can get rid of the pests it attracts (if it attracts any).
Consider the plant's light needs and place it in a suitable location.
Yellow leaves on rhododendrons: what are the causes and what can you do about them? Thefind out here!
